Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A real Z-box experiment for testing Zadeh's example

In this paper, we propose a real experiment for building and realizing the physical combination of basic belief assignments associated with two independent, informative, and equireliable sources of information, according to the famous Zadeh's example. This experiment is based on a particular electronic circuit box, called Z-box, enabling to observe and to check the fusion result experimentally. Our experimental results clearly invalidate the fusion result obtained by Dempster-Shafer's rule of combination and show that it is physically possible to consider in a natural fusion process two independent and equi-reliable sources of evidences at same time, even if they appear as highly conflicting in Shafer's sense.
A recurrent cooperative/competitive field for segmentation of magnetic resonance brain imagery

The gray-white decision network is introduced as an application of an on-center, off-surround recurrent cooperative/competitive network for segmentation of magnetic resonance imaging brain images. The three-layer dynamical system relaxes into a solution where each pixel is labeled as either gray matter, white matter, or 'other' matter by using raw input intensity, edge information, and neighbor interactions. This network is presented as an example of applying a recurrent cooperative/competitive field to a problem with multiple conflicting constraints. Simulations are presented and discussed. <<ETX>>
Enhancement of Heat Transfer in PCM by Cellular Zn-Al Structure

Development of open cellular metal foam technology based on investment casting applying the polyurethane pattern is discussed. Technological process comprises preparing of the ceramic mold applying PUR foam as the pattern, firing of the mold, pouring of the liquid Zn-Al alloy into the mold and washing out of the ceramic material from cellular casting. Critical parameters such as the temperature of mold and poured metal, design of gating system affected by metalostatic pressure allowed to produce castings with cellular structure characterized by the open porosity. Metal cellular foams with the open porosity embedded in phase change material (PCM) enhance heat transfer and reduce time operations in energy storage systems. Charging and discharging were performed at the laboratory accumulator by heating and cooling with flowing water characterized by the temperatures of 97-100 o C. Temperature measurements were collected from 7 different thermocouples located in the accumulator. In relation to the tests with pure paraffin, embedding of the metal Zn-Al cellular foam in paraffin significantly decreases temperature gradients and melting time of paraffin applied as PCM characterized by the low thermal conductivity. Similarly, reduction of discharging time by this method improves the efficiency of thermal energy storage system applied in solar power plants or for the systems of energy efficient buildings.
Single-blinded, randomized, and controlled clinical trial evaluating the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids among septic patients with intestinal dysfunction: A pilot study

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory reaction, which is aggravated by aspects of the immune response that are thought to be inhibited by Omega-3 fatty acids. The aim of the present study was to determine if Omega-3 fatty acid could modulate immunological function and improve survival rate among septic patients with intestinal dysfunction. A total of 48 mechanically ventilated patients with intestinal dysfunction were included in this prospective, randomized and single-blind clinical study. Patients were randomly divided into control (group A) and treatment groups (group B). The treatment protocol for all the participants followed the Sepsis Survival Campaign guidelines, and group B received total parenteral nutrition containing 100 ml of Omega-3 fatty acids (containing 10 g refined fish oil) per day in addition to the standard treatment applied in group A. Group B had a significantly lower mortality rate compared with group A (12.5 vs. 41.7%, P<0.05) during the 28-day follow-up. Group B also had lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores (P<0.05) and lower Marshall scores (P<0.05) at day 7. In addition, group B had a higher ratio of T helper to inducer lymphocytes as well as a higher ratio of CD4 to CD8 lymphocytes (P<0.01 for both) than group A. It was concluded that Omega-3 fatty acids improved T helper/inducer and CD4/CD8 ratios, and may have reduced mortality, among septic patients with intestinal dysfunction.
Catastrophic medical expenditure risk

