Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strategies in Enhancing Secondary Metabolites Production in Plant Cell Cultures

Conventionally, pharmaceutically important secondary metabolites such as flavonoids were extracted directly from whole plants collected from the wild. This conventional method is not cost effective and could even lead to extinction of some endangered plant species. Furthermore, the production of uniform quantity and quality secondary metabolites will be affected as their production is greatly influenced by geographical, seasonal and environmental variations. Biotechnological approaches, specifically, plant tissue culture techniques, have been considered as an attractive solution to the problems of extracting secondary metabolites for industrial applications. Nevertheless, the commercial implementation of pilot scale plant cell suspensions for chemical production is still in the development stage with a few exceptional cases. The major setback is the failure of cell cultures to accumulate significant amounts of secondary metabolites compared to whole plants or organ cultures. Even so, several strategies can be applied in order to substantially increase the yields of secondary metabolites in plant cell cultures. This paper discussed the strategies of nutrient manipulation, precursor feeding and elicitation in enhancing the production of secondary metabolites. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Entering the political elite in Canada : The case of minority women as parliamentary candidates and MPs

Cette recherche analyse les femmes des minorites ethniques comme nouveau groupe social visant a acceder a l'elite politique. Elle est axee sur les consequences liees a leur appartenance a une «double minorite». L'analyse examine deux modeles de cheminement de carriere qui offrent des caracterisations alternatives quant aux obstacles de recrutement auxquels se heurtent les nouveaux groupes sociaux et qui creent des attentes differentes quant aux ressources detenues par les femmes des minorites, comparativement a celles des groupes plus etablis. Les resultats principaux, fondes sur un sondage canadien de 1993 sur les candidats parlementaires et completes par de l'information sur les deputes, appuient davantage le modele de «compensation» et, en general, semblent indiquer que l'inegalite continue de caracteriser le processus d'acces a l'elite politique. This study examines minority women as a new social group seeking access to the political elite, emphasizing the consequences of their “double minority” status. The analysis considers two career path models that make alternative characterizations about the recruitment barriers faced by new social groups and that yield different expectations about the resources held by minority women compared with more established groups. The main results, based on a 1993 Canadian survey of parliamentary candidates, supplemented by information on MPs, indicate more support for the “compensation” model and, generally, suggest that inequity continues to characterize the process of political elite access.
Leadership in change and the wisdom of a gentleman

Resistance to change is a centerpiece in the traditional change agenda. The author argues that resistance to change is not a basic part of our make‐up and he uses the example of his grandfather’s life to provide examples of the many dramatic changes that have successfully impacted on people’s lives during the twentieth century. The author outlines the leadership inadequacies that result in change initiatives being rejected. Central to these leadership problems are a lack of vision, limited integrity, lack of courage, inappropriate language, limited understanding of true empowerment, and only a passing commitment to leadership as service. The argument concludes that while many modern leaders have been trained in the what and the how of change, the real problem lies in the fact that the why and the who gains remains largely mute.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Chronic Kidney Disease

Background— Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a phosphorus-regulating hormone. In chronic kidney disease (CKD), circulating FGF-23 levels are markedly elevated and independently associated with mortality. Left ventricular hypertrophy and coronary artery calcification are potent risk factors for mortality in CKD, and FGFs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of both myocardial hypertrophy and atherosclerosis. We conducted a cross-sectional study to test the hypothesis that elevated FGF-23 concentrations are associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and coronary artery calcification in patients with CKD. Methods and Results— In this study, 162 subjects with CKD underwent echocardiograms and computed tomography scans to assess left ventricular mass index and coronary artery calcification; echocardiograms also were obtained in 58 subjects without CKD. In multivariable-adjusted regression analyses in the overall sample, increased log FGF-23 concentrations were independently associated with increased left ventricular mass index (5% increase per 1-SD increase in log FGF-23; P=0.01) and risk of left ventricular hypertrophy (odds ratio per 1-SD increase in log FGF-23, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 4.2). These associations strengthened in analyses restricted to the CKD subjects (11% increase in left ventricular mass index per 1-SD increase in log FGF-23; P=0.01; odds ratio of left ventricular hypertrophy per 1-SD increase in log FGF-23, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 4.2). Although the highest tertile of FGF-23 was associated with a 2.4-fold increased risk of coronary artery calcification ≥100 versus <100 U compared with the lowest tertile (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 5.5), the association was no longer significant after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions— FGF-23 is independently associated with left ventricular mass index and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with CKD. Whether increased FGF-23 is a marker or a potential mechanism of myocardial hypertrophy in CKD requires further study.
Combination Therapy for Manic Phases: A Critical Review of a Common Practice

