Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Strategic Use of Patents and Standards for New Product Development Knowledge Transfer

In this article, we develop a theoretical understanding of patenting and standardization strategies and analyze their practical implementation for in‐ and outbound knowledge transfer in new product development processes. Our case study consists of two original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and one supplier active in the global automotive industry. We consult extensive external and company documents as well as interviews with 13 company experts. Although our theoretical considerations suggest that standardization, patenting and their interrelation can be of considerable importance for knowledge transfer in new product development and innovation processes, this is hardly implemented in practice. The resources devoted to patenting by far outweigh those for the standardization process. Neither of the OEMs have their standardization strategy linked to their new product development processes; only patenting strategies are considered in the new product development processes. The surveyed supplier, however, uses standardization strategically. We further consider how a standardization strategy should relate to the patenting strategy in terms of generating the most beneficial outcome for knowledge transfer. We recommend an integrated standardization strategy that is analogously to the patenting strategy and tied to the new product development process.
Otoancorin, an inner ear protein restricted to the interface between the apical surface of sensory epithelia and their overlying acellular gels, is defective in autosomal recessive deafness DFNB22

A 3,673-bp murine cDNA predicted to encode a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein of 1,088 amino acids was isolated during a study aimed at identifying transcripts specifically expressed in the inner ear. This inner ear-specific protein, otoancorin, shares weak homology with megakaryocyte potentiating factor/mesothelin precursor. Otoancorin is located at the interface between the apical surface of the inner ear sensory epithelia and their overlying acellular gels. In the cochlea, otoancorin is detected at two attachment zones of the tectorial membrane, a permanent one along the top of the spiral limbus and a transient one on the surface of the developing greater epithelial ridge. In the vestibule, otoancorin is present on the apical surface of nonsensory cells, where they contact the otoconial membranes and cupulae. The identification of the mutation (IVS12+2T>C) in the corresponding gene OTOA in one consanguineous Palestinian family affected by nonsyndromic recessive deafness DFNB22 assigns an essential function to otoancorin. We propose that otoancorin ensures the attachment of the inner ear acellular gels to the apical surface of the underlying nonsensory cells.
Rapid and Efficient Extraction Method for Reverse Transcription-PCR Detection of Hepatitis A and Norwalk-Like Viruses in Shellfish

ABSTRACT As part of an effort to develop a broadly applicable test for Norwalk-like viruses and hepatitis A virus (HAV) in shellfish, a rapid extraction method that is suitable for use with one-step reverse transcription (RT)-PCR-based detection methods was developed. The method involves virus extraction using a pH 9.5 glycine buffer, polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation, Tri-reagent, and purification of viral poly(A) RNA by using magnetic poly(dT) beads. This glycine–PEG–Tri-reagent–poly(dT) method can be performed in less than 8 h on hard-shell clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) and Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and, when coupled with RT-PCR-based detection, can yield results within 24 h. Observed sensitivities for seeded shellfish extracts are as low as 0.015 PFU of HAV and 22.4 RT-PCR50 units for Norwalk virus. Detection of HAV in live oysters experimentally exposed to contaminated seawater is also demonstrated. An adaptation of this method was used to identify HAV in imported clams (tentatively identified as Ruditapes philippinarum) implicated in an outbreak of food-borne viral illness. All of the required reagents are commercially available. This method should facilitate the implementation of RT-PCR testing of commercial shellfish.
A common transcriptional activator is located in the coding region of two replication-dependent mouse histone genes

There is a region in the mouse histone H3 gene protein-encoding sequence required for high expression. The 110-nucleotide coding region activating sequence (CRAS) from codons 58 to 93 of the H3.2 gene restored expression when placed 520 nucleotides 5' of the start of transcription in the correct orientation. Since identical mRNA molecules are produced by transcription of the original deletion gene and the deletion gene with the CRAS at -520, effects of the deletions on mRNA stability or other posttranscriptional events are completely ruled out. Inversion of the CRAS sequence in its proper position in the H3 gene resulted in only a threefold increase in expression, and placing the CRAS sequence 5' of the deleted gene in the wrong orientation had no effect on expression. In-frame deletions in the coding region of an H2a.2 gene led to identification of a 105-nucleotide sequence in the coding region between amino acids 50 and 85 necessary for high expression of the gene. Additionally, insertion of the H3 CRAS into the deleted region of the H2a.2 gene restored expression of the H2a gene. Thus, the CRAS element has an orientation-dependent, position-independent effect. Gel mobility shift competition studies indicate that the same proteins interact with both the H3 and H2a CRAS elements, suggesting that a common factor is involved in expression of histone genes.
Studying regulation as a source of opportunity rather than as a constraint for entrepreneurs: conceptual map and research propositions