We propose a measure of household exposure to particularly onerous medical expenses. The measure can be decomposed into the probability that medical expenditure exceeds a threshold, the loss due to predictably low consumption of other goods if it does and the further loss arising from the volatility of medical expenses above the threshold. Depending on the choice of threshold, the measure is consistent with a model of reference-dependent utility with loss aversion. Unlike the risk premium, the measure is only sensitive to particularly high expenses, and can identify households that expect to incur such expenses and would benefit from subsidised, but not actuarially fair, insurance. An empirical illustration using data from seven Asian countries demonstrates the importance of taking account of informal insurance and reveals clear differences in catastrophic medical expenditure risk across and within countries. In general, risk is higher among poorer, rural and chronically ill populations.
Micellar formulations of pro-apoptotic DM-PIT-1 analogs and TRAIL in vitro and in vivo

Abstract We have developed and characterized micellar formulations of analogs to the recently developed inhibitor of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway (N-[(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)amino]carbonothioyl-3,5-dimethylbenzamide (DM-PIT-1)) for their physicochemical, loading and cytotoxic properties. The first generation inhibitor DM-PIT-1 is a non-lipid, small molecule inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate/Pleckstrin homology (PIP3/PH) binding capable of inhibiting the growth of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. A second generation of improved and druggable analogs has been developed. All compounds were successfully loaded (>70%) in PEG2000-PE micelles of 16–20 nm in size with several analogs demonstrating favorable cytotoxic activity against A2780 ovarian carcinoma. These compounds were also successfully incorporated into polyethylene glycol-phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-PE) micelles combined with surface-bound tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL). The resulting multifunctional combination micelles were able to significantly enhance cytotoxic activity in the TRAIL-resistant A2780 cell line. Additionally, analogs NCL-176 and NCL-240 were effective in inhibiting tumor growth in an in vivo subcutaneous tumor model of A2780. These results indicate the utility of delivering TRAIL and PI3K pathway inhibitors in a combined micellar preparation.
A Comparison of the Effects of Alpha and Medical-Grade Honey Ointments on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Rats

Introduction. This study compared the healing efficacy and possible adverse effects of topical Alpha and medical-grade honey ointments on cutaneous wounds in rats. Methods. To conduct the study, 22 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into two equal groups: (1) rats with Alpha ointment applied to the wound surface area and (2) rats with medical-grade honey ointment applied to their wounds. The ointments were applied daily during the 21-day study period. Wound contraction was examined photographically with images taken on days 0, 7, and 21 after wounding. The healing process was histopathologically assessed using skin biopsies taken from the wound sites on days 7 and 21. Results. No statistically significant difference in mean wound surface area was observed between the two study groups. According to histopathological assessment, a significant reduction in the amount of collagen deposition (P value: 0.007) and neovascularisation (P value: 0.002) was seen in the Alpha-treated rats on day 21. No tissue necrosis occurred following the application of Alpha ointment. Conclusion. Daily topical usage of Alpha ointment on a skin wound can negatively affect the healing process by inhibiting neovascularization. Topical Alpha ointment can reduce the possibility of excessive scar formation by reducing collagen deposition.
Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of fiber reinforced composite bonded retainers and flexible spiral wires retainers in simulated high and low cariogenic environments

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of fiber reinforced composite bonded retainers in comparison with flexible spiral wires (FSWs) under high and low cariogenic-simulated environments using human oral fibroblasts. Materials and Methods: Four types of bonded retainers were evaluated: (1) reinforced with glass fibers: Interlig (Angelus), (2) reinforced with polyethylene fibers: Connect (Kerr), (3) reinforced with quartz fibers: Quartz Splint UD (RTD), and (4) FSW. Twenty specimens of each sample group were prepared with the same surface area and halved. Next, half of them were placed in a high cariogenic environment 60 min in 10% lactic acid 3 times a day and remained in Fusayama Meyer artificial saliva for the rest of the day) and the other half were placed in a low cariogenic environment 20 min in 10% lactic acid 3 times a day and remained in Fusayama Meyer artificial saliva for the rest of the day) for 1, 7 and 30 days. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (α =0.05). Results: During the 1 st month, cytotoxicity reduced gradually. In the low cariogenic-simulated environment, the cytotoxicity of all of the groups were reported to be mild at day 30 and the difference between them was significant (P = 0.016). In the same period in the high cariogenic-simulated environment, the cytotoxicity of Connect and Quartz Splint was mild, and they had lower cytotoxicity than the other groups. Meanwhile, Interlig had moderate (52%) and FSW had severe cytotoxicity (22%) and the difference between the groups was also significant (P = 0.000). Conclusions: FSW retainers are not recommended in those at high-risk for dental caries. However, in those at low-risk, there is no difference from the standpoint of cytotoxicity.
Long term probability of detection of HIV-1 drug resistance after starting antiretroviral therapy in routine clinical practice

