Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of extracellular glutamate measured by cerebral microdialysis in severe traumatic brain injury.

OBJECT Authors of several studies have implied a key role of glutamate, an excitatory amino acid, in the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the place of glutamate measurement in clinical practice and its impact on the management of TBI has yet to be elucidated. The authors' objective in the present study was to evaluate glutamate levels in TBI, analyzing the factors affecting them and determining their prognostic value. METHODS A prospective study of patients with severe TBI was conducted with an inclusion criterion of a Glasgow Coma Scale score < or = 8 within 48 hours of injury. Invasive monitoring included intracranial pressure measurements, brain tissue PO(2), jugular venous O(2) saturation, and cerebral microdialysis. Patients received standard care including mass evacuation when indicated and treatment of elevated intracranial pressure values. Demographic data, CT findings, and outcome at 6 months of follow-up were recorded. RESULTS One hundred sixty-five patients were included in the study. Initially high glutamate values were predictive of a poor outcome. The mortality rate was 30.3% among patients with glutamate levels > 20 micromol/L, compared with 18% among those with levels < or = 20 micromol/L. Two general patterns were recognized: Pattern 1, glutamate levels tended to normalize over the monitoring period (120 hours); and Pattern 2, glutamate levels tended to increase with time or remain abnormally elevated. Patients showing Pattern 1 had a lower mortality rate (17.1 vs 39.6%) and a better 6-month functional outcome among survivors (41.2 vs 20.7%). CONCLUSIONS Glutamate levels measured by microdialysis appear to have an important role in TBI. Data in this study suggest that glutamate levels are correlated with the mortality rate and 6-month functional outcome.
Novel silicon-on-insulator grating couplers based on CMOS poly-silicon gate layer

Grating couplers are widely investigated as a coupling interface between silicon-on-insulator waveguides and optical fibers. In this work, novel grating couplers based on strip poly-Si are proposed. This structure utilizes the poly-Si gate layer of the CMOS MOSFETs, and thus enables grating couplers integrated with CMOS circuits without adding any additional masks and process steps. Simulation results show that a coupling efficiency over 60% can be achieved between silicon-on-insulator waveguides and fibers.
Predicting hexadecane–air equilibrium partition coefficients (L) using a group contribution approach constructed from high quality data

A group contribution-based quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) for the hexadecane–air equilibrium partition coefficients (L) of organic chemicals is developed using the iterative fragment selection (IFS) approach. This new QSPR includes in its training and external validation data sets L values for a large number of structurally complex chemicals measured by the same group using consistent methods. The resulting QSPR has better predictive power than other prediction methods trained primarily using data for chemicals of simpler structures, and measurements of L values from diverse sources. For a subset of chemicals in which the L values have non-additive effects caused by intramolecular hydrogen bonds, the new QSPR gives much better performance in comparison to the most commonly used prediction method.
Distributed control of LPV systems over arbitrary graphs: A parameter-dependent lyapunov approach

The paper focuses on spatially distributed control systems where the controller sensing and actuation topology is inherited from that of the plant. Specifically, the paper considers distributed systems composed of discrete-time linear parameter-varying subsystems interconnected over general graph structures. These distributed systems are subject to a communication latency of one sampling period, where the information sent by a subsystem at the current time step is received by the target subsystem at the next time step. The paper provides analysis and synthesis conditions for control design in this setting, employing a parameter-dependent Lyapunov approach with the ℓ2-induced norm as the performance measure. The paper also gives a fast and easy-to-implement algorithm for constructing the controller in real-time.
A Virus Isolated from Patients Diagnosed as Non-Paralytic Poliomyelitis or Aseptic Meningitis.∗

Summary This paper reports the isolation of a filtrable virus from the feces of patients diagnosed either as non-paralytic poliomyelitis or aseptic meningitis and from 2 patients with “fever of unknown origin. ” The agent is similar to that reported by Dalldorf and Sickles1 in producing paralysis with moysitis in newborn mice. The recovery of virus was correlated with the appearance of neutralizing antibodies in the patients' sera. At least two immunological types of the virus exist. The virus was widespread in this country during the summer of 1948 having also been isolated from the sewage of a number of cities and from flies collected in widely separated areas. Subclinical infection may be produced in chimpanzees by oral administration of the virus. A laboratory worker has been accidently infected with the virus.
Differential regulation of the Wnt gene family during pregnancy and lactation suggests a role in postnatal development of the mammary gland