All relevant guidelines recommend monotherapy as the initial treatment for manic phases of bipolar disorder (BD), with combination therapy reserved for severe cases or as a subsequent choice. However, in routine practice, monotherapy is often not sufficiently effective for acute and/or maintenance therapy. As a consequence, most patients are given combination therapies. An extensive search concerning combination treatment for manic episodes was conducted for relevant international randomized controlled studies, treatment guidelines and comprehensive reviews published since 1980. The scientific literature is sufficiently rich to validate the superiority of combination therapy over monotherapy in the manic phase in terms of efficacy and prevention of relapse; its safety profile is acceptable. Side effects are more frequent with combination therapy as a whole than with monotherapy, and discontinuation rates due to adverse events are higher. Continued administration of antipsychotics after a manic phase is controversial: drug classification, the course of the disease and the predominant polarity should all be considered before treatment is continued. Combinations including olanzapine and asenapine and to a lesser extent risperidone are associated with weight gain, those including quetiapine, haloperidol and asenapine with sedation, and those including aripiprazole with akathisia. This review of literature leads us to suggest that combination therapy including an atypical antipsychotic with lithium or valproate may be considered as a first‐line approach. An appropriate algorithm for making decisions about combination treatment needs to be developed and included in future guidelines.
Bone Marrow–Specific Deficiency of Nuclear Receptor Nur77 Enhances Atherosclerosis

Rationale: Nuclear receptor Nur77, also known as NR4A1, TR3, or NGFI-B, is expressed in human atherosclerotic lesions in macrophages, endothelial cells, T cells and smooth muscle cells. Macrophages play a critical role in atherosclerosis and the function of Nur77 in lesion macrophages has not yet been investigated. Objective: This study aims to delineate the function of Nur77 in macrophages and to assess the effect of bone marrow–specific deficiency of Nur77 on atherosclerosis. Methods and Results: We investigated Nur77 in macrophage polarization using bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) from wild-type and Nur77-knockout (Nur77−/−) mice. Nur77−/− BMM exhibit changed expression of M2-specific markers and an inflammatory M1-phenotype with enhanced expression of interleukin-12, IFN&ggr;, and SDF-1&agr; and increased NO synthesis in (non)-stimulated Nur77−/− BMM cells. SDF-1&agr; expression in nonstimulated Nur77−/− BMM is repressed by Nur77 and the chemoattractive activity of Nur77−/− BMM is abolished by SDF-1&agr; inhibiting antibodies. Furthermore, Nur77−/− mice show enhanced thioglycollate-elicited migration of macrophages and B cells. The effect of bone marrow–specific deficiency of Nur77 on atherosclerosis was studied in low density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (Ldlr−/−) mice. Ldlr−/− mice with a Nur77−/−-deficient bone marrow transplant developed 2.1-fold larger atherosclerotic lesions than wild-type bone marrow–transplanted mice. These lesions contain more macrophages, T cells, smooth muscle cells and larger necrotic cores. SDF-1&agr; expression is higher in lesions of Nur77−/−-transplanted mice, which may explain the observed aggravation of lesion formation. Conclusions: In conclusion, in bone marrow–derived cells the nuclear receptor Nur77 has an anti-inflammatory function, represses SDF-1&agr; expression and inhibits atherosclerosis.
Social Polarization and Ethnic Segregation in Moscow

This paper analyzes processes of change in Moscow's post-Soviet social and ethnic structure, as well as the emergence of residential clusters of ethnic minorities in the city's fragmenting urban space. More specifically, it explores the applicability of Western social polarization theory to post-Communist Moscow; analyzes Moscow's social polarization (e.g., divergent incomes, education levels, and social status of neighborhoods) as a direct consequence of economic reforms and social and demographic distinctions inherited from Soviet development; and examines the level of ethnic segregation of Moscow's population, now changing rapidly as a result of immigration from other former Soviet republics. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: D63, I31, J15, J70. 7 figures, 2 tables, 44 references.
Evaluation of sonographically guided percutaneous core biopsy of renal masses.

OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine the utility of sonographically guided percutaneous core biopsy to evaluate renal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of our imaging-guided procedures from January 1999 to June 2001. We performed 26 sonographically guided percutaneous core biopsies of renal masses in 26 patients. From two to five specimens were obtained from a single mass in each patient using an 18-gauge automated biopsy system. We examined the patients' medical records, pathology results, and imaging studies. Core biopsy results were compared with surgical pathology (n = 6) or clinical follow-up (n = 20). RESULTS All biopsies provided sufficient material for analysis. Biopsy findings were positive for malignancy in 19 (73%) of 26 masses. Histologic diagnoses included renal cell carcinoma were (n = 11), metastasis (n = 3), lymphoma (n = 2), and transitional cell carcinoma (n = 2). Specific cell type characterization could not be made on one biopsy, but the specimens were highly suspicious for malignancy. Biopsy revealed seven (27%) of 26 benign diagnoses: oncocytoma (n = 3), angiomyolipoma (n = 2), and fibrosis (n = 2). The average follow-up period for patients with benign diagnoses was 10 months. One case of surgically proven necrotic pyelonephritis was mischaracterized as fibrosis at core biopsy. Sonographically guided percutaneous core biopsy of renal masses showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of malignancy. The core specimens yielded a specific diagnosis in 92% (24/26) of masses. No immediate complications occurred after the procedure. One patient developed a pseudoaneurysm that presented 3 months after the biopsy. CONCLUSION. Sonographically guided percutaneous core biopsy is a reliable and accurate method for evaluating renal masses.
Reduction of latex‐allergen content in Swedish medical catheter balloons – a survey of 3 years' production

Anaphylactic reactions after intravascular exposure to natural rubber latex (NRL) have been reported. Thus, there is an urgent need to produce medical devices with the lowest possible latex‐allergen content. The latex‐allergen concentration in extracts prepared from 92 lots of medical catheter (MC) balloons, manufactured by Nolato Polymer AB, Torekov, Sweden, from April 1993 to March 1996, was measured with an EAI (IgE antibody inhibition) assay. Inhibitory capacity was expressed in arbitrary units/ml (U/ml) in relation to reference NRL sap, given an arbitrary value of 1000 U. Extracts from randomly selected lots were measured for protein by the modified Lowry method. Water leaching, chlorination, and treatment with savinase were used experimentally to study reduction of the latex‐allergen content. The latex‐allergen content in extract from the regular MC balloons varied from 0.1 to 2.9 U/ml. All the methods used to reduce the allergen content were effective, and increased leaching stabilized the allergen content at a low level. The protein concentration of the extracts varied between 9 and 100 mg/1. No correlation was found between protein and allergen content. As a result of this study, the manufacturer has extended the stage of water leaching in the production process. This study shows that cooperation between immunologists and manufacturers may result in product development and improvement.
Neighbourhoods and area statistics in the post 2001 census era

This paper examines the current interest in neighbourhood-based policy in England and considers the extent to which the output geography developed for the 2001 census helps to meet the need for neighbourhood-based data. The characteristics of the new census output geography are presented, and the difficulties of creating meaningful neighbourhood geographies from statistical reporting units reviewed. The new geography will provide a much improved basis for the consolidation of data from official administrative sources, but additional challenges are also discussed in relation to the future of census data collection and publication.
Effect of a Brief Educational Intervention on Medical Students' Use of Asthma Devices

Several studies have shown that a significant percentage of housestaff and attending physicians are deficient in both skill and knowledge of the metered-dose inhaler (MDI). There are no studies involving medical students, or any including the peak flow meter (PFM). The setting was a large health science center with investigators in private conference rooms with individual medical students. Twenty-two medical students in the last semester before graduation were scored in the use of these devices pre-education and post-education (instruction included both discussion and demonstration). Results revealed a lack of skill initially, followed by dramatic improvement after the intervention. The total number of correct steps for each device (MDI with spacer and PFM) improved significantly (p < 0.0001). This group of medical students was deficient in the use of common asthma devices. A short educational intervention was effective in improving skill.
Quantifying responsiveness of TCP aggregates by using direct sequence spread spectrum CDMA and its application in congestion control

In this paper, we introduce the notion of responsiveness for TCP aggregates and define it as the degree to which a TCP aggregate reduces its sending rate to the network as a response to packet drops. We define metrics that describe the responsiveness of TCP aggregates, and then we suggest two methods for determining the values of these quantities. The first method is based on a test in which we drop a few packets from the aggregate intentionally and measure the resulting rate decrease of that aggregate. This kind of test is not robust to multiple simultaneous tests performed at different routers. Extensions are done to make the test robust to multiple simultaneous tests by using ideas from the CDMA approach to multiple access channels in communication theory. Then we use these methods to perform congestion control. A distinguishing feature of our congestion control scheme is that it maintains a degree of fairness among different aggregates.
Feature Space Reconstruction for Single-Channel Speech Separation