Background:Little is known about the long term risk of development of HIV-1 drug resistance for patients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) with three or four drug regimens in routine clinical practice. Methods:We analysed a large cohort study of patients seen in one of six large HIV clinics in and around London, UK. The focus of this analysis was on patients who started ART with two nucleosides plus either a single protease inhibitor (PI), a PI with ritonavir, abacavir or a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Results:4306 patients were followed; 1436 (33%) started with a single PI, 279 (6%) with a PI plus ritonavir, 156 (4%) with triple nucleosides and 2435 (57%) with an NNRTI. The overall cumulative risk of viral load failure was 38% by 6 years. Risk of ≥1 major IAS-USA mutation was 27% by 6 years; risk of mutations from at least two of the three main drug classes was 20% over the same period. These are lower limit estimates as test results were not available for many with viral load failure. Risk of PI mutations being detected in people who started ART with regimens containing a PI with ritonavir was significantly lower than the risk of NNRTI mutations being detected in those starting with NNRTI-containing regimens (relative hazard 0.3195% CI 0.15-0.61; p = 0.0008). Conclusion:In routine practice, rates of viral load failure and of resistance detection in patients who started ART with three or four drugs are appreciable.
Major Signaling Pathways Modulate Arabidopsis Glucosinolate Accumulation and Response to Both Phloem-Feeding and Chewing Insects1

Plant responses to enemies are coordinated by several interacting signaling systems. Molecular and genetic studies with mutants and exogenous signal application suggest that jasmonate (JA)-, salicylate (SA)-, and ethylene (ET)-mediated pathways modulate expression of portions of the defense phenotype in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), but have not yet linked these observations directly with plant responses to insect attack. We compared the glucosinolate (GS) profiles of rosette leaves of 4-week-old mutant and transgenic Arabidopsis (Columbia) plants compromised in these three major signaling pathways, and characterized responses by those plants to feeding by two phloem-feeding aphids (generalist Myzus persicae and specialist Brevicoryne brassicae) and one generalist caterpillar species (Spodoptera exigua Hubner). Blocked JA signaling in coronatine-insensitive (coi1) and enhanced expression of SA-signaled disease resistance in hypersensitive response-like (hrl1) mutants reduced constitutive GS concentrations, while blocking SA signaling at the mediator protein npr1 mutant (NPR) increased them. There was no significant impact on constitutive GS contents of blocking ET signaling (at ET resistant [etr1]) or reducing SA concentrations (nahG transgene). We found increased GS accumulation in response to insect feeding, which required functional NPR1 and ETR1 but not COI1 or SA. Insect feeding caused increases primarily in short-chain aliphatic methylsulfinyl GS. By contrast, responses to exogenous JA, a frequent experimental surrogate for insect attack, were characterized by an increase in indolyl GS. Insect performance, measured as population increase or weight increase, was negatively related to GS levels, but we found evidence that other, ET-regulated factors may also be influential. Plant resistance to (consumption by) S. exigua was not related to insect growth because some plant chemistries inhibited growth while others inhibited feeding. These major signaling pathways modulate Arabidopsis GS accumulation and response to both phloem-feeding and chewing insects, often antagonistically; NPR appears to be central to these interactions. Our results indicate that exogenous signal application and plant consumption measures may not provide useful measures of plant responses to actual insect feeding.
Study of serum uric acid and creatinine in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Background Renal dysfunction, increased xanthine oxidase activity and oxidative stress in placenta contributes to the elevated uric acid levels in preeclampsia (PE). Objective To determine serum uric acid and creatinine in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and correlate with fetal outcome. Materials and Methods Pregnant women ≥32 weeks of gestation. Study population included 3 groups, 31 normotensive pregnant (NP) women as controls, 30 pregnant women with gestational hypertension (GH) and 30 with PE. Result Serum uric acid and creatinine levels were significantly elevated in PE (6.26±1.19 and 0.94±0.26 mg/dL) when compared with Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) (4.27± 1.0 and 0.66 ±0.19 mg/dL) and NP (4.25 ± 0.8 and 0.63± 0.13 mg/dL) (P-value <0.001 and <0.001) respectively. Receiver operation characteristics curves demonstrated greater sensitivity and specificity for uric acid (86.7% and 83.9%, respectively) in PE than for creatinine (80% and 77.4%, respectively). Uric acid had strong and negative correlation with fetal birth weight in PE (r = −0.59, P = 0.006), where as creatinine had negative but weak correlation (r= −0.03, P=0.87). Conclusion Serum uric acid is a better diagnostic and predictive marker for PE and fetal outcome respectively.
Family history, longevity, and risk of coronary heart disease: the PRIME Study.

