Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pathological Ace2-to-Ace enzyme switch in the stressed heart is transcriptionally controlled by the endothelial Brg1–FoxM1 complex

Significance Angiotensin-converting enzymes Ace and Ace2 counteract each other to control the metabolism of angiotensin peptides and heart function. When the heart is pathologically stressed, Ace is up-regulated whereas Ace2 is down-regulated, leading to a pathological Ace2-to-Ace switch and increased production of angiotensin II, which promotes hypertrophy and fibrosis. The mechanism of Ace2-to-Ace switch is unknown. In this study, we discovered that the Ace/Ace2 switch occurs at the transcription level and defined a chromatin-based endothelial mechanism that triggers Ace/Ace2 transcription switch and heart failure. Human tissue studies suggest that this mechanism is evolutionarily conserved. Our studies reveal a pharmacological method to simultaneously inhibit pathogenic Ace and activate cardioprotective Ace2. This finding provides new insights and methods for heart failure therapy. Genes encoding angiotensin-converting enzymes (Ace and Ace2) are essential for heart function regulation. Cardiac stress enhances Ace, but suppresses Ace2, expression in the heart, leading to a net production of angiotensin II that promotes cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. The regulatory mechanism that underlies the Ace2-to-Ace pathological switch, however, is unknown. Here we report that the Brahma-related gene-1 (Brg1) chromatin remodeler and forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) transcription factor cooperate within cardiac (coronary) endothelial cells of pathologically stressed hearts to trigger the Ace2-to-Ace enzyme switch, angiotensin I-to-II conversion, and cardiac hypertrophy. In mice, cardiac stress activates the expression of Brg1 and FoxM1 in endothelial cells. Once activated, Brg1 and FoxM1 form a protein complex on Ace and Ace2 promoters to concurrently activate Ace and repress Ace2, tipping the balance to Ace2 expression with enhanced angiotensin II production, leading to cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Disruption of endothelial Brg1 or FoxM1 or chemical inhibition of FoxM1 abolishes the stress-induced Ace2-to-Ace switch and protects the heart from pathological hypertrophy. In human hypertrophic hearts, BRG1 and FOXM1 expression is also activated in endothelial cells; their expression levels correlate strongly with the ACE/ACE2 ratio, suggesting a conserved mechanism. Our studies demonstrate a molecular interaction of Brg1 and FoxM1 and an endothelial mechanism of modulating Ace/Ace2 ratio for heart failure therapy.
Fuzzy C-Means Algorithm Based on Gaussian Function for Magnetic Resonance Images ( MRIs ) Segmentation

In this paper, we propose fuzzy c-means (FCM) method based on Gaussian function for improving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segmentation. The proposed algorithm is formulated by modifying the objective function of the standard FCM algorithm to allow the labeling of a pixel to be influenced by other pixels to suppress the noise effect during segmentation processes. The proposed algorithm is feed by the initial centers for the objective function as a prior knowledge to avoid the coincident clusters. Then, the process of finding the best clusters are continue to update the centers and the membership and only stop when the factor between two successive centers is smallest than a prescribed value. The proposed algorithm is applied to magnetic resonance image (MRI) datasets. Compared with the existing approaches, the proposed method can achieve the best accurate results.
3-T high-resolution MR neurography of sciatic neuropathy.

