Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advances in molecular genetics for pulmonary atresia

Abstract Genetic and environmental factors may be similar in certain CHD. It has been widely accepted that it is the cumulative effect of these risk factors that results in disease. Pulmonary atresia is a rare type of complex cyanotic CHD with a poor prognosis. Understanding the molecular mechanism of pulmonary atresia is essential for future diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic approaches. In this article, we reviewed several related copy number variants and related genetic mutations, which were identified in patients with pulmonary atresia, including pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum.
Endolymphatic Duct Violation During Retrosigmoid Dissection of the Internal Auditory Canal: A Human Temporal Bone Radiographic Study

Objective/Hypothesis: Successful hearing preservation after acoustic neuroma resection is sometimes complicated by delayed hearing deterioration. The goal of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that internal auditory canal (IAC) drilling during retrosigmoid acoustic neuroma removal may result in endolymphatic duct (ELD) injury, a potential cause of delayed hearing loss (HL) after hearing preservation surgery.
Online learning based Internet service fault diagnosis using active probing

One of the great challenges in Internet service fault management under noisy and uncertain environment lies in the difficulty of fault priori distribution acquisition. To address the problem, an active probing based approach is proposed for the Internet service in this paper. A hidden Markov model(HMM) based dynamic probabilistic dependency model is chosen to be the fault propagation model (FPM). A forward-backward(F-B) learning procedure is employed for the estimation of FPM. F-B fully takes both uncertainty and excessive probing traffic load into account, revising the FPM with active probing and online learning techniques. Detection probes and diagnosis probes were employed separately in fault detection phase and fault diagnosis phase. The selection of diagnosis probes is integrated into the online model learning procedure. As for fault diagnosis, a Viterbi N-best based approach is proposed to record N most likely faulty components, utilizing the probing information gain in the F-B learning procedure. As a result it can reduce the complexity of the fault priori distribution acquisition, further enhancing the accuracy of the detection rate. Simulation results prove the validity and efficiency of the HMM-based FPM model and proposed approaches.
Unconventional Monetary Policies in the Euro Area, Japan, and the United Kingdom

The global financial crisis hit hard in the euro area, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Real GDP from peak to trough contracted by about 6 percent in the euro area and the United Kingdom and by 9 percent in Japan. In all three cases, central banks cut interest rates aggressively and then, as policy rates approached zero, deployed a variety of untested and unconventional monetary policies. In doing so, they hoped to restore the functioning of financial markets, and also to provide further monetary policy accommodation once the policy rate reached the zero lower bound. In all three jurisdictions, the strategy entailed generous liquidity support for banks and other financial intermediaries and large-scale purchases of public (and in some cases private) assets. As a result, central banks’ balance sheets expanded to unprecedented levels. This paper examines the experience with unconventional monetary policies in the euro zone, the United Kingdom, and Japan. The paper starts with a discussion of how quantitative easing, forward guidance, and negative interest rate policies work in theory, and some of their potential side effects. It then reviews the implementation of unconventional monetary policy by the European Central Bank, the Bank of England, and the Bank of Japan, including a narrative of how central banks responded to the crisis and the evidence on the effects of unconventional monetary policy actions.
Care to relieve pain-stress in preterm newborns.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK A variety of non-pharmacological pain-prevention and relief techniques have been studied to evaluate the pain reduction in neonates. The aim of our study was to compare the analgesic effect of sucking a pacifier with the use of eutectic mixture of local anaesthetics (EMLA) during venipuncture in preterm newborns, using physiological and behavioural parameters as indicators of pain. METHODS We analysed the reaction to invasive procedures in 17 preterm newborns. Our patients underwent repeated vein draws without pain relief, sucking a pacifier, after the application of EMLA; we also evaluated a group of patients approached for care without pricking. For each infant we recorded the average values of the physiological parameters at rest and after pain stimuli, behavioural conditions (crying or grimaces), number and time required for blood draw. RESULTS The maximum heart rate values, respiratory rate, and the maximum respiratory rate values presented a statistically difference only between subjects that underwent vein draws compared to subjects without pricking (p < 0.01). Moreover, the SpO2 parameter presented a significant increase in the control group compared to the others (p = 0.024). Analysis ofbehavioural parameters shows that crying seems significantly related to the duration and number ofvenipunctures (p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS It is clear that pain stress is more closely related to the duration and number of venipuncture than pain relief methods. Our results suggest that limiting the number and duration of vein draws could help to reduce pain stresss in preterm newborns.
The Mre11 Nuclease Is Not Required for 5′ to 3′ Resection at Multiple HO-Induced Double-Strand Breaks

