Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of oxidized low-density lipoproteins in gingival crevicular fluid from dental patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) occurs in various diseased tissues and sites of local inflammation. For example, an increased plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) level is a well-known risk marker for cardiovascular diseases. Gingival crevicular fluid, the exudate from gingival tissues into the sulci, can be easily collected in a non-invasive manner. However, the possible presence of OxLDL in gingival crevicular fluid has not been studied. In this study, we established a procedure to measure OxLDL in human gingival crevicular fluid. MATERIAL AND METHODS Human gingival crevicular fluid was sampled with paper points or paper strips. The gingival crevicular fluid samples from healthy gingival sulci (pocket depth < 4 mm, n = 14) were subjected to western blot and/or sandwich ELISA. The amounts of OxLDL and LDL were measured by sandwich ELISA using an anti-oxidized phosphatidylcholine monoclonal antibody and two anti-apolipoprotein B antibodies. Venous blood samples were analyzed biochemically. RESULTS We tested two methods of gingival crevicular fluid collection, namely paper points and paper strips. Gingival crevicular fluid could be collected very safely with paper points and they showed good recovery of LDL and OxLDL throughout the analysis. Apolipoprotein B, the major protein component in LDL, was detected in gingival crevicular fluid by western blot, and OxLDL was found to be present in gingival crevicular fluid by ELISA. The OxLDL/LDL ratio in gingival crevicular fluid was 17.0 times higher than that in plasma. CONCLUSION This is the first report to show the presence of apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein B- oxidized phosphatidylcholine complex, which correspond to LDL and OxLDL, respectively, in gingival crevicular fluid.
Effect of soaking, autoclaving and repeated boiling on oligosaccharides in cowpea.

Oligosaccharides in beans are known to be the major cause of flatulence associated with beans consumption. The effects of soaking, autoclaving and repeated boiling on the oligosaccharide levels in ten cowpea varieties were studied. The oligosaccharides were extracted in 70% aqueous ethanol and separated by thin layer chromatography (TLC) method. The quantitation was done using the spectrophotometer. The results showed that, the total oligosaccharide content varies among the cowpea varieties; 0.197 - 0.918g/100g. IT93K-596 had the lowest oligosaccharide content (0.197g/100g) and IT94K-410-2 the highest (0.918g/100g). Autoclaving, soaking and repeated boiling had a reductive effect on the total oligosaccharides content in the cowpeas used. Autoclaving reduced raffinose level by 23-68%, stachyose level by 12-81% and total oligosaccharides level by 23- 74%. Repeated boiling reduced the raffinose level by 23-61%; stachyose, 20-58% and total oligosaccharide by 15- 55%. The loss of raffinose and stachyose after soaking ranged from 18.2-53.6% and 20.4-75.1% respectively and the total oligosaccharide loss, 25.1-63.9%. These treatments are therefore recommended for oligosaccharide reduction in cowpeas however their efficiency is variety dependent. These processing methods promise improved utilization or consumption of cowpea in the sense of curbing flatulence associated with beans meal.
Cognitive therapy for irritable bowel syndrome.

Twenty patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were randomly assigned either to intensive, individualized cognitive therapy (10 sessions over 8 weeks) or to 8 weeks of daily gastrointestinal (GI) symptom monitoring. Pre- to posttreatment evaluations showed significantly (p = .005) greater GI symptom reduction for those receiving cognitive therapy than for those in symptom monitoring. At posttreatment, 80% of the cognitive therapy group showed clinically significant improvement, whereas only 10% of the monitoring group showed this. Results held up well at a 3-month follow-up. Within the cognitive therapy group, GI symptom reductions correlated significantly with increases in positive and reductions in negative automatic thoughts.
Attitudes Toward Chiropractic

