Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Fatty Acid Composition, Spore Germination, and Thermal Resistance in a Nisin-Resistant Mutant of Clostridium botulinum 169B and in the Wild-Type Strain

ABSTRACT The membrane fatty acids, thermal resistance, and germination of a nisin-resistant (Nisr) mutant of Clostridium botulinum 169B were compared with those of the wild-type (WT) strain. In the membranes of WT cells, almost 50% of the total fatty acids were unsaturated, but in those of Nisr cells, only 23% of the fatty acids were unsaturated. WT and Nisrspores contained similar amounts (approximately 23%) of unsaturated fatty acids, but the saturated straight-chain/branched-chain ratio was significantly higher in Nisr spores than in WT spores. These fatty acid differences suggest that Nisr cell and spore membranes may be more rigid, a characteristic which would interfere with the pore-forming ability of nisin. NisrC. botulinum did not produce an extracellular nisin-degrading enzyme, nor were there any differences in the sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns of coat proteins extracted from WT and Nisr spores, eliminating these as possible reasons for nisin resistance. Nisr spores had thermal resistance parameters similar to those of WT spores. In WT spores, but not in Nisr spores, nisin caused a 40% reduction in thermal resistance and a twofold increase in the germination rate. Because the nisin-induced increase in the germination rate of WT spores occurred only in the presence of a germinant (a molecule that triggers germination), nisin can be classified as a progerminant (a molecule that stimulates germination only in the presence of a germinant).
Dynamic pricing with strategic customers

This paper provides an overview of the literature on dynamic pricing with strategic customers. In the past, research on dynamic pricing was mostly concerned with optimally pricing products over time in a market with myopic customers. In recent years, the consideration of strategic customers, who can delay a purchase to take advantage of a future discount, has dramatically increased. This paper’s main contribution is the development of a comprehensive classification scheme to structure the field of research and, based upon this, a systematic overview of all relevant papers. We then present in detail the various aspects considered in the literature together with their motivation from industry and state the major findings of the most relevant papers. Further attention is given to important problem extensions proposed in the literature that have been considered in only a few papers and are usually motivated by specific practical applications. Finally, promising directions for future research are indicated.
Documentation note Query-Document Symmetry and Dual Models

The idea that there is some natural symmetry between queries and documents is explored. If symmetry can be assumed, then it leads to a conception of ‘dual’ models in information retrieval (given a model, we can construct a dual model in which the roles of documents and queries are reversed). But symmetry breaks down in various ways, which may invalidate this construction. If we can construct a dual, it is not obvious that it can be combined with the original.
Implementation of system testing automatization on computer aided systems for hardware and software

In today's technology, systems, consisting of many modules/units, are getting more complex day by day. Therefore, system testing becomes one of the biggest challenges moved by companies with the purpose to enhance final product quality due to market competition, customer demands, cost-cutting strategies, and restricted response time. System testing is considered to be a crucial step in quality management process that enables testers to verify and validate the application architecture as well as the requirements. System testing strategy can be manual or automated. With a manual strategy, the more traditional approach; testers prepare test suites that they think will best exercise the program. An automated testing strategy tries to remove the tediousness of the process by relying on a software tool that generates test cases. For its many advantages, automated testing strategy is more reliable; therefore, the idea of designing and developing a generic automatized test setup arised. In this paper, it will be mentioned that design and development of a generic test setup to automatize not only hardware testing facilities, but also software testing facilities for computer aided systems, composed of many platform interfaces. Need of stimulated based environments arised, because of high testing costs. Thanks to this test setup involving simulated environments, automated testing becomes more efficient, economical and tenacious. Regarding the computer based systems, general study by the mentioned system test setup with stimulated environment, followings are executed: Containing hardware interface alternatives; Enabling test many interfaces (software and hardware); Running system tests in accordance with standard communication protocols; Using data entered from user interface in message transmit/receive scenarios; Recording occurred scenarios during testing; Reporting planned and occurred scenarios In addition, this modular automatized test setup can be used and modified for similar computer aided system's testing facilities. As a result, with the help of this modular automatized test setup, the followings are aimed to achieve; Minimized failures based on human error during testing facilities; Detected more failures in early stages; Running testing steps 7x24 continuously; Re-iterating test scenarios frequently; Increased efficiency by reducing test duration and resources.
Effects of bacteria on the enteric nervous system: implications for the irritable bowel syndrome.