ABSTRACT Current hypotheses suggest the Mre11 nuclease activity could be directly involved in double-strand break (DSB) resection in the presence of a large number of DSBs or limited to processing abnormal DNA ends. To distinguish between these possibilities, we used two methods to create large numbers of DSBs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosomes, without introducing other substrates for the Mre11 nuclease. Multiple DSBs were created either by expressing the HO endonuclease in strains containing several HO cut sites embedded within randomly dispersed Ty1 elements or by phleomycin treatment. Analysis of resection by single-strand DNA formation in these systems showed no difference between strains containing MRE11 or the mre11-D56N nuclease defective allele, suggesting that the Mre11 nuclease is not involved in the extensive 5′ to 3′ resection of DSBs. We postulate that the ionizing radiation (IR) sensitivity of mre11 nuclease-defective mutants results from the accumulation of IR-induced DNA damage that is normally processed by the Mre11 nuclease. We also report that the processivity of 5′ to 3′ DSB resection and the yield of repaired products are affected by the number of DSBs in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we show that the exonuclease Exo1 is involved in the processivity of 5′ to 3′ resection of an HO-induced DSB at the MAT locus.
The Structural Context of Disease-causing Mutations in Gap Junctions*

Gap junctions form intercellular channels that mediate metabolic and electrical signaling between neighboring cells in a tissue. Lack of an atomic resolution structure of the gap junction has made it difficult to identify interactions that stabilize its transmembrane domain. Using a recently computed model of this domain, which specifies the locations of each amino acid, we postulated the existence of several interactions and tested them experimentally. We introduced mutations within the transmembrane domain of the gap junction-forming protein connexin that were previously implicated in genetic diseases and that apparently destabilized the gap junction, as evidenced here by the absence of the protein from the sites of cell-cell apposition. The model structure helped identify positions on adjacent helices where second-site mutations restored membrane localization, revealing possible interactions between residue pairs. We thus identified two putative salt bridges and one pair involved in packing interactions in which one disease-causing mutation suppressed the effects of another. These results seem to reveal some of the physical forces that underlie the structural stability of the gap junction transmembrane domain and suggest that abrogation of such interactions bring about some of the effects of disease-causing mutations.
Which Green Office Building Features Do Tenants Pay for? A Study of Observed Rental Effects

Abstract We use lease-level analysis to report on the effect of the presence of 15 green sustainable building features on office rents in an effort to unpack the independent impact of the bundle of attributes contained in green labels such as LEED. The results show that LEED conveys to the market the presence of attributes like superior air, efficient systems, and recycling. However, the research also demonstrates significant independent rental premiums for features such as access to natural light, efficient HVAC, water conservation, public transit, an electric car charging station, and access to services even with the presence of green labels. ENERGY STAR is found to have a premium independent of the green building attributes, but not in concert with them. We show a current market hierarchy of preferred green or sustainable building attributes. The results provide guidance for academic research, building developers, and decision makers contemplating green feature upgrades.
SME Roles in Modular Value Chains: Perspectives for Growth and Innovativeness

Objective: The aim of the paper is to present modular value chains (MVCs) as a technological and organisational phenomenon that affects industrial organisation and innovation, and to identify the characteristics and types of SME positions (roles) in modular value chains that are associated with innovation development and growth. Research Design & Methods: The study employs two methods, which are literature review and a multiple-case study approach based on two SMEs in the IT industry of which one acts as an independent innovator generating proprietary solutions and the other one is a supplier of production capacity in the area of lower to medium value-adding solutions. Findings: SME roles in modular value chains range from lowest-tire subcontractors in captive or market-based governance to major roles typical of large players in modular governance, e.g., quasi-lead firms and quasi-contract manufacturers. The latter two roles are associated with innovation and high growth. Implications & Recommendations: The recommendations as to the role of public policy and geographical context are provided regarding how to facilitate SMEs’ integration into MVCs with a focus on innovativeness and expansion. The question for further research is whether the roles identified in the case studies can be treated as SME-specific models of participation in modular value chains, or are they only development stages of growth SMEs towards the roles of large firms – leader firms and contract manufacturers (system integrators). Contribution & Value Added: The paper contributes by identifying the roles that SMEs can play in modular value chains and by identifying governance arrangements that SMEs apply to accomplish innovation and high growth.
Extrusion of Debris from Primary Molar Root Canals following Instrumentation with Traditional and New File Systems.

