Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative roles of free fatty acids with reactive nitrogen intermediates and reactive oxygen intermediates in expression of the anti‐microbial activity of macrophages against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

We assessed the role of free fatty acids (FFA) in the expression of the activity of macrophages against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in relation to the roles of two major anti‐microbial effectors, reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) and reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). Intracellular growth of M. tuberculosis residing inside macrophages was accelerated by treatments of macrophages with either quinacrine (phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor), arachidonyl trifuloromethylketone (type IV cytosolic PLA2 inhibitor), NG‐monomethyl‐ l‐arginine (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), and superoxide dismutase plus catalase (ROI scavengers). In addition, M. tuberculosis‐infected macrophages produced and/or secreted these effectors sequentially in the order ROI (0–3 h), FFA (0–48 h), and RNI (3 to at least 72 h). Notably, membranous FFA (arachidonic acid) of macrophages translocated to M. tuberculosis residing in the phagosomes of macrophages in phagocytic ability‐ and PLA2‐dependent fashions during cultivation after M. tuberculosis infection. FFA, RNI and H2O2‐mediated halogenation system (H2O2‐halogenation system) displayed strong activity against M. tuberculosis in cell‐free systems, while ROI alone exerted no such effects. Combinations of ‘FFA + RNI’ and ‘RNI + H2O2‐halogenation system’ exhibited synergistic and additive effects against M. tuberculosis, respectively, while ‘FFA + H2O2‐halogenation system’ had an antagonistic effect. Moreover, a sequential attack of FFA followed by RNI exerted synergistic activity against M. tuberculosis. Since M. tuberculosis‐infected macrophages showed simultaneous production of RNI with FFA secretion for relatively long periods (approx. 45 h) and prolonged RNI production was seen thereafter, RNI in combination with FFA appear to play critical roles in the manifestation of the activity of macrophages against M. tuberculosis.
Effect of Dentin Moisture and Application Mode of Universal Adhesives on the Adhesion of Glass Fiber Posts to Root Canal.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of dentin moisture and application mode of universal adhesives on bond strength (BS) and nanoleakage (NL) of fiber posts bonded to root dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS The roots of 96 extracted human canines were treated endodontically, and the fiber posts were cemented according to the combination of the following factors: dentin moisture (dry and wet), cementation system [Single Bond Universal/RelyX ARC (SBU) and Prime&Bond elect/Enforce (PBE)], and adhesive application [active (A) and passive (P)] in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. After one week, the specimens were transversely sectioned into six 1-mm-thick disks. From each group, 8 specimens were subjected to the push-out BS test and the other 4 specimens underwent NL analysis. For both tests, the data were subjected to 3-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS For BS and NL, the cross-product interaction of all factors was significant (p < 0.05). Lower BS was observed under P application independent of the dentin moisture; for A application, SBU showed higher BS than did PBE in both moisture conditions. Nanoleakage was present in all groups and ranged from 22.9% to 36%. CONCLUSION The active application of universal adhesives improves the adhesion in fiber post cementation, independent of dentin moisture condition.
Osteopontin is expressed in the oviduct and promotes fertilization and preimplantation embryo development of mouse

Summary Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional phosphoprotein that is detected in various tissues, including male and female reproductive tracts. In this study, we evaluated OPN expression in mouse oviducts during the estrus cycle, and at days 1–5 of pregnancy and pseudopregnancy by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. The mice oocytes, sperm and embryos were treated with different concentrations of anti-OPN antibody in vitro to detect the function of OPN in fertilization and preimplantation embryo development. OPN mRNA and protein expression in mouse oviducts were cyclic dependent throughout the estrous cycle, which was highest at estrous and lowest at diestrous. Such a phenomenon was consistent with the change in estrogen level in mice. The expression levels of OPN in mice oviduct of normal pregnancy and pseudopregnancy were significantly different, which indicated that OPN expression in mouse oviducts was depend on estrogen and preimplantation embryo. Furthermore, anti-OPN antibody treatment could reduce the rates of fertilization, cleavage and blastocyst formation in vitro in a dose-dependent way. Overall, our results indicated that the expression of OPN in mouse oviducts during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy is likely regulated by estrogen and the embryo, and OPN may play a vital role in oocyte fertilization and preimplantation embryo development.
Is There an Investment Gap in Advanced Economies? If So, Why?

