Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lipofuscin and A2E Accumulate with Age in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium of Nrl−/− Mice †

Lipofuscin is a fluorescent material with significant phototoxic potential that accumulates with age in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the eye. It is thought to be a factor in retinal degeneration diseases. The most extensively characterized lipofuscin component, N‐retinylidene‐N‐retinylethanolamine (A2E), has been proposed to be a byproduct of reactions involving the visual pigment chromophore. To examine the impact of the visual pigment and photoreceptor cell type on lipofuscin accumulation, we analyzed the RPE from Nrl−/− mice of various ages for lipofuscin fluorescence and A2E levels. The photoreceptor cells of the Nrl−/− retina contain only cone‐like pigments, and produce cone‐like responses to photostimulation. The cone‐like nature of these cells was confirmed by the presence of RPE65. Lipofuscin was measured with fluorescence imaging, whereas A2E was quantified by UV/VIS absorbance spectroscopy coupled to HPLC. The identity of A2E was corroborated with tandem mass spectrometry. Lipofuscin and A2E accumulated with age, albeit to lower levels compared with wild type mice. The emission spectra of RPE lipofuscin granules from Nrl−/− mice were similar to those from wild type mice, with λmaxca 610 nm. These results demonstrate that cone visual pigments can contribute to the production of lipofuscin and A2E.
Handling Interservice Time Constraints in Wireless Networks

Cyber physical systems collect plenty of information from physical world. This information must be transmitted to the base station immediately to support the making of controlling orders since the physical world keeps transforming rapidly. Such a fact needs the support of real-time transmitting in CPS. Real-time traffic often has some extra QoS requirements. For example, regulating the interservice time, which is the time between two consecutive transmissions of a link, is essential for the real-time traffic in wireless networks. A guarantee of the interservice time of a single user is a precondition to support the normal operating of a system. As far as we know, none of previous work can guarantee the performance on the interservice time. Motivated by this, we design a framework for interservice time guaranteed scheduling. We first define a new capacity region of networks with a strict interservice time guarantee. It is an extension of the well-accepted definition on basic capacity region. Then we propose a novel scheduling policy that is both throughput-optimal and interservice time guaranteed. Simulation results show the policy performs well in interservice time and throughput.
Fitness for Use? Barriers to Full TQM in the UK

A brief introduction to Total Quality Management (TQM) is presented. It is a holistic concept and must be implemented as such. However, there are four barriers to full implementation. These are short‐termism, organisational segmentalism, reluctant managers, and poor industrial relations. These barriers affect some parts of the TQM model more than others: this is likely to result in partial rather than holistic TQM.
H1t/GC-Box and H1t/TE1 Element Are Essential for Promoter Activity of the Testis-Specific Histone H1t Gene1

Abstract The testis-specific linker histone H1t gene is transcribed exclusively in mid to late pachytene primary spermatocytes. Tissue-specific expression of the gene is mediated primarily through elements located within the proximal promoter. Previous work in transgenic animals identified a unique 40-base pair promoter element designated H1t/TE that is essential for spermatocyte-specific expression. The H1t/TE element contains three subelements designated TE2, GC-box, and TE1 based on in vitro footprinting and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Because GC-box is a consensus site for binding of Sp transcription-factor family members, experiments were performed demonstrating that two Sp family members, Sp1 and Sp3, were present in testis cells from 9-day-old and adult rats and in pachytene primary spermatocytes and early spermatids. A 95- to 105-kDa form of Sp1 is most abundant in the tissues and cell lines examined, but a 60-kDa form of Sp1 is the most abundant species in spermatocytes and early spermatids. Further examination of Sp1 and Sp3 from adult testis, primary spermatocytes, and early spermatids showed that they can bind to the H1t/TE element. In order to determine the contributions of the subelements to H1t transcription, we mutated each of them in H1t promoter luciferase reporter vectors. Mutation of the GC-box and TE1 subelement reduced expression 77% and 49%, respectively, compared with the wild-type H1t promoter in transient expression assays in a testis GC-2spd cell line that was derived from germinal cells. These studies suggest that Sp transcription factors may be involved in transcription of the H1t gene and the GC-box and the TE1 subelement are required for activation of the H1t promoter.
The impact of just-in-time production on food quality

We examine the impact of just-in-time (JIT) production on food quality. Our research is based on canvassing a frame of 198 food companies in the State of South Carolina, USA, by means of field studies and pilot pretests; on mail survey questionnaires to vice-presidents of production; and on follow-up telephone interviews. Data collected from the mail survey questionnaire are analysed to identify the key components of JIT production in the food industry. Descriptive statistics are deployed to provide a picture of the JIT dimensions and quality mechanisms. Regression and canonical correlation are used to test the hypothesis that JIT production has a positive impact on food quality. Factor analysis is applied to condense the many variables we began with and to elicit the key agents of JIT production in the food industry.
Strategic Groups in Banking

