Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell lineage analysis of pattern formation in the Tubifex embryo. I. Segmentation in the mesoderm.

Annelids are strongly segmented animals that display a high degree of metamerism in their body plan. The embryonic origin of metameric segmentation was examined in an oligochaete annelid Tubifex using lineage tracers. Segmental organization arises sequentially in the anterior-to-posterior direction along the longitudinal axis of the mesodermal germ band, a coherent column of primary blast cells that are produced from the mesodermal teloblast. Shortly after its birth, each primary blast cell undergoes a spatiotemporally stereotyped sequence of cell divisions to generate three classes of cells (in terms of cell size), which together give rise to a distinct cell cluster. Each cluster is composed of descendants of a single primary blast cell; there is no intermingling of cells between adjacent clusters. Relatively small-sized cells in each cluster become localized at its periphery, and they form coelomic walls including an intersegmental septum to establish individuality of segments. A set of cell ablation experiments showed that these features of mesodermal segmentation are not affected by the absence of the overlying ectodermal germ band. These results suggest that each primary blast cell serves as a founder cell of each mesodermal segment and that the boundary between segments is determined autonomously. It is concluded that the metameric body plan of Tubifex arises from an initially simple organization (i.e., a linear series) of segmental founder cells.
Total Wealth Allocation: Liquidity, Longevity, and Legacy

In general, households use old technology for asset allocation decisions. Target-risk portfolio models are pervasive across the industry, and risk-profile questionnaires continue to form the foundation for strategic asset allocation decision-making. Better technology would utilize liability relative optimization and a holistic balance sheet and incorporate behavioral finance considerations. However, these concepts have not been integrated into most practitioners’ businesses, even though the core work on each was completed 20–30 years ago. The authors propose a scalable, total wealth model for integrating liability relative optimization into households’ portfolios. The basis for the model is an asset segmentation approach that refl ects the nuances of a households’ balance sheet and future objectives and enables liability relative optimization and total wealth considerations to be applied appropriately.
An optimal order quantity model for multi-products with uncertain arrival time

Based on the analysis and summary of the features of supply chain components as well as the sales company itself, the problem of allocating order quantity of multi-products in several periods with an uncertain arrival time is investigated for a sales company. A concept of random fuzzy arrival rate is proposed to describe the uncertainty of the arrival time effectively, and the customer satisfaction is guaranteed by a transfer strategy. Considering all the factors including order costs, inventory costs, and transfer costs, a random fuzzy optimal order quantity model of multi-products with uncertain arrival time is established to minimize the total costs with constraints of purchase quantity, inventory capacity and current capitals based on the random fuzzy theory in uncertain theory. The multi-products optimal order quantity model with a random fuzzy variable is transferred into a random fuzzy expected value model to calculate the solutions. Genetic Algorithm is employed to solve the problem according to the characteristics and complexity of the solution. Simulation experiments were conducted using practical data of a sales company, and the results verified the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed model and the solving algorithm.
International Factor Mobility, Production Cost Components, and Wage Inequality

Abstract The present paper establishes a two-sector monopolistic competition model to investigate how international factor mobility influences the skilled–unskilled wage inequality when the monopolistically competitive sector producing final goods is characterized by various types of production cost functions. We discuss three types of production cost functions of the monopolistically competitive sector. Different types of production cost functions have different production factor components of variable and fixed costs. We find that differences in production cost components of the monopolistically competitive sector matter for the impacts of international factor mobility on the skilled–unskilled wage inequality.
Studies of Firm Capital Structure Determinants in Poland: An Integrative Review

Abstract We investigated 34 empirical studies aimed at examining the capital structure determinants in firms operating in Poland to test to what degree the financing patterns were steady during the observed period (2001-2012). Specifically, in conducting the survey we were motivated by the following research questions which constitute the objectives of the article: (1) which factors - country or firm-specific - are more relevant in explaining leverage in Poland, (2) which theory - trade-off or pecking order - gains greater support in Poland, and (3) what is the significance of the optimal capital structure notion in Poland. Our results show that financing patterns changed importantly during the last 20 years, which manifests itself mainly in gradual increase in debt ratios with a dominant role of short-term debt, along with the decrease in the importance of country-specific factors (especially in large-sized, listed firms). The signs of the associations between leverage and the key firm-specific factors remained relatively stable during the investigated period, with the exception concerning tangibility. These signs provide greater support for pecking order theory, with at most a moderate role of the target capital structure.
Interest, Debt and Capital Accumulation—A Kaleckian Approach