We analyze private fixed investment across European economies and in the US over the past 20 years. We study the impact of competition and financial constraints on tangible and intangible investment. We find that investment is weak in both regions, but argue that the reasons are cyclical in Europe and structural in the US. In the US, we find that investment is lower than predicted by fundamentals starting around 2000, and that the gap is driven by industries where competition has decreased over time. The decline in US investment has coincided with increased concentration and decreased anti-trust enforcement. In Europe, we find that investment is roughly in line with measures of profitability and Tobin’s 𝑄 for the majority of countries, except at the peak of the crisis. Unlike in the US, concentration has been stable or declining in Europe, while product market regulations have decreased and anti-trust regulation has increased. Regarding intangible investment, we find that it accounts for some but not all of the weakness in measured investment. We also find that EU firms have been catching up with their US counterparts in intangible capital. The process of intangible deepening happens mostly within firms in Europe, as opposed to between firms in the US.
Estimation of coronary risk factors in British schoolchildren: a preliminary report.

Surveys from several countries have identified the presence of risk factors known to be associated with coronary heart disease in children. Data on the distribution of coronary risk factor variables in British children are scarce. This study was therefore designed to test the feasibility of collecting coronary risk factor data from British children and to conduct a preliminary examination of the problem. One hundred and seven children (mean age 12.8 yr) had their height, weight, triceps skinfold and blood pressure checked. Blood samples for cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol analysis were obtained from 93 children. Peak VO2 was determined on 48 children, 76 children had their daily activity monitored and 59 children's stage of sexual maturity was assessed. The boys' peak VO2 was significantly higher than the girls, whether expressed in l.min-1 (p less than 0.05) or ml.kg. -1min-1 (p less than 0.01). No other significant differences (p greater than 0.05) between the sexes were detected. The results indicate that children have relatively high serum cholesterol levels (boys 4.58 +/- 0.79; girls 4.72 +/- 0.80 mmol.l-1). The willingness and enthusiasm of the children, parents and schools to take part in the study clearly demonstrated the feasibility of a large scale study being successfully pursued in the United Kingdom.
Linking Environmental and Financial Performance for Privately Owned Firms: Some Evidence from Australia

The debate over whether the “green” strategy pays off has been centered overwhelmingly within large public firms. It remains unclear whether “being green” matters to smaller firms such as privately owned or family controlled firms, which are equally heavy polluters but subject to much less public scrutiny. Using a sample of 138 private companies registered in the Australian National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting database over the 2009–2013 period, this study finds that embracing environmental/carbon responsibility has helped these companies gain higher financial returns. However, reducing carbon emissions has not paid off for environmentally sensitive firms, although lowering energy consumption is evidenced to be value creation.
Krüppel-Like Factor 9 Is Necessary for Late-Phase Neuronal Maturation in the Developing Dentate Gyrus and during Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis

The dentate gyrus (DG) is modified throughout life by integration of new adult-born neurons. Similarities in neuronal maturation during DG development and adult hippocampal neurogenesis suggest that genetically encoded intrinsic regulatory mechanisms underlying these temporally distinct processes are conserved and reused. Here, we identify a novel transcriptional regulator of dentate granule neuron maturation, Krüppel-like factor 9 (Klf-9). We show that Klf-9 expression is induced by neuronal activity and as dentate granule neurons functionally integrate in the developing and adult DG. During development, dentate granule neurons lacking Klf-9 show delayed maturation as reflected by altered expression of early-phase markers, dendritic spine formation, and electrophysiological properties. Adult Klf-9-null mice exhibit normal stem cell proliferation and cell fate specification in the DG but show impaired differentiation of adult-born neurons and decreased neurogenesis-dependent synaptic plasticity. Behavioral analysis of Klf-9-null mice revealed a subtle increase in anxiety-like behavior and an impairment in contextual fear discrimination learning. Thus, Klf-9 is necessary for late-phase maturation of dentate granule neurons both in DG development and during adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Klf-9-dependent neuronal maturation may therefore represent a candidate regulatory mechanism underlying these temporally distinct processes.
Concentration of folate in colorectal tissue biopsies predicts prevalence of adenomatous polyps

Background and aims Folate has been implicated as a potential aetiological factor for colorectal cancer. Previous research has not adequately exploited concentrations of folate in normal colonic mucosal biopsies to examine the issue. Methods Logistic regression models were used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs of adenoma according to the tissue concentration of folate using asymptomatic average-risk women (40–70 years) in a colorectal cancer screening study. Of the 1593 eligible women who were offered enrolment, 1483 (93%) participated. Colonoscopy was complete to the caecum in 98.7% (1463/1483) of the subjects, and normal colonic tissue biopsies were obtained from 813 (56%) of these, of whom 170 had at least one adenoma. Results A marginal reduction in risk for proximal adenomas (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.09) but not distal adenomas (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.43 to 2.37) was observed among women in the highest quintile of tissue folate concentration. A significant reduction in risk for advanced adenoma was observed for women in the highest quintile of tissue folate concentration (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.93). Defining the outcome as proximal adenomatous and/or hyperplastic polyps, statistically significant inverse associations with tissue concentrations of folate were also observed (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.95 for quintile 5 vs quintile 1). Conclusions These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that folate status of colonic mucosa is an exposure that is aetiologically important in determining the risk of particular molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer.
A diffusion longitudinal MR imaging study in normal-appearing white matter in untreated relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Our aim was to evaluate the hypothesis that water diffusion alterations are present in normal-appearing white matter of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and to assess their change with time. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-four subjects with clinically diagnosed RRMS, with disease duration of less than 12 months and an expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score of <3.5, underwent a diffusion 3T MR imaging study. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps generated were compared with those of 18 control subjects. Eighteen of the 54 patients underwent MR imaging assessment at 3 and 6 months after baseline evaluation. Remitting patients were clinically and MR imaging stable for the 2 months before the study. All patients were drug-free for the 3 months before the study, and in the relapsing patients, the MR imaging was always performed before beginning treatment. RESULTS Mean ADC values showed significant differences when relapsing, remitting, and control patients were compared. The relapsing or remitting phase showed significant difference when compared both with controls (P < .01) and between them (P < .05). Comparing mean ADC values of patients with clinical disability (EDSS <2 versus EDSS >/=2) also provided significant differences with the control group (P < .01). The data of patients showing a relapsing episode during the longitudinal part of the study showed a significant difference compared with data from their remitting phase (P < .01). CONCLUSION Brain microstructural changes can be detected and correlate with clinical impairment during the stages of MS. These changes modify with time in the relapsing group.
Learning to Transfer for Traffic Forecasting via Multi-task Learning

Deep neural networks have demonstrated superior performance in short-term traffic forecasting. However, most existing traffic forecasting systems assume that the training and testing data are drawn from the same underlying distribution, which limits their practical applicability. The NeurIPS 2021 Traffic4cast challenge is the first of its kind dedicated to benchmarking the robustness of traffic forecasting models towards domain shifts in space and time. This technical report describes our solution to this challenge. In particular, we present a multi-task learning framework for temporal and spatio-temporal domain adaptation of traffic forecasting models. Experimental results demonstrate that our multi-task learning approach achieves strong empirical performance, outperforming a number of baseline domain adaptation methods, while remaining highly efficient. The source code for this technical report is available at https://github.com/YichaoLu/Traffic4cast2021.
[The endoscopic technique utilized in removal process of acoustic neuroma by retrosigmoid approach].