The strategic groups hypothesis is tested using cluster analysis in -16 selected banking markets and based on portfolio composition in 1978, 1981, and 1984. The results indicate that approximately six strategic groups exist in banking and are stable over time. Strategy choices are similar across markets. Implications of the results are (1) intraindustry profit differences may be due to strategic groups rather than efficiency differences, (2) markets may generally be defined too broadly, (3) investigations for collusion need to focus on homogeneous groups in an industry rather than the whole industry, and (4) there is no simple strategy choice for banks between retail and wholesale banking.
On the origin of biochemistry at an alkaline hydrothermal vent

A model for the origin of biochemistry at an alkaline hydrothermal vent has been developed that focuses on the acetyl-CoA (Wood–Ljungdahl) pathway of CO2 fixation and central intermediary metabolism leading to the synthesis of the constituents of purines and pyrimidines. The idea that acetogenesis and methanogenesis were the ancestral forms of energy metabolism among the first free-living eubacteria and archaebacteria, respectively, stands in the foreground. The synthesis of formyl pterins, which are essential intermediates of the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway and purine biosynthesis, is found to confront early metabolic systems with steep bioenergetic demands that would appear to link some, but not all, steps of CO2 reduction to geochemical processes in or on the Earth's crust. Inorganically catalysed prebiotic analogues of the core biochemical reactions involved in pterin-dependent methyl synthesis of the modern acetyl-CoA pathway are considered. The following compounds appear as probable candidates for central involvement in prebiotic chemistry: metal sulphides, formate, carbon monoxide, methyl sulphide, acetate, formyl phosphate, carboxy phosphate, carbamate, carbamoyl phosphate, acetyl thioesters, acetyl phosphate, possibly carbonyl sulphide and eventually pterins. Carbon might have entered early metabolism via reactions hardly different from those in the modern Wood–Ljungdahl pathway, the pyruvate synthase reaction and the incomplete reverse citric acid cycle. The key energy-rich intermediates were perhaps acetyl thioesters, with acetyl phosphate possibly serving as the universal metabolic energy currency prior to the origin of genes. Nitrogen might have entered metabolism as geochemical NH3 via two routes: the synthesis of carbamoyl phosphate and reductive transaminations of α-keto acids. Together with intermediates of methyl synthesis, these two routes of nitrogen assimilation would directly supply all intermediates of modern purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis. Thermodynamic considerations related to formyl pterin synthesis suggest that the ability to harness a naturally pre-existing proton gradient at the vent–ocean interface via an ATPase is older than the ability to generate a proton gradient with chemistry that is specified by genes.
Financial reporting enforcement mechanisms as an element of corporate governance in Germany and reflections on their further development

The article sets out the different elements involved in the corporate governance and enforcement process in Germany, including the two-tier board, the executive board's responsibility for preparing financial statements, the statutory audit, the approval of the financial statements by the supervisory board, and the arrangements for addressing unsuitable accounting. After having described the current framework, it then goes on to review how corporate governance and enforcement is likely to evolve, including improved accounting, improved audit and changes in the role of the supervisory board. It also examines the case for a compliance review mechanism.
The blue supergiant MN18 and its bipolar circumstellar nebula

We report the results of spectrophotometric observations of the massive star MN18 revealed via discovery of a bipolar nebula around it with the Spitzer Space Telescope. Using the optical spectrum obtained with the Southern African Large Telescope, we classify this star as B1 Ia. The evolved status of MN18 is supported by the detection of nitrogen overabundance in the nebula, which implies that it is composed of processed material ejected by the star. We analysed the spectrum of MN18 by using the code CMFGEN, obtaining a stellar effective temperature of ≈21 kK. The star is highly reddened, E(B − V) ≈ 2 mag. Adopting an absolute visual magnitude of MV = −6.8 ± 0.5 (typical of B1 supergiants), MN18 has a luminosity of log L/L⊙ ≈ 5.42 ± 0.30, a mass-loss rate of ≈(2.8-4.5) × 10− 7 M⊙ yr− 1, and resides at a distance of ≈5.6 +1.5−1.2 −1.2+1.5 kpc. We discuss the origin of the nebula around MN18 and compare it with similar nebulae produced by other blue supergiants in the Galaxy (Sher 25, HD 168625, [SBW2007] 1) and the Large Magellanic Cloud (Sk−69 deg 202). The nitrogen abundances in these nebulae imply that blue supergiants can produce them from the main-sequence stage up to the pre-supernova stage. We also present a K-band spectrum of the candidate luminous blue variable MN56 (encircled by a ring-like nebula) and report the discovery of an OB star at ≈17 arcsec from MN18. The possible membership of MN18 and the OB star of the star cluster Lynga 3 is discussed.
Comparison of tissue impedance measurements with nerve fiber architecture in human telencephalon: value in identification of intact subcortical structures.

