Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Graft union formation in tomato plants: peroxidase and catalase involvement.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The use of grafted plants in vegetable crop production is now being expanded greatly. However, few data are available on the formation of graft unions in vegetables. In this work, the structural development of the graft union formation in tomato plants is studied, together with the possible relationship with activities of peroxidases and catalases. METHODS Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings of cultivar Fanny were grafted on the rootstock of cultivar AR-9704 using the 'tongue approach grafting' method, and were grown in a crop chamber. A study of the structural development of the graft union and the involvement of peroxidases and catalases in the process of graft formation was carried out during the first stages of the graft union (4, 8 and 15 d after grafting). KEY RESULTS Observation of the structure of the graft union showed formation of xylem and phloem vessels through the graft union 8 d after grafting. In addition, root hydraulic conductance, L0, indicate that the graft union is fully functional 8 d after grafting, which coincided with an increase of peroxidase and catalase activities. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that increased peroxidase and catalase activities might be implicated in graft development in tomato plants.
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE WITHIN THE CHINESE BANKING INDUSTRY

Electronic Commerce (EC) enables business transactions to be conducted electronically, offering many benefits to organisations. While EC has been widely adopted across industry sectors in developed countries, its adoption in developing countries has not been widespread. At the moment, there are relatively fewer studies of EC adoption in developing countries compared to those in developed countries and hence little is known why and how to accelerate the EC adoption in developing countries. This paper explores the adoption of EC within the banking industry of China, as an example of a developing country. The findings of this study are useful to better understand the drivers of EC adoption, the potential of EC and the issues faced by the Chinese banking industry. Other developing countries may also benefit from the findings of this study by establishing their awareness of the EC potential as well as possible barriers that they need to confront in the adoption of EC.
MUC 2 Expression in Human Middle Ear Epithelium of Patients With Otitis Media Matthew

Results: Twenty-seven OM samples (17 recurrent and 10 with effusion) from 19 patients were analyzed and compared with 9 control samples from 8 patients. The mean MUC2 expression was 6.12 (95% confidence interval, 3.32-8.89) times that of the controls in the OM samples overall, 5.00 (95% confidence interval, 2.79-7.21) times that of controls in the recurrent OM samples, and 7.98 (95% confidence interval, 1.58-14.38) times that of controls in the OM with effusion samples.
Basal insulin analogues in the management of diabetes mellitus: what progress have we made?

Insulin remains the most effective and consistent means of controlling blood glucose levels in diabetes. Since 1946, neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) has been the predominant basal insulin in clinical use. However, absorption is variable due to the need for resuspension and the time–action profile (peak activity 4–6 h after subcutaneous administration) confers an increased propensity for between‐meal and nocturnal hypoglycaemia. In the 1980s, recombinant DNA technology enabled modifications to the insulin molecule resulting in the soluble long‐acting insulin analogues, glargine and detemir. Both exhibit a lower risk of hypoglycaemia compared with neutral protamine Hagedorn due to improved time–action profiles and reduced day‐to‐day glucose variability. Glargine is indicated for administration once daily and detemir once or twice daily. Degludec is the latest prolonged‐acting insulin which forms long subcutaneous multi‐hexamers that delay absorption. Recent phase III trials in type 1 and type 2 diabetes show that degludec was non‐inferior to comparators (predominantly glargine) with a minimal although inconsistent reduction in overall hypoglycaemia and a small absolute difference in nocturnal hypoglycaemia. Newer developmental agents include LY2605541 and glargine U300. LY2605541 comprises insulin lispro combined with polyethylene glycol, thereby increasing its hydrodynamic size and retarding absorption from the subcutaneous tissue. Glargine U300 is a new formulation of glargine resulting in a flatter and more prolonged time–action profile than its predecessor. This article reviews recent advances in basal insulin analogues, including a critical appraisal of the degludec trials. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards Self-organized Large-Scale Shape Formation: A Cognitive Agent-Based Computing Approach

Swarm robotic systems are currently being used to address many real-world problems. One interesting application of swarm robotics is the self-organized formation of structures and shapes. Some of the key challenges in the swarm robotic systems include swarm size constraint, random motion, coordination among robots, localization, and adaptability in a decentralized environment. Rubenstein et al. presented a system ("Programmable self-assembly in a thousand-robot swarm", Science, 2014) for thousand-robot swarm able to form only solid shapes with the robots in aggregated form by applying the collective behavior algorithm. Even though agent-based approaches have been presented in various studies for self-organized formation, however these studies lack agent-based modeling (ABM) approach along with the constraints in term of structure complexity and heterogeneity in large swarms with dynamic localization. The cognitive agent-based computing (CABC) approach is capable of modeling such self-organization based multi-agents systems (MAS). In this paper, we develop a simulation model using ABM under CABC approach for self-organized shape formation in swarm robots. We propose a shape formation algorithm for validating our model and perform simulation-based experiments for six different shapes including hole-based shapes. We also demonstrate the formal specification for our model. The simulation result shows the robustness of the proposed approach having the emergent behavior of robots for the self-organized shape formation. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated by robots convergence rate.
A Semisupervised Multiagent System Model to Support Consensus-Reaching Processes

