Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implants placed in combination with an internal sinus lift without graft material: an analysis of short-term failure.

AIM Investigation of the short-term survival of implants placed in combination with an internal sinus lift (ISL) without graft material. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-six patients received 92 screw-shaped dental implants in combination with an ISL. No bone grafts or bone substitutes were used. Forty-four patients with 77 implants in the native posterior maxilla served as controls. X-rays taken after implant placement and 6 months later were evaluated for the presence of bone gain at the apical aspect of the implants. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis were used to estimate survival curves and to isolate risk factors for implant failures. RESULTS Within a mean observation period of 1.2 years (minimum 9 months; maximum 3.7 years), four failures were recorded in the experimental group and two in the controls. The probability of survival was above 94% for both groups. Six-nine months after surgery, bone gain was observed in 29 out of 92 implants. Comparison of the experimental group and controls revealed no effect of ISL and membrane perforation on the probability of survival. CONCLUSIONS Promising short-term outcomes were observed for implants with ISL without graft material; for a substantial proportion of implants, apical bone gain was observed in the first 6-9 months.
Neurodegeneration by Activation of the Microglial Complement–Phagosome Pathway

Systemic inflammatory reactions have been postulated to exacerbate neurodegenerative diseases via microglial activation. We now demonstrate in vivo that repeated systemic challenge of mice over four consecutive days with bacterial LPS maintained an elevated microglial inflammatory phenotype and induced loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The same total cumulative LPS dose given within a single application did not induce neurodegeneration. Whole-genome transcriptome analysis of the brain demonstrated that repeated systemic LPS application induced an activation pattern involving the classical complement system and its associated phagosome pathway. Loss of dopaminergic neurons induced by repeated systemic LPS application was rescued in complement C3-deficient mice, confirming the involvement of the complement system in neurodegeneration. Our data demonstrate that a phagosomal inflammatory response of microglia is leading to complement-mediated loss of dopaminergic neurons.
The instantaneous kinematics and planning of dextrous manipulation

Dextrous manipulation is a problem of paramount importance in the study of multifingered robotic hands. In this paper, we derive in detail the kinematic relations between the finger joint velocities and object/contact velocity. The problem of dextrous manipulation is precisely formulated and cast in a form suitable for integrating relevant theory of nonholonomic motion planning, potential field methods and grasp stability to develop a general technique for dextrous manipulation planning with multifingered hands.
Molecular regulation of high muscle mass in developing Blonde d'Aquitaine cattle foetuses

ABSTRACT The Blonde d'Aquitaine (BA) is a French cattle breed with enhanced muscularity, partly attributable to a MSTN mutation. The BA m. Semitendinosus has a faster muscle fibre isoform phenotype comprising a higher proportion of fast type IIX fibres compared to age-matched Charolais (CH). To better understand the molecular network of modifications in BA compared to CH muscle, we assayed the transcriptomes of the m. Semitendinosus at 110, 180, 210 and 260 days postconception (dpc). We used a combination of differential expression (DE) and regulatory impact factors (RIF) to compare and contrast muscle gene expression between the breeds. Prominently developmentally regulated genes in both breeds reflected the replacement of embryonic myosin isoforms (MYL4, MYH3) with adult isoforms (MYH1) and the upregulation of mitochondrial metabolism (CKMT2, AGXT2L1) in preparation for birth. However, the transition to a fast, glycolytic muscle phenotype in the MSTN mutant BA is detectable through downregulation of various slow twitch subunits (TNNC1, MYH7, TPM3, CSRP3) beyond 210 dpc, and a small but consistent genome-wide reduction in mRNA encoding the mitoproteome. Across the breeds, NRIP2 is the regulatory gene possessing a network change most similar to that of MSTN. Summary: We explored the molecular basis of high muscle mass in Blonde d’Aquitaine cattle, and found that mRNA encoding slow fibres and mitochondrial proteins were downregulated in this breed.
Eavesdropping security in wireless ad hoc networks with directional antennas

The eavesdropping security of wireless ad hoc networks has attracted considerable attention recently. However, most of current studies only consider OMN networks, where each node is mounted with a single omni-directional antenna, which radiates radio signals in all directions and consequently leads to the high eavesdropping possibility. Compared with an omnidirectional antenna, a directional antenna can concentrate the radio signals on some desired directions so that it can potentially reduce the eavesdropping possibility. This paper investigates the eavesdropping security of wireless ad hoc networks equipped with directional antennas. In particular, we study the eavesdropping possibility of OMN networks, SDA networks in which each node is equipped with a simplistic directional antenna and RDA networks in which each node is equipped with a realistic directional antenna. More specifically, we identify the eavesdropping activity in wireless networks and propose an eavesdropping model to measure the eavesdropping possibility. We conduct extensive simulations to evaluate the eavesdropping possibility of OMN networks, SDA networks and RDA networks with considering various environment factors, such as path loss attenuation and shadowing effects. Our simulation results show that using a simplistic directional antenna or a realistic antenna in wireless networks can reduce the eavesdropping possibility.
Confirmation of Organized Modularity in the Yeast Interactome

