Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Propensity score‐matched comparison of oncological outcomes between laparoscopic and open distal pancreatic resection

Selected studies have reported improved outcomes in laparoscopic compared with open distal pancreatic resection. Concerns regarding failure to achieve proper oncological resection and compromised long‐term outcomes remain. This study investigated whether postoperative outcomes and long‐term survival after laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy are comparable to those after an open procedure.
Shear Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams with High-Strength Stirrups

ACI Structural Journal, V. 108, No. 5, September-October 2011. MS No. S-2010-237 received August 3, 2010, and reviewed under Institute publication policies. Copyright © 2011, American Concrete Institute. All rights reserved, including the making of copies unless permission is obtained from the copyright proprietors. Pertinent discussion including author’s closure, if any, will be published in the July-August 2012 ACI Structural Journal if the discussion is received by March 1, 2012. Shear Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams with High-Strength Stirrups
Comparing intracerebral hemorrhages associated with direct oral anticoagulants or warfarin

Objectives This cross-sectional survey explored the characteristics and outcomes of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)–associated nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) by analyzing a large nationwide Japanese discharge database. Methods We analyzed data from 2,245 patients who experienced ICHs while taking anticoagulants (DOAC: 227; warfarin: 2,018) and were urgently hospitalized at 621 institutions in Japan between April 2010 and March 2015. We compared the DOAC- and warfarin-treated patients based on their backgrounds, ICH severities, antiplatelet therapies at admission, hematoma removal surgeries, reversal agents, mortality rates, and modified Rankin Scale scores at discharge. Results DOAC-associated ICHs were less likely to cause moderately or severely impaired consciousness (DOAC-associated ICHs: 31.3%; warfarin-associated ICHs: 39.4%; p = 0.002) or require surgical removal (DOAC-associated ICHs: 5.3%; warfarin-associated ICHs: 9.9%; p = 0.024) in the univariate analysis. Propensity score analysis revealed that patients with DOAC-associated ICHs also exhibited lower mortality rates within 1 day (odds ratio [OR] 4.96, p = 0.005), within 7 days (OR 2.29, p = 0.037), and during hospitalization (OR 1.96, p = 0.039). Conclusions This nationwide study revealed that DOAC-treated patients had less severe ICHs and lower mortality rates than did warfarin-treated patients, probably due to milder hemorrhages at admission and lower hematoma expansion frequencies.
Autoencoding topology

The problem of learning a manifold structure on a dataset is framed in terms of a generative model, to which we use ideas behind autoencoders (namely adversarial/Wasserstein autoencoders) to fit deep neural networks. From a machine learning perspective, the resulting structure, an atlas of a manifold, may be viewed as a combination of dimensionality reduction and"fuzzy"clustering.
Basic visual perceptual processes in children with typical development and cerebral palsy: The processing of surface, length, orientation, and position

ABSTRACT The present study aims to assess how the processing of basic visual perceptual (VP) components (length, surface, orientation, and position) develops in typically developing (TD) children (n = 215, 4–14 years old) and adults (n = 20, 20–25 years old), and in children with cerebral palsy (CP) (n = 86, 5–14 years old) using the first four subtests of the Battery for the Evaluation of Visual Perceptual and Spatial processing in children. Experiment 1 showed that these four basic VP processes follow distinct developmental trajectories in typical development. Experiment 2 revealed that children with CP present global and persistent deficits for the processing of basic VP components when compared with TD children matched on chronological age and nonverbal reasoning abilities.
Inclusion of live yeast and mannan-oligosaccharides in high grain-based diets for sheep: Ruminal parameters, inflammatory response and rumen morphology

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), mannan-oligosaccharides and the combination of these additives on the inflammatory response, ruminal parameters and rumen morphology of sheep fed a high grain-based diet. Thirty-Two Dorper x Santa Ines crossbred lambs with an average weight of 24±2 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design. The animals were housed in individual stalls and fed ad libitum. Diet treatments were: Control (without additive); LY (2 g/kg DM of live yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae), MOS (2 g/kg DM of mannan-oligosaccharides) and LY+MOS (2 g/kg DM of LY + 2 g/kg DM of MOS). The experiment lasted 42 days. The supplementation with MOS alone and the additives combination resulted in increased ruminal pH (P<0.01), while the total concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the rumen were higher (P<0.05) only in the diets with LY and MOS. Ammonia (NH3) concentration in the rumen decreased (P<0.04) with the additives usage. Diets with LY, MOS and with additives combination reduced (P<0.01) the levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the plasma with values of 0.46; 0.44 and 0.04 EU/mL, respectively when compared to the control (0.93 EU/mL). MOS and LY+MOS treatments had reduced stratum corneum thickness (P<0.01) in comparison to the control treatment. The total thickness of ruminal epithelium was lower with the addition of MOS in the diet (P<0.03) than with LY additive. The incidence and severity of hepatic abscesses in animals whose diet was supplemented with LY and LY+MOS was lower (P<0.05) than in animals fed the control diet. The use of LY, MOS and LY+MOS in the high-concentrate diets for sheep reduced NH3 concentrations and LPS translocation into the bloodstream. Diets containing MOS and LY+MOS enhanced the health of the ruminal epithelium by reducing the thickness of the stratum corneum, and diets containing LY and LY+MOS decreased the incidence and severity of hepatic abscesses.
Integrated biomarker profiling of smokers with periodontitis