The mouse Wnt family comprises at least 10 members sharing substantial amino acid identity with the secreted glycoprotein Wnt-1/int-1. Two of these, Wnt-1 and Wnt-3, are implicated in mouse mammary tumor virus-associated adenocarcinomas, although neither member is normally expressed in the mammary gland. These results suggest the presence of active cellular pathways which mediate the action of Wnt-1 and Wnt-3 signals. An understanding of the normal role of these signalling pathways is clearly necessary to comprehend the involvement of Wnt-1 and Wnt-3 in mammary tumorigenesis. We demonstrate here that five Wnt family members are expressed and differentially regulated in the normal mouse mammary gland. In addition, some of these genes are also expressed in both Wnt-1-responsive and nonresponsive mammary epithelial cell lines. We propose that Wnt-mediated signalling is involved in normal regulation of mammary development and that inappropriate expression of Wnt-1, Wnt-3, and possibly other family members can interfere with these signalling pathways.
Horizontal head impulse test detects gentamicin vestibulotoxicity

Background: Parenteral antibiotic therapy with gentamicin, even in accepted therapeutic doses, can occasionally cause bilateral vestibular loss (BVL) due to hair cell toxicity. Objective: To quantify in patients with gentamicin vestibulotoxicity (GVT) the extent of acceleration gain deficit of the horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex at different accelerations with a graded head impulse test (HIT) in comparison with standard caloric and rotational testing. To characterize the corresponding HIT catch-up saccade pattern to provide the basis for its salience to clinicians. Methods: Horizontal HIT of graded acceleration (750°–6,000°/sec2) was measured with binocular dual search coils in 14 patients with GVT and compared with 14 normal subjects and a control subject with total surgical BVL. Results: Patients showed mostly symmetric HIT gain deficits with a continuous spectrum from almost normal to complete BVL. Gain deficits were present even at the lowest head accelerations. HIT gain correlated better with caloric (Spearman ρ = 0.85, p = 0.0001) than rotational testing (ρ = 0.55, p = 0.046). Cumulative amplitude of overt saccades after head impulses was 5.6 times larger in patients than in normal subjects. Compared with previously published patients after unilateral vestibular deafferentation, GVT patients with BVL generated only approximately half the percentage of covert saccades during head rotation (23% at 750°/sec2 to 46% at 6,000°/sec2). Conclusions: Head impulse testing is useful for early bedside detection of gentamicin vestibulotoxicity because most patients, even those with partial bilateral vestibular loss (BVL), have large overt saccades. Covert saccades, which can conceal the extent of BVL, are only approximately half as frequent as in unilateral patients, but may be present even in total BVL.
A Bacterial Electron-bifurcating Hydrogenase*

Background: Hydrogen-dependent reduction of ferredoxin, a common “low-redox potential” electron carrier in anaerobes, is a highly endergonic reaction. Results: The [FeFe]-hydrogenase from an acetogenic bacterium strictly requires NAD+ for ferredoxin reduction and reduces NAD+ and ferredoxin simultaneously. Conclusion: The [FeFe]-hydrogenase drives ferredoxin reduction at the expense of exergonic NAD+ reduction. Significance: The [FeFe]-hydrogenase uses electron bifurcation for energy coupling. The Wood-Ljungdahl pathway of anaerobic CO2 fixation with hydrogen as reductant is considered a candidate for the first life-sustaining pathway on earth because it combines carbon dioxide fixation with the synthesis of ATP via a chemiosmotic mechanism. The acetogenic bacterium Acetobacterium woodii uses an ancient version of the pathway that has only one site to generate the electrochemical ion potential used to drive ATP synthesis, the ferredoxin-fueled, sodium-motive Rnf complex. However, hydrogen-based ferredoxin reduction is endergonic, and how the steep energy barrier is overcome has been an enigma for a long time. We have purified a multimeric [FeFe]-hydrogenase from A. woodii containing four subunits (HydABCD) which is predicted to have one [H]-cluster, three [2Fe2S]-, and six [4Fe4S]-clusters consistent with the experimental determination of 32 mol of Fe and 30 mol of acid-labile sulfur. The enzyme indeed catalyzed hydrogen-based ferredoxin reduction, but required NAD+ for this reaction. NAD+ was also reduced but only in the presence of ferredoxin. NAD+ and ferredoxin reduction both required flavin. Spectroscopic analyses revealed that NAD+ and ferredoxin reduction are strictly coupled and that they are reduced in a 1:1 stoichiometry. Apparently, the multimeric hydrogenase of A. woodii is a soluble energy-converting hydrogenase that uses electron bifurcation to drive the endergonic ferredoxin reduction by coupling it to the exergonic NAD+ reduction.
Corporate Governance: Journey from Compliance to Competitive Advantage

