Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Association between aldehyde dehydrogenase-2/cytochrome P450 2E1 genetic polymorphism and habit of alcohol drinking and the susceptibility of hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) gene polymorphism and alcohol drinking habit with the susceptibility of hepatocellular carcinoma( HCC). METHODS 300 cases of HCC and 292 controls were genotyped for the ALDH2 and CYP2E1 polymorphisms by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. RESULTS The frequencies of ALDH2 and CYP2E1 variant genotypes in cases and controls were 50.3%, 48.0% and 32.3%, 32.9%, respectively. There was no significant difference of ALDH2 and CYP2E1 genotypes distribution between cases and controls (P > 0.05). The risk for liver cancer was 3.334 times higher in alcoholics ( > or =3 times drinking per week) with ALDH2 * 2 genotype than that that in cases carrying ALDH2 * 1 genotype while drinking less than 3 times per week (95% CI = 1.746 - 6.406) , and the risk for liver cancer was 1.803 times higher in alcoholics ( > or =3 times drinking per week) with CYP2E1c2 genotype than that in cases carrying CYP2E1cl genotype while drinking less than 3 times per week (95% CI = 0.974 - 3.336). Haplotype of the two genotypes increased liver cancer risk to 1.200 folds (95% CI = 0.730 - 1.972), and interaction between drinking and genotypes increases risk of liver cancer to 1.816 folds (95% CI = 0.985 - 3.348). CONCLUSION ALDH2 or CYP2E1 genotypes alone render no significant risk for HCC, while frequent alcoholic consumption together with ALDH2 or CYP2E1 variant genotypes are associated with risk of hepatocarcinogenesis, suggesting a gene-environment interaction in increasing risk for HCC among Guangxi residents.
The versatility of vascularized iliac crest with internal oblique muscle flap for composite upper maxillary reconstruction

The middle third defects of the face following total or partial oncologic maxillectomy include very important facial structures, both for esthetical and for functional reasons. Among the outcomes, large oronasal or oromaxillary fistulas due to destruction of big bone segments and soft tissues have long been the consequences of such extensive surgical ablations. In the last few years, immediate reconstruction of maxillary bones and soft tissues has proved to be a reliable morphofunctional reconstruction technique following surgery for large oncological defects or the late effects of radiation therapy. Among other free flaps such as composite fibula, composite scapula, or composite radial, the use of vascularized iliac crest with the internal oblique flap has become our flap choice for morphofunctional maxillary reconstruction for bone segments within 6–15 cm of length, and when there is no need for overlying facial skin or oral sphincter reconstruction. The advantages of this composite bone flap are its available large and resizable bone stock; the quality of the bone for transfer (optimal height, depth, and contour to maintain a good facial profile); and the possibility to properly reconstruct the oral lining, orbital content; and maxillary soft tissues with a portion of the internal oblique muscle flap raised with the same pedicle. In addition, this flap's soft tissue will epithelialize during the healing stages. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
Firefly Clock Synchronization in an 802.15.4 Wireless Network

This paper describes the design and implementation of a distributed self-stabilizing clock synchronization algorithm based on the biological example of Asian Fireflies. Huge swarms of these fireflies use the principle of pulse coupled oscillators in order to synchronously emit light flashes to attract mating partners. When applying this algorithm to real sensor networks, typically, nodes cannot receive messages while transmitting, which prevents the networked nodes from reaching synchronization. In order to counteract this deafness problem, we adopt a variant of the Reachback Firefly Algorithm to distribute the timing of light flashes in a given time window without affecting the quality of the synchronization. A case study implemented on 802.15. 4 Zigbee nodes presents the application of this approach for a time-triggered communication scheduling and coordinated duty cycling in order to enhance the battery lifetime of the nodes.
Noninvasive and Label-Free Sensing of Endotoxin Contamination in Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices Using a Fiber-Optic Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Based Method

Ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) are essential medical tools for ophthalmic surgeons to use routinely in cataract surgery. OVD endotoxin contamination has been implicated in toxic anterior segment syndrome, a severe inflammatory condition after surgery. Current standard methods for endotoxin detection in medical devices rely on dwindling Horseshoe Crab resources for Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay or rabbit intracameral and intravitreal assays. Endotoxin recovery from OVDs poses particular challenge due to the nature and composition of the device. In the present proof-of-concept study, we demonstrate realtime detection capability of endotoxin by employing a noncontact and label-free fiber-optic Fourier transform infrared transmission spectroscopy based sensing method in the midinfrared spectral range of 1.6-12 μm. We performed testing on OVD samples spiked with a series of different concentrations of endotoxin. The study suggested that endotoxin contamination in OVD might be associated with fingerprint spectral peak shift in the wavenumber ranges of 2925-2890 cm-1 and 1125-1100 cm-1, and the distance of shifting is dependent upon endotoxin concentration in OVD. FO-FTIR integrated with multivariate approaches such as hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis provides significant differentiation of OVD, endotoxin, and contaminated OVD at different concentrations.
Enhancement of Lempel-Ziv coding using a predictive preprocessor scheme for data compression