There is an abundant literature on policies aiming at supporting entrepreneurship or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At the same time, many studies investigate the compliance costs of regulations and stress their constraining impact on entrepreneurship or SMEs. In this paper we demystify the classical distinction made between ‘supportive’ policies and ‘constraining’ regulations by discussing the existence of ‘enabling’ regulations and policies that create opportunities for entrepreneurs. This paper contributes to the debate on the approaches that public authorities use to support entrepreneurship, their legitimacy, and their effectiveness to create business opportunities and complement it by developing both a conceptual map of regulatory entrepreneurial opportunities and research propositions set to capture the links between government interventions and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Aspiration pneumonitis primes the host for an exaggerated inflammatory response during pneumonia*

Objective:Nosocomial pneumonia is a feared complication in the critically ill patient. Aspiration pneumonitis is frequently complicated by infections. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of aspiration pneumonitis on the host response to a common nosocomial respiratory pathogen. Design:Controlled, in vivo laboratory study. Setting:Research laboratory of a health sciences university. Subjects:Female C57Bl/6 mice. Interventions:Mice received hydrochloric acid or saline intratracheally followed 16 hrs later by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Measurements and Main Results:Hydrochloric acid induced a mild aspiration pneumonitis. Nonetheless, hydrochloric acid aspiration resulted in a markedly increased inflammatory response in the lung on infection with K. pneumoniae. This enhanced inflammatory reaction was accompanied by a greatly increased outgrowth of K. pneumoniae in lungs of mice previously exposed to hydrochloric acid. Preexisting aspiration pneumonitis also triggered mouse lungs in vivo and alveolar macrophages ex vivo for enhanced release of proinflammatory mediators on stimulation with Klebsiella lipopolysaccharide. Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α resulted in an increased inflammatory reaction and enhanced bacterial outgrowth in mice with primary K. pneumoniae pneumonia, whereas it had no effect in mice with preexisting aspiration pneumonitis. Conclusions:These data indicate a) that aspiration pneumonitis renders the host more susceptible to respiratory tract infection with K. pneumoniae, concurrently priming the lung for an exaggerated inflammatory response; and b) that although tumor necrosis factor-α plays a major role in the host response to primary infection, it does not affect lung inflammation or defense after aspiration pneumonitis.
A novel oral tracer procedure for measurement of habitual myofibrillar protein synthesis.

RATIONALE Conventionally, myofibrillar protein synthesis is measured over time periods of hours. In clinical studies, interventions occur over weeks. Functional measures over such periods may be more representative. We aimed to develop a novel method to determine myofibrillar protein fractional synthetic rate (FSR) to estimate habitual rates, while avoiding intravenous tracer infusions. METHODS Four healthy males were given 100 g water enriched to 70 Atom % with (2)H2O as a single oral bolus. Vastus-lateralis needle biopsies were performed and plasma samples collected, 3-13 days post-dose. (2)H enrichment in body water was measured in plasma using continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Myofibrillar protein was isolated from muscle biopsies and acid hydrolysed. (2)H enrichment of protein-bound and plasma-free alanine was measured by gas chromatography (GC)/pyrolysis/IRMS. Myofibrillar protein FSR was calculated (% day(-1)). RESULTS The tracer bolus raised the initial enrichment of body water to 1514 ppm (2)H excess. Water elimination followed a simple exponential. The average elimination half-time was 8.3 days. Plasma alanine, labelled during de novo synthesis, followed the same elimination kinetics as water. The weighted average myofibrillar protein FSR from the four subjects was 1.38 % day(-1) (range, 1.0-1.9 % day(-1) ). CONCLUSIONS Myofibrillar protein FSR was measured in free-living healthy individuals over 3-13 days. Using a single oral (2)H2O bolus, endogenous labelling of alanine occurred in a predictable manner giving estimates of synthesis comparable with published values. Furthermore, the protocol does not compromise the ability to measure other important metabolic processes such as total energy expenditure.
A user-study with Tangy the Bingo facilitating robot and long-term care residents

Cognitive decline among the elderly decreases their independence and quality of life. Promoting engagement in recreational activities can help reduce this decline as such activities can provide both social and cognitive stimulation. For example, Bingo is a popular recreational activity in long-term care (LTC) facilities. However, activities such as Bingo have significant time and personnel requirements, and are becoming increasingly difficult to facilitate due to the current LTC staff shortages and an increasing demand for other LTC services. To address this problem, our research focuses on the development of the autonomous socially assistive robot Tangy which is being designed to facilitate needed multi-user recreational activities. In this paper, we present a pilot study conducted with Tangy facilitating multiple Bingo sessions with groups of elderly residents at a LTC facility. The study results showed that Tangy was able to autonomously and effectively facilitate Bingo games in real interaction settings by determining its appropriate assistive behaviors. Residents also had high compliance and engagement rates with respect to Tangy and the Bingo games. A post-interaction questionnaire showed that they enjoyed playing Bingo with Tangy, liked Tangy's socially interactive attributes, and would interact with it again in the future.
Non-POSIX File System for LHCb Online Event Handling

