Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Formation of lipoxygenase-pathway-derived aldehydes in barley leaves upon methyl jasmonate treatment.

In barley leaves, the application of jasmonates leads to dramatic alterations of gene expression. Among the up-regulated gene products lipoxygenases occur abundantly. Here, at least four of them were identified as 13-lipoxygenases exhibiting acidic pH optima between pH 5.0 and 6.5. (13S,9Z,11E,15Z)-13-hydroxy-9,11,15-octadecatrienoic acid was found to be the main endogenous lipoxygenase-derived polyenoic fatty acid derivative indicating 13-lipoxygenase activity in vivo. Moreover, upon methyl jasmonate treatment > 78% of the fatty acid hydroperoxides are metabolized by hydroperoxide lyase activity resulting in the endogenous occurrence of volatile aldehydes. (2E)-4-Hydroxy-2-hexenal, hexanal and (3Z)- plus (2E)-hexenal were identified as 2,4-dinitro-phenylhydrazones using HPLC and identification was confirmed by GC/MS analysis. This is the first proof that (2E)-4-hydroxy-2-hexenal is formed in plants under physiological conditions. Quantification of (2E)-4-hydroxy-2-hexenal, hexanal and hexenals upon methyl jasmonate treatment of barley leaf segments revealed that hexenals were the major aldehydes peaking at 24 h after methyl jasmonate treatment. Their endogenous content increased from 1.6 nmol.g-1 fresh weight to 45 nmol.g-1 fresh weight in methyl-jasmonate-treated leaf segments, whereas (2E)-4-hydroxy-2-hexenal, peaking at 48 h of methyl jasmonate treatment increased from 9 to 15 nmol.g-1 fresh weight. Similar to the hexenals, hexanal reached its maximal amount 24 h after methyl jasmonate treatment, but increased from 0.6 to 3.0 nmol.g-1 fresh weight. In addition to the classical leaf aldehydes, (2E)-4-hydroxy-2-hexenal was detected, thereby raising the question of whether it functions in the degradation of chloroplast membrane constituents, which takes place after methyl jasmonate treatment.
Biologic Therapy in Psoriasis: Perspectives on Associated Risks and Patient Management

Background: Previous publications have described practical considerations for initiating biologic therapy in psoriasis patients. However, most publications have focused on anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. Objective: To create an evidence-based, practical tool that provides guidance on patient management for all biologics currently approved in Canada and the United States. Methods: Psoriasis publications regarding safety issues in the initiation or monitoring of adalimumab, alefacept, etanercept, infliximab, or ustekinumab therapy were identified through a PubMed search. Phase III trials and open-label extensions (regardless of indication) and relevant guidelines from Health Canada were used to compile this review. Results: Although these biologic agents have demonstrated efficacy in patients with psoriasis and are generally considered safe and well tolerated, rare but serious safety issues (ie, demyelination, infection, tuberculosis, malignancy, lymphoma, cardiovascular outcomes, hepatitis, pregnancy, surgery, and vaccination) have been observed. Attention to specific aspects of patient management (ie, prescreening requirements, symptoms to watch for, appropriate treatment, and referrals) is required to mitigate risk. Conclusion: Much of the evidence regarding the long-term safety of these agents has been based on experience in other patient populations. However, it does serve to guide us in understanding the risks that may impact the management of psoriasis patients.
Biofilms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: New Perspectives of an Old Pathogen

Based on a randomized clinical trial conducted by British Medical Council between 1972 and 1974, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other government agencies implemented a short-course multi-drug regimen for tuberculosis – a disease caused by the infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (BMC, 1972, Fox et al., 1999). The regimen is made of three antibiotics, isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide administered over a period of six months. The extended therapy is essential for sterilizing a small subpopulation of bacilli that presumably acquire phenotypic tolerance to antibiotics (Saltini, 2006, Jindani et al., 2003).
On the auditory and cognitive functions that may explain an individual's elevation of the speech reception threshold in noise

