Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physiological Roles of Short-Chain and Long-Chain Menaquinones (Vitamin K2) in Lactococcus cremoris

Lactococcus cremoris and L. lactis are well-known for their occurrence and applications in dairy fermentations, but their niche extends to a range of natural and food production environments. L. cremoris and L. lactis produce MKs (vitamin K2), mainly as the long-chain forms represented by MK-9 and MK-8, and a detectable amount of short-chain forms represented by MK-3. The physiological significance of the different MK forms in the lifestyle of these bacterial species has not been investigated extensively. In this study, we used L. cremoris MG1363 to construct mutants producing different MK profiles by deletion of genes encoding (i) a menaquinone-specific isochorismate synthase, (ii) a geranyltranstransferase and (iii) a prenyl diphosphate synthase. These gene deletions resulted in (i) a non-MK producer (ΔmenF), (ii) a presumed MK-1 producer (ΔispA) and (iii) a MK-3 producer (Δllmg_0196), respectively. By examining the phenotypes of the MG1363 wildtype strain and respective mutants, including biomass accumulation, stationary phase survival, oxygen consumption, primary metabolites, azo dye/copper reduction, and proteomes, under aerobic, anaerobic and respiration-permissive conditions, we could infer that short-chain MKs like MK-1 and MK-3 are preferred to mediate extracellular electron transfer and reaction with extracellular oxygen, while the long-chain MKs like MK-9 and MK-8 are more efficient in aerobic respiratory electron transport chain. The different electron transfer routes mediated by short-chain and long-chain MKs likely support growth and survival of L. cremoris in a range of (transiently) anaerobic and aerobic niches including food fermentations, highlighting the physiological significance of diverse MKs in L. cremoris.
D-dimer as a marker for cardiovascular and arterial thrombotic events in patients with peripheral arterial disease

Summary Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events. D-dimers are a marker for hypercoagulability and are linked with thrombotic events in patients with venous as well as arterial thrombosis. The predictive value of plasma D-dimer levels in relation to cardiovascular events in patients with PAD is not unambiguously established. It was our objective to gather evidence evaluating the value of D-dimer as a predictor of arterial thrombotic events patients with PAD. The Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched (January 1980-November 2012), and 65 abstracts were found. The strategy was supplemented with manual review of reference lists. Case-control, cohort or prospective cohort studies that measured fibrin D-dimer in patients with PAD, were included. Studies were excluded if there was no follow-up for arterial thrombotic events or when no specific information on D-dimer was available. The search yielded 10 studies for our analysis, comprising 2,420 patients with PAD, with a total of 1,036 cardiovascular events in 10,599 patient-years. Two studies with a follow-up of one year showed that fibrin D-dimer predicts both deterioration of PAD and subsequent thrombotic events. Five out of six studies with a median follow-up of 2–4 years revealed that an increased D-dimer is predictive of various arterial thrombotic events including mortality. Two studies with a longer follow-up (over 6 years) did not show an independent association between increased D-dimer levels, arterial thrombotic events and CVD mortality. In conclusion, an increased D-dimer appeared to be independently associated with a two times increased risk of near-term cardiovascular events (relative risk 2.30, 95% confidence interval 1.43–3.68). However formal meta-analysis was only feasible for four out of 10 included studies. Due to the extended heterogeneity of the included studies cautious interpretation of these data is warranted.
Efficiency, economy and effectiveness—but what about ethics? Supreme audit institutions at a critical juncture

Ethics is increasingly recognized as one of several important dimensions of performance. Yet, performance audit, or value-for-money audit, as conducted by supreme audit institutions (SAIs), does not typically include this dimension. Instead, the focus is on the classical ‘three Es’ (efficiency, economy and effectiveness). The reluctance to address issues of ethical misconduct has taken the audit practice of SAIs to a critical juncture, where the legitimacy of these audits ultimately is at stake. This paper explains why SAIs need to add a fourth ‘E’— ethical audit. Possible implications are discussed.
Stigma of mental illness and service use in the military

Background Many service members do not utilize the available services designed to assist them in coping with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems that emerge during active duty. Aims In the current paper, we discuss the possible role stigma plays in the underutilization of treatments in the military, and attempt to transfer a well-articulated framework for understanding stigma and stigma-change in civilian populations to the military context. Methods The literature was searched for papers reviewing negative beliefs about mental illness and fears of stigmatization and underutilization of treatments, especially as relevant to service members. Results We explain how public stigma, self stigma, and label avoidance may emerge as barriers to care seeking and service participation in soldiers, and propose approaches/strategies for change. We then discuss a number of recent applications of these approaches in both civilian and military initiatives. Conclusions Stigma-change programs specifically created by/for the military that integrate components of education and direct contact with respected peers or veterans who have coped with mental health problems may have great utility at both the early stages of military training and later, when soldiers return from theatres of operation.
Using FE Calculations and Data-Based System Identification Techniques to Model the Nonlinear Behavior of PMSMs

