Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Collapse Temperature of Freeze‐Dried Lactobacillus bulgaricusSuspensions and Protective Media

Optimization of the freeze‐drying process needs to characterize the physical state of frozen and dried products. A protocol to measure the collapse temperature of complex biological media such as concentrated lactic acid bacteria using freeze‐drying microscopy was first elaborated. Afterward, aqueous solutions of one or several components as well as concentrated lactic acid bacterial suspensions were analyzed in order to study how the structure of these materials is degraded during freeze‐drying. A similar behavior toward collapse was observed for all aqueous solutions, which was characterized by two temperatures: the “microcollapse” temperature ( Tμc, beginning of a local loss of structure) and the “collapse” temperature ( Tc, beginning of an overall loss of structure). For aqueous solutions, these two temperatures were close, differing by less than 3 °C. Nevertheless, when lactic acid bacteria were added to aqueous solutions, the collapse temperatures increased. Moreover, the interval between microcollapse and collapse temperatures became larger. Lactic acid bacterial cells gave a kind of “robustness” to the freeze‐dried product. Finally, comparing glass transition, measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and collapse temperature for aqueous solutions with noncrystallizable solutes, showed that these values belonged to the same temperature range (differing by less than 5 °C). As suggested in the literature, the glass transition temperature can thus be used as a first approximation of the collapse temperature of these media. However, for lactic acid bacterial suspensions, because the difference between collapse and glass transition temperatures was about 10 °C, this approximation was not justified. An elegant physical appearance of the dried cakes and an acceptable acidification activity recovery were obtained, when applying operating conditions during freeze‐drying in vials that allowed the product temperature to be maintained during primary drying at a level lower than the collapse temperature of lactic acid bacterial suspensions. Consequently, the collapse temperature Tc was proposed as the maximal product temperature preserving the structure from macroscopic collapse and an acceptable biological activity of cells.
Analyses of Diagnostic Patterns at 30 Alzheimer’s Disease Centers in the US

Background: The US Alzheimer’s Disease Centers (ADCs) (n = 30) recently created a uniform data set. We sought to determine which variables were most important in making a diagnosis, and how these differed across ADCs. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of first visits to ADCs via polytomous logistic regression. We analyzed subjects with complete data (n = 7,555, 89%), and also used multiple imputation to infer missing data. Results: There were 8,495 subjects; 50, 26, and 24% were diagnosed as normal, having mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or mild Alzheimer’s disease [Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score <1], respectively. The model using 7,555 subjects was 86% accurate in predicting diagnosis. Important predictors were physician-reported decline and the CDR sum of boxes, followed by 4 cognitive tests (Mini Mental State Examination, Category Fluency Tests, Logical Memory Test, Boston Naming Test). Multiple imputation revealed Trail Making Test B to be additionally important. Consensus versus single-clinician diagnoses were 2–3 times more likely to result in MCI than normal diagnoses. Excluding clinical judgment variables, functional assessment and psychiatric symptoms were important additional predictors; model accuracy remained high (78%). There were significant differences between centers in the use of different cognitive tests in making diagnoses. Conclusions: We recommend creating a hypothetic data set to use across ADCs to improve diagnostic consistency, and a survey on the use of raw or adjusted cognitive test scores by different ADCs.
Junctional Adhesion Molecule 1 Is a Functional Receptor for Feline Calicivirus

ABSTRACT The life cycle of calicivirus is not fully understood because most of the viruses cannot be propagated in tissue culture cells. We studied the mechanism of calicivirus entry into cells using feline calicivirus (FCV), a cultivable calicivirus. From the cDNA library of Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cells, feline junctional adhesion molecule 1 (JAM-1), an immunoglobulin-like protein present in tight junctions, was identified as a cellular-binding molecule of the FCV F4 strain, a prototype strain in Japan. Feline JAM-1 expression in nonpermissive hamster lung cells led to binding and infection by F4 and all other strains tested. An anti-feline JAM-1 antibody reduced the binding of FCV to permissive CRFK cells and strongly suppressed the cytopathic effect (CPE) and FCV progeny production in infected cells. Some strains of FCV, such as F4 and F25, have the ability to replicate in Vero cells. We found that regardless of replication ability, FCV bound to Vero and 293T cells via simian and human JAM-1, respectively. In Vero cells, an anti-human JAM-1 antibody inhibited binding, CPE, and progeny production by F4 and F25. In addition, feline JAM-1 expression permitted FCV infection in 293T cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that feline JAM-1 is a functional receptor for FCV, simian JAM-1 also functions as a receptor for some strains of FCV, and the interaction between FCV and JAM-1 molecules may be a determinant of viral tropism. This is the first report concerning a functional receptor for the viruses in the family Caliciviridae.
Evaluation of gene expression changes in human primary lung epithelial cells following 24‐hr exposures to inorganic arsenic and its methylated metabolites and to arsenic trioxide