Consensus reaching processes as part of solving group decision-making problems attempt to reach a mutual agreement in the group before making a decision. Most consensus models and consensus support systems that are proposed in the literature present some noticeable drawbacks: the need for constant human supervision by experts to guarantee an effective process and the difficulty to manage large groups of experts, which are increasingly common in current decisions and may imply a higher cost and complexity to carry out such processes. In order to overcome these problems, this paper presents a novel consensus support system based on the multiagent system paradigm, which automates and supports consensus reaching processes by providing agents with the necessary degree of autonomy to conduct discussion processes by themselves, with a semisupervised methodology. The main novelty of such a system is the agent semisupervised autonomy approach it incorporates, which lets agents conduct most of the discussion process by themselves and allows them to interact with their corresponding human experts under certain circumstances in which human supervision might be convenient and necessary.
Effect of celery (Apium graveolens) extracts on some biochemical parameters of oxidative Stress in mice treated with carbon tetrachloride

Extracts of celery leaves and roots in ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n‐butanol and water were evaporated to dryness and dissolved in 50% ethanol to make 10% (w[sol ]v) solutions. The potential protective action of the extracts was assessed by the corresponding in vitro and in vivo tests. In the in vitro experiments crude methanol extracts were tested as potential scavengers of free OH• and DPPH• radicals, as well as inhibitors of liposomal peroxidation (LPx). Analogous experiments were also carried out with the extracts of celery root, for comparison. The results obtained show that both the extracts of root and leaves are good scavengers of OH• and DPPH• radicals and reduce LPx intensity in liposomes, which points to their protective (antioxidant) activity. In vivo experiments were concerned with antioxidant systems (activities of GSHPx, GSHR, Px, CAT, XOD, GSH content and intensity of LPx) in liver homogenate and blood of mice after their treatment with extracts of celery leaves, or in combination with CCl4. On the basis of the results obtained it can be concluded that the examined extracts showed a certain protective effect. Of all the extracts the n‐butanol extract showed the highest protective effect. Combined treatments with CCl4 and extracts showed both positive and negative synergism – inducing or suppressing the impact of CCl4 alone. The differences observed in the action of particular extracts are probably due to the different contents of flavonoids and some other antioxidant compounds. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppression of Cytochrome P450 3A Protein Levels by Proteasome Inhibitors

We have previously reported that CYP3A cross-links with polyubiquitinated proteins in microsomes from nicardipine-treated rats in a process that is distinct from classical polyubiquitination. To further examine the role of the proteasome in CYP3A degradation, we investigated the effects of proteasome inhibitors lactacystin, MG132, proteasome inhibitor 1, and hemin in primary cultures of rat and human hepatocytes. With the exception of hemin, these agents increased the total pool of ubiquitinated proteins in microsomes isolated from rat hepatocytes, indicating that lactacystin, MG132, and proteasome inhibitor 1 effectively inhibited the proteasome in these cells. All four agents caused a reduction in the amount of the major ∼55-kDa CYP3A band, opposite to what would be expected if the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway degraded CYP3A. Only hemin treatment caused an increase in high molecular mass (HMM) CYP3A bands. Because hemin treatment did not alter levels of ubiquitin in CYP3A immunoprecipitates, the HMM CYP3A bands formed in response to hemin treatment clearly were not due to proteasome inhibition. Rather, because hemin treatment also caused an increase in HMM CYP3A in the detergent-insoluble fraction of the 10,000g pellet, the HMM CYP3A seems to represent a large protein complex that is unlikely to primarily represent ubiquitination.
Risk profiles of adolescent girls who were victims of dating violence.