LHCb aims to use its O(20000) CPU cores in the high level trigger (HLT) and its 120 TB Online storage system for data reprocessing during LHC shutdown periods. These periods can last a few days for technical maintenance or only a few hours during beam interfill gaps. These jobs run on files which are staged in from tape storage to the local storage buffer. The result are again one or more files. Efficient file writing and reading is essential for the performance of the system. Rather than using a traditional shared file-system such as NFS or CIFS we have implemented a custom, light-weight, non-Posix network file-system for the handling of these files. Streaming this file-system for the data-access allows to obtain high performance, while at the same time keep the resource consumption low and add nice features not found in NFS such as high-availability, transparent fail-over of the read and write service. The writing part of this streaming service is in successful use for the Online, real-time writing of the data during normal data acquisition operation. The network file system relies on a commercial file system which manages the data on persistent disk storage. The implementation together with performance figures are presented.
QoS performance of next generation optical-wireless converged network and PON cycle length

Optical-wireless convergence is becoming one of the evolutionary technologies to provide quality-of-service (QoS) guaranteed ubiquitous access to end users. In this paper, we analyze the effect of GEPON cycle-length on the QoS performance of the GEPON-LTE converged network, when different resource handling mechanisms are used. The simulation results indicate that the influence of different cycle-lengths on the QoS performance varies depending on different traffic types and the resource handling mechanism used. We show that, this dependency can be reduced by introducing a unified resource handling mechanism which also improves the overall QoS performance of the converged network.
Regulation of high density lipoprotein receptors in cultured macrophages: role of acyl‐CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase.

The interaction of human serum high density lipoproteins (HDL) with mouse peritoneal macrophages and human blood monocytes was studied. Saturation curves for binding of apolipoprotein E‐free [125I]HDL3 showed at least two components: non‐specific binding and specific binding that saturated at approximately 40 micrograms HDL protein/ml. Scatchard analysis of specific binding of apo E‐free [125I]‐HDL3 to cultured macrophages yielded linear plots indicative of a single class of specific binding sites. Pretreatment of [125I]HDL3 with various apolipoprotein antibodies (anti apo A‐I, anti apo A‐II, anti apo C‐II, anti apo C‐III and anti apo E) and preincubation of the cells with anti‐idiotype antibodies against apo A‐I and apo A‐II prior to the HDL binding studies revealed apolipoprotein A‐I as the ligand involved in specific binding of HDL. Cellular cholesterol accumulation via incubation with acetylated LDL led to an increase in HDL binding sites as well as an increase in the activity of the cytoplasmic cholesterol esterifying enzyme acyl‐CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT). Incubation of the cholesterol‐loaded cells in the presence of various ACAT inhibitors (Sandoz 58.035, Octimibate‐Nattermann, progesterone) revealed a time‐ and dose‐dependent amplification in HDL binding and HDL‐mediated cholesterol efflux. It is concluded that the homeostasis of cellular cholesterol in macrophages is regulated in part by the number of HDL binding sites and that ACAT inhibitors enhance HDL‐mediated cholesterol efflux from peripheral cells.
Year-round breeding equatorial Larks from three climatically-distinct populations do not use rainfall, temperature or invertebrate biomass to time reproduction

Timing of reproduction in birds is important for reproductive success and is known to depend on environmental cues such as day length and food availability. However, in equatorial regions, where day length is nearly constant, other factors such as rainfall and temperature are thought to determine timing of reproduction. Rainfall can vary at small spatial and temporal scales, providing a highly fluctuating and unpredictable environmental cue. In this study we investigated the extent to which spatio-temporal variation in environmental conditions can explain the timing of breeding of Red-capped Lark, Calandrella cinerea, a species that is capable of reproducing during every month of the year in our equatorial east African study locations. For 39 months in three climatically-distinct locations, we monitored nesting activities, sampled ground and flying invertebrates, and quantified rainfall, maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) temperatures. Among locations we found that lower rainfall and higher temperatures did not coincide with lower invertebrate biomasses and decreased nesting activities, as predicted. Within locations, we found that rainfall, Tmax, and Tmin varied unpredictably among months and years. The only consistent annually recurring observations in all locations were that January and February had low rainfall, high Tmax, and low Tmin. Ground and flying invertebrate biomasses varied unpredictably among months and years, but invertebrates were captured in all months in all locations. Red-capped Larks bred in all calendar months overall but not in every month in every year in every location. Using model selection, we found no clear support for any relationship between the environmental variables and breeding in any of the three locations. Contrary to popular understanding, this study suggests that rainfall and invertebrate biomass as proxy for food do not influence breeding in equatorial Larks. Instead, we propose that factors such as nest predation, female protein reserves, and competition are more important in environments where weather and food meet minimum requirements for breeding during most of the year.
Structural stability and lattice defects in copper: Ab initio , tight-binding, and embedded-atom calculations