We assessed the attitudes of Canadian obstetricians toward chiropractic with a 38-item cross-sectional survey. Ninety-one obstetricians completed the survey, for a response rate of 14% (91 of 659). Overall, 30% of respondents held positive views toward chiropractic, 37% were neutral, and 33% reported negative views. Most (77%) reported that chiropractic care was effective for some musculoskeletal complaints, but 74% disagreed that chiropractic had a role in treatment of non-musculoskeletal conditions. Forty percent of respondents referred at least some patients for chiropractic care each year, and 56% were interested in learning more about chiropractic care. Written comments from respondents revealed concerns regarding safety of spinal manipulation and variability among chiropractors. Canadian obstetricians’ attitudes toward chiropractic are diverse and referrals to chiropractic care for their patients who suffer from pregnancy-related low back pain are limited. Improved interprofessional relations may help optimize care of pregnant patients suffering from low back pain.
Fast deconvolution of large fluorescence hyperspectral images

Fluorescence microscopy is a popular technique for multidimensional analysis of biological specimens. Within this framework, hyperspectral imaging allows to provide additional information on the sample of interest. However, the acquisition process induces various degradations on the image which can prevent quantitative post-processing treatment algorithms from producing accurate results. Fluorescence imaging thus benefits from restoration techniques such as deconvolution. To the best of our knowledge, only a few works specifically focus on the problem of hyperspectral image restoration. We present here a restoration method that is specifically designed to process large multidimensional hyperspectral images.
Treadmill Locomotion in the Intact and Spinal Mouse

Because the genetic characteristics of several inbred strains of mice are well identified, their use is becoming increasingly popular in spinal cord injury research. In this context, it appears particularly important to document adequately motor patterns, such as locomotion in normal mice, to establish some baseline values of locomotor characteristics. It also seems crucial to determine the extent to which mice can express a locomotor pattern after a complete spinal transection to establish a baseline on which one can evaluate the effects of treatments after spinal injury. Therefore, we have used conventional techniques to document the kinematics of treadmill locomotion in intact mice (n = 11) and in mice with a complete section of the spinal cord at T8 (n = 12). The results show that the kinematics and EMG of adult normal mice can be adequately monitored with such conventional equipment and that mice can re-express hindlimb locomotion within 14 d after spinalization, without any pharmacological treatments. The angular excursions of the hip, knee, and ankle are similar to those of the intact mice, although the joints are sometimes more flexed. After spinal cord transection, out-of-phase alternation between the homologous limbs recovered, whereas the timing between homolateral limbs was completely lost. This remarkable ability of mice to express hindlimb locomotion after a complete spinalization should be taken into account in the evaluation of various procedures aimed at promoting the functional recovery of locomotion after spinal lesions.
Isolation and Characterization of Two Novel Plasmids from Pathogenic Leptospira interrogans Serogroup Canicola Serovar Canicola Strain Gui44

Background Previous genomic analysis of pathogenic Leptospira has identified two circular chromosomes but no plasmid. This study aims to investigate potential extrachromosomal elements of L.interrogans serovar Canicola strain Gui44. Methodology Two novel plasmids, pGui1 and pGui2, were isolated from the pathogenic strain Gui44, using a modified alkaline lysis method. Southern blotting was performed to determine the presence and size of them. Then, 454 and Hiseq sequencing were applied to obtain and analyze the complete sequences of the two plasmids. Furthermore, real-time quantitative PCR and next-generation sequencing were used to compare relative copy numbers of the two plasmids with that of the chromosomes. Finally, after serial passages in vitro for more than 2 years, the strain Gui44 was subsequently re-sequenced to estimate stability of the two plasmids. Principal Findings The larger plasmid, pGui1, 74,981 base pairs (bp) in length with GC content of 34.63%, possesses 62 open reading frames (ORFs). The smaller plasmid, pGui2, is 66,851 bp in length with GC content of 33.33%, and contains 63 ORFs. The replication initiation proteins encoded by pGui1 and pGui2 demonstrate significant sequence similarity with LA1839 (86% and 88%), a well-known replication protein in another pathogenic L.interrogans serovar Lai strain Lai, suggesting the ability for autonomous plasmid replication. Quantitative PCR and next-generation sequencing confirms a single copy of both plasmids and their stable presence in the strain Gui44 with in vitro serial passages after more than 2 years. Interestingly, the two plasmids both contain a significant number of novel genes (35 in pGui1 and 52 in pGui2). Conclusions This report confirms the presence of two separate circular plasmids in serovar Canicola strain Gui44 and provides a new understanding of genomic organization, adaptation, evolution and pathogenesis of Leptospira, which will aid in the development of in vivo genetic manipulation systems in pathogenic Leptospira species.
Different diagnostic criteria significantly affect the rates of hypertension in 18-year-old high school students