BACKGROUND In the context of precision medicine, understanding patient-specific variation is an important step in developing targeted and patient-tailored treatment regimens for periodontitis. While several studies have successfully demonstrated the usefulness of molecular expression profiling in conjunction with single classifier systems in discerning distinct disease groups, the majority of these studies do not provide sufficient insights into potential variations within the disease groups. AIM The goal of this study was to discern biological response profiles of periodontitis and non-periodontitis smoking subjects using an informed panel of biomarkers across multiple scales (salivary, oral microbiome, pathogens and other markers). MATERIAL & METHODS The investigation uses a novel ensemble classification approach (SVA-SVM) to differentiate disease groups and patient-specific biological variation of systemic inflammatory mediators and IgG antibody to oral commensal and pathogenic bacteria within the groups. RESULTS Sensitivity of SVA-SVM is shown to be considerably higher than several traditional independent classifier systems. Patient-specific networks generated from SVA-SVM are also shown to reveal crosstalk between biomarkers in discerning the disease groups. High-confidence classifiers in these network abstractions comprised of host responses to microbial infection elucidated their critical role in discerning the disease groups. CONCLUSIONS Host adaptive immune responses to the oral colonization/infection contribute significantly to creating the profiles specific for periodontitis patients with potential to assist in defining patient-specific risk profiles and tailored interventions.
Evaluation of a Cognitive Remediation Intervention for College Students With Psychiatric Conditions

Objective: Given the poor educational outcomes associated with psychiatric conditions, we developed Focused Academic Strength Training (FAST), a 12-week strategy-focused cognitive remediation intervention designed to improve academic functioning among college students with psychiatric conditions. Here we report initial results from a randomized controlled trial of FAST. Method: Seventy-two college students with mood, anxiety, and/or psychotic disorders were randomized to receive FAST or services as usual and were assessed at baseline and 4 months (posttreatment). Results: Repeated-measures analyses of variance indicated FAST-associated improvements in self-reported cognitive strategy use (p < .001), self-efficacy (p = .001), and academic difficulties (p = .025). There were no significant treatment-related improvements in neuropsychological performance. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: FAST may lead to an increase in self-efficacy and cognitive strategy use, as well as a reduction in academic difficulties among students with psychiatric conditions. Future analyses with follow-up data through 12 months will address the potential of FAST to improve academic functioning among this population.
Simultaneous Analysis of Saccharides between Fresh and Processed Radix Rehmanniae by HPLC and UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS with Multivariate Statistical Analysis

Radix Rehmanniae (RR) is a kind of herb which is widely used in the clinical and food processing industry. There are four forms of RR used in traditional Chinese medicine practice, which include fresh RR (FRR), raw RR (RRR), processed RR (PRR), and another processed RR (APRR), in which the APRR was processed by nine cycles of repeated steaming and drying. There are a large number of saccharides in RR. However, the differences in content were shown by different processing methods. In this study, an effective method using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) coupled with multivariate statistical analysis to rapidly distinguish different RR samples and validate the proposed chemical conversion mechanism. The datasets of the content of saccharides were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and one-way analysis of variance. The results showed that there different changes occurred in the contents of saccharides corresponding to the different processing methods, in which the contents of monosaccharides—namely arabinose, glucose, mannose, and galactose—had an increasing trend or remained relatively stable. However, the contents of fructose and oligosaccharides, including manninotriose, melibiose, sucrose, and raffinose, first increased and then reduced, or gradually decreased, yet the content of stachyose gradually decreased. The MSn data indicated that manninotriose, melibiose, and some monosaccharides were produced by the hydrolysis of oligosaccharides. In addition, the fragmentation pathways of 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP) derivatization of monosaccharides were also found that its glycosidic bond was first broken and subsequently its inside ring broke, and the characteristic fragment ions were produced at m/z 511.22, 493.20, 373.16, and 175.08 in the PMP derivatization of monosaccharides. In conclusion, this study illustrates the change and chemical conversion mechanism of saccharides by processing in RR samples which might play a key role in further application of RR.
Effect of increasing dietary energy on hepatic lipogenesis in growing chicks. II. Increasing energy by fat or protein supplementation.

