Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Innovative Work Behaviour: Propositions on Influence from Within and Without an Individual in the Organisational Context

Innovation in general and innovative work behaviour (IWB) in particular have been identified as key to sustained competitive advantage and core aspects of management. This article takes an ecological psychology point of view, considering behaviour as an outcome of individual factors, (organisational) context and the interaction of the two, and also self-efficacy as an individual factor leading to IWB, to put forth a few propositions.
Road network extraction via deep learning and line integral convolution

In this paper, we propose a learning-based road network extraction scheme from high resolution satellite. First, the convolutional neural network (CNN), which is able to capture large context of local structures, are applied to predict the probability of a pixel belonging to road regions, and assign labels to each pixel to describe whether it is road. Then, a line integral convolution based algorithm is developed to smooth the rough map to connect small gaps. Finally, by combining with some common image processing operators, road centerlines are able to be acquired. Attribute to the learning capacity of CNN, and the line integral convolution based connection scheme, the proposed road extraction method is able to provide high quality results comparing to current state-of-art road extraction methods.
High dose cytarabine with rituximab is an effective first-line therapy for mantle cell lymphoma and produces ample stem cell harvest yields after multiple chemotherapy cycles

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an uncommon B-cell neoplasm with male predominance and a median age at presentation in the mid-60s. Th e majority of patients follow an aggressive clinical course with a median survival of approximately 4 years, and with the possible exception of allogeneic stem cell transplant, no obvious curative therapy. In younger patients the treatment of choice is a high dose cytarabine (HDAraC) containing regimen followed by an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Th is advance in therapy was pioneered by the M. D. Anderson hospital in the USA using the Hyper-CVAD regimen (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone, plus methotrexate and HDAraC) [1]. Results in mantle cell lymphoma where Hyper-CVAD was followed by an ASCT were encouraging, with an overall response rate (ORR) of over 90% and a complete response (CR) rate of 38%. Th is regimen was subsequently modifi ed with omission of the ASCT and incorporation of rituximab. Long-term follow-up of patients treated with this adaptation in a single-center study demonstrated a CR rate of 87% [2] and median overall survival (OS) not reached at a median of 8 years [3]. Unfortunately, when this regimen is used in a multicenter setting the results are far less impressive, with signifi cant therapy-associated morbidity and consequent high treatment failure rate [4]. Further evidence in favor of an HDAraC combination in this disease is derived from the study of Lefr e re et al . , where the use of DHAP (dexamethasone, HDAraC, cisplatin) in patients who did not achieve CR with initial CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) demonstrated a marked increase in CR rates [5]. Th is treatment also benefi ts from the addition of rituximab (R), as shown by the results of the recent Groupe d ’ Etude des Lymphomes de l ’ Adulte (GELA) phase 2 study [6].
Evaluation of removal of orthophosphate and ammonia from rainfall runoff using aboveground permeable reactive barrier composed of limestone and zeolite

This paper evaluates the design and performance of an Aboveground Permeable Reactive Barrier (APRB) system made of polyethylene mesh bags (FlowBags) containing crushed limestone and zeolite for adsorption of orthophosphate-P (PO4-P) and ammonia-N (NH4-N) from rainfall runoff. Laboratory batch experiments, simulated runoff experiments and actual APRB implementations were performed to evaluate the performance of the APRB. Batch experiments were performed to determine adsorption efficiency of crushed zeolite and limestone as reactive materials in APRB for removal of dissolved ammonium nitrogen and orthophosphate phosphorus from aqueous solutions under controlled laboratory conditions. Adsorption efficiencies of zeolite and limestone were tested individually and in combination. Results show adsorption efficiency increases when the materials are used in combination. Effects of particle size, contact time, pH, and temperature were studied. Major emphasis was given to short contact times because the contact of rainfall runoff water under field conditions with APRBs would be ∼5 minutes. Maximum removal of ∼70% PO4-P and NH4-N was seen at 45°C in 5 minutes within a pH range of 8–11. Optimum adsorbent concentration was 0.3 ppm with 20 g limestone and 10 g of zeolites. Simulated field experiments and actual APRB field installations showed variable results. Results from field evaluations of APRB showed mixed results from very high to negligible removal of orthophosphate-P and ammonia-N at different monitoring sites and storm events. Such variability may be due to the design of the bags, other biotic and abiotic factors and various physical factors, which are absent in the laboratory conditions. Some APRB design problems were also observed under field conditions and solutions are suggested. Overall results indicate that APRBs composed of combinations of crushed zeolite and limestone will offer an effective low maintenance and green alternative to remove dissolved nutrients from runoff and protect surface water resources from eutrophication.
Reduced axon sprouting after treatment that diminishes microglia accumulation at lesions in the leech CNS

