Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Authority System in Family Firms and Trans-generational Succession

This study argues that family firm leader's authority is an effective governance structure of the incomplete contract whose center contractor is the leader,and the authority system of family firms contains three dimensions based on different origins,which are legal authority from ownership,charming authority from capabilities and characteristics and family authority from clan based on the contract theory and the Three-circle Mode.It also argues that during the succession,legal authority can be succeeded immediately by stock transfer and management appointment,while the other two can not be succeeded,which finally causes "succession puzzle". This study further tests the difference between family authority and charming authority and finally emphasizes the importance of authority succession in family firm's succession by analyzing typical cases of Hongdou Group and Haixin Group.
KCN: Guaranteed Delivery via K-Cooperative-Nodes in Duty-Cycled Sensor Networks

Performance of multihop cooperative sensor networks depends on relaying candidate selection, optimal relay assignment, and cooperative communication. In this paper, we first propose a novel relaying candidate selection scheme (KCN-selection) to choose k-cooperative nodes (KCN) at each hop based on geographic information, while the certain number of k is initially determined based on an on-demand end-to-end (ETE) reliability in the presence of unreliable communication links. However, the pre-assigned KCN cannot ensure an optimal performance due to wireless channel dynamics. To prolong the lifetime of wireless sensor network (WSN), we schedule some part of KCN to sleep while the on-demand ETE reliability still can be guaranteed with wireless channel variations. A probabilistic ETE reliability model is built to compute optimal duty cycle for KCN in an online manner. Furthermore, a KCN based optimal relay assignment and cooperative data delivery (KCN-delivery) scheme is presented, which can provide fully stateless, energy-efficient sensor-to-sink data delivery at a low communication overhead without the help of prior neighborhood knowledge. Simulation results show that our scheme significantly outperforms existing protocols in wireless sensor networks with highly dynamic wireless channel.
Effects of temperature and haematocrit on the relationships between blood flow velocity and blood flow in a vessel of fixed diameter.

BACKGROUND To determine whether temperature and haematocrit (Hct) alter the relationship between blood flow (BF) and blood flow velocity (BFV). METHODS Using a transcranial Doppler apparatus, we measured the peak velocity of whole blood cells pumped by a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit, through a 0.15-cm internal diameter segment of rigid tubing. BF and BFV relationships were obtained at temperatures of 19, 28, and 37 degrees C and at Hct of 0.05, 0.22, 0.39, and 0.54, by altering CPB flow over a range from 10 to 100 cc/min. Linear regression analysis was performed. RESULTS The relationship between velocity and flow for the pooled Hct data was y=(0.43)x+0.86, r2=0.998 and 95% CI (0.999-1) whereas the association for the temperature data was y=(0.42)x+0.02, r2=0.9998 and 95% CI (0.999-0.9997). Changes of blood viscosity had no effect on velocity at a given flow rate. The combined effect of Hct and temperature on velocity for the relationship with flow is expressed by: y=1.3+2.4x. CONCLUSION In fixed diameter vessels with laminar flow, the linear relationship between flow and velocity is not affected by changes in temperature and Hct in clinical ranges. These results are explained by the Fahraeus-Lindquist effect. They support the use of transcranial Doppler sonography to estimate cerebral blood flow in infants who may have large variations of Hct and/or temperature during bypass.
Current Concepts and Management Strategies in Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder

Abstract The term renal osteodystrophy describes the pathological changes in bone structure in chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, this term fails to describe adequately the adverse changes in mineral and hormonal metabolism in CKD that have grave consequences for patient survival. CKD-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a broader, newly defined term that should be used instead of renal osteodystrophy to define the mineral, bone, hormonal, and calcific cardiovascular abnormalities that are seen in CKD. The new paradigm in the management of renal bone disease is to “think beyond the bones” and strive to improve cardiovascular outcomes and survival. This means treating other aspects of the disease process that go beyond merely controlling parathyroid hormone levels. Primary physicians need to take a proactive approach to the management of CKD-MBD because the disorder begins early in the course of CKD, well before a patient is referred to a nephrologist. This review outlines the evidence behind the understanding of CKD-MBD, its implications for overall mortality, and the latest recommendations for management of CKD-MBD in patients with predialysis CKD.
Comparative Study of Pressure-Induced Germination of Bacillus subtilis Spores at Low and High Pressures