In the implementation of lossless compression, the traditional Lempel-Ziv dictionary algorithm produces good compression performance, but at a relatively slow processing speed for use in real-time applications. This paper highlights a technique to speed up the overall compression process through introduction of a prediction pre-processor stage. A variety of predictors are applied to two variations of the Lempel-Ziv-LZSS and LZARI. It is shown that the proposed two-stage scheme significantly reduces the overall processing time taken for to encode raw telemetry data, as well as improves the overall compression performance achieved.
ABCA1 and amphipathic apolipoproteins form high-affinity molecular complexes required for cholesterol efflux Published, JLR Papers in Press, November 16, 2003. DOI 10.1194/jlr.M300355-JLR200

Apolipoproteins, such as apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), can stimulate cholesterol efflux from cells expressing the ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). The nature of the molecular interaction between these cholesterol acceptors and ABCA1 is controversial, and models suggesting a direct protein-protein interaction or indirect association have been proposed. To explore this issue, we performed competition binding and chemical cross-linking assays using six amphipathic plasma proteins and an 18 amino acid amphipathic helical peptide. All seven proteins stimulated lipid efflux and inhibited the cross-linking of apoA-I to ABCA1. Cross-linking of apoA-I to ABCA1 was saturable and occurred at high affinity (Kd of 7.0 ± 1.9 nM), as was cross-linking of apoA-II. After binding to ABCA1, apoA-I rapidly dissociated (half-life of 25 min) from the complex and was released back into the medium. A mutant form of ABCA1 (W590S) that avidly binds apoA-I but fails to promote cholesterol efflux released apoA-I with similar kinetics but without transfer of cholesterol to apoA-I. Thus, a high-affinity, saturable, protein-protein interaction occurs between ABCA1 and all of its amphipathic protein ligands. Dissociation of the complex leads to the cellular release of cholesterol and the apolipoprotein. However, dissociation is not dependent on cholesterol transfer, which is a clearly separable event, distinguishable by ABCA1 mutants.
Ants, Crickets and Frogs in Cyclic Pursuit

We consider a deterministic continuous pursuit, in which n ants chase each other in cyclic order and with preassigned, varying speeds. We also consider two discrete analogs, in which crickets or frogs are engaged in cyclic pursuit with constant and equal speeds. We examine the possible evolutions of these pursuits as time goes to innnity: collision, limit points, equilibrium states and periodic motion.
Legacy Effect of Foxo1 in Pancreatic Endocrine Progenitors on Adult β-Cell Mass and Function

β-Cell dysfunction in diabetes results from abnormalities of insulin production, secretion, and cell number. These abnormalities may partly arise from altered developmental programming of β-cells. Foxo1 is important to maintain adult β-cells, but little is known about its role in pancreatic progenitor cells as determinants of future β-cell function. We addressed this question by generating an allelic series of somatic Foxo1 knockouts at different stages of pancreatic development in mice. Surprisingly, ablation of Foxo1 in pancreatic progenitors resulted in delayed appearance of Neurogenin3+ progenitors and their persistence into adulthood as a self-replicating pool, causing a fourfold increase of β-cell mass. Similarly, Foxo1 ablation in endocrine progenitors increased their numbers, extended their survival, and expanded β-cell mass. In contrast, ablation of Foxo1 in terminally differentiated β-cells did not increase β-cell mass nor did it affect Neurogenin3 expression. Despite the increased β-cell mass, islets from mice lacking Foxo1 in pancreatic or endocrine progenitors responded poorly to glucose, resulting in glucose intolerance. We conclude that Foxo1 integrates cues that determine developmental timing, pool size, and functional features of endocrine progenitor cells, resulting in a legacy effect on adult β-cell mass and function. Our results illustrate how developmental programming predisposes to β-cell dysfunction in adults and raise questions on the desirability of increasing β-cell mass for therapeutic purposes in type 2 diabetes.
Ceftolozane/Tazobactam Plus Metronidazole for Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections in an Era of Multidrug Resistance: Results From a Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 3 Trial (ASPECT-cIAI)

This phase 3 trial compared ceftolozane/tazobactam plus metronidazole vs meropenem for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections. Ceftolozane/tazobactam plus metronidazole was noninferior to meropenem. High rates of presumed microbiological eradication of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found with both regimens.
Assessing the Effect of Dental Implants Thread Design on Distribution of Stress in Impact Loadings Using Three Dimensional Finite Element Method