The effect of increasing the energy content of the diet through supplementation of various levels of fat or protein on hepatic lipogenesis and activities of associated enzymes of liver was examined in force-fed growing chicks. Hepatic lipogenesis was significantly decreased as the dietary metabolizable energy level was increased through supplementation of fat or protein. The activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-malate dehydrogenase (NADP-MDH) (EC 1.1.1.40) in liver was higher (P less than .01) in chicks fed diets containing the lowest energy level. The activity of citrate cleavage enzyme (EC 4.1.3.8) in liver was significantly depressed as the dietary metabolizable energy level increased through supplementation of fat, whereas increasing the dietary metabolizable energy level through protein supplementation resulted in a significant increase in citrate cleavage enzyme activity in liver. Nonesterified fatty acid concentration in serum was significantly increased as the dietary metabolizable energy level was increased through supplementation of fat.
Correlations between the EEGs of two spatially separated subjects − a replication study

Previous studies have reported correlations between the EEGs of two spatially separated subjects. These correlations could not be explained by means of conventional physiological or physical mechanisms. Results by Wackermann (2003, 2004; Wackermann et al, 2004) suggest such unexplained correlations, with the direction (increase or decrease of EEG power) as well as the localization (electrode position) of the supposed effects varying between studies. The present replication study, performed in another laboratory, yet other experimental changes kept at a minimum, aimed at clarifying this effect. Seventeen pairs of subjects were examined. One subject of each pair was visually stimulated by one-second periods of checkerboard reversals while the other sat in a dimly lit separate room without stimulation. The latter subject’s EEG power in the paired subject’s stimulation and interstimulus periods was compared; separate analyses were performed for two different time windows. In this study, the previously used mode of EEG segment sampling turned out to systematically overestimate effects. Therefore, the non-parametric statistical method was modified. Also, the results for the nineteen EEG channels were corrected for their degrees of freedom using a Monte-Carlo simulation. Results did not show a significant deviation from random expectation; the EEG power of the non-stimulated subject was not linked to the stimulation of the other subject.
The Informative Power of Treaty Commitment : Using the Spatial Model to Address Selection Effects

The effects of international institutions on state behavior make up a key research agenda in international-relations scholarship. Because states self-select into treaties, we cannot infer that these commitments have causal effects unless we address this selection effect. I explain the significant limitations of the methods used thus far to overcome this problem and argue that a more effective approach must take into account states’ treaty preferences. I describe a novel combination of ideal-point estimation and propensity-score matching that can estimate the probabilities of treaty commitment and use them to test hypotheses. I use this procedure to test the effects of three key international human-rights treaties. My results provide significant new findings regarding the effects of these important agreements. I show that the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women has significantly improved respect for women’s rights, but that the Convention against Torture and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights have not had significant effects on human rights.
Propranolol Reduces Cardiac Index But does not Adversely Affect Peripheral Perfusion in Severely Burned Children

Purpose: The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of propranolol on hemodynamic parameters assessed using the PiCCO system in burned children. Methods: We analyzed hemodynamic data from patients who were randomized to receive either propranolol (4 mg/kg/day) or placebo (control), which was initiated as a prospective randomized controlled trial. Endpoints were cardiac index (CI), percent predicted heart rate (%HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), percent predicted stroke volume (%SV), rate pressure product (RPP), cardiac work (CW), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), extravascular lung water index (EVLWI), arterial blood gases, events of lactic acidosis, and mortality. Mixed multiple linear regressions were applied, and a 95% level of confidence was assumed. Results: One hundred twenty-one burned children (control: n = 62, propranolol: n = 59) were analyzed. Groups were comparable in demographics, EVLWI, SVRI, %SV, arterial blood gases, Denver 2 postinjury organ failure score, incidence of lactic acidosis, or mortality. Percent predicted HR, MAP, CI, CW, and RPP were significantly reduced in the propranolol-treated group (P <0.01). Conclusions: Propranolol significantly reduces cardiogenic stress by reducing CI and MAP in children with severe burn injury. However, peripheral oxygen delivery was not reduced and events of lactic acidosis as well as organ dysfunction was not higher in propranolol treated patients.
Evidence for a neural law of effect

How to select and shape neural activity When we learn a new skill or task, our movements are reinforced and shaped. Learning occurs because the neural activity patterns in the movement control–related brain regions that are rewarded are repeated. But how does this reinforcement work? Athalye et al. developed a closed-loop self-stimulation paradigm in which a target motor cortical activity pattern resulted in the optogenetic stimulation of dopaminergic neurons. With training, mice learned to reenter specific neuronal activity patterns, which triggered self-stimulation and shaped their neural activity to be closer to the target pattern. Science, this issue p. 1024 During motor reinforcement, specific motor cortex activity patterns are selected more often and iteratively optimized. Thorndike’s law of effect states that actions that lead to reinforcements tend to be repeated more often. Accordingly, neural activity patterns leading to reinforcement are also reentered more frequently. Reinforcement relies on dopaminergic activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and animals shape their behavior to receive dopaminergic stimulation. Seeking evidence for a neural law of effect, we found that mice learn to reenter more frequently motor cortical activity patterns that trigger optogenetic VTA self-stimulation. Learning was accompanied by gradual shaping of these patterns, with participating neurons progressively increasing and aligning their covariance to that of the target pattern. Motor cortex patterns that lead to phasic dopaminergic VTA activity are progressively reinforced and shaped, suggesting a mechanism by which animals select and shape actions to reliably achieve reinforcement.
Phosphorylation of KLC1 modifies interaction with JIP1 and abolishes the enhanced fast velocity of APP transport by kinesin-1