This paper investigates the modeling of brushless permanent-magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs). The focus is on deriving an automatable process for obtaining dynamic motor models that take nonlinear effects, such as saturation, into account. The modeling is based on finite element (FE) simulations for different current vectors in the$dq plane over a full electrical period. The parameters obtained are the stator flux in terms of the direct and quadrature components and the air-gap torque, both modeled as functions of the rotor angle and the current vector. The data are preprocessed according to theoretical results on potential harmonics in the targets as functions of the rotor angle. A variety of modeling strategies were explored: linear regression, support vector machines, symbolic regression using genetic programming, random forests, and artificial neural networks. The motor models were optimized for each training technique, and their accuracy was then compared based on the initially available FE data and further FE simulations for additional current vectors. Artificial neural networks and symbolic regression using genetic programming achieved the highest accuracy, particularly with additional test data.
Modeling and Analysis of 5-Level Diode-Clamped and Flying-Capacitors Converters

Unique features of multi-level converters have recently nominated them as significant alternatives for solid-state power converting units, even in the low and medium power range. Some topological limitations such as DC side voltage balancing, however, have hindered the use of these converters as a handy means for various power conversion systems. Modeling and analysis is an essential step that can provide solutions and eliminate barriers to the use of multi-level converter topologies. This paper presents novel modeling and analysis approach for diode-clamped and flying capacitors multilevel converters. Independent of the modulation strategy, developed switching function models facilitate the study of the dynamic performance of both converter topologies. For flying-capacitor topology, this study presents small signal and averaged models in dqo rotating frame and based on these models a capacitor voltage balancing method is derived. Eventually, simulation results are provided to validate the proposed models and control system
Flavonoid Dimers as Bivalent Modulators for Pentamidine and Sodium Stiboglucanate Resistance in Leishmania

ABSTRACT Drug resistance by overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters is an impediment in the treatment of leishmaniasis. Flavonoids are known to reverse multidrug resistance (MDR) in Leishmania and mammalian cancers by inhibiting ABC transporters. Here, we found that synthetic flavonoid dimers with three (compound 9c) or four (compound 9d) ethylene glycol units exhibited a significantly higher reversing activity than other shorter or longer ethylene glycol-ligated dimers, with ∼3-fold sensitization of pentamidine and sodium stibogluconate (SSG) resistance in Leishmania, respectively. This modulatory effect was dosage dependent and not observed in apigenin monomers with the linker, suggesting that the modulatory effect is due to its bivalent nature. The mechanism of reversal activity was due to increased intracellular accumulation of pentamidine and total antimony in Leishmania. Compared to other MDR modulators such as verapamil, reserpine, quinine, quinacrine, and quinidine, compounds 9c and 9d were the only agents that can reverse SSG resistance. In terms of reversing pentamidine resistance, 9c and 9d have activities comparable to those of reserpine and quinacrine. Modulators 9c and 9d exhibited reversal activity on pentamidine resistance among LeMDR1−/−, LeMDR1+/+, and LeMDR1-overexpressed mutants, suggesting that these modulators are specific to a non-LeMDR1 pentamidine transporter. The LeMDR1 copy number is inversely related to pentamidine resistance, suggesting that it might be involved in importing pentamidine into the mitochondria. In summary, bivalency could be a useful strategy for the development of more potent ABC transporter modulators and flavonoid dimers represent a promising reversal agent for overcoming pentamidine and SSG resistance in parasite Leishmania.
Does Compact Development Make People Drive Less?