Statement of Problem: Impacts and accidents are considered as the main fac- tors in losing the teeth, so the analysis and design of the implants that they can be more resistant against impacts is very important. One of the important nu- merical methods having widespread application in various fields of engineering sciences is the finite element method. Among its wide applications, the study of distribution of power in complex structures can be noted. Objectives: The aim of this research was to assess the geometric effect and the type of implant thread on its performance; we also made an attempt to determine the created stress using finite element method. Materials and Methods: In this study, the three dimensional model of bone by using Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) of the patient has been provided. The implants in this study are designed by Solid Works software. Loading is simulated in explicit dynamic, by struck of a rigid body with the speed of 1 mm/s to implant vertically and horizontally; and the maximum level of induced stress for the cortical and trabecular bone in the ANSYS Workbench software was calculated. Results: By considering the results of this study, it was identified that, among the designed samples, the maximum imposed stress in the cortical bone layer occurred in the first group (straight threads) and the maximum stress value in the trabecular bone layer and implant occurred in the second group (tapered threads). Conclusions: Due to the limitations of this study, the implants with more depth thread, because of the increased contact surface of the implant with the bone, caused more stability; also, the implant with smaller thread and shorter pitch length caused more stress to the bone.
Mother-perceived social capital and children's oral health and use of dental care in the United States.

OBJECTIVES We examined the association between mother-perceived neighborhood social capital and oral health status and dental care use in US children. METHODS We analyzed data for 67 388 children whose mothers participated in the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health. We measured mothers' perceived social capital with a 4-item social capital index (SCI) that captures reciprocal help, support, and trust in the neighborhood. Dependent variables were mother-perceived ratings of their child's oral health, unmet dental care needs, and lack of a previous-year preventive dental visit. We performed bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses for each outcome. RESULTS After we controlled for potential confounders, children of mothers with high (SCI = 5-7) and lower levels (SCI ≥ 8) of social capital were 15% (P = .05) and about 40% (P ≤ .02), respectively, more likely to forgo preventive dental visits than were children of mothers with the highest social capital (SCI = 4). Mothers with the lowest SCI were 79% more likely to report unmet dental care needs for their children than were mothers with highest SCI (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS A better understanding of social capital's effects on children's oral health risks may help address oral health disparities.
Mismatch and dynamic modeling of current sources in current-steering CMOS D/A converters: an extended design procedure

This paper presents an improved modeling of the effect of random mismatch and current source transient switching behavior on the performance of current-steering CMOS digital-to-analog converters (DACs). The work considers two current source cell topologies, namely a simple cell and a cascoded cell, obtaining the relation of transistors design parameters to the static and dynamic models. On the one hand, a mismatching statistical analysis is applied to all the transistors of the current source circuit, which allows to define design expressions relating the circuit parameters to the DAC specifications without the need of arbitrary design margins or Monte Carlo simulations. On the other hand, improved analysis of the current source switching characteristics provides a more realistic modeling of the relation between transistors sizes and output current settling time. By including these two improved models into the usual design procedure, circuit sizing for optimum settling time and proper static behavior can be obtained analytically, reverting in smaller current source area, and, hence, in an overall DAC area reduction.
Wild‐type and specific mutant androgen receptor mediates transcription via 17β‐estradiol in sex hormone‐sensitive cancer cells

We previously encountered regulatory processes wherein dihydrotestosterone (DHT) exerted its inhibitory effect on parathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) gene repression through the estrogen receptor (ER)α, but not the androgen receptor (AR), in breast cancer MCF‐7 cells. Here, we investigated whether such aberrant ligand‐nuclear receptor (NR) interaction is present in prostate cancer LNCaP cells. First, we confirmed that LNCaP cells expressed large amounts of AR at negligible levels of ERα/β or progesterone receptor. Both suppression of PTHrP and activation of prostate‐specific antigen genes were observed after independent administration of 17β‐estradiol (E2), DHT, or R5020. Consistent with the notion that the LNCaP AR lost its ligand specificity due to a mutation (Thr‐Ala877), experiments with siRNA targeting the respective NR revealed that the AR monopolized the role of the mediator of shared hormone‐dependent regulation, which was invariably associated with nuclear translocation of this mutant AR. Microarray analysis of gene regulation by DHT, E2, or R5020 disclosed that more than half of the genes downstream of the AR (Thr‐Ala877) overlapped in the LNCaP cells. Of particular interest, we realized that the AR (wild‐type [wt]) and AR (Thr‐Ala877) were equally responsible for the E2‐AR interactions. Fluorescence microscopy experiments demonstrated that both EGFP‐AR (wt) and EGFP‐AR (Thr‐Ala877) were exclusively localized within the nucleus after E2 or DHT treatment. Furthermore, reporter assays revealed that some other cancer cells exhibited aberrant E2‐AR (wt) signaling similar to that in the LNCaP cells. We herein postulate the presence of entangled interactions between wt AR and E2 in certain hormone‐sensitive cancer cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1594–1606, 2015. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Physiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hypereutectoid cementite morphology and mechanical properties of Cr-Ni-Mo cast steel