The concentration response for altered gene expression in primary lung epithelial cells was determined following two treatments with arsenicals: (1) a mixture of trivalent arsenic compounds representative of urinary arsenic concentrations in exposed human populations, and (2) arsenite (As2O3) a common form of inhaled arsenic dust that is frequently used in both in vivo and in vitro experimental exposures. Biochemical assays did not detect any evidence of cytotoxicity at the concentrations used, apart from a concentration‐related increase in cellular heme oxygenase that was also indicated by the genomic analysis. Cell signal pathway enrichment analysis indicated similar responses to both treatments, with concentration‐related responses in pathways related to cell adhesion, cytoskeleton remodeling, development (morphogenesis), cell cycle control, and to a lesser extent inflammatory responses. These cellular responses to arsenic were consistent with those observed in a previous study with primary uroepithelial cells. Benchmark dose analysis also demonstrated similar potency of the two treatments as well as comparable sensitivity of the two cell types. A number of genes showing similar concentration‐dependent expression across individuals in both bladder and lung cells were identified, including heme oxygenase 1, thioredoxin reductase, DNA damage binding protein 2, and thrombomodulin. The data on human primary lung cells from this study, together with the data from human primary uroepithelial cells, support a conclusion that biological responses to arsenic by human cells under study conditions are unlikely to occur at concentrations below 0.1 µM. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:477–490, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Methotrexate induces oxidative DNA damage and is selectively lethal to tumour cells with defects in the DNA mismatch repair gene MSH2

Mutations in the MSH2 gene predispose to a number of tumourigenic conditions, including hereditary non‐polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). MSH2 encodes a protein in the mismatch repair (MMR) pathway which is involved in the removal of mispairs originating during replication or from damaged DNA. To identify new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer arising from MMR deficiency, we screened a small molecule library encompassing previously utilized drugs and drug‐like molecules to identify agents selectively lethal to cells lacking functional MSH2. This approach identified the drug methotrexate as being highly selective for cells with MSH2 deficiency. Methotrexate treatment caused the accumulation of potentially lethal 8‐hydroxy‐2'‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) oxidative DNA lesions in both MSH2 deficient and proficient cells. In MSH2 proficient cells, these lesions were rapidly cleared, while in MSH2 deficient cells 8‐OHdG lesions persisted, potentially explaining the selectivity of methotrexate. Short interfering (si)RNA mediated silencing of the target of methotrexate, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), was also selective for MSH2 deficiency and also caused an accumulation of 8‐OHdG. This suggested that the ability of methotrexate to modulate folate synthesis via inhibition of DHFR, may explain MSH2 selectivity. Consistent with this hypothesis, addition of folic acid to culture media substantially rescued the lethal phenotype caused by methotrexate. While methotrexate has been used for many years as a cancer therapy, our observations suggest that this drug may have particular utility for the treatment of a subset of patients with tumours characterized by MSH2 mutations.
Coriandrum sativum L. Protects Human Keratinocytes from Oxidative Stress by Regulating Oxidative Defense Systems

Background: Oxidative radicals are major environmental causes of human skin damage. Oxidative defense factors, including nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), are centrally involved in repairing skin cells or protecting them from oxidative damage. Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander; CS) is a commonly consumed food and a traditional phytomedicine in Asia and Europe. In this study, we examined the protective effects of a standardized CS leaf extract against oxidative stress in human HaCaT keratinocytes. Methods and Results: CS significantly and dose-dependently protected cells against reduced cell viability caused by H2O2-induced damage, as assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Other assays demonstrated that CS protected HaCaT cells by increasing the levels of glutathione and activities of oxidative defense enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. Moreover, it increased the expression of activated Nrf2, which plays a crucial role in protecting skin cells against oxidative stress. Conclusion: These results suggest that CS protects human keratinocytes from H2O2-induced oxidative stress through antioxidant effects.
Inflammatory infiltration of metaplastic epithelium and correlation to previous diagnosis of esophagitis and Barrett's length