Problem, research strategy, and findings: Planners commonly recommend compact development in part as a way of getting people to drive less, with the idea that less driving will lead to more sustainable communities. Planners base their recommendations on a substantial body of research that examines the impact of compact development on driving. Different studies, however, have found different outcomes: Some studies find that compact development causes people to drive less, while other studies do not. I use meta-regression analysis to a) explain why different studies on driving and compact development yield different results, and b) combine different findings from many studies into reliable statistics that can better inform planning practice. I address the following questions: Does compact development make people drive less, and if so, how much less? I find that compact development does make people drive less, because most of the compact development features I study have a statistically significant negative influence on driving. The impact, however, is fairly small: Compact development features do not appear to have much influence on driving. My findings are limited to some extent because they are derived from small sample sizes. Takeaway for practice: Planners should not rely on compact development as their only strategy for reducing driving unless their goals for reduced driving are very modest and can be achieved at a low cost.
Isolated Roux Loop Duct-to-Mucosa Pancreaticojejunostomy Avoids Pancreatic Leaks in Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: Over the last decade the operative mortality associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has decreased. Pancreatic anastomotic leaks resulting in pancreatic bed sepsis and fistulae, however, remain a significant cause of both morbidity and mortality. The optimal method of reconstruction to minimise pancreatic leaks is controversial. Aim: To review the experience of Roux loop duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy in a consecutive series of patients undergoing pancreatic head resection. Methods: Over the 6-year period (1993–1998), 41 patients underwent pancreatic head resections for benign (n = 5) and malignant disease (n = 36). There were 19 males and the median age was 62 years (range 29–83). An isolated Roux loop pancreaticojejunostomy was performed in all cases. Results: Median duration of surgery was 8 h and the median postoperative stay was 16 days. The mean peri-operative blood transfusion was 2.9 units (SD 1.9). The incidence of major complications was 12% and there was 1 death (2.4%). There were no pancreatic leaks or fistulae. Conclusions: The low complication rate and the absence of pancreatic fistulae in this series would suggest that Roux loop duct-to-mucosa pancreatic reconstruction should be more widely adopted.
Regulated transposition of a fish transposon in the mouse germ line

Tc1/mariner elements are able to transpose in species other than the host from which they were isolated. As potential vectors for insertional mutagenesis and transgenesis of the mouse, these cut-and-paste transposons were tested for their ability to transpose in the mouse germ line. First, the levels of activity of several Tc1/mariner elements in mammalian cells were compared; the reconstructed fish transposon Sleeping Beauty (SB) was found to be an order of magnitude more efficient than the other tested transposons. SB then was introduced into the mouse germ line as a two-component system: one transgene for the expression of the transposase in the male germ line and a second transgene carrying a modified transposon. In 20% of the progeny of double transgenic male mice the transposon had jumped from the original chromosomal position into another locus. Analysis of the integration sites shows that these jumps indeed occurred through the action of SB transposase, and that SB has a strong preference for intrachromosomal transposition. Analysis of the excision sites suggests that double-strand breaks in haploid spermatids are repaired via nonhomologous end joining. The SB system may be a powerful tool for transposon mutagenesis of the mouse germ line.
Integration of Quality and Innovation Practices for Global Sustainability: An Empirical Study of Indian SMEs

The purpose of this article is to pragmatically analyze the effects of quality and innovation practices on the organizational performance from the sustainability perspective. Further, the researcher also aims to understand the effect of quality and innovative initiatives on the global sustainability as a whole. The study uses data obtained from a survey of 126 organizations comprising manufacturing (121) and services (5) both in India. The respondents chosen to answer the questions must have sufficient knowledge of innovation practices being deployed in the organizations at large. Descriptive statistics were used in order to determine the sustainability-oriented innovation practices deployed. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied to extract the factors and to provide the basis for gauging their reliability and validity. In addition, regression analysis was used to see the effect of sustainability-oriented practices on organizational performance as a whole. The sustainability-oriented innovation practices are definitely conducive to foster growth and performance benefits, provided and supported by this research based on theoretical and practical inputs taken from the leading manufacturing hubs in India.
Localization of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity in the brain of a caecilian amphibian, Dermophis mexicanus (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)

The organization of the cholinergic system in the brain of anuran and urodele amphibians was recently studied, and significant differences were noted between both amphibian orders. However, comparable data are not available for the third order of amphibians, the limbless gymnophionans (caecilians). To further assess general and derived features of the cholinergic system in amphibians, we have investigated the distribution of choline acetyltransferase immunoreactive (ChAT‐ir) cell bodies and fibers in the brain of the gymnophionan Dermophis mexicanus. This distribution showed particular features of gymnophionans such as the existence of a particularly large cholinergic population in the striatum, the presence of ChAT‐ir cells in the mesencephalic tectum, and the organization of the cranial nerve motor nuclei. These peculiarities probably reflect major adaptations of gymnophionans to a fossorial habit. Comparison of our results with those in other vertebrates, including a segmental approach to correlate cell populations across species, shows that the general pattern of organization of cholinergic systems in vertebrates can be modified in certain species in response to adaptative processes that lead to morphological and behavioral modifications of members of a given class of vertebrates, as shown for gymnophionans. J. Comp. Neurol. 448:249–267, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Desiccation on Tolerance of Salmonella enterica to Multiple Stresses