OBJECTIVE The sciatic nerve may normally exhibit mild T2 hyperintensity in MR neurography (MRN) images, rendering assessment of sciatic neuropathy difficult. The purpose of this case-control study was to evaluate whether a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the sciatic nerves and regional skeletal muscles increases the accuracy of MRN in detecting sciatic neuropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the MRN studies of the pelvis and thighs of 34 subjects (12 men and 22 women; mean [± SD] age, 50 ± 15 years), of which 17 had a final diagnosis of sciatic neuropathy according to electrodiagnostic or surgical confirmation, and 17 had no evidence of sciatic neuropathy and served as control subjects. On each side, the sciatic nerves were evaluated for signal intensity (SI), size, course, and fascicular shape, whereas the regional skeletal muscles were evaluated for edema, fatty replacement, and atrophy. In addition, the nerve-to-vessel SI ratio was registered for each side at the same time and 8 months later. RESULTS The sciatic nerves of the abnormal sides exhibited higher nerve-to-vessel SI ratios and higher incidences of T2 hyperintensity, enlargement, and abnormal fascicular shape compared to the nerves of the normal sides. The regional muscles of the abnormal sides demonstrated a higher grade of fatty infiltration and higher frequencies of edema and atrophy. A cutoff value of nerve-to-vessel SI ratio of 0.89 exhibited high sensitivity and specificity in predicting sciatic neuropathy. Calculation of the nerve-to-vessel SI ratio demonstrated excellent inter- and intraobserver reliability. CONCLUSION Both qualitative and quantitative criteria should be used to suggest the MRN diagnosis of sciatic neuropathy.
Cross‐Border Mergers and Differences in Corporate Governance

We examine whether corporate governance differences affect firm valuation in cross‐border mergers. We find that takeover premiums are decreasing in the quality of the foreign acquirer's home country governance for deals completed with stock, suggesting that the acquirers compensate target shareholders for the resulting exposure to inferior corporate governance regimes. Correspondingly, we find that the acquiring firm stockholders' abnormal returns at the merger announcement are increasing in the quality of corporate governance for stock offers. Finally, we find that foreign acquirers from countries with better corporate governance are more likely to make stock offers.
An empirical framework of financial characteristics and outperformance in troubled economic times: Evidence from the restaurant industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the financial characteristics associated with outperformance of US public restaurant firms in challenging economic times and the empirical measure of outperformance proposed herein.Design/methodology/approach – This study utilizes a Logit model and considers the relevant financial variables in annual deviation forms to explore an empirical model that explains financial outperformance in troubled economic times for the restaurant industry.Findings – The results of the study indicate that larger market share, asset turnover, and profit margin, combined with lower leverage, BM, earnings variance, and size, in addition to franchise utilization, appear to produce collectively a fine balance for success in difficult economic times.Research limitations/implications – This paper does not address the fine balance between short‐term financial performance and long‐term sustainability. Further, the employed contemporaneous modeling framework may limit generality of fi.
Design of Dynamic Vibrotactile Textures

This paper describes a method for creating virtual textures without force feedback by using a simple motion sensor and a single vibrotactile actuator. It is based on wavetable synthesis driven by the user's hand movements. The output of the synthesis is rendered with the tactile actuator attached in a hand-held box together with the motion sensor. The method provides a solution for creating tangible properties for virtual objects which can be explored by pointing at them with the sensor-actuator device. The study introduces 12 virtual textures which were based on three different envelope ridge lengths, two spatial densities, and were either regularly or irregularly organized. To evaluate the role of each design parameter in the perception of the texture, a series of experiments was conducted. The perceived similarity was assessed in a pairwise comparison test and the outcome was analyzed by using multidimensional scaling. The analysis revealed that envelope ridge length and spatial density were distinguishable design parameters while regularity was not. The textures were also rated according to five attribute scales previously determined in the pilot experiment. The results show that ridge length and spatial density influence perceived roughness and flatness similarly as with real textures.
Multiplex PCR for Typing Strains of Toxoplasma gondii

ABSTRACT A multiplex PCR assay was designed for multilocus strain typing of Toxoplasma gondii based on length polymorphism of five microsatellite markers. Eight T. gondii strains already sequenced at these five markers were used as control isolates. This method is simple, rapid, reproducible, and adapted to a large set of isolates.
Noise associated with distributed resistance of MOSFET gate structures in integrated circuits