Abstract Objective. The contact of the gastric refluxate with the lower esophagus results in an inflammatory-mediated tissue damage. The role of inflammation both in the development and in the advance of Barrett's esophagus (BE) has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the inflammatory infiltration in metaplastic Barrett's epithelium and to explore the association of microscopic inflammation to healed esophagitis and Barrett's length. Material and methods. Inflammatory infiltration was qualitatively evaluated in well-characterized Barrett's specimens. Esophagitis was healed prior to histological sampling. Univariate comparative analysis was performed based on BE length. Results. Ninety-eight patients (78 male, mean age 58.3 ± 13.3 yrs) were retrospectively studied. Thirty-three cases with long segment BE (LSBE) (33.7%) were spotted. Inflammatory infiltration was mild, moderate, and severe in 35 (35.7%), 54 (55.1%), and 9 (9.1%) specimens, respectively. The samples with moderate/severe inflammatory infiltration were obtained from patients who had more frequently been diagnosed with esophagitis (p = 0.025). Hiatal hernia (p = 0.001), esophagitis (p = 0.019), and previous use of anti-secretory drugs (p = 0.005) were more common in LSBE. Conclusions. Inflammatory infiltration of Barrett's epithelium was largely moderate despite preceding healing of erosions with PPIs. Previous diagnosis of esophagitis correlated to the degree of inflammation. No association of inflammation to Barrett's length was established.
Do Family Firms Have Higher or Lower Deal Valuations? A Contextual Analysis

How does the socioemotional wealth (SEW) of a family firm affect its deal valuation in acquisition? Using a sample of 515 completed transactions of S&P 500 firms over the period 2003–2016, we examine a number of contexts and find that SEW creates differential valuations of targets by family firms vis-à-vis non-family firms. Particularly from an internationalization perspective, acquisitions may be an ideal option for family firms because foreign acquisitions may be loosely coupled from the core firm. Post-hoc analyses on the heterogeneity in family governance reveal that founder and descendant board chairs may have different perceptions of SEW.
Conditional density forecast of China’s energy demand via QRNN model

ABSTRACT We propose a new method for conditional density forecast of China’s energy demand through quantile regression neural network (QRNN). This method has at least two advantages. First, it is flexible to explore the true nonlinearity in the energy demand system via neural network structure. Second, it is able to describe the whole conditional distribution of energy demand via quantile regression. In the empirical study on China’s energy demand, QRNN outperforms several classical methods in terms of forecast accuracy both in-sample and out-of-sample. Considering China’s economic and social environment, we set a scenario for predictors and forecast the conditional density of China’s energy demand from 2015 to 2020. The empirical results show that the conditional density curve moves to right and its dispersion increases over time, which indicates that the energy demand in China will keep growing with an average annual rate of 9.672% and its uncertainty is enlarged with 42.210%.
Vertebrate Ctr1 coordinates morphogenesis and progenitor cell fate and regulates embryonic stem cell differentiation

Embryogenesis involves two distinct processes. On the one hand, cells must specialize, acquiring fates appropriate to their positions (differentiation); on the other hand, they must physically construct the embryo through coordinated mechanical activity (morphogenesis). In early vertebrate development, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) regulates multiple embryonic events, including germ layer differentiation and morphogenesis; the cellular components that direct FGF signaling to evoke these different responses remain largely unknown. We show here that the copper transporter 1 (Ctr1) protein is a critical router of FGF signals during early embryogenesis. Ctr1 both promotes the differentiation and inhibits the morphogenesis of mesoderm and neurectoderm in embryos of the frog Xenopus laevis, thereby coordinating normal development. Signal sorting by Ctr1 involves the activation of the Ras–MAP kinase cascade and appears to be independent of its role in copper transport. Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells deficient for Ctr1 (Ctr1−/−) retain characteristics of pluripotency under conditions that favor differentiation in wild-type ES cells, indicating a conserved role for Ctr1 during amphibian and mammalian cell fate determination. Our studies support a model in which vertebrate Ctr1 functions as a key regulator of the differentiation capacity of both stem and progenitor cell populations.
Referendums in the European Union: Defective by Birth?

On the basis of a combined examination of normative claims and empirical evidence this paper discusses minimal criteria for the institutional design of referendums on EU‐internal issues. These criteria concern the mandatory (vs. optional), the simultaneous (vs. serial) and binding (vs. consultative) nature of referendums. The proposed criteria are demanding, both for the Member States and the European Union, but experiences show that the EU is in fact participating actively in EU‐issues referendums and Member States as well as the EU need to surpass the current arbitrary use of plebiscites by governments. On a broader scale the paper contributes to the insight that it might be time to fully address the use of direct democracy at the national and EU levels.
Typing of hepatitis C virus genomes by restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Recently, we reported that hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be classified genetically into two types, HCV-K1 and HCV-K2, which show 67% and 71% identity at the nucleotide and amino acid sequence levels in a 340 bp region which encodes the NS5 gene Gly-Asp-Asp motif. To develop a rapid method to classify the genomes of HCV isolates, we identified restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction products encoding a portion of the NS5 gene. AluI and AccII enabled HCV to be classified into the K1 and K2 types, and Sau96I enabled classification into the K1 type, and the K2a and K2b subtypes. These RFLPs also generally allow Japanese isolates to be distinguished from the prototype (PT, an isolate from the U.S.A.), which is a K1 type. Sequence analysis of the 5'-untranslated regions of Japanese isolates revealed near identity between the K1 type and PT, and 93 to 94% identity between the K1 and K2 types, indicating that there are type K1- and K2-specific RFLPs in this region. Our results suggest that the nucleotide sequences of the K1 and K2 types are different throughout the HCV genome. The incidence of HCV types K1, K2a and K2b, and PT in 50 samples was 74%, 16%, 8% and 2%, respectively.
Trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction in New World camelids.