ABSTRACT Reducing the available water in food is a long-established method for controlling bacterial growth in the food industry. Nevertheless, food-borne outbreaks of salmonellosis due to consumption of dry foods have been continuously reported. Previous studies showed that dried Salmonella cells acquire high tolerance to heat and ethanol. In order to examine if dehydration also induces tolerance to other stressors, dried Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium cells were exposed to multiple stresses, and their viability was assessed. Indeed, desiccated S. Typhimurium acquired higher tolerance to multiple stressors than nondesiccated cells. The dried cells were significantly more resistant to most stressors, including ethanol (10 to 30%, 5 min), sodium hypochlorite (10 to 100 ppm, 10 min), didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (0.05 to 0.25%, 5 min), hydrogen peroxide (0.5 to 2.0%, 30 min), NaCl (0.1 to 1 M, 2 h), bile salts (1 to 10%, 2 h), dry heat (100°C, 1 h), and UV irradiation (125 μW/cm2, 25 min). In contrast, exposure of Salmonella to acetic and citric acids reduced the survival of the dried cells (1.5 log) compared to that of nondesiccated cells (0.5 log). Three other S. enterica serotypes, S. Enteritidis, S. Newport, and S. Infantis, had similar stress responses as S. Typhimurium, while S. Hadar was much more susceptible and gained tolerance to only a few stressors. Our findings indicate that dehydration induces cross-tolerance to multiple stresses in S. enterica, demonstrating the limitations of current chemical and physical treatments utilized by the food industry to inactivate food-borne pathogens.
Returning to the parental home: Boomerang moves of younger adults and the welfare regime context

Returns to the parental home represent a dramatic housing career interruption that can have significant social and economic implications. Interaction of individual characteristics with turning point shocks, such as unemployment or partnership dissolution, are key triggering events; however, housing disruptions are further embedded within variegated social, cultural and institutional contexts. Fundamental is the nature of the welfare regime, explaining norms surrounding co-residence as well as the amount and type of resources available. Through analyses using the Eurostat Longitudinal Survey on Income and Living Conditions, the research establishes a foundational understanding of how factors at both the individual as well as institutional and socio-cultural level moderate young adults’ housing interruptions across Europe. The results showed a significant welfare regime effect in outcomes of returned co-residence as well as evidence of differentiations across regimes in how individual characteristics and the experience of turning points related to returns. Higher return propensities were found among more familialistic contexts of Southern Europe and New Member States, while lower likelihoods were evident in the face of stronger state support and practices of earlier autonomy in Social Democratic and, to a lesser degree, intermediate Conservative regime contexts.
The People’s Perspective on Libertarian-Paternalistic Policies

We examine the views toward libertarian-paternalistic (soft) governmental interventions in a series of online experiments conducted in three countries. We use both standard and new methods to elicit attitudes toward soft interventions in various hypothetical scenarios. The majority of the participants accept these types of interventions by the government. However, a substantial proportion opposes them and would prefer that the government simply provide information to help the public make the right choice rather than use a more effective choice architecture intervention. Some even refuse to make the choice that the government promotes, although they would have done so in the absence of the intervention. The opposition to soft interventions appears to be driven by concerns about manipulation and the fear of a slippery slope to nonconsensual interventions. Opposition to soft interventions is reduced when they are implemented by employers rather than the government.
Epidermal Growth Factor Enhances the Expression of an Endogenous Lectin in Aggregating Fetal Brain Cell Cultures

Abstract: Aggregating cell cultures prepared from fetal rat telencephalon express the two subunits [cerebellar soluble lectins (CSL) 1 and 2] of a soluble, mannose‐specific endogenous lectin (CSL) in a development‐dependent manner. Increased CSL synthesis was found at an early postmitotic stage as well as during the period of maximal myelination. Repet‐tive treatment of early cultures with epidermal growth factor EGF, 3 nM) caused a great stimulation of CSL biosynthesis. Immunocytochemical studies revealed particularly intense CSL‐specific staining in small, EGF‐responsive cells, presumably glial cells. Large quantities of CSL‐immunoreactive material were found also in the extracellular space and on the external side of the plasma membrane, indicating abundant release of CSL. The present findings suggest that EGF or EGF‐related factors in the brain are able to regulate the expression of an endogenous lectin, affecting brain ontogeny.
Quartz crystal oscillator sensor for QCM monitoring of water absorption in anticorrosion cataphoretic paintings

With the objective of monitoring the water-uptake kinetics in anti-corrosion cataphoretic paintings, a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) oscillator sensor was developed based on a 5MHz AT resonator. The sensor was experimentally characterized with the aim of determining its own sensitivity, phase noise and resolution during the water uptake process. Water uptake of the coating was investigated using the sensor, and results were compared with electrochemical impedance measurements.