The effect of thermal voltage fluctuations in a resistive gate matrix perpendicular to the direction of channel current, in a MOSFET, are treated in detail. A general formula is derived to arrive at channel current fluctuations for an arbitrary gate matrix layout. This formulation is an extension of the analysis done by Thornber and is valid for frequencies at which the distributed RC time constants associated with the gate matrix are not important. The results of this analysis can be used to design low-noise resistive gate structures.
Reviving the "Asian Monetary Fund"

Japan proposed an "Asian Monetary Fund" during the early stages of the crisis more than a year ago. The idea was never specified sufficiently to permit objective evaluation. It was nevertheless immediately rejected, mainly by other Asians (most vocally China) but also by the United States and the rest of the G-7, due to fears that it could undermine the leadership role of the International Monetary Fund and foster a split between Asia and North America.
Circulating tumor cells in small-cell lung cancer: a predictive and prognostic factor.

BACKGROUND Initial response of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) to chemotherapy is high, and recurrences occur frequently, leading to early death. This study investigated the prognostic value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with SCLC and whether changes in CTCs can predict response to chemotherapy. Patients and methods In this multicenter prospective study, blood samples for CTC analysis were obtained from 59 patients with SCLC before, after one cycle, and at the end of chemotherapy. CTCs were measured using CellSearch systems. RESULTS At baseline, lower numbers of CTCs were observed for 21 patients with limited SCLC (median = 6, range 0-220) compared with 38 patients with extensive stage (median = 63, range 0-14,040). Lack of measurable CTCs (27% of patients) was associated with prolonged survival (HR 3.4; P ≤ 0.001). CTCs decreased after one cycle of chemotherapy; this decrease was not associated with tumor response after four cycles of chemotherapy. CTC count after the first cycle of chemotherapy was the strongest predictor for overall survival (HR 5.7; 95% CI 1.7-18.9; P = 0.004). CONCLUSION Absolute CTCs after one cycle of chemotherapy in patients with SCLC is the strongest predictor for response on chemotherapy and survival. Patients with low initial CTC numbers lived longer than those with higher CTCs.
Genomic evidence for divergence with gene flow in host races of the larch budmoth

Ecological divergence in the face of gene flow has recently become implicated as a potentially important cause of speciation and adaptive radiation. Here, we develop a genomic approach to test for divergent selection in sympatric host races of the larch budmoth Zeiraphera diniana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). We analysed hundreds of amplified fragment length polymorphism markers in 92 individuals in sympatric and allopatric populations, and in two backcross broods used to map the markers to individual chromosomes. The results directly confirm the existence of natural hybridization and demonstrate strong heterogeneity between chromosomes in terms of molecular divergence between host races (the average level of divergence was FST=0.216). However, genomic heterogeneity was not found when we analysed divergence between geographically separated populations of the same host race. We conclude that the variance of the level of sympatric divergence among chromosomes is the footprint of divergent selection acting on a few linkage groups, combined with appreciable gene flow that homogenizes between‐race variation at the remaining linkage groups. These results, coupled with other recent multilocus analyses of sister species pairs, demonstrate that selection‐driven sympatric phase of genetic divergence in the presence of gene flow is a likely feature of speciation.
SOURCES OF PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH IN RAINBOW TROUT AQUACULTURE IN IRAN: TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY CHANGE OR TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS?

This study investigates the sources of total factor productivity (TFP) growth in rainbow trout production in Iran using data envelopment analysis (DEA). The Malmquist index is then employed to decompose the TFP growth into technical efficiency change and technological progress. We utilized panel data of 207 trout farms in the country over a 5-year period from 2003 to 2007. The results of this study revealed that TFP growth of rainbow trout farming has an increasing trend over the period at an average annual rate of 3.7%. The trend of cumulative technological change is negative and tends to be contrary to cumulative technical efficiency change. Although there is no technological change or innovation on trout farming, the technical efficiency change was found to be the sole source for TFP change, whereas the mean of technical efficiency was estimated to be about 66%. Therefore, there is still a great relative potential for increasing trout production through improvement in managerial efficiency as well as technological progress. The study suggests that Iran also has considerable room to enhance trout aquaculture's TFP growth by shifting the production frontier with adoption of new technologies and improving innovation.
Spiral autowaves as minimal, distributed gait controllers for soft-bodied animats