Introduction Childhood hypertension is defined based on the normative distribution of blood pressure (BP), but from the age of 18 years high BP is diagnosed using adult criteria. We compared the rates of diagnosis of hypertension in a group of 18-year-old subjects using BP percentiles and the adult criteria. Material and methods Blood pressure was measured by registered nurses in 1472 18-year-old high-school students (780 men and 692 women). Also weight, height and waist circumference were recorded. Results The prevalence of hypertension was 9% (16.2% in men and 0.9% in women, p < 0.001) using adult cut-off values and 14.7% (21.9% in men and 6.6% in women, p < 0.001) using percentile charts. Obesity was diagnosed in 2.4% and overweight in 13% of subjects, respectively. The relative risk ratio of diagnosing hypertension according to the adult criteria in overweight or obese subjects was 2.94 (95% CI 2.25-3.86) in men and 6.44 (95% CI 3.51-11.82) in women. Conclusions Our study indicates high prevalence of hypertension in 18-year-old students – especially in men – and the importance of obesity as a risk factor of hypertension. The use of percentile charts instead of adult cut-off values increases the prevalence of hypertension in men by 35% from 16.2% to 21.9% and in women more than 7 times, i.e. from 0.9% to 6.6%. It seems reasonable to use higher (i.e. 98th) percentile values for definition of high blood pressure.
Separation from Loved Ones in the Fear of Death

Individuals' death anxiety or fear of death has been extensively investigated, and there are numerous conceptualizations used in the literature, including a distinction between the dimensions of death and dying of self, and death and dying of others. This article addresses a gap in the literature and re-examines the relationship between these two dimensions, which are assumed to be positively, linearly related. Using both quantitative and qualitative data, this study indicates that regardless of the degree to which individuals fear their own death, most individuals fear the death and dying of others. Specifically, the leaving, or loss of loved ones, was a central theme in people's fear of death, and this is discussed in relation to current trends in the literature.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE ALGORITHMS AND APPLICATIONS FOR SMP CLUSTERS

The future of high-performance computing relies on the efficient and scalable use of clusters with symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) nodes and low-latency, high-bandwidth interconnection networks. Current examples of such platforms include Sun Ultra HPC machines, Compaq AlphaServers with Quadrics switches, SGI Origins, and the IBM SP system with SMP nodes. Moreover, the future of NASA missioncritical computing for computational aerosciences relies on the success of computational clusters (e.g., SMP Linux clusters at Goddard Space Flight Center, and large SGI Origin arrays at Ames Research Center). Hardware benchmark results reveal awesome performance rates for each component; however, few applications on SMP clusters ever reach a fraction of these peak speeds. While methodologies for symmetric multiprocessors (e.g., OpenMP [21] or POSIX threads [22]) and message-passing primitives for clusters (e.g., MPI [20]) are well developed, performance dictates the use of a hybrid solution. We present preliminary results of our complexity model and programming methodology that is based hierarchically upon realistic model components for message-passing and for symmetric multiprocessor parallel architectures. The current deployment of teraflops and the future development of petaflops systems will certainly require the exploitation of similar hybrid programming models.
Design of low-power multiple constant multiplications using low-complexity minimum depth operations