BACKGROUND To assess the contribution of family history of coronary heart disease (CHD) and longevity in parents to 5-year incidence of coronary events in middle-aged men. METHODS A prospective study in men from Northern Ireland and the French cities and environs of Lille, Strasbourg, and Toulouse. A total of 10 600 men aged 50-59 years were examined between 1991 and 1994 and followed annually by questionnaire for incident cases of coronary disease. A detailed family history was taken and a quantitative family risk score for CHD was calculated for each subject. Five-year follow-up is complete; all coronary events (coronary deaths, myocardial infarction, and angina) documented by clinical records were reviewed by an independent medical committee. RESULTS At screening, 9758 subjects were free of clinical and historical evidence of CHD; in this group there were 317 coronary events by 5 years of follow-up. Subjects whose parents had both survived until >/=80 years showed a relative odds of 0.49 (95% CI: 0.31-0.77) for risk of a coronary event compared with subjects whose parents had not survived until >/=80 years old with adjustment for age and nine other risk factors including family history. The pattern of results was similar in France and Northern Ireland, although parental survival was longer in France. Likewise, subjects with a strong family history showed a relative odds of 1.93 (95% CI: 1.25-3.00) compared with subjects without such a history, after adjustment for age and the nine risk factors including parental longevity. The pattern of results was similar in France and Northern Ireland. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that a family history of coronary disease and parental longevity, although related, act independently of one another and of other major cardiovascular risk factors in predicting 5-year risk of subsequent coronary events.
Effect of the combination of music and nature sounds on pain and anxiety in cardiac surgical patients: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND Postoperative pain and anxiety are common in cardiac surgery patients. Studies have suggested that music can decrease anxiety in hospitalized patients. Primary Study Objective This study focused on the efficacy and feasibility of special music, which included nature sounds, for pain and anxiety. METHODS/DESIGN In this randomized controlled trial, postoperative cardiovascular surgery patients were randomly assigned to a music group to receive 20 minutes of standard postoperative care and music twice daily on postoperative days 2 through 4 or to a control group to receive 20 minutes of standard care with a quiet resting period twice daily on postoperative days 2 through 4. SETTING Cardiovascular surgical unit of Saint Marys Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota. PARTICIPANTS One hundred patients completed the study (music group, n = 49; control group, n = 51). Intervention The music was delivered through CD players in the patients' rooms. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Pain, anxiety, satisfaction, and relaxation were evaluated from visual analog scales. RESULTS Data showed a significant decrease in mean (SD) pain scores after the second session of day 2 for the music group (change, ? 1.4 [1.4]) compared with the control group (change, ? 0.4 [1.4]) (P = .001). Mean relaxation scores improved more at the first session of day 2 for the music group (change, 1.9 [2.7]) compared with the control group (change, 0.3 [2.9]) (P = .03). The music group also showed lower anxiety and increased satisfaction overall, but these differences were not statistically significant. No major barriers to using the therapy were identified. CONCLUSION Recorded music and nature sounds can be integrated into the postoperative care of cardiovascular surgery patients. The recordings may provide an additional means for addressing common symptoms of pain and anxiety while providing a means of relaxation for these patients.
Use of Corn Dried Distillers Grains (DDGS) in Feeding of Ruminants