INTRODUCTION To assess the amount of debris extruded apically during instrumentation of distal canals of extracted primary molars by three instrument systems [ProTaper Universal (PTU), ProTaper NEXT (PTN), and self-adjusting file (SAF)] compared with conventional stainless steel hand K-files (HF, control). MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary mandibular molars (n = 120) with a single distal canal were selected and randomly divided into four groups (n = 30) for root canal instrumentation using group I, HF (to size 0.30/0.02 taper), group II, PTU (to size F3), group III, PTN (to size X3), and group IV, SAF. Debris extruded during instrumentation was collected in preweighed Eppendorf tubes, stored in an incubator at 70°C for 5 days and then weighed. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Turkey's post hoc test (p = 0.05). RESULTS All the groups resulted in extrusion of debris. There was statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in the debris extrusion between the three groups: HF (0.00133 ± 0.00012), PTU (0.00109 ± 0.00005), PTN (0.00052 ± 0.00008), and SAF (0.00026 ± 0.00004). CONCLUSION Instrumentation with SAF resulted in the least debris extrusion when used for shaping root canals of primary molar teeth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Debris extrusion in primary teeth poses an adverse effect on the stem cells and may also alter the permanent dental germ. Debris extrusion is rarely reported for primary teeth and it is important for the clinician to know which endodontic instrumentation leads to less extrusion of debris.
Boosting Taxes for Boasting About Houses? Status Concerns in the Housing Market

There is empirical evidence that households use residential houses as status goods. Their visibility qualifies them as an excellent signaling device of the relative income and wealth position, in contrast to less visible financial assets. To this end we introduce a residential housing sector and status concerns for housing into a neoclassical framework. In the model, households derive utility from the absolute amount of housing and from comparing their stock of housing to a reference stock, which is composed of the current or past level of housing of their peers. We analyze how status concerns affect household behavior and find that they increase housing demand and labor supply. Furthermore, we find that status concerns exert a negative externality and elevate housing to inefficiently high levels. We derive a (state contingent) optimal tax that establishes the first-best allocation along the transition path and at the steady state. Calibrating the model to the US we quantify the optimal tax on residential housing to 1.8%. Introducing the optimal tax entails a considerable welfare gain of 0.29% measured in consumption equivalents.
A Virulent Mono-Eukaryotic Culture of Histomonas meleagridis is Capable of Inducing Fatal Histomonosis in Different Aged Turkeys of Both Sexes, Regardless of the Infective Dose

Abstract Histomonosis (syn. histomoniasis) is a parasitic disease which affects predominately turkeys but also other avian species. Concurrent with the ban of therapeutic and prophylactic substances, the disease, caused by the flagellated protozoon Histomonas meleagridis, is more frequently reported. Due to somewhat diverse results reported in the past, a well-characterized culture was used in the present study to investigate the possible influence of certain parameters on the outcome of the disease. For this study, turkeys were infected with different doses of the mono-eukaryotic culture Histomonas meleagridis/Turkey/Austria/2922-C6/04 using birds of both sexes at various ages. All study groups consisted of 14 birds, of which 10 birds were directly infected via the cloacal route and four birds were kept as in-contact birds. This scheme was used to investigate the pathogenicity of the cloned isolate in 1-day-old and 14-day-old turkeys. In 8-week-old turkeys, only eight birds out of 12 were infected. When 1-day-old and 8-week-old turkeys were infected with 104 histomonads per bird, all turkeys died between 11 and 21 days postinfection or had to be euthanatized due to their poor condition. In a group of 14 poults, infective doses of either 10 histomonads (100 histomonads among 10 birds) or 103 histomonads per bird had hardly any influence on the first notification of clinical signs. However, even though the onset of clinical signs and mortality was delayed with the lower dose, none of the birds survived the infection. As a consequence, no differences were noticed between male and female turkeys using the mono-eukaryotic culture of Histomonas meleagrigis/Turkey/Austria/2922-C6/04 in the current experimental setting.
Proteomic analysis of nuclear proteins from proliferative and differentiated human colonic intestinal epithelial cells