ABSTRACT We have studied pressure-induced germination of Bacillus subtilis spores at moderate (100 MPa) and high (500 to 600 MPa) pressures. Although we found comparable germination efficiencies under both conditions by using heat sensitivity as a criterion for germination, the sensitivity of pressure-germinated spores to some other agents was found to depend on the pressure used. Spores germinated at 100 MPa were more sensitive to pressure (>200 MPa), UV light, and hydrogen peroxide than were those germinated at 600 MPa. Since small, acid-soluble proteins (SASPs) and dipicolinic acid (DPA) are known to be involved in spore resistance to UV light and hydrogen peroxide, we studied the fate of these compounds during pressure germination. DPA was released upon both low- and high-pressure germination, but SASP degradation, which normally accompanies nutrient-induced germination, occurred upon low-pressure germination but not upon high-pressure germination. These results adequately explain the UV and hydrogen peroxide resistance of spores germinated at 600 MPa. The resistance to pressure inactivation of 600-MPa-germinated spores could also, at least partly, be attributed to α/β-type SASPs, since mutants deficient in α/β-type SASPs were more sensitive to inactivation at 600 MPa. Further, germination at 100 MPa resulted in rapid ATP generation, as is the case in nutrient-induced germination, but no ATP was formed during germination at 600 MPa. These results suggest that spore germination can be initiated by low- and high-pressure treatments but is arrested at an early stage in the latter case. The implications for the use of high pressure as a preservation treatment are discussed.
Drug-Polymer Mixed Coating: A New Approach for Controlling Drug Release Rates in Pellets

A new approach to developing a drug-polymer mixed coat for highly water-soluble diltiazem pellets was investigated at different coating levels. Drug layering and the coating procedures were performed using a bottom spray fluidized bed coater. Drug pellets were coated with Eudragit NE40 (NE40) alone and in combination with diltiazem and hydrophilic cellulose derivatives. Dissolution studies revealed that incorporation of hydrophilic substances such as methylcellulose (MC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and the drug itself considerably increased the release rates. The release from mixed polymer coatings was fast compared to pellets coated with NE40 only. The major portion of the drug was released in about 2 hours in case of MC and NE40 mixed coat compared to hours from coated pellets containing HPMC or diltiazem. Incorporation of 15% to 25% drug with respect to the polymer coat helped to achieve a drug-release profile at a desirable rate over a 12 hour period. Moreover, the test formulation comprising 25% diltiazem with respect to 7% NE40 had a dissolution profile that matched the commercial product, Herbesser SR capsules. The release of diltiazem from the coated pellets was slightly affected by the pH of dissolution media.
Piecewise Planar and Non-Planar Segmentation of Large Complex 3D Urban Models

Advancements in computing power via Multi Core processors and GPUs have made large scale reconstruction modeling and real-time photorealistic rendering possible. However, in urban areas flat surfaces with little texture still challenge multiview algorithms. We present a method for planar area recognition and model correction while avoiding deformation of non-planar areas such as domes, pillars and plant matter. Our method works in object space, allows a global solution that is not affected by individual range map inaccuracies or poorly matched range maps. We describe a segmentation of the model into bounded planar and non-planar areas driven by a global error function incorporating model shape and original images texture. The error is minimized iteratively using locally restricted graph cuts and the model is corrected accordingly. The algorithm was run on various complex and challenging real-world urban scenes and synthetic photo-realistic images are created from novel viewpoints without noticeable deformities that are common to typical reconstructions.
A novel and sensitive method for the quantification of N-3-oxoacyl homoserine lactones using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry: application to a model bacterial biofilm.