AbstrAct Purpose: The paper presents evaluation of the influence of grain normalization (refinement as a result of repeated austenitizing), cooling rate after repeated austenitizing on the morphology of hypereutectoid cementite and fracture toughness of G200CrMoNi4-6-3 cast steel. Moreover, the elimination of hypereutectoid cementite in structure of Widmannstatten type precipitates from the structure of investigated cast steel has been undertaken. Design/methodology/approach: Basic research of G200CrMoNi4-6-3 cast steel included metallographic analysis and fracture toughness research (impact strength, stress intensity factor K Ic ). The heat treatment has been planned on the basis of CCT diagram prepared for that cast steel. Findings: Heat treatment of investigated cast steel allows to refine the grain and eliminate from it’s structure the hypereutectoid cementite in structure of Widmannstatten type. At very low cooling rate the precipitates of hypereutectoid cementite become partially coagulated. The study of the influence of cooling rate on the mechanical properties of G200CrMoNi4-6-3 cast steel had proven that elimination of hypereutectoid cementite in structure of Widmannstatten type from the investigated cast steel structure to small degree increases it’s fracture toughness.
Some clinical considerations in the prevention of suicide based on a study of 134 successful suicides.

SUGGESTIONS concerning the prevention of suicide have arisen chiefly from statistical studies of coroners' records,1 from studies of patients who have been hospitalized and who commit suicide in the hospital or shortly after discharge,2-4 from the reports of psychiatrists based on their experiences with their own patients,5-7 and from studies of attempted suicide.8-10 These suggestions have, in general, been of value in helping to define more clearly the problem of preventing suicide. In none of these studies, however, have all of the suicides committed within a given geographical area in a specified time period been studied carefully with regard to both the clinical and ecological aspects of suicide. As a result, there are no reported data which can answer the following questions about an unselected (consecutive) group of suicides: (a) What proportion of persons who commit suicide are clinically ill prior to death? (b) What is the nature and frequency of the illnesses from which these persons suffer? (c) Are there other illnesses that, although common, are rarely or never associated with successful suicide? (d) What are some of the factors other than diagnosis that may be helpful in assessing the probability of suicide? (e) In urban United States to what degree is suicide currently a clinical problem, as measured by the proportion of suicides who had been seen by a physician or psychiatrist during their last episode of illness? Since answers to these questions should be useful in helping to prevent at least some suicides, the present investigation was designed to attempt to gain such information. All suicides occurring in metropolitan St. Louis in a one-year period were studied by means of interviews with relatives, friends, job associates, physicians, and others shortly after each successful suicide.
Generalized system design and analysis of PWM based power electronic converters

In this paper a new way for designing and analyzing the PWM based converters is presented. Frequency domain analysis is used for performance evaluation and signals are reconstructed into the time domain wherever necessary. Frequency domain analysis does not need any initial conditions and directly determines the steady state solution. A specific case study of STATCOM is presented in this paper with step by step design and analysis for commercially available power devices. The analysis program is modular and can be easily adapted for various applications. MATLAB is used for the computation. Using the output of the program specifications for various components can be generated.
Aluminium depletion in FeCrAlY steel during transitional alumina formation

Abstract Fecralloy foil specimens of 50 μm thickness have been oxidised isothermally in air, using thermo-balances, at both 900 and 925°C for exposure periods up to 70 hours. The oxidation kinetics, determined from the mass gain measurements, show the expected very rapid initial rates, associated with transitional oxide formation, but these rates decrease to low values as α-alumina forms. It is estimated that the extent of this conversion is significant after approximately 10 hours at 925°C and after 30 hours at 900°C. These kinetics, in each case, could be fitted to a hyperbolic function which was used to generate input data for the 2-dimensional ODIN finite-difference code. This code was then used to predict aluminium depletion profiles in the specimens as a function of time and temperature, both under planar surfaces and at 2-dimensional corners. It was predicted that depletion at corners would be worse than under planar surfaces but that this difference would reduce with increasing exposure time. The predictions were found to be in satisfactory agreement with experimental measurements of the depletion profile using SEM/EDX.