Self‐renewing tissues such as the intestine contain progenitor proliferating cells which subsequently differentiate. Cell proliferation and differentiation involve gene regulation processes which take place in the nucleus. A human intestinal epithelial cell line model (Caco2/TC7) which reproduces these dynamic processes has been used to perform proteomic studies on nuclear proteins. Nuclei from Caco2/TC7 cells at proliferative and differentiated stages were purified by subcellular fractionation. After two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis separation and ruthenium staining, 400 protein spots were detected by image analysis. Eighty‐five spots corresponding to 60 different proteins were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry in nuclei from proliferative cells. Comparison of nuclear proteomes from proliferative or differentiated cells by differential display resulted in the identification of differentially expressed proteins such as nucleolin, hnRNP A2/B1 and hnRNP A1. By using Western blot analysis, we found that the expression and number of specific isoforms of these nuclear proteins decreased in differentiated cells. Immunocytochemistry experiments also showed that in proliferative cells nucleolin was distributed in nucleoli‐like bodies. In contrast, hnRNPs A2/B1 and A1 were dispersed throughout the nucleus. This study of the nuclear proteome from intestinal epithelial cells represents the first step towards the establishment of a protein database which will be a valuable resource in future studies on the differential expression of nuclear proteins in response to physiological, pharmacological and pathological modulations.
Strategies can be expensive too! The value spread and asset allocation in global equity markets

ABSTRACT Is the value spread useful for forecasting returns on quantitative equity strategies for country selection? To test this, we examine a sample of 120 country-level equity strategies replicated within 72 stock markets for the years 1996–2017. The value spread is a powerful and robust predictor of strategy returns in the cross-section, subsuming other methods based on momentum, reversal, or seasonality. Going long (short) the strategies with the broadest (narrowest) value spread produces significant four-factor model alphas, markedly outperforming an equal-weighted benchmark of all of the strategies. The results are robust to many considerations.
Analysis of simple sequence repeat (SSR) structure and sequence within Epichloë endophyte genomes reveals impacts on gene structure and insights into ancestral hybridization events

Epichloë grass endophytes comprise a group of filamentous fungi of both sexual and asexual species. Known for the beneficial characteristics they endow upon their grass hosts, the identification of these endophyte species has been of great interest agronomically and scientifically. The use of simple sequence repeat loci and the variation in repeat elements has been used to rapidly identify endophyte species and strains, however, little is known of how the structure of repeat elements changes between species and strains, and where these repeat elements are located in the fungal genome. We report on an in-depth analysis of the structure and genomic location of the simple sequence repeat locus B10, commonly used for Epichloë endophyte species identification. The B10 repeat was found to be located within an exon of a putative bZIP transcription factor, suggesting possible impacts on polypeptide sequence and thus protein function. Analysis of this repeat in the asexual endophyte hybrid Epichloë uncinata revealed that the structure of B10 alleles reflects the ancestral species that hybridized to give rise to this species. Understanding the structure and sequence of these simple sequence repeats provides a useful set of tools for readily distinguishing strains and for gaining insights into the ancestral species that have undergone hybridization events.
Segregating Semantic from Phonological Processes during Reading

A number of previous functional neuroimaging studies have linked activation of the left inferior frontal gyms with semantic processing, yet damage to the frontal lobes does not critically impair semantic knowledge. This study distinguishes between semantic knowledge and the strategic processes required to make verbal decisions. Using positron emission tomography (PET), we identify the neural correlates of semantic knowledge by contrasting semantic decision on visually presented words to phonological decision on the same words. Both tasks involve identical stimuli and a verbal decision on central lingual codes (semantics and phonology), but the explicit task demands directed attention either to meaning or to the segmentation of phonology. Relative to the phonological task, the semantic task was associated with activations in left extrasylvian temporal cortex with the highest activity in the left temporal pole and a posterior region of the left middle temporal cortex (BA 39) close to the angular gyrus. The reverse contrast showed increased activity in both supramarginal gyri, the left precentral sulcus, and the cuneus with a trend toward enhanced activation in the inferior frontal cortex. These results fit well with neuropsychological evidence, associating semantic knowledge with the extrasylvian left temporal cortex and the segmentation of phonology with the perisylvian cortex.
A case of linear atrophoderma of Moulin successfully treated with methotrexate

Linear atrophoderma of Moulin is an acquired rare and self‐limited skin condition. It is characterized by atrophic bandlike skin lesions that often show hyperpigmentation and always follow the lines of Blaschko. Usually it begins in childhood or adolescence and there is no evidence of any long term progression. We describe a case of a 21‐year‐old woman with clinical and histological features of linear atrophoderma of Moulin. The patient was successfully treated with methotrexate 20 mg/week during 6 months with an improvement of skin pigmentation and atrophy. Approximately, 30 cases of linear atrophoderma of Moulin were described in the literature. There is not a proven effective treatment of this dermatosis. High dose penicillin, topical corticosteroids, heparin, and oral potassium aminobenzoate have been used but found to be uneffective. To our knowledge, this is the first case of extensive linear atrophoderma of Moulin treated with methotrexate.