The role of mammalian microglia in central nervous system (CNS) repair is controversial. Microglia accumulate at lesions where they act as immune cells and phagocytize debris, and they may secrete neurotrophins, but they also produce molecules that can be cytotoxic, like nitric oxide (NO). To determine the importance of microglial accumulation at lesions on growth of severed CNS axons in the leech (Hirudo medicinalis), in which axon and synapse regeneration are notably successful even when isolated in tissue culture medium, microglial migration to lesions was reduced. Pressure (P) sensory neurons were injected with biocytin to reveal the extent of their sprouting 24 hours after lesioning. To reduce microglia accumulation at lesions, cords were treated for 3.5 hours with 3 mM ATP or 2 mM Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) or 50 μM Reactive blue‐2 (RB2) beginning 30 minutes before injury. Lesioned controls were either not treated with drug or treated 3 hours later with one of the drugs, after the migration and subsequent accumulation of most microglia had occurred, but before the onset of axon sprouting, for a total of seven separate conditions. There was a significant reduction in total sprout lengths compared with controls when microglial accumulation was reduced. The results suggest that microglial cells are necessary for the usual sprouting of injured axons. J. Comp. Neurol. 503:101–109, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Die digitale Ökonomie und ihre Auswirkungen auf die Arbeitswelt. 1. Die Plattform-Ökonomie

[Die Revolution der Kybernetik] führt zu einem Wirtschaftssystem fast unbegrenzter Produktion durch Maschinen, in der nur noch wenige menschliche Mitarbeiter erforderlich sind. Die Kybernetisierung ist bereits dabei, das Wirtschaftsund Sozialsystem nach ihren eigenen Bedürfnissen umzugestalten. [ . ] Es ist wichtig zu erkennen, dass der traditionelle Zusammenhang zwischen Arbeitsplatz und Einkommen so nicht mehr existiert. (Ad Hoc Committee on the Triple Revolution, 1964: 5)
Pharmacological inhibition of cannabinoid receptor 1 stimulates gastric release of nesfatin-1 via the mTOR pathway

AIM To determine whether Nucb2/nesfatin1 production is regulated by the cannabinoid system through the intracellular mTOR pathway in the stomach. METHODS Sprague Dawley rats were treated with vehicle, rimonabant, rapamycin or rapamycin+rimonabant. Gastric tissue obtained from the animals was used for biochemical assays: Nucb2 mRNA measurement by real time PCR, gastric Nucb2/nesfatin protein content by western blot, and gastric explants to obtain gastric secretomes. Nucb2/nesfatin levels were measured in gastric secretomes and plasma using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The inhibition of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) by the peripheral injection of an inverse agonist, namely rimonabant, decreases food intake and increases the gastric secretion and circulating levels of Nucb2/nesfatin-1. In addition, rimonabant treatment activates mTOR pathway in the stomach as showed by the increase in pmTOR/mTOR expression in gastric tissue obtained from rimonabant treated animals. These effects were confirmed by the use of a CB1 antagonist, AM281. When the intracellular pathway mTOR/S6k was inactivated by chronic treatment with rapamycin, rimonabant treatment was no longer able to stimulate the gastric secretion of Nucb2/nesfatin-1. CONCLUSION The peripheral cannabinoid system regulates food intake through a mechanism that implies gastric production and release of Nucb2/Nesfatin-1, which is mediated by the mTOR/S6k pathway.
Thrombin generation in patients with a first acute myocardial infarction