Abstract In the present paper we explicitly introduce interest payments and debt into a Kaleckian distribution and growth model with an investment function very close to Kalecki’s original writings. This implies that growth in this model is ‘wage‐led’. The effects of interest rate variations on the short‐run equilibrium values of capacity utilisation, capital accumulation and the rate of profit are derived, and the long‐run effects on the equilibrium debt–capital ratio are analysed. It is shown, that the effects of interest variations on the endogenously determined real equilibrium values of the model do not only depend on the parameter values in the saving and investment functions but also on the interest elasticity of distribution and in some cases on initial conditions with respect to the interest rate and the debt–capital ratio. If the conditions for short‐run ‘normal’ effects of interest rate variations are given, the economy will be characterised by a long‐run unstable debt–capital ratio and by the macroeconomic ‘paradox of debt’. These results are similar to other models in the tradition of Kalecki and hint to the robustness of Kaleckian ‘monetary’ distribution and growth models with respect to the concrete specification of the investment function.
Neurologic Music Therapy Improves Executive Function and Emotional Adjustment in Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation

This study examined the immediate effects of neurologic music therapy (NMT) on cognitive functioning and emotional adjustment with brain‐injured persons. Four treatment sessions were held, during which participants were given a pre‐test, participated in 30 min of NMT that focused on one aspect of rehabilitation (attention, memory, executive function, or emotional adjustment), which was followed by post‐testing. Control participants engaged in a pre‐test, 30 min of rest, and then a post‐test. Treatment participants showed improvement in executive function and overall emotional adjustment, and lessening of depression, sensation seeking, and anxiety. Control participants improved in emotional adjustment and lessening of hostility, but showed decreases in measures of memory, positive affect, and sensation seeking.
Transplantation of M213-2O Cells with Enhanced GAD67 Expression into the Inferior Colliculus Alters Audiogenic Seizures

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of GABA-producing cell transplants on audiogenic seizures (AGS). The M213-2O cell line was derived from fetal rat striatum and has GABAergic properties. This cell line was further modified to express human GAD(67) and produce elevated levels of GABA. The present study compares the effects of parent M213-2O cell transplants with those of GAD(67)-modified M213-2O cells in AGS-prone Long-Evans rats. Two weeks following implantation of engineered cells, latency to AGS-typical wild running was increased compared to nonimplanted subjects. Survival of the transplanted cells was confirmed by immunochemical labeling of GAD(67) and Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen. These findings support the use of GABA-producing cell lines to modify seizure activity.
To what extent does disability discourage from work? An empirical analysis of labour force participation of disabled people in Italy

This paper is an empirical study on the work opportunities of people with disability using Italian data collected through a survey carried out by ISTAT in 2004. Our analysis is guided by the conceptual framework of the capability approach and investigates the role of conversion factors in the ability to be employed and the type of employment. We first use a simple probit for labour force participation and then a sequential logit for the outcomes of participation as well as employment status. In all variants we find that chronic illness is a stronger deterrent for labour force participation than disability. Women are more discouraged by disability compared to men. Among the various types of disabilities, 'intellectual' disability is the strongest barrier as can be expected and hearing the least in uential. In a sequential decision-making process, we and that disability aspects both labour force participation decision and the ability to be employed but not so much the choice between part-time and full-time.
Histone H3 lysine 4 dimethylation is enriched on the inactive sex chromosomes in male meiosis but absent on the inactive X in female somatic cells

Inactivation of the X chromosome occurs in female somatic cells and in male meiosis. In both cases, the inactive X chromosome undergoes changes in histone modifications including deacetylation of core histone proteins and enrichment with histone H3 lysine 9 (H3-K9) dimethylation. In this study we show that while the inactive X in female somatic cells is largely devoid of H3-K4 dimethylation, the inactive X in male meiosis is enriched with this modification. However, the inactive X chromosome in female somatic cells and the inactive X and Y in male meiosis are devoid of H3-K4 trimethylation. Further, trimethylation of H3-K4 is present at discrete regions along most of the autosomes, while H3-K4 dimethylation shows a more homogenous staining. Also, the Y chromosome is largely devoid of H3-K4 di- and trimethylation in somatic cells of both humans and mice, however, the Y chromosome is enriched with H3-K4 di- but not trimethylation throughout spermatogenesis. Our results provide insights into the differences between female somatic cells and male germ cells in inactivating the X chromosome, and suggest that trimethylation, and not dimethylation, of H3-K4 is a more robust indicator of the active regions of the genome.
Comparison of endoscopic ultrasound guided 22-gauge core needle with standard 25-gauge fine-needle aspiration for diagnosing solid pancreatic lesions