It is generally recognized that poor results of speech-in-noise tests by hearing-impaired persons cannot be fully explained by the elevated pure-tone hearing threshold. Plomp has shown, among others, that an additional factor has to be taken into account, often referred to in general terms as distortion. In an attempt to specify auditory and cognitive functions which may underlie this distortion, various studies on this topic originating from Plomp's research group are reviewed, as well as other relevant studies which provide quantitative data on the correlations between various types of auditory or cognitive tests (the predictor tests) and speech-in-noise tests. The predictor variables considered include, besides the pure-tone audiogram, measures of spectral and temporal resolution, intensity difference limen, age, and some cognitive aspects. The results indicate that, by and large, these variables fall short in fully explaining the variance observed in the speech-in-noise tests. This strongly suggests that the predictor variables considered so far do not cover all sources of variance relevant for speech reception in noise.
A preliminary survey of bacterial contamination of the dialysate circuit in continuous veno-venous hemodialysis.

AIMS The problem of dialysate bacterial contamination has not been defined in continuous renal replacement therapy. We assessed the bacterial integrity of source bicarbonate dialysate (study 1) and the continuous veno-venous HD (CVVHD) bicarbonate dialysate circuit (study 2). METHODS Study 1: 50 ml dialysate were collected from 41 bags randomly selected from 150 consecutively made dialysate bags, immediately after manufacture or after 24, 48 or 72 h. Study 2: 10 ml dialysate were drawn from 4 sample points ranged along the dialysate circuit in 18 therapies (mean duration 119.5 +/- 72.0 h). All points were sampled at therapy start then daily, bar the proximal point which was sampled after each dialysate bag change. All dialysate samples underwent Gram stain and aerobic/anaerobic culture. Samples over 10 ml were cultured after centrifugation (15 min, 4,000 rpm). A disseminated contamination (DC) involved > or = 1 sample point at a time and/or was sustained over time. RESULTS Study 1: One bag was culture-positive (staphylococcal/diphtheroid growths; 48-h sample). Study 2: Six DCs developed in 6 therapies (1 at therapy end, 5 sustained to therapy end (duration 57.25 +/- 45.95 h), 5 with Gram-negative bacilli, all involving reported growths of > or = 1,000 cfu). Dialyzer-inclusive dialysate circuit changes were more frequent in non-DC therapies (change rate: DC, 0.08 +/- 0.12/day, non-DC, 0.34 +/- 0.23, p = 0.02, permutation tests with general scores) but did not entirely prevent DC or alter it once underway. CONCLUSIONS Sustained bacterial contamination of bicarbonate-based CVVHD is common and could relate to the completeness of dialysate circuit change. The importance of technique and regular quality control is highlighted.
Expression of FoxE4 and Rx Visualizes the Timing and Dynamics of Critical Processes Taking Place during Initial Stages of Vertebrate Eye Development