OBJECT After establishing the general possibility of real-time impedance monitoring during stereotactic procedures in five postmortem human brains, the authors proceeded to analyze the value of impedance measurements in intact cerebral structures. METHODS The authors performed impedance measurements at 24 selected points in the brain of a human cadaver and labeled the points by using 1,1'-dilinoleyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI). The texture of the nerve fibers was visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy, which allowed classification of distinct anatomical regions in the white and gray matter according to their fiber structure (density, direction, structure, and diameter). These regions displayed characteristic differences in impedances according to their fiber structure at frequencies between 8000 and 10,000 Hz. Differences in tissue impedance are not removed, although they are shifted to higher values by fixation with formalin. The reference frequency used in clinical environments (50,000 Hz) is not useful for distinct localization purposes. Finally, the orientation of the electrode in relation to the tissue is a crucial factor. CONCLUSIONS It should be possible to draw conclusions about the correct position of the stereotactic needle on the basis of the proposed location, the texture of the fibers (orientation and density), and the orientation of the electrode.
Quantitative Determination of Regional Oxygen Consumption in the Dog Heart

A micro-Fick method has been developed to measure the O, consumption of different region* of an organ. The method was tested in isolated dog gracilis muscle and consisted of mkrospectropbotometric determination of arterial and venous O, saturation in quick frozen tissue to determine O, extraction and flow measured withreSr- labeled mkrospheres, with O, consumption calculated from the product. This was compared to etectromagnetically measured flow and O, extraction determined by Van Slyke or CO-oxuneter. The accuracy of the new measurement was at wont 8.7% for O2 consumption over the range tested in a single muscle. In the hearts of anesthetized open- chest dogs, right ventricular O, consumption, 7.1 ± 0.9 ml Oj/min per 100 g, was significantly lower than left, 11.0 ± 0.4. This gradient was related to a Mood flow difference. Right ventricular base had a 51% lower O, consumption than right ventricular apex. In the left ventricle, subepkardial O, consumption, 9.5 ± 0.7, was lower than that of the subendocardium, 12.1 ± 0.7. This difference was related to a difference in O, extraction.
Childhood overweight: a contextual model and recommendations for future research

The prevalence of overweight among children has doubled within the past two decades. Increases in the rate of childhood overweight are of particular concern due to the negative health and psychological effects noted among overweight children. As shown by previous research, the development of childhood overweight involves a complex set of factors from multiple contexts that interact with each other to place a child at risk of overweight. This multifaceted system can be conceptualized using Ecological Systems Theory (EST). EST highlights the importance of considering the context(s), or ecological niche, in which a person is located in order to understand the emergence of a particular characteristic. In the case of a child, the ecological niche includes the family and the school, which are in turn embedded in larger social contexts including the community and society at large. In this review, EST is used as a framework with which to summarize research assessing predictors of childhood overweight. Specifically, child characteristics that place children at risk of the development of overweight (including dietary intake, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour) will be reviewed while taking into consideration the influence of the familial environment, the school environment, and the community and larger social environments. It is concluded that future research needs to adopt a broader contextual approach in order to understand and intervene against the processes leading to the development of overweight among children and that the use of theories or paradigms such as EST will facilitate developing and testing models of causal processes.
Personalization algorithms applied to cardiovascular disease risk assessment

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death in the world. Clinical guidelines recommend the use of risk assessment tools (scores) to identify the CVD risk of each patient as the correct stratification of patients may significantly contribute to the optimization of the health care strategies. This work further explores the personalization of CVD risk assessment, supported on the evidence that a specific CVD risk assessment tool may have good performance within a given group of patients and might perform poorly within other groups. Two main personalization methods based on the proper creation of groups of patients are presented: i) clustering patients approach; ii) similarity measures approach. These two methodologies were validated in a Portuguese population (460 Acute Coronary Syndrome with non-ST segment elevation (ACS-NSTEMI) patients). The similarity measures approach had the best performance, achieving maximum values of sensitivity, specificity and geometric mean of, respectively, 77.7%, 63.2%, 69.7%. These values represent an enhancement in relation to the best performance obtained with current CVD risk assessment tools applied in clinical practice (78.5%, 53.2%, 64.4%).
Infectious Disease, Productivity, and Scale in Open and Closed Animal Production Systems