The prevalence of dating violence, as well as its relationship to potential risk factors, was examined among a nationally representative sample of 9th-through 12th-grade U.S. females (N = 7,824) who completed the 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The dependent variable was physical dating violence; the independent variables were violence, suicide, substance use, and sexual risk behavior. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were examined, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the most significant risk factors. It was found that nearly one in ten of the adolescent girls reported dating violence. Twelfth-grade girls had the highest prevalence of dating violence. Girls who were victims of dating violence were more likely to be involved in other violent behaviors, to report extreme sadness and suicidal actions, to use illicit substances, and to engage in risky sexual behavior. Multivariate analysis revealed that dating violence was associated with sad/hopeless feelings (OR = 2.13), binge drinking (OR = 1.96), cocaine or inhalant use (OR = 2.90), multiple sex partners (OR = 2.38), nonuse of condoms (OR = 1.53), and ethnicity, specifically being Black (OR = 2.32) or Hispanic (OR = 1.82). These findings provide further evidence that there is a clustering of risk factors among certain adolescents, specifically girls who experience dating violence.
The effect of temperature, ischaemia and contractile activity on the relaxation rate of human muscle.

The relaxation rate from electrically stimulated isometric contractions of human adductor pollicis has been measured during rewarming following cooling, during ischaemia and during ischaemic contractile activity. The Q10 for relaxation rate (25-37 degrees C intramuscular temperature) was estimated as 2 . 3. Relaxation rate was found to decline at a rate of 1 . 5% initial value per minute of ischaemia. Relaxation rate declined more rapidly during ischaemic contractile activity than during ischaemia alone. The rate of decline was more closely related to the force X time performed than the number of excitatory impulses. During a supramaximal 20 Hz tetanus, relaxation rate declined markedly at a time when only slight force fatigue had occurred; hence the decline could not be explained by selective fast muscle fibre fatigue. No recovery occurred during ischaemic rest following ischaemic activity but, following restoration of the circulation, recovery occurred with a half time of one minute being virtually complete at 5-7 min. Changes in relaxation rate during fatiguing contractions and recovery from them follow different time courses from muscle excitability and force production. Change in relaxation rate cannot be simply related to changes in the concentration of major energy metabolites. It is proposed that relaxation rate is related to the rate of energy turnover in the contracting muscle.
D-dissipativity analysis for descriptor systems

The paper is concerned with the D-dissipativity of descriptor systems, that is dissipativity with respect to a region in the complex plane. The region can be a half plane or a disc. It naturally covers continuous-time and discrete-time descriptor systems as special cases. Necessary and sufficient LMI conditions are provided to check the D-dissipativity. The constraints associated to the proposed conditions are much weaker than the existing ones.
Quantifying the benefits of international scientific collaboration

We analyze the benefits in terms of scientific impact deriving from international collaboration, examining both those for a country when it collaborates and also those for the other countries when they are collaborating with the former. The data show the more countries there are involved in the collaboration, the greater the gain in impact. Contrary to what we expected, the scientific impact of a country does not significantly influence the benefit it derives from collaboration, but does seem to positively influence the benefit obtained by the other countries collaborating with it. Although there was a weak correlation between these two classes of benefit, the countries with the highest impact were clear outliers from this correlation, tending to provide proportionally more benefit to their collaborating countries than they themselves obtained. Two surprising findings were the null benefit resulting from collaboration with Iran, and the small benefit resulting from collaboration with the United States despite its high impact.
The Place of Formative Evaluations in Assessment and Ways to Reap Their Benefits

Assessment requires (1) measures of results, (2) evaluation of the processes that lead to the results, and (3) a commitment to promote change for the better. Complete assessment employs both summative and formative measures. Summative evaluation is the most common. It takes place at the end of a course, is used for evaluative purposes, and commonly measures student satisfaction. Formative evaluation takes place while a class is ongoing. It is the indispensable part of assessment that provides a way for us to continuously monitor our students' learning and diagnose our own teaching practices. Knowledge surveys provide convenient ways to examine changes in students' learning. Data from knowledge surveys have both formative and summative applications. Formative surveys of teaching practices examine process and define a “fingerprint” of the professor's teaching style, which can outline specific areas for improvement. Consultation, in-class videotapes, student management teams, and classroom assessment techniq.
Fabrication of $\hbox{Nb/Al}_{2}\hbox{O}_{3}/\hbox{Nb}$  Josephson Junctions Using In Situ Magnetron Sputtering and Atomic Layer Deposition

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) provides a promising approach for deposition of ultrathin low-defect-density tunnel barriers, and it has been implemented in a high-vacuum magnetron sputtering system for in situ deposition of ALD-Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> tunnel barriers in superconductor-insulator-superconductor Josephson junctions. A smooth ALD-Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> barrier layer was grown on an Al-wetted Nb bottom electrode and was followed with a top Nb electrode growth using sputtering. Preliminary low temperature measurements of current-voltage characteristics of the Josephson junctions made from these trilayers confirmed the integrity of the ALD-Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> barrier layer. However, the <i>I</i><sub>c</sub><i>R</i><sub>N</sub> product of the junctions is much smaller than the value expected from the Ambegaokar-Baratoff formula suggesting a significant pair-breaking mechanism at the interfaces.
Molecular basis of endothelial cell morphogenesis in three‐dimensional extracellular matrices