Several transcription factors have a critical function during initial stages of vertebrate eye formation. In this paper, we discuss the role of the Rx subfamily of homeobox-containing genes in retinal development, and the role of the Foxe3 and FoxE4 subfamily of forkhead box-containing genes in lens development. Rx genes are expressed in the initial stages of retinal development and they play a critical role in eye formation. Elimination of Rx function in mice results in lack of eye formation. Abnormal eye development observed in the mouse mutation eyeless (ey1), the medakatemperature-sensitive mutation eyeless (el), and the zebrafish mutation chokh are caused by abnormal regulation or function of Rx genes. In humans, a mutation in Rx leads to anophthalmia. In contrast, Foxe3 and FoxE4 genes are expressed in the lens and they play an essential role in its formation. Mutations in the Foxe3 gene are the cause of the mouse mutation dysgenetic lens (dyl) and in humans, mutation in FOXE3 leads to anterior segment dysgenesis and cataracts. Since Rx and FoxE4 are expressed in the earliest stages of retina and lens development, their expression visualizes the timing and dynamics of the crucial processes that comprise eye formation. In this paper we present a model of eye development based on the expression pattern of these two genes.
Fluoroestradiol Positron Emission Tomography Reveals Differences in Pharmacodynamics of Aromatase Inhibitors, Tamoxifen, and Fulvestrant in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Purpose: To determine, by molecular imaging, how in vivo pharmacodynamics of estrogen-estrogen receptor (ER) binding differ between types of standard endocrine therapy. Experimental Design: The ER has been a highly successful target for breast cancer treatment. ER-directed treatments include lowering ligand concentration by using aromatase inhibitors (AI) and blocking the receptor with agents like tamoxifen (TAM) or fulvestrant (FUL). We measured regional estrogen-ER binding by using positron emission tomography with 18F-fluoroestradiol (FES PET) prior to and during treatment with AI, TAM, or FUL in a series of 30 metastatic breast cancer patients. FES PET measured in vivo estrogen binding at all tumor sites in heavily pretreated women with metastatic bone soft tissue–dominant breast cancer. In patients with uterus (n = 16) changes in uterine FES uptake were also measured. Results: As expected, tumor FES uptake declined more markedly on ER blockers (TAM and FUL, average 54% decline) compared with a less than 15% average decline on estrogen-depleting AIs (P < 0.001). The rate of complete tumor blockade [FES standardized uptake value (SUV) ≤1.5] following TAM (5/5 patients) was greater than the blockade rate following FUL (4/11; 2-sided mid P = 0.019). Percent FES SUV change in the uterus showed a strong association with tumoral change (ρ = 0.63, P = 0.01). Conclusions: FES PET can assess the in vivo pharmacodynamics of ER-targeted agents and may give insight into the activity of established therapeutic agents. Imaging revealed significant differences between agents, including differences in the efficacy of blockade by different ER antagonists in current clinical use. Clin Cancer Res; 17(14); 4799–805. ©2011 AACR.
Status of “ALOS World 3D (AW3D)” global DSM generation

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is generating the global digital elevation/surface model (DEM/DSM) and ortho-rectified image (ORI) using the archived data of the Panchromatic Remote-sensing Instrument for Stereo Mapping (PRISM) onboard the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS, nicknamed “Daichi”), which was operated from 2006 to 2011. The overview and the processing status of the global DSM/ORI dataset generation project called “ALOS World 3D” (AW3D) is introduced in this paper. It is necessary to consider data processing strategies, since the processing capabilities of the level 1 standard product and AW3D products must be developed both hardware and software to achieve the project aims. The processing strategies and an initial validation of generated DSM dataset are described. As an initial validation results, 4.10 m of height accuracy as root mean square error was confirmed. The generation and distribution of a lower resolution AW3D DSM dataset is also introduced.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) History and Conceptual Overview

The concept of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a system that enables the production of safe meat and poultry products through the thorough analysis of production processes, identification of all hazards that are likely to occur in the production establishment, the identification of critical points in the process at which these hazards may be introduced into product and therefore should be controlled, the establishment of critical limits for control at those points, the verification of these prescribed steps, and the methods by which the processing establishment and the regulatory authority can monitor how well process control through the HACCP plan is working. The history of the development of HACCP is reviewed, and examples of practical applications of HACCP are described.
Foundation Ownership, Reputation, and Labour