Summary. Background: Despite improved treatment options, myocardial infarction is still an important cause of morbidity and mortality. One of the contributing mechanisms in the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is plasma hypercoagulability. Methods: We investigated hypercoagulability in 135 (first) patients with AMI using thrombin generation (TG) testing. TG testing was performed in plasmas, drawn upon admission and before medication administration, and subsequently after 4 days, 3 and 6 months. Further, we evaluated determinants of thrombin generation using multiple regression analysis of major coagulation proteins and inhibitors. Admission TG results were also related to 1‐year outcome: cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction, a second coronary intervention [percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)] and ischemic stroke. Results: At day 0, the TG parameters peak height, endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and lag time were increased compared with a reference population. Peak height and lag time stayed persistently increased in patients. The lowest half of the ETP values was statistically not significantly associated with an occurrence of endpoints. The lowest half of the ETP values combined with the upper half of the D‐dimer values were associated with endpoints; odds ratio 5.8 (1.1–30.7). Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) seems to be an important determinant of TG in AMI and healthy persons. Conclusions: TG reflects acute hypercoagulability during AMI and partly also in the 6‐month period after the acute event. TG shows a trend of an inverse association with risk of recurrent ischemic cardiovascular complications. Unraveling mechanisms in TG might improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of AMI and direct future improvements in medical care.
In Situ Detection of Apoptosis at Sites of Chronic Bacterially Induced Inflammation in Human Gingiva

ABSTRACT Apoptosis is a key phenomenon in the regulation of the life span of terminally differentiated leukocytes. Human gingiva represents an established model to study immune responses to bacterial infection. In this investigation, we used the TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling) technique to evaluate presence and topographic location of apoptosis-associated DNA damage in human gingival biopsies along with the expression of the p53 and Bcl-2 apoptosis-regulating proteins. Qualitative data analysis showed high densities of cells expressing DNA damage and p53 both within the epithelial attachment to the tooth and in the perivascular infiltrate (infiltrated connective tissue [ICT]) immediately underlying the site of chronic bacterial aggression. Topographic consistency between DNA damage- and p53-positive cells was consistently observed. Quantitative analysis of the ICT showed mean densities of DNA damage- and p53-positive cells of 345 ± 278 and 403 ± 182 cells/mm2, respectively. Numerical consistency was confirmed by multivariate regression analysis: densities of DNA damage-positive cells were significantly predicted by densities of p53-positive cells (P = 0.001,r2 = 0.84). In the ICT, cells displaying biotinylated DNA nicks were 3.8% ± 2.7% of total cellularity, while p53- and Bcl-2-positive cells represented 4.4% ± 1.7% and 15.4% ± 6.7% of total cells, respectively. It is suggested that p53 expression associated with DNA damage is a prevalent phenomenon in chronically inflamed human gingiva, and that apoptosis may be a relevant process for the maintenance of local immune homeostasis at sites of chronic bacterial challenge in vivo.
Development and evaluation of 200 novel SNP assays for population genetic studies of westslope cutthroat trout and genetic identification of related taxa

DNA sequence data were collected and screened for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi) and also for substitutions that could be used to genetically discriminate rainbow trout (O. mykiss) and cutthroat trout, as well as several cutthroat trout subspecies. In total, 260 expressed sequence tag‐derived loci were sequenced and allelic discrimination genotyping assays developed from 217 of the variable sites. Another 50 putative SNPs in westslope cutthroat trout were identified by restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing, and seven of these were developed into assays. Twelve O. mykiss SNP assays that were variable within westslope cutthroat trout and 12 previously published SNP assays were also included in downstream testing. A total of 241 assays were tested on six westslope cutthroat trout populations (N = 32 per population), as well as collections of four other cutthroat trout subspecies and a population of rainbow trout. All assays were evaluated for reliability and deviation from Hardy–Weinberg and linkage equilibria. Poorly performing and duplicate assays were removed from the data set, and the remaining 200 assays were used in tests of population differentiation. The remaining markers easily distinguished the various subspecies tested, as evidenced by mean GST of 0.74. A smaller subset of the markers (N = 86; average GST = 0.40) was useful for distinguishing the six populations of westslope cutthroat trout. This study increases by an order of magnitude the number of genetic markers available for the study of westslope cutthroat trout and closely related taxa and includes many markers in genes (developed from ESTs).
Geometric packing constraints in egg phosphatidylcholine vesicles * ( inner and outer monolayers of vesicle bilayers / transmembrane asymmetry