Background and Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the standard modality for diagnosing pancreatic masses. We compared the diagnostic yield of a new EUS-guided 22-gauge core needle biopsy to a standard 25-gauge FNA in sampling the same pancreatic lesions during the same EUS. Patients and Methods: The main outcomes of the study were the sample adequacy of each method to provide a final pathological diagnosis, and the concordance in diagnosis between core and FNA specimens. The secondary outcomes were the sensitivity and specificity of the findings for each needle and the incremental yield of using both needles compared with using each needle alone. Results: A total of 56 patients with 61 solid pancreatic lesions were evaluated. The mean number of passes with FNA was 3.5 (ranges 1-8) and with core biopsy needle was 1.7 (ranges 1-5). The proportions of adequate samples were 50/61 (81.9%) for FNA and 45/61 (73.8%) for core biopsy (P = 0.37). The diagnostic yield was 46/61 (75.4%), 42/61 (68.9%) and 47/61 (77.1%) for FNA, core, and both, respectively. There was a substantial agreement of 87.5% (κ = 0.77; P < 0.001) in the findings of core and FNA specimens. The sensitivity for the diagnosis of malignancy for FNA and core biopsy were 68.1% and 59.6%, respectively (P = no significant [NS]). The specificity was 100% for both methods. The incremental increase in sensitivity and specificity by combining both methods are 1.5% and 0%, respectively. Conclusion: There are NS differences in the diagnostic yield between EUS-guided 22-gauge core biopsy and standard 25-gauge FNA for diagnosing pancreatic lesions, but core biopsy required fewer numbers of passes. There was NS incremental diagnostic yield when using both needles during the same procedure.
Folding and amyloid‐fibril formation for a series of human stefins' chimeras: Any correlation?

To study the influence of whole secondary structure elements to the process of folding and amyloid‐fibril formation, chimeras of stefins have been prepared. GdnHCl denaturation curves and folding rates (chevron plots) have been analyzed based on a two‐state mechanism. The order of stability is: stefin A > aAbbbb > bAbbbb > stefin B = aBaaaa > bBaaaa, where the make up of chimeric proteins is designated by small letters representing the source of individual strands (a for stefin A, b for stefin B) and a capital letter representing the source of the helix (A for stefin A and B for stefin B). Only the fast folding reactions were included in the analysis and it has been found that stefin B folds the fastest (657 s−1). Similarly, fast folders are the chimeric proteins aBaaaa and bBaaaa, both of which contain the α‐helix of stefin B. Unfolding rates correlate very well with protein stability, with the slowest rate for the most stable protein, stefin A. Amyloid‐fibril growth was measured for each protein by monitoring thioflavin T fluorescence and was visualized using electron microscopy. The propensity to form amyloid‐fibrils is in the order: stefin B > bAbbbb > aAbbbb > bBaaaa > aBaaaa > stefin A. This order does not correlate with stability, or with the folding or unfolding rates. Instead, the propensity to fibrillize is related to selected parts of structure, such as the β‐sheet of stefin B, and can be predicted reasonably well by calculating the β‐strand propensity of the denatured states. Proteins 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of an overmoded re-entrant cavity

A rigorous analysis of an over-moded re-entrant cavity is performed in this paper in order to provide a complete modal solution, taking into account the whole set of modes, TE, TM and TEM, instead of the classical models which only consider TM0np. The used method is a combination of mode-matching technique and circuit analysis, obtaining the flexibility of the circuit technique and the accuracy of the mode-matching method. The behavior of some resonant modes, in relation with the air gap of the inner conductor, has been studied for the full-wave case. Some experimental measurements of azimuthal variation modes with empty cavity have been also performed to validate the accuracy of the proposed analysis. Furthermore, dielectrometry simulations have been carried out, comparing the results with other methods of the literature and with commercial numerical techniques (FEM).
Investigation of electrical phenomena of inorganic-filler/LDPE nanocomposite material

A nanocomposite material, composed of nano-size inorganic-filler added to a low-density polyethylene (LDPE), was subjected to electrical property investigations. The volume resistibility of LDPE, under 80 kV/mm DC field at 90 C, increases by the power of 10 due to the addition of only a few percent of nano-filler. On the other hand, lightning impulse breakdown strength was estimated by using a sphere-plate electrode system not dependent on MgO content in the area of 5 phr or less. From these results, it can be considered that the addition of nano-size inorganic-filler drastically raises the volume resistibility of LDPE without reducing the LDPE's original impulse breakdown strength.
Who uses employee financial participation in an adverse environment? The case of Estonia