Although many studies have focused on blood vessel development and new blood vessel formation associated with disease processes, the question of how endothelial cells (ECs) assemble into tubes in three dimensions (i.e., EC morphogenesis) remains unanswered. EC morphogenesis is particularly dependent on a signaling axis involving the extracellular matrix (ECM), integrins, and the cytoskeleton, which regulates EC shape changes and signals the pathways necessary for tube formation. Recent studies reveal that genes regulating this matrix‐integrin‐cytoskeletal (MIC) signaling axis are differentially expressed during EC morphogenesis. The Rho GTPases represent an important class of molecules involved in these events. Cdc42 and Rac1 are required for the process of EC intracellular vacuole formation and coalescence that regulates EC lumen formation in three‐dimensional (3D) extracellular matrices, while RhoA appears to stabilize capillary tube networks. Once EC tube networks are established, supporting cells, such as pericytes, are recruited to further stabilize these networks, perhaps by regulating EC basement membrane matrix assembly. Furthermore, we consider recent work showing that EC morphogenesis is balanced by a tendency for newly formed tubes to regress. This morphogenesis‐regression balance is controlled by differential gene expression of such molecules as VEGF, angiopoietin‐2, and PAI‐1, as well as a plasmin‐ and matrix metalloproteinase‐dependent mechanism that induces tube regression through degradation of ECM scaffolds that support EC‐lined tubes. It is our hope that this review will stimulate increased interest and effort focused on the basic mechanisms regulating capillary tube formation and regression in 3D extracellular matrices. Anat Rec 268:252–275, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An Epidemiologic Survey of Pediatric Sepsis in Regional Hospitals in China*

Objective: To determine the prevalence, treatment, and outcomes of sepsis at regional hospitals in Huai’an, Jiangsu, China. Design: Prospective data registry using a descriptive clinical epidemiologic approach through a collaborative network. Setting: Pediatric departments in 11 regional city and county referral hospitals serving 843,000 children (exclusive of neonates). Subjects: All admissions (n = 27,836) of patients from 28 days to 15 years old from September 1, 2010, to August 31, 2011. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: A total of 1,530 patients met the 2005 international consensus definition of sepsis, corresponding to an estimated incidence of 181/100,000 children, with 80% under 5 years old, and in 10% (153), severe sepsis or septic shock developed. The overall case fatality rate for sepsis was 3.5% (53/1,530) or 34.6% (53/153) in those in whom severe sepsis or septic shock developed. Treatment varied widely and in many instances did not conform to international guidelines as reflected by inadequate use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, vasoactive agents, and inotropes. Conclusions: We first report the prevalence and outcome of pediatric sepsis based on a regional hospital network in China. The diverse treatment approaches and practice at low-level clinics suggest the need for clinical implementation of internationally recognized strategy to improve the care standard in resource-limited regional hospitals.
Lean Six Sigma: a new approach to the management of patients undergoing prosthetic hip replacement surgery.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES In 2012, health care spending in Italy reached €114.5 billion, accounting for 7.2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 14.2% of total public spending. Therefore, reducing waste in health facilities could generate substantial cost savings. The objective of this study is to show that Lean Six Sigma represents an appropriate methodology for the development of a clinical pathway which allows to improve quality and to reduce costs in prosthetic hip replacement surgery. METHODS The methodology used for the development of a new clinical pathway was Lean Six Sigma. Problem solving in Lean Six Sigma is the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) roadmap, characterized by five operational phases which make possible to reach fixed goals through a rigorous process of defining, measuring, analysing, improving and controlling business problems. RESULTS The following project indicated several variables influencing the inappropriate prolongation of the length of stay for inpatient treatment and corrective actions were performed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the process of care. The average length of stay was reduced from 18.9 to 10.6 days (-44%). CONCLUSION This article shows there is no trade-off between quality and costs: Lean Six Sigma improves quality and, at the same time, reduces costs.
The emotion regulation questionnaire in women with cancer: A psychometric evaluation and an item response theory analysis

Emotion regulation is thought to play an important role in adaptation to cancer. However, the emotion regulation questionnaire (ERQ), a widely used instrument to assess emotion regulation, has not yet been validated in this context. This study addresses this gap by examining the psychometric properties of the ERQ in a sample of Portuguese women with cancer.