This investigation presents a quantitative analysis of the asymmetric transmembrane lipid packing geometry in egg phosphatidylcholine vesicles. The analysis uses hydrodynamic and nuclear magnetic resonance data obtained for homogeneous egg phosphatidylcholine vesicles and demonstrates that the average area per lipid head group and effective length of the lipid are greater on the outer monolayer than on the inner monolayer of the egg phosphatidylcholine vesicle. Results also indicate that the bilayer of the egg phosphatidylcholine vesicle has an asymmetrical interface through its center. Spherically closed shell-like unilamellar phospholipid vesicles have gained wide acceptance as a membrane model system for the study of lipid bilayers, and to this end much work has been undertaken to illuminate their physical properties (1-3). One aspect of vesicle behavior that has drawn recent attention is the observation that the two monolayers comprising the vesicle bilayer are asymmetric with respect to many of their physical and compositional characteristics (4, 5). One such characteristic appears to be the geometric packing of the lipid molecules that make up the bilayer. This transmembrane asymmetric packing has been speculated to derive from the small radius of curvature of the vesicle bilayer (generally 100-110 A) (6, 7). Recently, Chrzeszczyk and her coworkers have derived an elegant approach for examining this asymmetric packing in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles, using a combination of hydrodynamic and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques (8). Nonetheless, only a qualitative picture has emerged because these authors analyzed dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles by using 31p NMR data derived from unfractionated dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles but hydrodynamic data derived from homogeneous egg phosphatidylcholine vesicles. In this communication, we report our analysis 9f the transmembrane lipid geometric packing of egg phosphatidylcholine molecules using 31P NMR and hydrodynamic data obtained in this laboratory for homogeneous egg phosphatidylcholine vesicles (9-12). This analysis yields quantitative information on the lipid geometry in the two halves of the vesicle bilayer. The results to be described indicate that the average area per lipid head group and effective length of the lipid are greater on the outer monolayer than on the inner monolayer of the egg phosphatidylcholine vesicle, suggesting thereby that similar transmembrane asymmetry of bilayer lipids may be present in highly folded regions of biological membranes.
Two Structurally Distinct Calcium Storage Sites in Rat Cardiac Sarcopiasmic Reticulum: An Electron Microprobe Analysis Study

The elemental composition of subcellular organelles in resting rat papillary muscle was measured by electron probe x-ray microanalysis of cryosections of flash-frozen tissue. Nonmitochondrial electron-dense structures (50-100 nm in diameter) with a phosphorous concentration larger than 375 mmol/kg dry wt were identified in the interfibrillar spaces of the I band region. They were not visible in the proximity of transverse tubules. The sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, and potassium content of the electron dense structures showed a normal distribution, consistent with a uniform composition of a specific subcellular organdie. However, the distribution of the calcium concentrations hi these electron-dense structures was bimodal, suggesting that they are composed of at least two subpopulations. One subpopulation had relatively high calcium (up to 53 mmol/kg dry wt) content with a mean value of 12.5±1.1 mmol/kg dry wt, while the other one had a relatively low calcium content with a mean value of 2.8±0.3 mmol/kg dry wt. The mean calcium concentration in the junctional sarcopiasmic reticulum (j-SR) in rat papillary muscle with calcium concentrations larger than 6 mmol/kg dry wt was 14.6±2.0 mmol/kg dry wt. We propose that the electron-dense structures described above correspond to nonjunctional sarcopiasmic reticulum and that the population containing relatively high calcium concentrations is calsequestrin-containing corbular sarcopiasmic reticulum (c-SR) confined to the I band region, while the population containing relatively low calcium concentrations corresponds to anastomosing regions of the network sarcopiasmic reticulum that hick calsequestrin. These results are consistent with the idea that both the corbular sarcopiasmic reticulum and the junctional sarcopiasmic reticulum are potential sources of Ca2+ released into the myofibrillar space during excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac muscle.
Bone Mineral Density in Patients Beginning Hemodialysis Treatment