Bioethanol is the product of fermentation of starch contained in renewable resources, such as corn, wheat, rye and rice. Depending on the technology used for its production, dried distillers decoction may exist in different forms: dried distillers grain (DDG); dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS) and high-protein dried distillers grains (HPDDG), as well as wet distillers grain (WDG), wet distillers grain with solubles (WDGS), and high-protein wet distillers grains HPWDG). Research conducted in recent years has demonstrated the possibilities of corn DDG as feed for livestock due to its high content of valuable protein, high calorific value and bioelements. Distillers grain has been used as feed for beef and dairy cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. In case of ruminants, it is important that distillers grain is foodstuff high in ruminal undegradable protein, with beneficial fibre content that does not cause rumen acidosis. DDGS has positive influence on milk yield and its fat and protein content. Research on rumen fermentation has proven that DDGS positively affecs processes in forestomachs: methanogenesis, ammonia emission and volatile fatty acids profile. Reprocessing of agri-food industry by-products may well be an alternative for traditional methods of feeding animals and utilizing valuable nutrients that they contain.
Specific function of a plastid sigma factor for ndhF gene transcription

The complexity of the plastid transcriptional apparatus (two or three different RNA polymerases and numerous regulatory proteins) makes it very difficult to attribute specific function(s) to its individual components. We have characterized an Arabidopsis T-DNA insertion line disrupting the nuclear gene coding for one of the six plastid sigma factors (SIG4) that regulate the activity of the plastid-encoded RNA polymerase PEP. This mutant shows a specific diminution of transcription of the plastid ndhF gene, coding for a subunit of the plastid NDH [NAD(P)H dehydrogenase] complex. The absence of another NDH subunit, i.e. NDHH, and the absence of a chlorophyll fluorescence transient previously attributed to the activity of the plastid NDH complex indicate a strong down-regulation of NDH activity in the mutant plants. Results suggest that plastid NDH activity is regulated on the transcriptional level by an ndhF-specific plastid sigma factor, SIG4.
Characterisation of Dental Pulp Cells Derived from Carious Teeth

This study investigated some characteristics of dental pulp stromal/stem cells (DPSCs) isolated from healthy teeth (hDPSCs) compared to DPSCs isolated from teeth with shallow carious lesions (cDPSCs) with a view to the use of both cell types in hard tissue engineering strategies. Osteogenic differentiation was investigated using appropriate histochemical staining and osteogenic marker expression (ALPL, OC, RUNX-2). In addition, angiogenic (VEGFR-2, PECAM-1) and inflammatory gene markers (TLR-2, TLR-4) were investigated together with the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8). The activity of the pro-osteogenic IGF axis was also investigated in hDPSCs and cDPSC cultures. cDPSCs exhibited significantly higher clonogenic potential, and possess a higher proportion of cell that express mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD146+, CD90+ and CD105+, CD45-, CD31-) compared with hDPSCs. Evidence also suggested that cDPSCs had a greater osteoblastic differentiation potential than hDPSCs. cDPSCs expressed higher levels of inflammatory markers than hDPSCs together with higher concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 in conditioned medium indicative of retention of a carious phenotype following cell isolation and culture. Finally functional examination of the IGF axis suggested a role for insulin-like growth factor binding proteins-2 and -3 (IGFBP-2 and -3) in the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Therefore cDPSCs are comparable to hDPSCs in terms of their osteogenic potential and the inflammatory environment of cDPSCs may offer a promising cell source for future mineralised tissue repair and regeneration.