A unified scenario emerges when it is considered that a major impact of stress on the intestinal tract is reflected by symptoms reminiscent of the diarrhea-predominant form of irritable bowel syndrome. Cramping abdominal pain, fecal urgency, and explosive watery diarrhea are hallmarks not only of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, but also of infectious enteritis, radiation-induced enteritis, and food allergy. The scenario starts with stress-induced compromise of the intestinal mucosal barrier and continues with microorganisms or other sensitizing agents crossing the barrier and being intercepted by enteric mast cells. Mast cells signal the presence of the agent to the enteric nervous system (ie, the brain-in-the-gut), which uses one of the specialized programs from its library of programs to remove the "threat. " This is accomplished by stimulating mucosal secretion, which flushes the threatening agent into the lumen and maintains it in suspension. The secretory response then becomes linked to powerful propulsive motility, which propels the secretions together with the offending agent rapidly in the anal direction. Cramping abdominal pain accompanies the strong propulsive contractions. Urgency is experienced when arrival of the large bolus of liquid distends the recto-sigmoid region and reflexly opens the internal anal sphincter, with continence protection now provided only by central reflexes that contract the puborectalis and external anal sphincter muscles. Sensory information arriving in the brain from receptors in the rapidly distending recto-sigmoid accounts for the conscious sensation of urgency and might exacerbate the individual's emotional stress. The symptom of explosive watery diarrhea becomes self-explanatory in this scenario.
Korean Version of Frontal Assessment Battery: Psychometric Properties and Normative Data

Background: We developed the Korean version of the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB-K), evaluated its psychometric properties and constructed normative data for Korean elders. Methods: FAB-K was administered to 300 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and 635 normal controls. Reliability of FAB-K was evaluated by testing its internal consistency, test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities. Validity of FAB-K was evaluated by testing discriminant validity for AD and concurrent validity with other frontal function tests. Age- and education-specific normative data of FAB-K were developed. Results: Cronbach’s α, inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability of FAB-K were 0.802, 0.980 (p < 0.001) and 0.820 (p < 0.001), respectively. FAB-K exhibited significant correlations with the scores of MMSE and other frontal function tests (p < 0.01). Total and item scores of FAB-K were lower in AD patients than in controls and became worse as clinical dementia rating increased (F = 192.026, d.f. = 4, p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off score of FAB-K for AD was determined as 10/11, where sensitivity and specificity for AD were 0.717 and 0.827, respectively. Normative data were stratified by 3 age groups and 4 education groups. Conclusion: The FAB-K is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating frontal dysfunction, and may be useful for screening AD.
A tale of two hospitals: a sociotechnical appraisal of the introduction of computerized physician order entry in two Dutch hospitals

We compared the implementation of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) in two Dutch hospitals, one being an academic medical center and the other a large regional non-academic hospital. Both implemented the TDS7000 system that was running on the same computer, located in the computing department of the academic medical center. The outcomes of the implementation were different. The introduction of CPOE in the university medical center failed, while it was a success in the non-academic hospital. An appraisal of the different outcomes is possible when we consider the implementation of information as a thorough social process in which the technical and the social are closely interrelated. Our findings suggest that organizational change associated with CPOE implementation should not focus on individual physician behavior but on medical work as a collaborative professional effort
An indoor localization platform for ambient assisted living using UWB

Localization of elderly people is considered to be a key task in ambient assisted living platforms. The problem of timely and valid emergency medical services notifications may be addressed in the context of a location-aware, event-triggered system provided an accurate, robust and reliable underlying localization system exists. Furthermore, first responders' reaction quality can improve considerably in the case where location-related information is available. In this paper, a system capable of providing localization data to an overlying ambient assisted living and event detection platform is presented, together with initial measurements results. Furthermore, the proposed localization technique offers enhanced accuracy and reliability with respect to a typical Ultra Wideband (UWB) system.
Organisational Factors Influencing the Diffusion of Process Innovations from Manufacturing to Health Services Settings