Existing optimization algorithms for the multiplierless realization of multiple constant multiplications (MCM) typically target the minimization of the number of addition and subtraction operations. Since power dissipation is directly related to the amount of hardware, some power reduction is indirectly achieved by these algorithms. However, in many cases, glitching plays an equally important role in defining the power consumption. This is specially true for arithmetic circuits, and in particular to MCM due to high logic depth and large number of re-convergent paths. This paper introduces exact algorithms that search the optimal area of an MCM design at gate-level where each constant multiplication is implemented in its minimum depth. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithms lead to MCM designs consuming significantly less power with respect to those obtained by the MCM algorithms.
Comparison of Ganglion Cell and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Pigment Dispersion Syndrome, Pigmentary Glaucoma, and Healthy Subjects with Spectral-domain OCT

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the ganglion cell complex (GCC) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) and pigmentary glaucoma (PG) with RTVue spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods: A total of 102 subjects were enrolled: 29 with PDS, 18 with PG, and 55 normal subjects. Full ophthalmic examination including visual field analysis was performed. SD-OCT was used to analyze GCC superior, GCC inferior, and average RNFL thickness. To compare the discrimination capabilities, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were assessed. Results: Superior GCC, inferior GCC, and RNFL thickness values of patients with PG were statistically signicantly lower than those of patients with PDS (p < 0.001) and healthy individuals (p < 0.001 for all). No statistically significant difference was found between PDS and normal subjects in same parameters (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The SD-OCT-derived GCC and RNFL thickness parameters can be useful to discriminate PG from both PDS and normal subjects.
New Theoretical Model of Nerve Conduction in Unmyelinated Nerves

Nerve conduction in unmyelinated fibers has long been described based on the equivalent circuit model and cable theory. However, without the change in ionic concentration gradient across the membrane, there would be no generation or propagation of the action potential. Based on this concept, we employ a new conductive model focusing on the distribution of voltage-gated sodium ion channels and Coulomb force between electrolytes. Based on this new model, the propagation of the nerve conduction was suggested to take place far before the generation of action potential at each channel. We theoretically showed that propagation of action potential, which is enabled by the increasing Coulomb force produced by inflowing sodium ions, from one sodium ion channel to the next sodium channel would be inversely proportionate to the density of sodium channels on the axon membrane. Because the longitudinal number of sodium ion channel would be proportionate to the square root of channel density, the conduction velocity of unmyelinated nerves is theoretically shown to be proportionate to the square root of channel density. Also, from a viewpoint of equilibrium state of channel importation and degeneration, channel density was suggested to be proportionate to axonal diameter. Based on these simple basis, conduction velocity in unmyelinated nerves was theoretically shown to be proportionate to the square root of axonal diameter. This new model would also enable us to acquire more accurate and understandable vision on the phenomena in unmyelinated nerves in addition to the conventional electric circuit model and cable theory.
Resistance training in the oldest old: consequences for muscle strength, fiber types, fiber size, and MHC isoforms

Resistance training‐related changes in muscle strength, muscle size, fiber type, and myosin heavy chain isoform composition in 11 elderly subjects (age range, 85–97 years) after 12 weeks of heavy resistance training (80% of 1 RM) were examined. Twelve subjects constituted a control group. Resistance training increased isometric knee extensor strength 37% (P<0.05) and isokinetic knee strength 41–47% (P<0.05). Lean‐quadriceps cross‐sectional area increased 9.8% (P<0.05). Muscle fiber hypertrophy occurred only in the type 2 fibers (22% (P<0.05)). Type 1 fiber‐type area percentage decreased [4.0 % (P<0.05)] whereas fiber‐type area percentage of type 2a fibers increased [5.9% (P<0.05)]. The relative amount of myosin heavy chain (MHC) I (P<0.05) decreased and the relative amount of MHC IIA increased (P<0.05). No effects in the overall number of capillaries per area was observed, but an increase in the number of capillary contacts in the type 2 fiber pool was observed. Heavy resistance training does have beneficial effects on muscle strength and muscle volume in very old frail humans. Furthermore, an increase in fiber size of the fast muscle fibers and an overall increase in the relative amount of fast MHC IIA can lead not only to a stronger, but maybe more importantly, to a more powerful skeletal muscle.
Communication based multilevel synthesis for multi-output Boolean functions

