Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Carotid Artery Disease Severity and Vasomotor Response of Cerebral Blood Vessels

We assessed reactivity of cerebral vessels on hypercapnia in patients with carotid occlusive disease. The effects of vascular risk factors on carotid atherosclerosis and vasomotor reactivity (VMR) of cerebral arterioles were also examined. Patients (n = 50) with carotid stenosis (≥30% in 1 or both sides) were included; 30 patients acted as controls. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, cardiac diseases, inflammation, and smoking were recorded. Vasomotor reactivity was assessed with the apnea test by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and estimated by flow velocity changes in the middle cerebral artery before and after hypercapnia induction. Vasomotor reactivity was defined by the breath holding index, and values under 0.69 were considered critical for VMR impairment. Vasomotor reactivity reduction was significant (P = .004) in patients with severe carotid stenosis (>70%) and with symptomatic carotid disease (P < .05). The risk factors did not significantly influence VMR reduction. Severe carotid stenosis impairs VMR and may increase the risk of stroke, especially in symptomatic patients.
Growth without scale effects due to entropy

We eliminate scale effects in the Balanced Growth Path of an expanding-variety endogenous growth model using the concept of entropy as a complexity effect. This allows us to gradually diminish scale effects as the economy develops along the transitional dynamics, which conciliates evidence of the existence of scale effects long ago in history with evidence for no scale effects in today’s economies. We show that empirical evidence supports entropy as a stylized form of the complexity effect. Then we show that the model can replicate well the take-off after the industrial revolution. Finally, we show that a model with both network effects (as spillovers in R&D) and entropy (as complexity effects) can replicate the main facts of the very long-run evolution of the economy since A.D. 1. Future scenarios may help to explain (part of) the growth crises affecting the current generation.
Automatic Drum Transcription for Polyphonic Recordings Using Soft Attention Mechanisms and Convolutional Neural Networks

Automatic drum transcription is the process of generating symbolic notation for percussion instruments within audio recordings. To date, recurrent neural network (RNN) systems have achieved the highest evaluation accuracies for both drum solo and polyphonic recordings, however the accuracies within a polyphonic context still remain relatively low. To improve accuracy for polyphonic recordings, we present two approaches to the ADT problem: First, to capture the dynamism of features in multiple time-step hidden layers, we propose the use of soft attention mechanisms (SA) and an alternative RNN configuration containing additional peripheral connections (PC). Second, to capture these same trends at the input level, we propose the use of a convolutional neural network (CNN), which uses a larger set of time-step features. In addition, we propose the use of a bidirectional recurrent neural network (BRNN) in the peak-picking stage. The proposed systems are evaluated along with two state-of-the-art ADT systems in five evaluation scenarios, including a newly-proposed evaluation methodology designed to assess the generalisability of ADT systems. The results indicate that all of the newly proposed systems achieve higher accuracies than the stateof- the-art RNN systems for polyphonic recordings and that the additional BRNN peak-picking stage offers slight improvement in certain contexts.
Alcohol Outcomes by Sexual Orientation and Race/Ethnicity: Few Findings of Higher Risk.

OBJECTIVE This study sought to confirm a previously identified race by sexual orientation interaction and to clarify men's alcohol-related risk by using an expanded classification of sexual orientation. METHOD We collapsed three waves of National Alcohol Survey data, restricting the analytic sample to White (n = 5,689), Black (n = 1,237), and Latino (n = 1,549) men with complete information on sexual orientation and alcohol use. Using self-reported sexual identity and behavior, respondents were categorized as exclusively heterosexual (referent), behaviorally discordant heterosexuals (i.e., heterosexual identity and same-sex partners), or gay/bisexually identified men. We used multivariable logistic regression to model lifetime alcohol dependence symptoms, lifetime drinking-related consequences, and past-year hazardous drinking, controlling for age, education, employment, and relationship status and accounting for the complex survey design. RESULTS There was no difference in risk of past-year hazardous drinking and lifetime drinking-related consequences between heterosexual, behaviorally discordant heterosexual, and gay/bisexual men, independent of race/ ethnicity. Among Black men, behaviorally discordant heterosexuals had three-fold higher odds of lifetime alcohol dependence symptoms than exclusively heterosexual peers (aOR = 3.30, 95% CI [1.19, 9.18], p = .02). Gay/bisexual Latino men had marginally significantly lower odds of lifetime alcohol dependence symptoms (aOR = 0.36, 95% CI [0.12, 1.03], p = .06). CONCLUSIONS There is little support for broad statements of greater alcohol risk among gay/bisexual men; however, for some subgroups and outcomes the direction and degree of risk depend on race/ ethnicity. Thus, this study underscores the importance of considering the potential interaction of sexual orientation and race/ethnicity, which may exacerbate or attenuate.
The Origin and Identification of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Teeth: from Odontogenic to Non-odontogenic.

BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in teeth have been exploited as vital seed cells for stem cell-based dental medicine. To date, several mesenchymal stem cell populations originated from odontogenic tissue have been isolated and characterized by their expression of MSC surface markers and capacity of multi-lineage differentiation, including dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP) and so on. However, their identity in vivo remains elusive, which hinders further understanding of their application in stem cell-based tooth regeneration. Label retaining and lineage tracing analyses, which serve as gold standards for identification of stem cells in vivo, provide feasibility for identifying MSCs in teeth. OBJECTIVES In this review, we will discuss the issues of MSCs, including the origin and identification of both odontogenic and non-odontogenic MSCs, and address the role of nerve-derived Sonic hedgehog (Shh) in the regulation of MSCs in the neurovascular bundle (NVB). CONCLUSION Based on label retaining and lineage tracing analyses, latest studies have found new populations of non-odontogenic MSCs in teeth, periarterial-derived and glial-derived, regulated by the Shh derived from nerves in the NVB, which provides a new hope for tooth regeneration.
Postoperative outcome after modified unilateral-approach microendoscopic midline decompression for degenerative spinal stenosis.

OBJECT The object of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a novel, minimally invasive spinal surgery technique to correct degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis involving a modified unilateral-approach microendoscopic midline decompression. METHODS In this prospective study, 41 patients with lumbar stenosis were randomly assigned to undergo either a novel, median-approach microendoscopic laminectomy (20 patients) or a conventional laminectomy (21 patients). Spinal anteroposterior diameter, cross-sectional area, lateral recess distance, spinal stability, postoperative back pain, functional outcomes, and muscle trauma were evaluated. Follow-up ranged from 16 to 24 months, with a mean of 17.8 months for the novel procedure group and 18.6 months for the conventional laminectomy group. RESULTS Compared with patients in the conventional laminectomy group, patients who received the novel procedure had a reduced mean duration of hospital stay, a lower mean creatine phosphokinase muscular-type isoenzyme level, a lower visual analog scale score for back pain at 1-year follow-up, and a faster recovery rate. These patients also had less mean blood loss compared with the conventionally treated group. Satisfactory neurological decompression and symptom relief were achieved in 90% of these patients. There was no significant clinical difference compared with the conventional laminectomy group's results. There was no evidence of spinal instability in any patient, and no patient required a follow-up conventional laminectomy. CONCLUSIONS This novel procedure provides effective spinal decompression. Although this method requires more operating time than a conventional method, it requires only minimal muscle trauma and spinal stability maintenance, and allows for early mobilization. This shortens the hospital stay, reduces postoperative back pain, and leads to satisfactory neurological and functional outcomes. Moreover, with the midline approach, decompression was accomplished without compromising the facet joints, even with a narrow width of lamina.
Organizational Learning: A link between Top Management Support and Customer Date Quality improvement

Upon realizing the importance of CRM, a lot of efforts have been made to improve the effectiveness of these systems, and the results indicate the critical role of a high-quality customer database. Today, a new vision is emerging that recognizes the customer data quality as an organizational issue, as well as a technical issue. However, the previous research has given less attention to the issue of data quality from an organizational perspective. Therefore, this work studies the customer data quality from the perspective of "organizational learning theory" at three levels of organizational (organizational culture committed to the customer information and data), cross functional (marketing/IT cooperation) and functional (data sharing). Moreover, this research attempts to analyze the role of top management support at the aforementioned levels. For this purpose and based on a questionnaire approach, we managed to collect data from stock brokerage companies in Iran. For data analysis, the pathway analysis method and the Amos22 and SPSS22 software Packages were used. The results indicate a positive impact of top management support on all aspects of organizational learning and a meaningful positive impact of the customer data quality on customer performance. However, the positive impact of organizational learning on customer data quality except the variable of the marketing/IT cooperation was not confirmed.
Airway epithelial cell differentiation during lung organogenesis requires C/EBPα and C/EBPβ

Background: CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein (C/EBP)α is crucial for lung development and differentiation of the pulmonary epithelium. Conversely, no lung defects have been observed in C/EBPβ‐deficient mice, although C/EBPβ trans‐activate pulmonary genes by binding to virtually identical DNA‐sequences as C/EBPα. Thus, the pulmonary phenotype of mice lacking C/EBPβ could be explained by functional replacement with C/EBPα. We investigated whether C/EBPα and C/EBPβ have overlapping functions in regulating lung epithelial differentiation during organogenesis. Epithelial differentiation was assessed in mice with a lung epithelial–specific (SFTPC‐Cre‐mediated) deletion of C/EBPα (CebpaΔLE), C/EBPβ (CebpbΔLE), or both genes (CebpaΔLE; CebpbΔLE). Results: Both CebpaΔLE mice and CebpaΔLE; CebpbΔLE mice demonstrated severe pulmonary immaturity compared to wild‐type littermates, while no differences in lung histology or epithelial differentiation were observed in CebpbΔLE mice. In contrast to CebpaΔLE mice, CebpaΔLE; CebpbΔLE mice also displayed undifferentiated Clara cells with markedly impaired protein and mRNA expression of Clara cell secretory protein (SCGB1A1), compared to wild‐type littermates. In addition, ectopic mucus‐producing cells were observed in the conducting airways of CebpaΔLE; CebpbΔLE mice. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that C/EBPα and C/EBPβ play pivotal, and partly overlapping roles in determining airway epithelial differentiation, with possible implications for tissue regeneration in lung homeostasis and disease. Developmental Dynamics 241:911–923, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure of Apolipoprotein A-I N Terminus on Nascent High Density Lipoproteins*

Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is the major protein component of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and a critical element of cholesterol metabolism. To better elucidate the role of the apoA-I structure-function in cholesterol metabolism, the conformation of the apoA-I N terminus (residues 6–98) on nascent HDL was examined by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic analysis. A series of 93 apoA-I variants bearing single nitroxide spin label at positions 6–98 was reconstituted onto 9.6-nm HDL particles (rHDL). These particles were subjected to EPR spectral analysis, measuring regional flexibility and side chain solvent accessibility. Secondary structure was elucidated from side-chain mobility and molecular accessibility, wherein two major α-helical domains were localized to residues 6–34 and 50–98. We identified an unstructured segment (residues 35–39) and a β-strand (residues 40–49) between the two helices. Residues 14, 19, 34, 37, 41, and 58 were examined by EPR on 7.8, 8.4, and 9.6 nm rHDL to assess the effect of particle size on the N-terminal structure. Residues 14, 19, and 58 showed no significant rHDL size-dependent spectral or accessibility differences, whereas residues 34, 37, and 41 displayed moderate spectral changes along with substantial rHDL size-dependent differences in molecular accessibility. We have elucidated the secondary structure of the N-terminal domain of apoA-I on 9.6 nm rHDL (residues 6–98) and identified residues in this region that are affected by particle size. We conclude that the inter-helical segment (residues 35–49) plays a role in the adaptation of apoA-I to the particle size of HDL.
Purification and characterisation of proteins secreted by the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae with insecticidal activity against adults of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae).

BACKGROUND The control of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wied) is usually performed with protein bait sprays incorporating chemical insecticides that may have adverse effects on humans, non-target organisms and the environment. In recent years, scientists have sought more environmentally friendly insecticides for medfly control, such as plant- and microorganism-derived compounds. Among these compounds, entomopathogenic fungi are an unexplored source of natural insecticides. RESULTS The crude soluble protein extract (CSPE) of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Mestch.) (strain EAMa 01/58-Su) shows chronic insecticidal activity when administered per os. Mortality in flies exhibits a dose response. The CSPE produces an antifeedant effect in adult flies, a result probably due to a progressive deterioration of the fly midgut after ingestion of the extract. Protease and temperature treatments show that insecticidal activity against C. capitata is due to proteinaceous compounds that are highly thermostable. Four monomeric proteins from this crude extract have been purified by liquid chromatography and gel electroelution. Although all four monomers seem to be involved in the insecticidal activity of the CSPE, the 15 kDa and the 11 kDa proteins appear to be mainly responsible for the observed insecticidal effect. CONCLUSIONS Four new fungal proteins with insecticidal activity have been purified and identified. These proteins might be combined with insect baits for C. capitata biocontrol.
CCN6 (WISP3) decreases ZEB1-mediated EMT and invasion by attenuation of IGF-1 receptor signaling in breast cancer

During progression of breast cancer, CCN6 protein exerts tumor inhibitory functions. CCN6 is a secreted protein that modulates the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway. Knockdown of CCN6 in benign mammary epithelial cells triggers an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), with upregulation of the transcription factor ZEB1/δEF1. How CCN6 regulates ZEB1 expression is unknown. We hypothesized that CCN6 might regulate ZEB1, EMT and breast cancer invasion by modulating IGF-1 signaling. Exogenously added human recombinant CCN6 protein was sufficient to downregulate ZEB1 mRNA and protein levels in CCN6-deficient (CCN6 KD) HME cells and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Recombinant CCN6 protein decreased invasion of CCN6 KD cells compared with controls. We discovered that knockdown of CCN6 induced IGF-1 secretion in HME cells cultivated in serum-free medium to higher concentrations than found in MDA-MB-231 cells. Treatment with recombinant CCN6 protein was sufficient to decrease IGF-1 protein and mRNA to control levels, rescuing the effect of CCN6 knockdown. Specific inhibition of IGF-1 receptors using the pharmacological inhibitor NVP-AE541 or short hairpin shRNAs revealed that ZEB1 upregulation due to knockdown of CCN6 requires activation of IGF-1 receptor signaling. Recombinant CCN6 blunted IGF-1-induced ZEB1 upregulation in MDA-MB-231 cells. Our data define a pathway in which CCN6 attenuates IGF-1 signaling to decrease ZEB1 expression and invasion in breast cancer. These results suggest that CCN6 could be a target to prevent or halt breast cancer invasion.
Evidence for local outbreeding depression in the Mediterranean island endemic Anchusa crispa Viv. (Boraginaceae)