A number of firms in northern Europe and especially in Denmark are owned by private foundations similarly to what would have been the case if the Ford Foundation had owned a majority of the shares in Ford Motor Company. Foundation-owned companies appear to perform surprisingly well in terms of profitability and growth, despite lacking governance mechanisms such as profit incentives or takeover threats. Given their non-profit ownership, they might be expected to behave more responsibly towards stakeholders, such as employees or customers (Hansmann, 1980), but so far there has been little empirical evidence to support this hypothesis. This paper presents new research on the reputation and responsibility of foundation-owned companies. In a panel of large Danish companies 2001–11 we find that foundation-owned firms have better reputations and are regarded as more socially responsible in corporate image ratings. Secondary evidence on labour market behaviour is consistent with these findings. Using matched employer–employee data we show that foundation-owned companies are more stable employers, pay their employees better, and keep them for longer. Altogether, the evidence indicates that foundation-ownership is associated with more responsible business behaviour towards employees.
Formulation and optimization of efavirenz nanosuspensions using the precipitation-ultrasonication technique for solubility enhancement

Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, and is classiﬁed as BCS Class II API. Its erratic oral absorption and poor bioavailability make it a potential candidate for being formulated as a nanosuspension. The objective of this study was to formulate efavirenz nanosuspensions employing the antisolvent precipitation-ultrasonication method, and to enhance its solubility by reducing particle size to the nanometer range. The effects of different process parameters were studied and optimized with respect to particle size and poly dispersity index (PDI). The optimized formulation was also subjected to lyophilization, to further increase the solubility and stability, and the technology is potentially suited to a range of poorly water-soluble compounds.
[General pharmacology of Danhong injection].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Danhong injection on the cardiovascular, the respiratory, and the nervous systems in animals. METHODS Using the pressure transducer, tension transducer and subcutaneous electrodes connected to a multifunctional signal processor, the femoral artery pressure, respiratory curve and electrocardiogram were recorded, respectively, in dogs before and after administration of Danhong injection. The effect of the injection on spontaneous activities was observed in mice using a multifunctional mouse activity recorder. The effects were also observed on coordinated movements by recording tilt-board falling times of the mice and on hypnosis induced by subthreshold dose of pentobarbital sodium by observing the disappearance of righting reflex. RESULTS Danhong injection caused slight decrease in systolic blood pressure without obviously affecting the heart rate, diastolic blood pressure and respiratory system of anesthetized dogs 30 min after intravenous Danhong injection at the dose of 2.4 g/kg, but at the doses of 1.2 and 0.6 g/kg.b. w, the injection did not produce any significant impact. The coordinated movement and spontaneous activity and pentobarbital sodium-induced hypnosis in mice were not obviously affected by the 3 doses of Danhong injection. CONCLUSION Danhong injection does not affect the respiratory functions of the dogs and nervous system of mouse with the exception of the systolic pressure at the 3 doses.
Essential cooperation of N-cadherin and neuroligin-1 in the transsynaptic control of vesicle accumulation

Cell adhesion molecules are key players in transsynaptic communication, precisely coordinating presynaptic differentiation with postsynaptic specialization. At glutamatergic synapses, their retrograde signaling has been proposed to control presynaptic vesicle clustering at active zones. However, how the different types of cell adhesion molecules act together during this decisive step of synapse maturation is largely unexplored. Using a knockout approach, we show that two synaptic adhesion systems, N-cadherin and neuroligin-1, cooperate to control vesicle clustering at nascent synapses. Live cell imaging and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments at individual synaptic boutons revealed a strong impairment of vesicle accumulation in the absence of N-cadherin, whereas the formation of active zones was largely unaffected. Strikingly, also the clustering of synaptic vesicles triggered by neuroligin-1 overexpression required the presence of N-cadherin in cultured neurons. Mechanistically, we found that N-cadherin acts by postsynaptically accumulating neuroligin-1 and activating its function via the scaffolding molecule S-SCAM, leading, in turn, to presynaptic vesicle clustering. A similar cooperation of N-cadherin and neuroligin-1 was observed in immature CA3 pyramidal neurons in an organotypic hippocampal network. Moreover, at mature synapses, N-cadherin was required for the increase in release probability and miniature EPSC frequency induced by expressed neuroligin-1. This cooperation of two cell adhesion systems provides a mechanism for coupling bidirectional synapse maturation mediated by neuroligin-1 to cell type recognition processes mediated by classical cadherins.
Robust Feature Extraction on Vibration Data under Deep-Learning Framework: An Application for Fault Identification in Rotary Machines