An adjustable alphanumeric keyboard based on ISO standard format and consisting of two flat key contact mounting boards, one left and one right, corresponding respectively to the section of the alphanumeric keyboard actuated by the left hand and right hand in touch typing, joined by a hinge at a point corresponding to the keyboard C row, between columns 05 and 06, the outermost end of one mounting board connected by a hinge to the keyboard case or chassis, the outermost end of the other mounting board free to move laterally and pivot in the same plane, with means available to position said movable end, in order to give the mounting boards an adjustable angle, peaking the rows of key contacts between columns 05 and 06.
Communicating with voters by blogs? Campaigning for the 2009 European Parliament elections

Following the rise in use of online communication in electoral campaigns throughout the world, this article deals with the use of blogs by politicians in Europe. Through the approach of Critical Discourse Analysis, it analyzes blog posts written by the European Parliament incumbents running for the European Parliament elections in 2009, from four different EU states and ideological backgrounds, and at the same time the four largest political groups in the European Parliament. The purpose of the study is to reveal the campaign strategy and dominant discourses through the analysis of the format, style and appeals. The findings reveal the differences in discourses between four political blogs, which result from the different use of language and appeals.
Extra‐nigral pathological conditions are common in Parkinson's disease with freezing of gait: An in vivo positron emission tomography study

Cholinergic denervation has been associated with falls and slower gait speed and β‐amyloid deposition with greater severity of axial motor impairments in Parkinson disease (PD). However, little is known about the association between the presence of extra‐nigral pathological conditions and freezing of gait (FoG). Patients with PD (n = 143; age, 65.5 ± 7.4 years, Hoehn and Yahr stage, 2.4 ± 0.6; Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, 25.9 ± 2.6) underwent [11C]methyl‐4‐piperidinyl propionate acetylcholinesterase and [11C]dihydrotetrabenazine dopaminergic PET imaging, and clinical, including FoG, assessment in the dopaminergic “off” state. A subset of subjects (n = 61) underwent [11C]Pittsburgh compound‐B β‐amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Normative data were used to dichotomize abnormal β‐amyloid uptake or cholinergic deficits. Freezing of gait was present in 20 patients (14.0%). Freezers had longer duration of disease (P = 0.009), more severe motor disease (P < 0.0001), and lower striatal dopaminergic activity (P = 0.013) compared with non‐freezers. Freezing of gait was more common in patients with diminished neocortical cholinergic innervation (23.9%, χ2 = 5.56, P = 0.018), but not in the thalamic cholinergic denervation group (17.4%, χ2 = 0.26, P = 0.61). Subgroup analysis showed higher frequency of FoG with increased neocortical β‐amyloid deposition (30.4%, Fisher Exact test: P = 0.032). Frequency of FoG was lowest with absence of both pathological conditions (4.8%), intermediate in subjects with single extra‐nigral pathological condition (14.3%), and highest with combined neocortical cholinopathy and amyloidopathy (41.7%; Cochran‐Armitage trend test, Z = 2.63, P = 0.015). Within the group of freezers, 90% had at least one of the two extra‐nigral pathological conditions studied. Extra‐nigral pathological conditions, in particular the combined presence of cortical cholinopathy and amyloidopathy, are common in PD with FoG and may contribute to its pathophysiology. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
An intelligent survey framework using the life events calendar

Event history calendars are a relatively new and useful survey tool for collecting autobiographical and retrospective data. They are much better for this type of data recall than classical question-list surveys. The nature of this type of survey is such that an expert interviewer is needed to guide subjects through the survey process. Because expert interviewers are expensive, the relevance of an intelligent survey assistant in this context is high. We describe an online survey framework programmed as a Java applet. Our framework is built specifically as an event history calendar for the study of tobacco users and their behavior over a six month period. We describe our methods and our modular approach that lends itself to the development of an intelligent survey assistant. We expand on the opportunities for artificial intelligence research within the system
The Role of Social Activity in Age–Cognition Relations

The goal of the current project was to examine whether engaging in social activity may moderate or mediate the relation between age and cognitive functioning. A large age range sample of adults performed a variety of cognitive tests and completed a social activities questionnaire. Results did not support the moderator hypothesis, as age differences in cognition were similar in people who reported low and high levels of engagement in social activity. However, the data was consistent with a mediation model, which posits that age differences in social activity partly explain age differences in cognition. Furthermore, it supported a moderated mediation model, which assumes that the mediation effects of social activity were stronger at older ages.