OBJECTIVE Research into the technique and signification of reducing remnant tumor with utilizing endoscopic technique during removal of acoustic neuroma. METHOD 15 patients proceeded the removal of acoustic tumor through retrosigmoid approach (as routine retrosigmoid-approach operation group, RRSO-G), 11 patients utilized endoscope for inspecting and eliminating remain of tumor during the proceed of the removal of acoustic neuroma through retrosigmoid approach (as retrosigmoid-approach operation combined using endoscope, RSOCE-G), all of them were examined of auditory level, vestibular function, facial nerve function, and MRI before and three months after operation. RESULT The remain tumor were found in 3 cases of RRSO-G and no any one in RSOCE-G after operation. The rates of auditory and vestibular dysfunction, and facial paralysis have no difference between RRSO-G and RSOCE-G. CONCLUSION It is one of expedient and safe surgery methods that the acoustic neuroma are removed through the retrosigmoid approach, and some degrees of hearing function are reserved at same time. If the endoscope is utilized during this operation, the rate of tumor remaining and neuroma recrudescing could be reduced evidently. The acoustic neuroma removed through the retrosigmoid approach combining with utilizing endoscope is a worthy method for using widely in otoneurosurgery.
MULTIGENERATIONAL VERSUS SINGLE GENERATION STUDIES TO ESTIMATE HERBICIDE RESISTANCE FITNESS COST IN ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA

Abstract The evolution of resistance in response to pesticide selection is expected to be delayed if fitness costs are associated with resistance genes. The estimate of fitness costs usually involves comparing major growth traits of resistant versus susceptible individuals in the absence of pesticide. Ideally, a measure of changes in resistance allele frequency over several generations would allow the best estimate of the overall fitness cost of a resistance gene. In greenhouse conditions, we monitored the dynamics of the evolution of the frequencies of six herbicide-resistant mutations (acetolactate synthase, cellulose synthase, and auxin-induced target genes) in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana in a multigenerational study covering five to seven nonoverlapping generations. The microevolutionary dynamics in experimental populations indicated a mean fitness cost of 38%, 73%, and 94% for the ixr1-2, axr1-3, and axr2-1 resistances, respectively; no fitness cost for the csr1-1, and ixr2-1 resistances; and a transient advantage for the aux1-7 resistance. The result for the csr1-1 resistance contrasts with a cost of 37% based on total seed number in a previous study, demonstrating that single generation studies could have limitation for detecting cost. A positive frequency dependence for the fitness cost was also detected for the ixr1-2 resistance. The results are discussed in relation to the maintenance of polymorphism at resistance loci.
Dressing disruption is a major risk factor for catheter-related infections*

Objective:Major catheter-related infection includes catheter-related bloodstream infections and clinical sepsis without bloodstream infection resolving after catheter removal with a positive quantitative tip culture. Insertion site dressings are a major mean to reduce catheter infections by the extraluminal route. However, the importance of dressing disruptions in the occurrence of major catheter-related infection has never been studied in a large cohort of patients. Design:A secondary analysis of a randomized multicenter trial was performed in order to determine the importance of dressing disruption on the risk for development of catheter-related bloodstream infection. Measurements and Main Results:Among 1,419 patients (3,275 arterial or central-vein catheters) included, we identified 296 colonized catheters, 29 major catheter-related infections, and 23 catheter-related bloodstream infections. Of the 11,036 dressings changes, 7,347 (67%) were performed before the planned date because of soiling or undressing. Dressing disruption occurred more frequently in patients with higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores and in patients receiving renal replacement therapies; it was less frequent in males and patients admitted for coma. Subclavian access protected from dressing disruption. Dressing cost (especially staff cost) was inversely related to the rate of disruption. The number of dressing disruptions was related to increased risk for colonization of the skin around the catheter at removal (p < .0001). The risk of major catheter-related infection and catheter-related bloodstream infection increased by more than three-fold after the second dressing disruption and by more than ten-fold if the final dressing was disrupted, independently of other risk factors of infection. Conclusion:Disruption of catheter dressings was common and was an important risk factor for catheter-related infections. These data support the preferential use of the subclavian insertion site and enhanced efforts to reduce dressing disruption in postinsertion bundles of care.
25‐hydroxycholesterol provokes oligodendrocyte cell line apoptosis and stimulates the secreted phospholipase A2 type IIA via LXR beta and PXR