A method is reported for the quantification of 3-oxoacyl homoserine lactones (3-oxo AHLs), a major class of quorum-sensing signals found in Gram-negative bacteria. It is based on the conversion of 3-oxo AHLs to their pentafluorobenzyloxime derivatives followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (electron capture-negative ion). The method used [13C16]-N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl homoserine lactone ([13C16]-OdDHL) as the internal standard, and its validity was tested by spiking the supernatant and cell fractions with three levels of 3-oxo AHLs, i.e. 1, 10 and 100 ng per sample. These showed the method to be both sensitive (S/N ratio >10:1 for 1 ng) and accurate. The assay was applied to the biofilm and effluent of a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6294) culture grown in flow cells. Biofilm volume was determined for three replicate flow cells by confocal scanning laser microscopy. OdDHL was detected in the biofilm at 632 +/- 381 microM and the effluent at 14 +/- 3 nM. The biofilm concentration is the highest level so far reported for an AHL in a wild-type bacterial system. The next most abundant 3-oxo AHL in the biofilm and effluent was N-3-oxo-tetradecanoyl homoserine lactone (OtDHL) at 40 +/- 15 microM and 1.5 +/- 0.7 nM respectively. OtDHL is unreported for P. aeruginosa and has an activity equivalent to OdDHL in a lasR bioassay. Two other 3-oxo AHLs were detected at lower concentrations: N3-oxo-decanoyl homoserine lactone (ODHL) in the biofilm (3 +/- 2 microM) and effluent (1 +/- 0.1 nM); and N-3-oxo-octanoyl homoserine lactone (OOHL) in the effluent (0.1 +/- 0.1 nM).
Getting a diagnosis v. learning to live with it? The case of the progressive ataxias

Objectives: To examine the perceptions and experiences of the diagnosis process in people with a progressive ataxia, a group of rare complex neurological conditions usually leading to disturbances in balance and speech. Methods: An explorative qualitative study involving analysis of public accounts posted to specialist Internet discussion forums by people with symptoms of ataxia. Internet data were utilized partly because ataxia is a rare condition. Results: The main themes that emerged were diagnosis as an arduous process, achieving diagnosis as a privilege, the importance of getting a medical label, being believed with regard to symptoms and ‘idiopathic’ diagnosis as a non-diagnosis. The accounts of people who were not able to secure a definitive diagnosis suggested that their priorities had changed from getting a diagnosis to managing and learning to live with their progressive disabilities. Conclusions: The diagnosis of the progressive ataxias presents challenges for patients, clinicians and in terms of the extensive use of finite healthcare resources. Our findings suggest there are varied views on the importance of diagnosis to people with progressive ataxia. This warrants further in-depth research to understand how people rate the relative utility of diagnostics.
Maximum power point tracking of photovoltaic system using Fuzzy Logic Controller based boost converter

Recently, the energy crisis in the world has led to the rise in use of renewable energy sources. With the advancement in power electronics technology, the solar photovoltaic energy has been recognized as an important renewable energy resource because it is clean, abundant and pollution free. The efficiency of the photovoltaic system may be increased by using Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT). A number of algorithms are developed to track the maximum power point efficiently. Most of the existing MPPT algorithms suffer from the drawback of being slow or wrong tracking. Introduction of intelligent MPPTs in PV systems is very promising. The current paper proposes an intelligent control method for the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of a photovoltaic system under variable insolation conditions. Here in this paper, intelligent control method uses a Fuzzy Logic Controller applied to a DC-DC converter device. The result is compared with the results obtained by using P&O method. The effectiveness of proposed algorithm is validated by simulation using Matlab/Simulink and is compared to those obtained by the conventional methods. The result shows that the fuzzy logic controller exhibits a better performance compared to that of conventional method.
Eosinophil Tissue Recruitment to Sites of Allergic Inflammation in the Lung Is Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule Independent1