Corporate governance stands for responsible business management geared towards long-term value creation. Views of corporate governance are shifting from mere obligation and compliance with laws and listing standards, to a business imperative for many firms. Corporate governance significantly influences the firm performance. Good corporate governance is a key driver of sustainable corporate growth and long term value creation. Corporate governance is a priority for firms because it presents opportunities to manage risks and add value. Corporate governance has come to be viewed as a differentiator among firms as good governance practices provide a sustainable competitive advantage. This paper highlights various meanings and definitions of corporate governance and recommended standards of corporate governance. Paper mainly focuses on OECD principles of corporate governance. It also explains purpose and objective of corporate governance. This paper also discusses principal drivers for an increased demand for good corporate governance. Paper also underlines risk associated with poor corporate governance practices. An increasing amount of empirical evidence shows that good corporate governance contributes to competitiveness and long term value creation. Corporate governance rating is positively associated with financial performance measures like Tobin’s Q. Paper emphasizes benefits of good corporate governance and also lists finding of prior studies.
Effective Systemic Players in the Corporate Governance of Banks: A Closer Look at Supervision

Regulation and supervision set a particular corporate governance framework for the banking industry. The specificity of banks, the volatility of financial markets, increased competition and diversification expose banks to risks and challenges. Managing financial risk is a key element for improving corporate governance in the banking sector. The article examines key factors that contribute to ensuring an effective regulatory and supervisory framework. Particularly, it analyses the structure and scope of bank supervision, emphasising the importance of its consolidation in the European context.
International market entry and development: Strategies and management

CONTENTS Abbreviations Tables Figures Exhibits Preface 1 ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF INTERNATIONAL MARKET ENTRY AND DEVELOPMENT Summary Introduction The changing shape of international business Business policy, international business and alternative methods of international supply Exporting and alternative methods of international market entry and development: definitions and forms Characteristics of alternative methods of international market entry and development Analysing international market entry and development mode Further reading Questions for discussion Notes and references 2 IDENTIFYING OVERSEAS OPPORTUNITIES Summary Introduction Country/market screening methods The key variables Market screening: empirical evidence Further reading Questions for discussion Notes and references 3 EXPORTING IN INTERNATIONAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT Summary Introduction Starting exporting Developing exports Successful exporters International industrial marketing Managing the export process Further reading Questions for discussion Notes and references 4 LICENSING AND FRANCHISING IN INTERNATIONAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT Summary Introduction Licensing-out Licensing strategy: theory and practice Characteristics of licensing enterprises and of licensing agreements: empirical evidence Planning and managing licensing agreements Licensing-in Franchising Further reading Questions for discussion Notes and references Appendix 4.1 Appendix 4.2 Appendix 4.3 5 CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS IN INTERNATIONAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT Summary Introduction Management contracts Turnkey contracts Contract manufacturing/international subcontracting Industrial co-operation agreements Contractual joint ventures and equity joint ventures in the Eastern Bloc Further reading Questions for discussion Notes and references Appendix 5.1 Appendix 5.2 6 JOINT VENTURES AND WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES Summary Introduction Joint ventures Wholly owned subsidiaries Further reading Questions for discussion Notes and references Appendix 6.1 7 CHOOSING THE MARKET ENTRY AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Summary Introduction Approaches to the choice of foreign market entry/development mode Choosing the foreign market entry and development strategy: an alternative approach Strategic alliances The single European market in 1992 and international business activity Conclusions and implications Further reading Questions for discussion Notes and references Bibliography Index
The Case for Unlicensed Spectrum

Demand for wireless data communication has risen rapidly in the past few years, raising important policy questions about how to allocate radio spectrum for this purpose. Historically, the US government has designated some spectrum for licensed use and a smaller but significant amount for unlicensed use. We discuss the advantages of each approach, and explain why unlicensed spectrum in particular has been a catalyst for innovation, and an important complement to licensed spectrum. We also explain why allocating a portion of spectrum for unlicensed use need not reduce government revenue from selling spectrum licenses, and the serious flaws in proposed auction-based approaches for determining the fraction of spectrum to leave unlicensed.
Posterolateral Lumbar Intertransverse Process Spine Arthrodesis With Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/Hydroxyapatite‐Tricalcium Phosphate After Laminectomy in the Nonhuman Primate