ETOC: Phosphorylation of KLC1 at Thr466 in kinesin-1 regulates the interaction with APP mediated by JIP1b. Substitution of Glu for Thr466 abolished this interaction and impaired the enhanced fast velocity of APP anterograde transport. This phosphorylation of KLC1 increased in aged brains, suggesting deficient APP transport in neurons after aging.
Effect of feed allowance during rearing and breeding on female broiler breeders. 3. Ovarian steroidogenesis.

The influence of feed allowance during rearing (4 to 18 wk) and breeding (18 to 62 wk) on in vitro follicular steroidogenesis was examined. Four feeding programs were imposed: FF, consumed feed ad libitum throughout; FR, provided ad libitum access from 0 to 18 wk of age and restricted thereafter; RF, provided ad libitum access to feed from 0 to 4 wk, restricted from 4 to 18 wk, and consumed feed ad libitum thereafter; RR, consumed feed ad libitum from 0 to 4 wk of age and restricted thereafter. All birds received a starter diet (2,739 kcal ME/kg, 19.1% CP) from 0 to 3 wk of age, a grower diet (2,729 kcal ME/kg, 15.5% CP) from 3 to 22 wk of age, and a layer diet (2,889 kcal ME/kg, 14.6% CP) from 22 to 62 wk of age. Restricted feeding was based on commercial guidelines. At 33 wk of age, 10 to 12 (FF = 10, FR = 12, RF = 10, and RR = 11) birds from each feeding regimen were killed by cervical dislocation and the follicles removed for in vitro steroidogenesis. Feed allowance during breeding (18 to 62 wk) had a significant effect on in vitro follicular steroidogenesis at 33 wk of age. In broiler breeders fed ad libitum, some of the F2 (second largest) follicles had an endocrine profile characteristic of the F1 (largest) preovulatory follicles, secreting very little androstenedione and large amounts of progesterone. In feed-restricted birds, only the F1 follicles, which were destined to ovulate next, secreted any significant amount of progesterone into the culture media. Compared with restricted feeding, ad libitum feeding significantly increased the production of androstenedione in small white follicles (less than 1 mm). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Evaluation of slower-growing broiler genotypes grown with and without outdoor access: sensory attributes.

Consumer interest in organic and natural poultry production is growing. An experiment was conducted to assess the impact of genotype and outdoor access on sensory attributes of broiler meat. One slow-growing genotype (S), 2 medium-growing genotypes (M1 and M2), and a commercial fast-growing genotype (F) were raised (straight-run) for 81, 67, or 53 d, respectively. The placement dates were staggered to achieve a similar final BW, and each genotype was processed on the same day. Each genotype was assigned to 3 pens of 24 birds each, and all birds were raised in indoor floor pens in a naturally ventilated facility. The S and F genotypes were also assigned to 2 floor pens with outdoor access (during daylight hours) containing 36 birds each. All birds were provided with the same starter, grower, and finisher feeds, and birds were commercially processed. Breast and thigh meat were evaluated for sensory attributes and acceptability by a consumer panel. The M1 and M2 breasts were more tender than other indoor genotypes (P < 0.05); however, all treatments scored "slightly to moderately tender. " The thigh meat of the M2 birds was more flavorful than that of S birds (P < 0.05), and the flavor of the S thigh meat was less liked than other indoor genotypes (P < 0.05). Outdoor access did not impact flavor. These data indicate that differences in sensory attributes may exist among genotypes with different growth rates and reared with or without outdoor access.
The Ecological Role of Water-Column Microbes in the Sea*

Recently developed techniques for estimating bacterial biomass and productivity indicate that bacterial biomass in the sea is related to phytoplankton concentration and that bacteria utilise 10 to 50 % of carbon fixed by photosynthesis. Evidence is presented to suggest that numbers of free bacteria are controlled by nanoplankton~c heterotrophic flagellates which are ubiquitous in the marine water column. The flagellates in turn are preyed upon by microzooplankton. Heterotrophic flagellates and microzooplankton cover the same size range as the phytoplankton, thus providing the means for returning some energy from the 'microbial loop' to the conventional planktonic food chain.