Background: This paper presents an Organisational Behaviour perspective of organisational factors influencing diffusion of innovation in a medium-sized tertiary public hospital. The innovation consists of applying Lean principles coupled with computer simulation of process changes. The diffusion of product innovations is well documented in the innovation management literature. However, the diffusion of process innovations across industries is relatively unexplored. In the last twenty years Lean manufacturing techniques increasingly appear in health settings accompanied by reports of quality and financial gains, and warnings of workforce resistance. Aim: This research addresses an important gap in theoretical and practical knowledge through examining the organisational factors that predispose a public hospital to adopt process innovations originating outside the health sector. Methodology: Case research was used to examine an early adopter of Lean thinking coupled with computer simulation to analyse and optimise patient flow between Emergency and Imaging Departments. Semi-structured interviews with key informants were combined with analysis of government and hospital policy documents and internal surveys in a retrospective evaluation of recent changes to scheduling processes. Thematic analysis was used to identify organisational factors that influence diffusion of innovation in health settings, including culture, leadership and links with other organisations. Findings: The influence of intra-organisation factors, including but not limited to a recent organisational crisis, culture, attitude to risk taking, tensions prompting change and informal inter-organisational networks were evaluated. Hospital leadership emerged as an important factor in reducing insularity within the organisation. Clinician cohort age and crisis conditions (real or perceived) appeared as factors influencing diffusion of innovation. Conclusions and Implications: Hospital characteristics supporting the adoption of performance-enhancing innovations from dissimilar settings are reviewed in the context of a recent improvement project. The cultural acceptability of highly empirical quality improvement techniques (evidence based management) to professionals accustomed to evidence based medicine is also considered.
The synapse in schizophrenia

It has been several decades since synaptic dysfunction was first suggested to play a role in schizophrenia, but only in the last few years has convincing evidence been obtained as progress has been made in elucidating the genetic underpinnings of the disorder. In the intervening years much has been learned concerning the complex macromolecular structure of the synapse itself, and genetic studies are now beginning to draw upon these advances. Here we outline our current understanding of the genetic architecture of schizophrenia and examine the evidence for synaptic involvement. A strong case can now be made that disruption of glutamatergic signalling pathways regulating synaptic plasticity contributes to the aetiology of schizophrenia.
The Comparative Advantage Theory of Competition

A new theory of competition is evolving in the strategy literature. The authors explicate the foundations of this new theory, the “comparative advantage theory of competition,” and contrast them with the neoclassical theory of perfect competition. They argue that the new theory of competition explains key macro and micro phenomena better than neoclassical perfect competition theory. Finally, they further explicate the theory of comparative advantage by evaluating a market orientation as a potential resource for comparative advantage.
Spasmolytic effects of prostaglandin E1 on serotonin-induced bronchoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension in dogs.

In this study, we simultaneously evaluated the spasmolytic effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on serotonin-induced bronchoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension. Eleven mongrel dogs (8-12 kg) anaesthetized with pentobarbital were assigned to two groups: saline (n = 4) and PGE1 (n = 7). Bronchoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension were elicited with serotonin 10 micrograms kg-1 + 1 mg kg-1 h-1 and assessed as the percentage change in bronchial cross-sectional area (BCA) measured by bronchoscopy and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), respectively. Thirty minutes after starting the serotonin infusion, saline or PGE1 0 (saline), 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 or 10 micrograms kg-1 i.v. was given. %BCA and %PVR (basal = 100%) were assessed before and 30 min after serotonin, and 30 and 60 min after saline (saline group) or 5 min after each dose of PGE1 (PGE1 group). In the saline group, pulmonary hypertension and bronchoconstriction were stable. In the PGE1 group, PGE1 at > or = 0.1 microgram kg-1 significantly decreased %BCA and 10 micrograms kg-1 almost fully reversed the constriction (from mean (SEM) 56.2% (4.9%) to 94.4% (3.7%)). %PVR was significantly decreased at 10 micrograms kg-1 (from 230% (24%) to 176% (11%)) only. We suggest that PGE1 may produce bronchodilation rather than pulmonary vasodilation.
Analysis of Oct4‐Dependent Transcriptional Networks Regulating Self‐Renewal and Pluripotency in Human Embryonic Stem Cells

The POU domain transcription factor OCT4 is a key regulator of pluripotency in the early mammalian embryo and is highly expressed in the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. Consistent with its essential role in maintaining pluripotency, Oct4 expression is rapidly downregulated during formation of the trophoblast lineage. To enhance our understanding of the molecular basis of this differentiation event in humans, we used a functional genomics approach involving RNA interference‐mediated suppression of OCT4 function in a human ESC line and analysis of the resulting transcriptional profiles to identify OCT4‐dependent genes in human cells. We detected altered expression of >1,000 genes, including targets regulated directly by OCT4 either positively (NANOG, SOX2, REX1, LEFTB, LEFTA/EBAF DPPA4, THY1, and TDGF1) or negatively (CDX2, EOMES, BMP4, TBX18, Brachyury [T], DKK1, HLX1, GATA6, ID2, and DLX5), as well as targets for the OCT4‐associated stem cell regulators SOX2 and NANOG. Our data set includes regulators of ACTIVIN, BMP, fibroblast growth factor, and WNT signaling. These pathways are implicated in regulating human ESC differentiation and therefore further validate the results of our analysis. In addition, we identified a number of differentially expressed genes that are involved in epigenetics, chromatin remodeling, apoptosis, and metabolism that may point to underlying molecular mechanisms that regulate pluripotency and trophoblast differentiation in humans. Significant concordance between this data set and previous comparisons between inner cell mass and trophectoderm in human embryos indicates that the study of human ESC differentiation in vitro represents a useful model of early embryonic differentiation in humans.
Does the Market Value Innovative Investments? A Comparison of CAPEX with Investments in R&D and IT