In several neurodegenerative diseases of the CNS, oligodendrocytes are implicated in an inflammatory process associated with altered levels of oxysterols and inflammatory enzymes such as secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). In view of the scarce literature related to this topic, we investigated oxysterol effects on these myelinating glial cells. Natural oxysterol 25‐hydroxycholesterol (25‐OH; 1 and 10 μM) altered oligodendrocyte cell line (158N) morphology and triggered apoptosis (75% of apoptosis after 72 h). These effects were mimicked by 22(S)‐OH (1 and 10 μM) which does not activate liver X receptor (LXR) but not by a synthetic LXR ligand (T0901317). Therefore, oxysterol‐induced apoptosis appears to be independent of LXR. Interestingly, sPLA2 type IIA (sPLA2‐IIA) over‐expression partially rescued 158N cells from oxysterol‐induced apoptosis. In fact, 25‐OH, 24(S)‐OH, and T0901317 stimulated sPLA2‐IIA promoter and sPLA2 activity in oligodendrocyte cell line. Accordingly, administration of T0901317 to mice enhanced sPLA2 activity in brain extracts by twofold. Short interfering RNA strategy allowed to establish that stimulation of sPLA2‐IIA is mediated by pregnane X receptor (PXR) at high oxysterol concentration (10 μM) and by LXR β at basal oxysterol concentration. Finally, GC coupled to mass spectrometry established that oligodendrocytes contain oxysterols and express their biosynthetic enzymes, suggesting that they may act through autocrine/paracrine mechanism. Our results show the diversity of oxysterol signalling in the CNS and highlight the positive effects of the LXR/PXR pathway which may open new perspectives in the treatment of demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases.
How important are earnings announcements in China

Purpose This paper tests the information efficiency of the Chinese stock market to judge if it contravenes the Fama (1965) efficient market hypothesis. Following China’s stock market reforms the market has grown in international importance, however many find information difficult to obtain and interpret. Design/methodology/approach The relative importance of earnings announcements is quantified using cross-sectional regressions of calendar-year annual returns R_i on returns in the four quarterly earnings announcement windows return R_j. The metric developed by Ball and Shivakumar (2008) and Basu et al. (2013) is used to determine the level of new information contained in earnings announcements. Findings Analysis reveals earnings announcements contain little new information of value, thus demonstrating the Chinese markets are not informationally efficient. Therefore, investors cannot automatically assume assets are always correctly priced, as they are in other established markets. Originality/value Major structural changes were made to Chinese equity markets in 2004, with the introduction of the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors scheme. At the same time, firms were required to make earnings announcements on a quarterly basis. This paper is the first to test the impact of these changes on the information value of earnings announcements since the changes.
Off-grid sparse SAR image reconstruction by EMMP algorithm

A new and robust sparse SAR image reconstruction technique is proposed for off-grid targets in the CS framework. In the proposed approach, basis vectors corresponding to on-grid point reflectors are perturbed on a finer grid to find the appropriate bases for the reconstruction of off-grid targets. To provide efficiency of the reconstruction, the EMMP algorithm is applied to find reflectivity center locations. As demonstrated by simulations, the proposed approach significantly improves the performance of sparse SAR image reconstruction.