This article focuses on profit-sharing and employee share ownership practices, with the aim of analysing the effect of company size and industry on financial participation, as well as the substitution or complementary effect of other direct and indirect participation methods adopted in Estonian private companies. The article uses survey data from more than 900 Estonian companies obtained via telephone interviews in 2011. The results indicate that share ownership is more common in micro enterprises, but contrary to expectations the incidence of employee financial participation is no higher in knowledge intensive sectors. The results also show that financial participation has different complementarities depending on the scheme. It seems that profit-sharing is part of the ‘package’ of employee participation, but this does not apply to employee share ownership. The article challenges the common understanding that certain innovative service sectors and bigger companies are more inclined to adopt employee financial participation; and raises doubts about the presumed development towards a higher degree of financial participation in Eastern European countries.
Vitamin D Supplementation for Nonspecific Musculoskeletal Pain in Non-Western Immigrants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE Many non-Western immigrants report musculoskeletal pains that are hard to treat. We studied the effect of high-dose vitamin D3 on nonspecific persistent musculoskeletal complaints in vitamin D–deficient non-Western immigrants and assessed correlation of pain patterns with benefit. METHODS We conducted a semi-crossover randomized controlled trial between February 2008 and February 2010 in primary care in 84 non-Western immigrants visiting their general practitioner for nonspecific musculoskeletal pain. At baseline, patients were randomized to placebo or vitamin D (150,000 IU vitamin D3 orally); at week 6, patients in the original vitamin D group were randomized a second time to receive vitamin D (again) or to switch to placebo, whereas patients in the original placebo group were all switched to vitamin D. The main outcome was self-assessed change in pain after the first 6 weeks. RESULTS Patients in the vitamin D group were significantly more likely than their counterparts in the placebo group to report pain relief 6 weeks after treatment (34.9% vs 19.5%, P = .04). The former were also more likely to report an improved ability to walk stairs (21.0% vs 8.4%, P = .008). Pain pattern was not correlated with the success of treatment. In a nonsignificant trend, patients receiving vitamin D over 12 weeks were more likely to have an improvement than patients receiving it over 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS There is a small positive effect 6 weeks after high-dose vitamin D3 on persistent nonspecific musculoskeletal pain. Future research should focus on longer follow-up, higher supplementation doses, and mental health.
Degenerative Disc Disease Treated With Combined Anterior and Posterior Arthrodesis and Posterior Instrumentation

Study Design. This study retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 58 patients all diagnosed with severe low back pain secondary to degenerative disc disease and treated with anterior arthrodesis and posterior instrumented arthrodesis. Objectives. To evaluate the outcome of a select group of patients with degenerative disc disease treated with this surgical intervention at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Summary of Background Data. Patients with degenerative disc disease who fail nonoperative treatment generally have disappointing outcomes with traditional surgical intervention. The literature analyzing posterior instrumented arthrodesis tends to exhibit the best results, but the numbers of patients with degenerative disc disease in these articles are few, and their outcomes are worse than the other low back conditions. Even patients with solid posterior arthrodesis have been noted to have continued low back pain. No articles have evaluated this specific surgical procedure in a group of patients all with the diagnosis of degenerative disc disease and no previous surgery. Methods. All patients were diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and had failed prolonged nonoperative treatment (average 4.9 years). Fusion levels were delineated by MRI and provocative discography in correlation with history and physical examination. The senior author (M.R.P.) performed the identical operative procedure on all patients, under a single anesthetic. The arthrodesis solidity was evaluated with radiographic studies and operative posterior exploration when necessary. Final outcomes were determined using a functional and satisfaction questionnaire, return to work, narcotic use, and the rate of solid arthrodesis. Charts, radiographs, and questionnaires were reviewed by an independent evaluator at final follow-up (average 35 months). Results. The solid arthrodesis rate was 95%. The three pseudoarthroses were all in patients with a three-level arthrodesis. Eighty-eight percent of the patients were able to return to work. Nineteen percent of patients required long-term narcotics, whereas 48% of the patient population were on narcotics before surgery. Eighty-six percent of the patients had a “better” rating at final follow-up. This included patients with decreased pain by visual analog scale, improved functional questionnaire, and those who would recommend the procedure to a friend or family member. Ten percent of the patients were “the same,” and 3% were “worse. ” Lumbar lordosis was maintained or improved. Complications did not exceed literature controls. Conclusions. Selected patients with discography-proven severe low back pain secondary to degenerative disc disease, who failed extensive nonoperative treatment, were treated successfully with anterior-posterior instrumented arthrodesis. The good arthrodesis rate, return to work rate, and patient satisfaction may justify the consideration of this aggressive treatment option in this specific patient population.