Inspired by the self-organization of growing embryos and coordinated movement of multicellular assemblies such as the slime mold Dictyostelium, where each cell is controlled by the same controller (a DNA-encoded gene regulatory network), we evolve distributed gait control mechanisms for soft-bodied animats. The animats are made of compressible material, with each body region capable of independent actuation, controlled by a cell at its center. Each animat consists of hundreds of cells uniformly distributed throughout the body, each sharing the same artificial gene regulatory network and aware of the state of their local neighborhood. We found that one of the most common actuation patterns that emerged relied on cells synchronizing their oscillations in order to produce a rotating, spiral wave spanning throughout the body. We found this type of mechanism to emerge for a wide range of animat morphologies as well as in very different types of initial conditions. We investigate how the evolved controllers produce the pattern through local feedbacks and evaluate spiral stability when imperfect, noisy cells are used.
CEO Incentive Compensation in U.S. Financial Institutions

This paper empirically addresses the questions of whether and, if yes, how U.S. bankers are compensated in particular with regard to incentive pay. Although the level of bank CEO pay has dropped during the financial crisis period, bank CEOs fared much better in comparison to their firms (and, in turn, their shareholders). Furthermore, bank CEO incentive pay beyond the justifiable portion is positively associated with CEO power measures. There is also some evidence, albeit weaker, that CEO power is positively related to CEO incentive pay switches.
Biphasic augmentation of alpha-adrenergic contraction by plumbagin in rat systemic arteries

Plumbagin, a hydroxy 1,4-naphthoquinone compound from plant metabolites, exhibits anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal activities via modulating various signaling molecules. However, its effects on vascular functions are rarely studied except in pulmonary and coronary arteries where NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibition was suggested as a mechanism. Here we investigate the effects of plumbagin on the contractility of skeletal artery (deep femoral artery, DFA), mesenteric artery (MA) and renal artery (RA) in rats. Although plumbagin alone had no effect on the isometric tone of DFA, 1 µM phenylephrine (PhE)-induced partial contraction was largely augmented by plumbagin (ΔTPlum, 125% of 80 mM KCl-induced contraction at 1 µM). With relatively higher concentrations (>5 µM), plumbagin induced a transient contraction followed by tonic relaxation of DFA. Similar biphasic augmentation of the PhE-induced contraction was observed in MA and RA. VAS2870 and GKT137831, specific NOX4 inhibitors, neither mimicked nor inhibited ΔTPlum in DFA. Also, pretreatment with tiron or catalase did not affect ΔTPlum of DFA. Under the inhibition of PhE-contraction with L-type Ca2+ channel blocker (nifedipine, 1 µM), plumbagin still induced tonic contraction, suggesting Ca2+-sensitization mechanism of smooth muscle. Although ΔTPlum was consistently observed under pretreatment with Rho A-kinase inhibitor (Y27632, 1 µM), a PKC inhibitor (GF 109203X, 10 µM) largely suppressed ΔTPlum. Taken together, it is suggested that plumbagin facilitates the PKC activation in the presence of vasoactive agonists in skeletal arteries. The biphasic contractile effects on the systemic arteries should be considered in the pharmacological studies of plumbagin and 1,4-naphthoquinones.
Family Business Research: A Strategic Reflection

As research on family business continues to grow, six key trends have become evident. These trends include a continuing pursuit of a few research topics such as succession, a strong preference for practice-oriented research methods, a tendency to borrow heavily from other disciplines without giving back to these fields, and a strong preference to talk to other researchers conducting research on family firms—failing to communicate with scholars from other disciplines. Therefore, we suggest strategies to expedite the growth of family business research toward better understanding the paradoxes faced by family business managers, deepen insights into the problems they encounter, improve rigor in reported research, find ways to promote a dialog with scholars in sister disciplines, and give back to the disciplines from which we borrow heavily.
The Changing Face of Special Educational Needs: Impact and implications for SENCOs and their schools