In this study we examined the relative effects of inbreeding and outbreeding on offspring fitness over two generations in Anchusa crispa Viv. , a rare species which on Corsica (France) occurs in small populations composed of patches of few individuals. Self- and outcross-pollinations were carried out in a single population and F1 progeny grown to flowering. Plants grown from selfing and outcrossing were then selfed or outcrossed to produce F2 individuals in four combinations of pollination treatments over two generations, i.e. self + self, self + outcross, outcross + self and outcross + outcross. In the F1 generation, selfed progeny had a significantly greater number of cymes per plant than outcrossed progeny (P=0.006). Plants from two generations of selfing had fewer seeds per fruit (P=0.06) but a significantly greater survival rate (P < 0.001) and a greater number of cymes (P=0.06) than those from two generations of outcrossing. Selfed F2 from outcrossed F1 had a significantly greater number of cymes (P < 0.01) than outcrossed F2 from outcrossed F1. In the comparison between selfed and outcrossed F2 from selfed F1 the former had a significantly greater survival rate (P < 0.001), but the latter significantly more flowers per cyme (P < 0.05). Together, these results indicate that outbreeding depression may occur on a very local scale within populations of this rare endemic species, with important implications for the conservation of rare plants.
Mitochondrial DNA loss caused by ethanol in Saccharomyces flor yeasts

Saccharomyces flor yeasts proliferate at the surface of sherry wine, which contains over 15% (vol) ethanol. Since ethanol is a powerful inducer of respiration-deficient mutants, this alcohol has been proposed to be the source of the high diversity found in the mitochondrial genomes of flor yeasts and other wine yeasts. Southern blot analysis suggests that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphic changes are due to minor lesions in the mitochondrial genome. As determined in this work by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, restriction analysis, and Southern blot analysis, ethanol-induced petite mutants completely lack mtDNA (rho zero). Ethanol-induced changes in the mitochondrial genome that could explain the observed mtDNA polymorphism in flor yeasts were not found. The transfer of two different mtDNA variants from flor yeasts to a laboratory strain conferred in both cases an increase in ethanol tolerance in the recipient strain, suggesting that mtDNAs are probably subjected to positive selection pressure concerning their ability to confer ethanol tolerance.
Effectiveness of human recombinant activated protein C for severe sepsis and septic shock in adult and pediatric patients: randomized clinical trial versus nonrandomized study.

DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e31828e8d7b REFERENCES 1. Rimmer E, Kumar A, Doucette S, et al: Activated protein C and septic shock: A propensity-matched cohort study. Crit Care Med 2012; 40:2974–2981 2. Martí-Carvajal AJ, Solà I, Gluud C, et al: Human recombinant protein C for severe sepsis and septic shock in adult and paediatric patients. Cochr Database Syst Rev 2012; 12:CD004388 3. Deeks JJ, Dinnes J, D’Amico R, et al: Evaluating non-randomised intervention studies. Health Technol Assess 2003; 7:iii–x, 1–173 4. Ioannidis JP, Haidich AB, Pappa M, et al: Comparison of evidence of treatment effects in randomized and nonrandomized studies. JAMA 2001; 286:821–830 5. Heinze G, Jüni P: An overview of the objectives of and the approaches to propensity score analyses. Eur Heart J 2011; 32:1704–1708 DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e31828c2500
Patterns of DNA sequence diversity and genetic structure after a range expansion: lessons from the infinite‐island model

It has been long recognized that population demographic expansions lead to distinctive features in the molecular diversity of populations. However, recent simulation results have suggested that a distinction could be made between a pure demographic expansion in an unsubdivided population, and a range expansion in a subdivided population, both leading to a large increase in the total number of the individuals. In order to better characterize the effect of a range expansion, I introduce a simple model of instantaneous expansion under an infinite‐island model, under which I derive the distribution of the number of mutation differences between pairs of genes (the mismatch distribution), the heterozygosity, the average number of pairwise difference, and the fixation index FST. These derivations are checked against simulations, and are shown to lead to results qualitatively similar to those one would obtain after a range expansion in a 2‐dimensional stepping‐stone model. I then apply these results to estimate immigration rates in hunter‐gather and post‐Neolithic human populations from patterns of mitochondrial (mtDNA) diversity. Potential problems with this estimation procedure are also discussed.