The paper examines the stock market’s relative response to innovative investments using a novel dataset that tracks all R&D, IT and capital expenditures (CAPEX) made by Australian firms over the period 1994 to 2006. Continuous disclosure rules in Australia help ensure that the sample is less affected by endogeneity issues, where companies may ‘select’ which announcements to make, giving rise to a sample selection bias. We report positive and statistically significant cumulative average abnormal returns (CAARs) of between 3.03% and 5.24%, which are substantially higher than those reported by comparable US studies. Investments in R&D and IT generate higher CAARs, particularly on a value-weighted basis, indicating positive benefits to scale in undertaking innovative investments. On a per-dollar spent basis, innovative investments return, on average, about 85 cents per dollar, compared to 64 cents for CAPEX. Cross-sectional regressions show firm size, growth options, leverage, and investor uncertainty as key drivers in explaining announcement returns. Consistent with the view that innovative investments involve greater uncertainty for investors, compared to CAPEX, we report a significantly higher dispersion of investor opinion around their announcement, which also has a larger negative impact on their value. Collectively, the results suggest that markets do not react myopically to innovative expenditures. Our findings run counter to claims by some managers that markets are inherently myopic, and who use this perception to justify underinvestment in strategic-type investments.
Animal poxvirus vaccines: a comprehensive review

The family Poxviridae includes several viruses of medical and veterinary importance. Global concerted efforts combined with an intensive mass-vaccination campaign with highly efficaceious live vaccine of vaccinia virus have led to eradication of smallpox. However, orthopoxviruses affecting domestic animals continue to cause outbreaks in several endemic countries. Different kinds of vaccines starting from conventional inactivated/attenuated to recombinant protein-based vaccines have been used for control of poxvirus infections. Live virus homologous vaccines are currently in use for diseases including capripox, parapox, camelpox and fowlpox, and these vaccines are highly effective in eliciting (with the exception of parapoxviruses) long-lasting immunity. Attenuated strains of poxviruses have been exploited as vectored vaccines to deliver heterologous immunogens, many of them being licensed for use in animals. Worthy of note are vaccinia virus, fowlpox virus, capripoxvirus, parapoxvirus and canary pox, which have been successfully used for developing new-generation vaccines targeting many important pathogens. Remarkable features of these vaccines are thermostability and their ability to engender both cellular and humoral immune responses to the target pathogens. This article updates the important vaccines available for poxviruses of livestock and identifies some of the research gaps in the present context of poxvirus research.
Effects of application of standard ISO in profitability and revenues of enterprise in Pollog region- Republic of Macedonia

The quality standard ISO 9001 is a set of international standards which helps management to establish and maintain quality enterprise system. In connection with the benefits of the application of this standard we have numerous empirical papers which are divided into giving conclusions, some papers show that the application of ISO 9001 positively affect sales and profitability of enterprises, while some other empirical studies show the opposite.Based on empirical data we will try to point out how the application of this standard affects the sales and profitability of small and medium enterprises in Pollog region. The methodology used in this paper is independent , the data that we will use in the paper are obtained from the balance sheets of enterprises and the survey of 100 SMEs received as a sample. With the help of regression analysis we will measure the impact of the application of ISO 9001 in revenues and profitability of enterprises. Preliminary results indicate that there is a positive correlation between these variables, companies that have applied this standard have increased their sales and profitability, companies that have not applied have a reduction in revenues and profitability.
Towards a Framework on the Security Requirements for Electronic Voting Protocols

Electronic voting schemes are expected to meet the basic security requirements for electronic voting. However, very different opinions about these requirements exist in the e-voting community. This is due to the fact that the security requirements comprise different levels at which they can be met. For example, universal verifiability may, or may not, include verifying eligibility of the voters who participated in the election. This paper provides definitions of different levels of election secrecy and verifiability. We also investigate whether there exists an order for the different levels and provide adversary models. The resulting compilation is useful since it may not be necessary, or even possible, to achieve the maximum level for all the security requirements in parallel. Thus, appropriate levels of the requirements can be selected for different types of elections, e.g. parliamentary elections vs. elections in associations.