Acknowledgements Chapter 1. Re-examining practices in a time of change Chapter 2. The Changing Policy Context Chapter 3. The changing SEN system Chapter 4. Statutory responsibilities for SEN: whose job is it anyway? Chapter 5. The role of the SENCO Chapter 6. New ways of working Chapter 7. Coordinating, implementing and evaluating provision Chapter 8. Working with pupils with SEN and/or disabilities and their parents Chapter 9. Developing and evaluating practices in an era of change References Appendices
Crime, inequality and unemployment in England and Wales

A model of crime is developed based on principles from the existing literature with some original insight. The implications of the model are that income inequality and unemployment are important explanatory variables for crimes motivated by economic gain, but do not offer much explanatory power for other types of crime. Panel data of UK regions over the years from 2002 to 2007 are then used to test these predictions. The empirical results strongly support the hypothesis that crime is an economic phenomenon.
Children with 7q11.23 duplication syndrome: Psychological characteristics

To begin to delineate the psychological characteristics associated with classic 7q11.23 duplication syndrome (duplication of the classic Williams syndrome region; hereafter classic Dup7), we tested 63 children with classic Dup7 aged 4–17 years. Sixteen toddlers aged 18–45 months with classic Dup7 and 12 adults identified by cascade testing also were assessed. For the child group, median General Conceptual Ability (similar to IQ) on the Differential Ability Scales‐II was 85.0 (low average), with a range from severe disability to high average ability. Median reading and mathematics achievement standard scores were at the low average to average level, with a range from severe impairment to high average or superior ability. Adaptive behavior was considerably more limited; median Scales of Independent Behavior—Revised Broad Independence standard score was 62.0 (mild impairment), with a range from severe adaptive impairment to average adaptive ability. Anxiety disorders were common, with 50.0% of children diagnosed with Social Phobia, 29.0% with Selective Mutism, 12.9% with Separation Anxiety Disorder, and 53.2% with Specific Phobia. In addition, 35.5% were diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and 24.2% with Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Disruptive Behavior Disorder‐Not Otherwise Specified. 33.3% of the children screened positive for a possible Autism Spectrum Disorder and 82.3% were diagnosed with Speech Sound Disorder. We compare these findings to previously reported results for children with Williams syndrome and argue that genotype/phenotype studies involving the Williams syndrome region offer important opportunities to understand the contribution of genes in this region to common disorders affecting the general population. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The changing pattern of labour market activity in Great Britain : Evidence from the Labour Force Surveys 1984 and 1992

Aims to broaden the discussion of labour market changes to include inactivity. Examines the spatial structures of employment, unemployment and inactivity at two dates, 1984 and 1992, which were similar points in the economic cycle. Uses personal and socio‐economic characteristics, as suggested by economic theory, in a multinomial logit model to explain the probability that an individual will be in a given labour market state. Examines the importance of location by taking an average British male and female in both years and observing changes to their predicted probabilities as they move across the regions.
A density-functional theory study of tip electronic structures in scanning tunneling microscopy

In this work, we report a detailed analysis of the atomic and electronic structures of transition metal scanning tunneling microscopy tips: Rh, Pd, W, Ir, and Pt pyramidal models, and transition metal (TM) atom tips supported on the W surface, by means of ab initio density-functional theory methods. The d electrons of the apex atoms of the TM tips (Rh, Pd, W, Ir, and Pt tetrahedral structures) show different behaviors near the Fermi level and, especially for the W tip, dz2 states are shown to be predominant near the Fermi level. The electronic structures of larger pyramidal TM tip structures with a single apex atom are also reported. Their obtained density of states are thoroughly discussed in terms of the different d-electron occupations of the TM tips.