Background: Our study was designed to determine bone mineral density (BMD) in patients beginning hemodialysis (HD) treatment, a possible correlation with the duration of renal failure prior to treatment, a possible correlation with the basic disease and the association with the concentration of intact parathormone (iPTH). Methods: Our prospective clinical trial included 50 patients beginning HD treatment. Cortical bone mineral density (BMDc) was measured at the left femoral neck and trabecular bone mineral density (BMDt) in the region of the lumbosacral spine. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by quantitative digital radiography using a Hologic 2000 plus device belonging to the third generation of densitometers based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: In patients (PTS) beginning HD, the average BMDc was 82 ± 15% of BMDc in a healthy population of corresponding age and sex. The average BMDt was 91 ± 16% of BMDt in a healthy population of corresponding age and sex. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). There is a negative correlation between iPTH and BMDc r = –0.34 (p < 0.02). Patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (GN) had a statistically significantly higher BMDc (g/cm2) (p < 0.01) than those with analgetic nephropathy (AN). PTS with AN have lower BMDc (g/cm2, %) (p < 0.02) and BMDt (p < 0.005) than the rest of the PTS, iPTH in PTS with AN is higher than in the rest of the PTS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In PTS at the beginning of HD, BMD is lower than in healthy people of corresponding age and sex. This means that BMD already decreases prior to HD. BMDc was statistically significantly lower than BMDt (p < 0.00005). PTS with AN have lower BMD than those with GN and all remaining PTS. A negative correlation between iPTH and BMDc was found.
Notch-induced Proteolysis and Nuclear Localization of the Delta Ligand*

The Delta protein is a single-pass transmembrane ligand for the Notch family of receptors. Delta binding to Notch invokes regulated intramembrane proteolysis and nuclear translocation of the Notch intracellular domain. Delta is proteolytically processed at two sites, Ala581 and Ala593 in the juxtamembrane and transmembrane domains, respectively (Mishra-Gorur, K., Rand, M. D., Perez-Villamil, B., and Artavanis-Tsakonas, S. (2002) J. Cell Biol. 159, 313–324). Controversy over the role of Delta processing in propagating Notch signals has stemmed from conflicting reports on the activity or inactivity of soluble extracellular domain products of Delta. We have examined Delta proteolysis in greater detail and report that Delta undergoes three proteolytic cleavages in the region of the juxtamembrane and transmembrane domains. Only one of these cleavages, analogous to cleavage at Ala581, is dependent on the Kuzbanian ADAM metalloprotease. The two additional cleavages correspond to the previously described cleavage at Ala593 and a novel unidentified site within or close to the transmembrane domain. Delta processing is up-regulated in co-cultures with Notch-expressing cells and is similarly induced by p-aminophenylmercuric acetate, a well documented activator of metalloproteases. Furthermore, expression of a truncated intracellular isoform of Delta shows prominent nuclear localization. Altogether, these data demonstrate a role for Notch in inducing Delta proteolysis and implicate a nuclear function for Delta, consistent with a model of bi-directional signaling through Notch-Delta interactions.
Theoretical Model for the Interpretation of BMD Scans in Patients Stopping Strontium Ranelate Treatment

Strontium ranelate is a new treatment for osteoporosis that results in large increases in BMD, much of which is an artefact caused by high bone strontium content. We used clinical trial data and a model of long‐term strontium kinetics to estimate the effect of past strontium treatment on future BMD measurements.