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM or CD31) is a cell adhesion molecule expressed on circulating leukocytes and endothelial cells that plays an important role in mediating neutrophil and monocyte transendothelial migration in vivo. In this study, we investigated whether eosinophils, like neutrophils and monocytes, utilize PECAM for tissue recruitment to sites of allergic inflammation in vivo. Eosinophils express similar levels of PECAM as neutrophils as assessed by FACS analysis. RT-PCR studies demonstrate that eosinophils like neutrophils express the six extracellular domains of PECAM. Eosinophils exhibit homophilic binding to recombinant PECAM as assessed in a single-cell micropipette adhesion assay able to measure the biophysical strength of adhesion of eosinophils to recombinant PECAM. The strength of eosinophil adhesion to recombinant PECAM is the same as that of neutrophil binding to recombinant PECAM and can be inhibited with an anti-PECAM Ab. Although eosinophils express functional PECAM, anti-PECAM Abs did not inhibit bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophilia, lung eosinophilia, and airway hyperreactivity to methacholine in a mouse model of OVA-induced asthma in vivo. Thus, in contrast to studies that have demonstrated that neutrophil and monocyte tissue recruitment is PECAM dependent, these studies demonstrate that eosinophil tissue recruitment in vivo in this model is PECAM independent.
Five-Year Results From Chemonucleolysis With Chymopapain or Collagenase: A Prospective Randomized Study

Study Design. A 5-year clinical follow-up assessment of a prospective randomized study of chemonucleolysis using chymopapain (4000 IU) or collagenase (400 ABC units) was performed. Summary of Background Data. Intradiscal therapy can be performed for patients with contained discs by chemonucleolysis, percutaneous discectomy, or laser ablation. The oldest intradiscal therapy is chemonucleolysis with chymopapain. Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare prospectively the efficacy of chymopapain and collagenase for intradiscal injection. Methods. In this study, 100 patients with indication for intradiscal therapy were prospectively randomized to treatment with either chymopapain or collagenase. All the injections were performed by the double-needle technique with the patient under general anesthesia. The mean age of the patients was 35.5 years in the chymopapain group and 38 years in the collagenase group. An equal number of injections was performed at L4–L5 and L5–S1. Results. After 5 years, good and excellent results were observed in 72% of the chymopapain group and 52% of the collagenase group when the surgically treated and lost patients were graded as poor. Using a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (intractable pain), the pain level dropped from 8.5 to 0.7 in the chymopapain group and from 8.6 to 0.9 in the collagenase group. Microdiscectomy at the injected level was required for 23 patients (14 in the collagenase group and 9 in the chymopapain group). Conclusions. After 5 years, no deterioration had occurred, as compared with the 1-year follow-up assessment. Chymopapain has proved to be safe, with one minor anaphylactic reaction, and effective even over the long term. Collagenase may need further study and cannot be recommended at this time.
BRCA1 Regulates GADD45 through Its Interactions with the OCT-1 and CAAT Motifs*

BRCA1, a breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene, has been implicated in gene regulation. Previous studies demonstrate that BRCA1 induces GADD45, a p53-regulated and stress-inducible gene that plays an important role in cellular response to DNA damage. However, the mechanism(s) by which BRCA1 regulates GADD45 remains unclear. In this report, we have shown that BRCA1 activation of the GADD45 promoter is mediated through the OCT-1 and CAAT motifs located at theGADD45 promoter region. Site-directed mutations of both OCT-1 and CAAT motifs abrogate induction of the GADD45promoter by BRCA1. Both OCT-1 and CAAT motifs are able to confer BRCA1 inducibility in a non-related minimal promoter. Physical associations of BRCA1 protein with transcription factors Oct-1 and NF-YA, which directly bind to the OCT-1 and CAAT motifs, are established by biotin-streptavidin pull-down and coimmunoprecipitation assays. Such protein interactions are required for interaction of BRCA1 with theGADD45 promoter because either immunodepletion of Oct-1 and NF-YA proteins or mutations in the OCT-1 and CAAT motifs disrupt BRCA1 binding to the GADD45 promoter. These findings indicate that BRCA1 can up-regulate its targeted genes through protein-protein interactions and provide a novel mechanism by which BRCA1 participates in transcriptional regulation.
A Membrane Receptor for Retinol Binding Protein Mediates Cellular Uptake of Vitamin A

Vitamin A has diverse biological functions. It is transported in the blood as a complex with retinol binding protein (RBP), but the molecular mechanism by which vitamin A is absorbed by cells from the vitamin A–RBP complex is not clearly understood. We identified in bovine retinal pigment epithelium cells STRA6, a multitransmembrane domain protein, as a specific membrane receptor for RBP. STRA6 binds to RBP with high affinity and has robust vitamin A uptake activity from the vitamin A–RBP complex. It is widely expressed in embryonic development and in adult organ systems. The RBP receptor represents a major physiological mediator of cellular vitamin A uptake.
Autologous transplantation of rabbit limbal epithelia cultured on fibrin gels for ocular surface reconstruction.