Trade in feeder animals creates externalities when animal diseases can spread beyond the purchasing farm. If growers choose between open and closed production systems, then Nash equilibrium likely involves excessive trading. While first-best equilibrium involves market-wide adoption of either an open-trade or closed-farm system, equilibrium may entail heterogeneous systems. If so, then the feeder trade should be restricted. Supply response to an increase in marginal costs may be positive. Within a farm, infectious disease risk can create decreasing returns to scale when the technology is otherwise increasing returns. Contractual procurement and damage control technologies will likely increase scale in finishing.
THE SUPERFICIAL MUSCULO‐APONEUROTIC SYSTEM (SMAS) IN THE PAROTID AND CHEEK AREA

We have investigated the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) in the parotid and cheek areas by anatomical dissections, by radiographs, and by histological sections. The SMAS may be helpful in corrective surgery for facial palsy and during face lifting operations if a retrofascial approach is used. This procedure, safe in the parotid area, can become dangerous in the area anterior to the parotid gland.
Rapid Estrogen Actions in the Cardiovascular System

Abstract: In the last two decades, several studies have unveiled a series of original signaling mechanisms through which so‐called “nuclear” receptors can mediate rapid actions of steroid hormones. These rapid signaling actions are independent of the synthesis of mRNA or protein, and are therefore known as “nontranscriptional” or “nongenomic” as opposed to the classical genomic mechanisms. Nongenomic signaling of estrogens plays a prominent role in nonreproductive tissues, and between these is the vascular wall. At this level, estrogen triggers rapid vasodilatation, exerts anti‐inflammatory effects, stimulates endothelial growth and migration, and protects the vessels from atherosclerotic degeneration. Nongenomic signaling mechanisms have been involved in many of these actions and are increasingly considered to be of importance for vascular function in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Rapid actions of steroid hormones have been implicated with vascular as well as with myocardial protection in animal experimental models. Moreover, the nongenomic signaling of estrogens is tightly interconnected with the nuclear pathways, and there are several indications that, through nongenomic modulation of signaling cascades, estrogens are also able to modulate the expression of several relevant genes in endothelial cells. In conclusion, while we are still in an early phase of the investigations of the nontranscriptional actions of steroid hormone receptors, it is clear that this newly recognized category of signaling mechanisms is responsible for critical steroid actions in nonreproductive tissues.
Estrogen replacement therapy and fractures in older women. Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group.

OBJECTIVE To determine the relation between estrogen replacement therapy and fractures. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Four clinical centers in Baltimore County, Maryland; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Portland, Oregon; and the Monongahela Valley, Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS 9704 ambulatory, nonblack women 65 years of age or older. MEASUREMENTS Estrogen use, medical history, and anthropometric data were obtained by questionnaire, interview, and examination. Appendicular bone mass was measured by single-photon absorptiometry. Incident fractures were validated by radiographic report. RESULTS After adjustment for potential confounders, current estrogen use was associated with a decrease in the risk for wrist fractures (relative risk [RR], 0.39; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.64) and for all nonspinal fractures (RR, 0.66; CI, 0.54 to 0.80) when compared with no estrogen use. Results were similar for women using unopposed estrogen or estrogen plus progestin, for women younger or older than 75 years of age, and for current smokers or nonsmokers. The effect of estrogen remained after adjustment was made for appendicular bone mass. The relative risk for hip fracture tended to be lower among current users (RR, 0.60; CI, 0.36 to 1.02) than among never-users. Estrogen was most effective in preventing hip fracture among those older than 75 years. Current users who started estrogen within 5 years of menopause had a decreased risk for hip fractures (RR, 0.29; CI, 0.09 to 0.92), wrist fractures (RR, 0.29; CI, 0.13 to 0.68), and all nonspinal fractures (RR, 0.50; CI, 0.36 to 0.70) when compared with women who had never used estrogen. Previous use of estrogen for more than 10 years or use begun soon after menopause had no substantial effect on the risk for fractures. CONCLUSIONS Current use of estrogen appears to decrease the risk for fracture in older women. These results suggest that for protection against fractures, estrogen should be initiated soon after menopause and continued indefinitely.
How to increase menu prices without alienating your customers

Purpose – This paper analyzes the impact of menu descriptions on the selection of menu items. Furthermore, this paper examines the relationship between menu descriptions and the perceived value of the item.Design/methodology/approach – This study uses the different components of prospect theory (e.g. anchoring effects and framing effects). An experimental research design using mock menus was used to investigate the impact of item presentation, item selections, and menu descriptions on consumer judgments of consumer choice and price value.Findings – The results found that detailed menu descriptions negated the impact of the price increases on the menu items.Practical implications – The implications of this study are valuable to restaurateurs because it shows that menu descriptions have the potential to increase revenue while also increasing the value perception. The study can also be applied to similar competing restaurants. Restaurants can be successful when magnifying the differences with detailed descri.