Study Design. A nonhuman primate lumbar intertransverse process arthrodesis model was used to evaluate recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP‐2) in a hydroxyapatite‐tricalcium phosphate (HA‐ TCP) carrier as a complete bone graft substitute. Objectives. To assess the ability of a ceramic material to serve as a carrier for various doses of rhBMP‐2 as a bone graft substitute in a primate model of posterolateral intertransverse process spinal fusion after laminectomy. Summary of Background Data. The reported nonunion rates for posterolateral lumbar spine fusion with autogenous iliac crest bone range from 5‐35%. Recombi nant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 has shown potential to serve as a bone graft substitute for postero lateral intertransverse process spine fusion. Although a resorbable collagen sponge was a suitable carrier in rabbits and dogs, it was too compressible for the paraspinal muscles in rhesus monkeys. This failure of the collagen carrier has prompted evaluation of the feasibility of an alternative carrier material and the required dose of rhBMP‐2. Methods. Twenty‐one adult rhesus monkeys underwent a laminectomy at L4‐L5 followed by bilateral intertransverse process arthrodesis via the same midline incision (n = 16) or a minimally invasive video‐assisted posterolateral approach (n = 5). Bone graft implants on each side consisted of either 5 cm3 of autogenous iliac crest bone or 60:40 HA‐TCP blocks (1.2 × 0.5 × 3.7 cm) loaded with a solution containing 0, 6, 9, or 12 mg of rhBMP‐2 per side. The monkeys were killed 24 weeks after surgery. Inspection, manual palpation, radiography, and histology were used to assess fusion and to detect any bony growth into the laminectomy defect. Results. Fusion was not achieved in any of the monkeys treated with autogenous iliac crest bone graft. Both of the monkeys treated with the HA‐TCP blocks with 0 mg rhBMP‐2 achieved fusion. All 15 monkeys treated with the HA‐TCP blocks and either of the three doses of rhBMP‐2 achieved solid fusion. Two animals had extension of the fusion on one side because of malpositioned ceramic block. The results in animals fused via the minimally invasive video‐assisted technique were the same as inthose fused with the open technique. Histologic analysis showed some ingrowth of bone into the ends but not‐through the ceramic block in the absence of rhBMP‐2. When the ceramic blocks were loaded with rhBMP‐2 there was a dose‐dependent increase in the amount and quality of bone throughout the ceramic carrier based on qualitative assessment. No significant bone encroachment on the exposed thecal sac through the laminectomy defect was observed in any of the monkeys. Conclusion. Hydroxyapatite‐tricalcium phosphate proved to be a suitable carrier for rhBMP‐2 in the posterolateral spine fusion model in rhesus monkeys. Even in the presence of a laminectomy defect, there was no evidence of bone induction outside the confines of the ceramic carrier.
A Study of Critical Project Success Parameters in Different Organizational Conditions

Human factors are of vital importance to the success of projects. The purpose of this study is to identify the leadership qualities of an effective project manager in order to achieve success in project. The characteristics of an effective project manager are also measured on the basis of leadership behavior. To address the primary aims, a questionnaire-based survey was used to measure the project manager’s leadership style, teamwork in terms of communication, integrity, visionary and project success. The role of organizational structure in the same is also studied. The analyses suggest that project manager’s leadership style, teamwork, and project performance are highly correlated. The findings also indicate that problem solving is the most important conflict management style being used by the project.tter disinvestment programme.
We've Got Blog: How Weblogs Are Changing Our Culture

From the Publisher: Instantaneous, raw, and uncensored, weblogs are self-publishing at its best and worst - occasionally brilliant but often pretentious, sometimes shocking but always fascinating. Weblogs have become some of the hottest places on the web and We've Got Blog is the first book to explore the phenomenon. Here are some of the best writers on the web explaining the history and importance of weblogs, the mavericks who created them, and how they are changing the way we surf the Web.
The Winner Within: A Life Plan for Team Players

The dynamics of building a successful team are based around: 1. Starting from the foundation of an innocent climb. 2. Overcoming the power of selfishness for the good of the team. 3. Developing a strong core covenant of trust and commitment between the team members. 4. Rising above the unexpected catastrophies that will come along or a failure to deliver at critical moments. 6. Realising that ultimately, performance limits are self imposed and can be broken through by total mastery. 7. Ultimately rising to the challenge to create a dynasty that will be remembered for a long time.
Contrapuntal Networks of Gene Expression during Arabidopsis Seed Filling Article, publication date, and citation information can be found at www.plantcell.org/cgi/doi/10.1105/tpc.000877.

We have used cDNA microarrays to examine changes in gene expression during Arabidopsis seed development and to compare wild-type and mutant wrinkled1 (wri1) seeds that have an 80% reduction in oil. Between 5 and 13 days after flowering, a period preceding and including the major accumulation of storage oils and proteins, ∼35% of the genes represented on the array changed at least twofold, but a larger fraction (65%) showed little or no change in expression. Genes whose expression changed most tended to be expressed more in seeds than in other tissues. Genes related to the biosynthesis of storage components showed several distinct temporal expression patterns. For example, a number of genes encoding core fatty acid synthesis enzymes displayed a bell-shaped pattern of expression between 5 and 13 days after flowering. By contrast, the expression of storage proteins, oleosins, and other known abscisic acid–regulated genes increased later and remained high. Genes for photosynthetic proteins followed a pattern very similar to that of fatty acid synthesis proteins, implicating a role in CO2 refixation and the supply of cofactors for oil synthesis. Expression profiles of key carbon transporters and glycolytic enzymes reflected shifts in flux from cytosolic to plastid metabolism. Despite major changes in metabolism between wri1 and wild-type seeds, <1% of genes differed by more than twofold, and most of these were involved in central lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Thus, these data define in part the downstream responses to disruption of the WRI1 gene.