PURPOSE Regeneration of the corneal epithelium could be severely impaired in patients suffering from limbal stem cell deficiency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the restoration of the corneal epithelium by grafting onto denuded corneas autologous limbal cells cultured on fibrin gels. The rabbit model was chosen to allow the microscopic evaluation over time after grafting. METHODS Rabbit limbal epithelial cells (RLECs) were isolated and cultured from small limbal biopsies (3 mm2). The epithelium was separated from stroma after dispase digestion and put in culture on lethally irradiated fibroblasts used as a feeder layer. At the first passage, RLECs were cultured on a fibrin gel matrix. At confluence, the cultured epithelia were grafted in vivo on denuded autologous rabbit corneas. At different postoperative times, grafted and control (without graft or grafted with fibrin gels only) rabbit corneas were compared in vivo with a slit lamp microscope, and in situ by histological and immunohistological microscopy of harvested biopsies. RESULTS A small limbal biopsy was sufficient to generate enough RLECs to prepare several grafts and to perform cell analysis. Only two weeks were required to produce a cultured epithelium suitable for autologous transplantation. One month after grafting, a normal corneal phenotype was observed on the ocular surface of grafted rabbits in contrast to the control rabbits (ungrafted or grafted with fibrin gel only) where histological signs of conjunctivalization were found. The absence of goblet cells and negative staining for keratin 4 confirmed that the cultured cells persisted and that the epithelium regenerated after grafting was not from conjunctival origin. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that an autologous epithelium cultured on a physiologically biodegradable matrix can be prepared from a small biopsy and grafted on denuded cornea. The autologous graft allows epithelial regeneration from cultured cells and promotes corneal healing of unilateral total stem cell deficiency.
Persistent arthralgia associated with chikungunya virus: a study of 88 adult patients on reunion island.

BACKGROUND An outbreak of chikungunya virus infection occurred on Reunion Island during the period 2005-2006. Persistent arthralgia after chikungunya virus infection has been reported, but few studies have treated this aspect of the disease. METHODS Adult patients with laboratory-confirmed acute chikungunya virus infection who were referred to Groupe Hospitalier Sud Reunion during the period 2005-2006 were asked to participate in the study. Patients were assessed a mean of 18 months after acute disease occurred. Assessment consisted of answering questions on a standard form, undergoing a medical examination, and being tested for the presence of IgM antibodies to chikungunya virus. RESULTS Eighty-eight patients (mean age, 58.3 years; male-to-female ratio, 1.1:1.0) were included in this study. Fifty-eight patients (65.9%) had been hospitalized for acute chikungunya virus infection, and a history of arthralgia before chikungunya virus infection was reported by 39 patients (44%). Fifty-six patients (63.6%) reported persistent arthralgia related to chikungunya virus infection, and in almost one-half of the patients, the joint pain had a negative impact on everyday activities. Arthralgia was polyarticular in all cases, and pain was continuous in 31 patients (55.4%). Overall, 35 patients (39.7%) had test results positive for IgM antibodies to chikungunya virus. CONCLUSIONS Persistent and disabling arthralgia was a frequent concern in this cohort of patients who had experienced severe chikungunya virus infection approximately 18 months earlier. Further studies are needed to evaluate the prevalence of persistent arthralgia in the general population to determine the real burden of the disease.
Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks

Office. The Office will issue a deposit account statement at the end of each month. A remittance must be made promptly upon receipt of the statement to cover the value of items or services charged to the account and thus restore the account to its established normal deposit. An amount sufficient to cover all fees, copies, or services requested must always be on deposit. Charges to accounts with insufficient funds will not be accepted. A service charge (§ 2.6(b)(11)) will be assessed for each month that the balance at the end of the month is below $1,000. * * * * *