We evaluate the ability of the embedded-atom method ~EAM! potentials and the tight-binding ~TB! method to predict reliably energies and stability of nonequilibrium structures by taking Cu as a model material. Two EAM potentials are used here. One is constructed in this work by using more fitting parameters than usual and including ab initio energies in the fitting database. The other potential was constructed previously using a traditional scheme. Excellent agreement is observed between ab initio, TB, and EAM results for the energies and stability of several nonequilibrium structures of Cu, as well as for energies along deformation paths between different structures. We conclude that not only TB calculations but also EAM potentials can be suitable for simulations in which correct energies and stability of different atomic configurations are essential, at least for Cu. The bcc, simple cubic, and diamond structures of Cu were identified as elastically unstable, while some other structures ~e.g., hcp and 9R! are metastable. As an application of this analysis, nonequilibrium structures of epitaxial Cu films on~001! -oriented fcc or bcc substrates are evaluated using a simple model and atomistic simulations with an EAM potential. In agreement with experimental data, the structure of the film can be either deformed fcc or deformed hcp. The bcc structure cannot be stabilized by epitaxial constraints.
Recent innovations in edible and/or biodegradable packaging materials.

Certain newly discovered characteristics of natural biopolymers should make them a choice material to be used for different types of wrappings and films. Edible and/or biodegradable packagings produced from agricultural origin macromolecules provide a supplementary and sometimes essential means to control physiological, microbiological, and physicochemical changes in food products. This is accomplished (i) by controlling mass transfers between food product and ambient atmosphere or between components in heterogeneous food product, and (iii) by modifying and controlling food surface conditions (pH, level of specific functional agents, slow release of flavour compounds), it should be stressed that the material characteristics (polysaccharide, protein, or lipid, plasticized or not, chemically modified or not, used alone or in combination) and the fabrication procedures (casting of a film-forming solution, thermoforming) must be adapted to each specific food product and usage condition (relative humidity, temperature). Some potential uses of these materials (e.g. wrapping of various fabricated foods; protection of fruits and vegetables by control of maturation; protection of meat and fish; control of internal moisture transfer in pizzas), which are hinged on film properties (e.g. organoleptic, mechanical, gas and solute barrier) are described with examples.
Structure-guided Transformation of Charybdotoxin Yields an Analog That Selectively Targets Ca2+-activated over Voltage-gated K+ Channels*

We have used a structure-based design strategy to transform the polypeptide toxin charybdotoxin, which blocks several voltage-gated and Ca2+-activated K+channels, into a selective inhibitor. As a model system, we chose two channels in T-lymphocytes, the voltage-gated channel Kv1.3and the Ca2+-activated channel IKCa1. Homology models of both channels were generated based on the crystal structure of the bacterial channel KcsA. Initial docking of charybdotoxin was undertaken with both models, and the accuracy of these docking configurations was tested by mutant cycle analyses, establishing that charybdotoxin has a similar docking configuration in the external vestibules of IKCa1 and Kv1.3. Comparison of the refined models revealed a unique cluster of negatively charged residues in the turret of Kv1.3, not present in IKCa1. To exploit this difference, three novel charybdotoxin analogs were designed by introducing negatively charged residues in place of charybdotoxin Lys32, which lies in close proximity to this cluster. These analogs block IKCa1with ∼20-fold higher affinity than Kv1.3. The other charybdotoxin-sensitive Kv channels, Kv1.2 andKv1.6, contain the negative cluster and are predictably insensitive to the charybdotoxin position 32 analogs, whereas the maxi-KCa channel, hSlo, lacking the cluster, is sensitive to the analogs. This provides strong evidence for topological similarity of the external vestibules of diverse K+channels and demonstrates the feasibility of using structure-based strategies to design selective inhibitors for mammalian K+channels. The availability of potent and selective inhibitors ofIKCa1 will help to elucidate the role of this channel in T-lymphocytes during the immune response as well as in erythrocytes and colonic epithelia.
A knowledge-based system for protocol synthesis (KSPS)

A knowledge-based system for protocol synthesis named KSPS is presented. The aim of KSPS is to help the protocol designer design a protocol without logical errors, such as unspecified receptions and state deadlocks. KSPS consists of three major components: a knowledge base, a user interface, and an inference engine. The construction of the knowledge base and the user interface is examined. The knowledge of protocol synthesis represented in the production model and in the procedure programming model is embedded in the knowledge base. A user-friendly interface with a multiwindow mechanism is designed which provides the graphic tools in this system. Consequently, the protocol designer without experience in protocol synthesis can easily design a protocol without logical errors. >