Mechanical failures in rotating machinery (e.g. wind turbines, generators, motor-derives etc.) may result in catastrophic failures. Different mechanical faults induce characteristic vibrations in the equipment structure. Online vibration monitoring helps mitigate catastrophic failures through early detection and identification of underlying mechanical faults. However, extracting characteristic vibration features that improve fault classification performance and are robust to various noises in the vibration signals is a challenging task. Various statistical and signal processing-based vibration-features have been proposed in the literature. These vibration-features were devised on the basis of prior knowledge about characteristics of vibration signals from different fault types. Recently, automatic feature extraction through unsupervised learning in deep neural architectures has resulted in state of art performance on image and speech recognition tasks. So, Instead of feature-engineering, we, here, hypothesized that feature learning on raw vibration signal possibly will extract vibration-features that can improve fault identification performance of subsequent classifier. To the purpose, we explored Convolutional Neural Network for unsupervised feature learning on vibration signals and
What is Innovation

This chapter addresses the very general question of what should be understood by innovation, and how innovation relates to phenomena like creativity, entrepreneurship, commercialization, learning and invention. The question is treated mainly by means of the sort of conceptual analysis typical of a philosophical approach. However, this is done with an eye to both sociological theories and results pertaining to innovation, and to possible applications to practice and empirical research. The guiding idea behind the chapter is that conceptual clarification and unprejudiced reflection is needed in order to move forward on the more specific challenges of understanding and furthering innovation in practice. Conceptual and theoretical work on innovation has been relatively sparse, not least as compared to the extensive and still rapidly growing collection of literature on the neighboring notion of creativity. In his comprehensive review of the field, Fagerberg rightly noted that even though innovation has been dealt with by economics, the innovation process itself has been treated more or less like a “black box” (Fagerberg 2005: 3). Schumpeter’s (1934) groundbreaking analysis still remains unique in its depth and scope, even though it was confined to a few pages. It has been commented upon and applied extensively, but hardly developed further or revised. Most extant studies go on very rapidly to analyze specific forms of innovation (for example, Von Hippel (1988), who is particularly concerned with end-user innovation), and sometimes very specific forms or aspects (for example, Christensen and Overdorf 2000, who emphasize so-called “disruptive” innovation). This tendency is understandable. Most scholars, even of a more theoretical orientation, are obviously interested in pushing innovation by identifying particularly attractive paths and strategies. In a way, they are trying to be innovative themselves; this makes them naturally selective. A more disengaged, bird’s-eye perspective on innovation may seem almost like a contradiction in terms. But it really is not. Among the many, many sources of innovation, stepping back and taking a fresh and broad view may not be the least fecund.
Etiology, Treatment, and Complications of Mandibular Fractures

AbstractThe objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate some epidemiological characteristics, surgical treatment methods, and complications of cases involving mandibular fractures. Records from 119 patients treated for mandibular fractures between January 2006 and December 2011 were analyzed.We find mandibular fractures mostly affect Caucasian (72.2%) men (80.7%). The mean age of the patients was 28.1 years. Road traffic accidents (RTA) caused the most fractures (49.5%), followed by physical violence, including gunshot wounds (21%). Motorcycle accidents were the most common cause of RTA (76.2%). The most affected mandibular regions were the parasymphysis (26.9%) and the mandible angle (25.1%). Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments were applied (90.4% and 9.6%, respectively). The most common surgical approach was the intraoral (64.9%), using the 2.0-mm fixation system (88.0%). Complications such as postoperative infections, malocclusion, and paresthesia occurred in 36 patients (30.2%). This research revealed interesting features about the etiology of mandibular fractures that were mostly associated with RTA. Severity of the trauma and noncompliance of the patients were factors that contributed to the development of postoperative complications.