OBJECTIVE To describe clinical findings, surgical treatment, and outcome associated with trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction in New World camelids. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS Alpacas (7) and 1 llama. METHODS Historical and clinical data were obtained from the medical records of New World camelids with a diagnosis of trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction confirmed by surgical exploration or necropsy. RESULTS Seven camelids were <1 year old. Abnormal clinical findings included anorexia, reduced fecal output, recumbency, colic, abdominal distension, regurgitation, decreased serum chloride concentration, increased serum bicarbonate concentration, and/or elevated first gastric compartment chloride concentration. Survey abdominal radiographs obtained (4 animals) revealed gastric distension (4) and/or visualization of the obstruction (2). Diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy (1) or surgery (7). Right paracostal celiotomy was performed on all animals and duodenotomy (3) or retropulsion of the trichophytobezoar combined with third compartment gastrotomy (4) was used to remove the obstruction. Six animals survived to discharge and 5 were healthy at follow-up, 8-20 months later. The remaining discharged alpaca was healthy at 12 months but subsequently died of unrelated causes. CONCLUSIONS Diagnosis of trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction should be considered in juvenile New World camelids with abdominal distension and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Right paracostal celiotomy can be used for access to the descending duodenum and third gastric compartment for surgical relief of obstruction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Duodenal obstruction from bezoars should be considered in New World camelids <1year of age with abdominal distension and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Surgical relief of the obstruction by right paracostal celiotomy has a good prognosis.
The transparency, reliability and utility of tropical rainforest land‐use and land‐cover change models

Land‐use and land‐cover (LULC) change is one of the largest drivers of biodiversity loss and carbon emissions globally. We use the tropical rainforests of the Amazon, the Congo basin and South‐East Asia as a case study to investigate spatial predictive models of LULC change. Current predictions differ in their modelling approaches, are highly variable and often poorly validated. We carried out a quantitative review of 48 modelling methodologies, considering model spatio‐temporal scales, inputs, calibration and validation methods. In addition, we requested model outputs from each of the models reviewed and carried out a quantitative assessment of model performance for tropical LULC predictions in the Brazilian Amazon. We highlight existing shortfalls in the discipline and uncover three key points that need addressing to improve the transparency, reliability and utility of tropical LULC change models: (1) a lack of openness with regard to describing and making available the model inputs and model code; (2) the difficulties of conducting appropriate model validations; and (3) the difficulty that users of tropical LULC models face in obtaining the model predictions to help inform their own analyses and policy decisions. We further draw comparisons between tropical LULC change models in the tropics and the modelling approaches and paradigms in other disciplines, and suggest that recent changes in the climate change and species distribution modelling communities may provide a pathway that tropical LULC change modellers may emulate to further improve the discipline. Climate change models have exerted considerable influence over public perceptions of climate change and now impact policy decisions at all political levels. We suggest that tropical LULC change models have an equally high potential to influence public opinion and impact the development of land‐use policies based on plausible future scenarios, but, to do that reliably may require further improvements in the discipline.
Parents’ experience of childhood atopic eczema in the public health sector of Gauteng

Background The World Allergy Organization found that 20% – 30% of the world's population suffers from an allergic disease. Most allergic patients are seen by non-allergy-trained healthcare workers. The public primary healthcare (PHC) management of childhood atopic eczema (CAE) in the central Gauteng district was the focus of the overall study. The focus of this article is the parents’ experience of CAE and the management thereof. The research question was: What is the experience of parents living with a child with atopic eczema (AE)? Objectives The overall purpose was to develop validated PHC management guidelines for CAE. One of the objectives was to explore and describe the experiences of parents regarding the AE of their children and the management thereof. Method An embedded single case study design using a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual strategy was employed. Data was collected through semi-structured individual interviews from a purposively selected sample and field notes. Ten parents were interviewed, after which data saturation occurred. Data were analysed according to Tesch's steps of descriptive data analysis. Lincoln and Guba's model was used to ensure trustworthiness. Results Three main themes were identified. This article focuses on theme one: The physical, emotional and social impact of CAE. Theme two identified the management challenges and theme three indicated recommendations regarding the management of CAE. Conclusion The facilitation of management of CAE focuses on developing PHC guidelines and addressing management challenges in order to achieve better controlled CAE.