A multilevel logic synthesis technique for multi-output Boolean functions is presented which is based on minimizing the communication complexity. Unlike previous approaches, which in the final analysis decompose each single-output function f/sub i/ of a multi-output function f=(f/sub 1/, ., f/sub m/) independently of the other single-output functions f/sub j/ (j/spl ne/i), the approach presented in this paper gives special attention to the fact that there possibly exist some decomposition functions which can be used by different outputs during the decomposition of the single-output functions of f. The benchmarking results (taken from 1991 MCNC multilevel logic benchmarks) which close the paper are promising. <<ETX>>
Liquid immersion lithography: evaluation of resist issues

We address in this report a set of key questions tied to the implementation of liquid immersion lithography, from the perspective of the resist materials. We discuss the broad question of whether chemically amplified resists are capable of achieving the spatial resolution that ultimately will be required for the most advanced immersion scenario. Initial studies undertaken using model 193 nm resist materials provide some insight into how an aqueous liquid immersion process can affect the resist material.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Signaling Does Not Stimulate Subventricular Zone Neurogenesis in Adult Mice and Rats

In rodents, the adult subventricular zone (SVZ) generates neuroblasts which migrate to the olfactory bulb (OB) and differentiate into interneurons. Recent work suggests that the neurotrophin Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) can enhance adult SVZ neurogenesis, but the mechanism by which it acts is unknown. Here, we analyzed the role of BDNF and its receptor TrkB in adult SVZ neurogenesis. We found that TrkB is the most prominent neurotrophin receptor in the mouse SVZ, but only the truncated, kinase-negative isoform (TrkB-TR) was detected. TrkB-TR is expressed in SVZ astrocytes and ependymal cells, but not in neuroblasts. TrkB mutants have reduced SVZ proliferation and survival and fewer new OB neurons. To test whether this effect is cell-autonomous, we grafted SVZ cells from TrkB knock-out mice (TrkB-KO) into the SVZ of wild-type mice (WT). Grafted progenitors generated neuroblasts that migrated to the OB in the absence of TrkB. The survival and differentiation of granular interneurons and Calbindin+ periglomerular interneurons seemed unaffected by the loss of TrkB, whereas dopaminergic periglomerular neurons were reduced. Intra-ventricular infusion of BDNF yielded different results depending on the animal species, having no effect on neuron production from mouse SVZ, while decreasing it in rats. Interestingly, mice and rats also differ in their expression of the neurotrophin receptor p75. Our results indicate that TrkB is not essential for adult SVZ neurogenesis and do not support the current view that delivering BDNF to the SVZ can enhance adult neurogenesis.
One‐Dimensional Cold Cap Model for Melters with Bubblers

The rate of glass production during vitrification in an all-electrical melter greatly impacts the cost and schedule of nuclear waste treatment and immobilization. The feed is charged to the melter on the top of the molten glass, where it forms a layer of reacting and melting material, called the cold cap. During the final stages of the batch-to-glass conversion process, gases evolved from reactions produce primary foam, the growth and collapse of which controls the glass production rate. The mathematical model of the cold cap was revised to include functional representation of primary foam behavior and to account for the dry cold cap surface. The melting rate is computed as a response to the dependence of the primary foam collapse temperature on the heating rate and melter operating conditions, including the effect of bubbling on the cold cap bottom and top surface temperatures. The simulation results are in good agreement with experimental data from laboratory-scale and pilot-scale melter studies. Lastly, the cold cap model will become part of the full three-dimensional mathematical model of the waste glass melter.
Effect of Resin:Fiber Ratio on the Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic Composites

ABSTRACT Studies on the effect of resin:fiber ratios on the properties of GFRPs were carried out. The GFRPS laminated composites were prepared by hand lay-up technique. Five types of resin:fiber ratios were studied such as 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1.5:1, and 1:1. The correlation of the resin:fiber ratio with the end physical and flexural properties was analyzed. In the present studies, the effect of water absorption on the flexural properties of GFRPs laminates was examined. As a result, it was found that the properties of GFRPs are governed by the resin:fiber ratio, which further influences the properties of GFRP before and after water absorption test.