A recent PLoS Biology article [1] rejected the conclusions of two previous publications [2,3] that two categories of highly connected “hub” proteins—“date” and “party” hubs—have distinct properties in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae interactome network. Currently available protein–protein interaction datasets are vastly incomplete, even for yeast [4]. Therefore, it is reasonable to rigorously re-scrutinize global properties of interactome networks as new datasets become available. Here we show that distinctions between date and party hubs [2], previously shown in a high-quality filtered yeast interactome (FYI) dataset [2,3], are in fact confirmed in an updated literature-curated yeast interactome network.
Searching for cluster substructure using APM and ROSAT data

ABSTRA C T We present a detailed study of the morphological features of 22 rich galaxy clusters. Our sample is constructed from a cross-correlation of optical OAbell 1 APMU data with X-ray (0.1‐2.4 keV) ROSAT pointed observations. We systematically compare cluster images and morphological parameters in an attempt to reliably identify possible substructure in both optical and the X-ray images. To this end, we compute various moments of the optical and X-ray surface-brightness distribution such as the ellipticities, centre-of-mass shifts and ellipsoidal orientations. We assess the significance of our results using Monte Carlo simulations. We find significant correlations between the optical and X-ray morphological parameters, indicating that in both parts of the spectrum it is possible to identify correctly the dynamical state of a cluster. Most of our clusters (17/22) have a good one-to-one correspondence between the optical and the X-ray images, and about 10 appear to have strong indications of substructure. This corresponds to a minimum percentage of order ,45 per cent, which is in very good accordance with other similar analyses. Finally, five out of 22 systems (,22 per cent) seem to have distinct subclumps in the optical which are not verified in the X-ray images, and thus are suspect of being due to optical projection effects. These results will serve as a useful guide in interpreting subsequent analyses of large optical cluster catalogues.
Thalidomide neuropathy incidence and clinico-electrophysiologic findings in 42 patients.

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN Thalidomide therapy was shown to be effective in numerous dermatologic diseases. As reliable methods of contraception are now available, neurotoxicity has become the most important side effect limiting the use of thalidomide. The incidence of this neuropathy and its relationship to thalidomide doses are still matters of debate. In a retrospective study, we reviewed the files of 42 patients who had received thalidomide between 1987 and 1992 for various dermatologic diseases. The incidence and the conditions of occurrence of the neuropathy were analyzed. RESULTS Evidence of a thalidomide-induced neuropathy was present in nine patients (21%), who had both clinical and electrophysiologic typical abnormalities. Twelve other patients (28%), however, presented with isolated clinical or electrophysiologic signs. Thus, the diagnosis of thalidomide neuropathy could not be affirmed. The occurrence of the neuropathy did not appear to be related to the daily dose nor to the duration of treatment. The highest risk of developing a thalidomide neuropathy was found in female and elderly patients. Two monozygotic twin sisters, who received thalidomide for Behçet's disease, both developed a neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the incidence of thalidomide neuropathy may be between 21% and 50%. Individual susceptibilities with possible genetic predisposition seem to be more important than daily dose and duration of thalidomide therapy.
Identification of a nonhistone chromosomal protein associated with heterochromatin in Drosophila melanogaster and its gene

Monoclonal antibodies were prepared against a fraction of nuclear proteins of Drosophila melanogaster identified as tightly binding to DNA. Four of these antibodies were directed against a 19-kilodalton nuclear protein; immunofluorescence staining of the polytene chromosomes localized the antigen to the alpha, beta, and intercalary heterochromatic regions. Screening of a lambda gt11 cDNA expression library with one of the monoclonal antibodies identified a recombinant DNA phage clone that produced a fusion protein immunologically similar to the heterochromatin-associated protein. Polyclonal sera directed against the bacterial lacZ fusion protein recognized the same nuclear protein on Western blots. A full-length cDNA clone was isolated from a lambda gt10 library, and its DNA sequence was obtained. Analysis of the open reading frame revealed an 18,101-dalton protein encoded by this cDNA. Two overlapping genomic DNA clones were isolated from a Charon 4 library of D. melanogaster with the cDNA clone, and a restriction map was obtained. In situ hybridization with these probes indicated that the gene maps to a single chromosome location at 29A on the 2L chromosome. This general strategy should be effective for cloning the genes and identifying the genetic loci of chromosomal proteins which cannot be readily assayed by other means.
Cannabidiol attenuates seizures and social deficits in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome

Significance Medicinal cannabis use is booming despite limited preclinical evidence and mechanistic insight. Recent clinical trials of cannabidiol (CBD) in Dravet syndrome (DS) support its clinical efficacy for reduction of seizure frequency and invite study of its benefits for additional DS symptoms. We demonstrate here that treatment with CBD is beneficial for seizure frequency, duration, and severity and for autistic-like social deficits in a mouse model of DS. CBD rescue of DS symptoms is associated with increased inhibitory neurotransmission, potentially mediated by antagonism of the lipid-activated G protein-coupled receptor GPR55. These studies lend critical support for treatment of seizures in DS with CBD, extend the scope of CBD treatment to autistic-like behaviors, and provide initial mechanistic insights into CBD’s therapeutic actions. Worldwide medicinal use of cannabis is rapidly escalating, despite limited evidence of its efficacy from preclinical and clinical studies. Here we show that cannabidiol (CBD) effectively reduced seizures and autistic-like social deficits in a well-validated mouse genetic model of Dravet syndrome (DS), a severe childhood epilepsy disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the brain voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.1. The duration and severity of thermally induced seizures and the frequency of spontaneous seizures were substantially decreased. Treatment with lower doses of CBD also improved autistic-like social interaction deficits in DS mice. Phenotypic rescue was associated with restoration of the excitability of inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, an important area for seizure propagation. Reduced excitability of dentate granule neurons in response to strong depolarizing stimuli was also observed. The beneficial effects of CBD on inhibitory neurotransmission were mimicked and occluded by an antagonist of GPR55, suggesting that therapeutic effects of CBD are mediated through this lipid-activated G protein-coupled receptor. Our results provide critical preclinical evidence supporting treatment of epilepsy and autistic-like behaviors linked to DS with CBD. We also introduce antagonism of GPR55 as a potential therapeutic approach by illustrating its beneficial effects in DS mice. Our study provides essential preclinical evidence needed to build a sound scientific basis for increased medicinal use of CBD.
A Hybrid Approach for Event Extraction and Event Actor Identification

This paper, we propose an approach for event extraction and corresponding event actor identificationwithin the TimeML framework. Firstly, for event extraction , we develop SVM based hybrid approach and for event actor identification the baseline model is developed based on the subject information of the dependency-parsed event sentences. Then we develop an unsupervised syntax based model that is based on the relationship of the event verbs with their argu ment structure extracted from the head information of the chunks in the parsed sentences. Evaluation on a col lection of TempEval-2 corpus shows the precision, recall and F-measure values for the baseline model as 64.31%, 67.74% and 65.98%, respectively and the syntax based model as 69.12%, 66.90% and 67.99%, respectively.
Joint Exposure to Chemical and Nonchemical Neurodevelopmental Stressors in U.S. Women of Reproductive Age in NHANES

Lead (Pb) and methyl mercury (MeHg) are well established neurodevelopmental toxicants (NDTs), but joint exposure to chemical and nonchemical (e.g., maternal stress) stressors has rarely been considered. We characterized exposure to Pb, MeHg and a measure of physiological dysregulation associated with chronic stress and examined race/ethnicity as a predictor of joint NDT exposure. Using data from the 2003−2004 NHANES, potential chronic stress exposure was estimated using allostatic load (AL), a quantitative measure of physiological dysregulation. A Hazard Index was calculated for joint exposure to Pb and MeHg (HINDT). Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between an indicator of elevated joint NDT exposures (HINDT > 1) and race/ethnicity. The multivariate model was stratified by AL groups to examine effect measure modification. African American (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval] = 2.2 [1.4, 3.3]) and Mexican American (1.4 [0.7, 2.6]) women were more likely to have an HINDT > 1 compared to Caucasian women. Chronic stress was identified as an effect measure modifier with the largest ORs among women with high AL scores (African Americans = 4.3 [2.0, 9.5]; Mexican Americans = 4.2 [1.3, 14.1]). Chronic stress was found to modify the association between elevated joint NDT exposure and race/ethnicity, highlighting the importance of evaluating chemical and nonchemical stressor exposures leading to a common endpoint.
Dexmedetomidine attenuates sympathoadrenal responses to tracheal intubation and reduces the need for thiopentone and peroperative fentanyl.

The effects of the new, highly selective alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, dexmedetomidine, were studied in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in 24 ASA I patients. Dexmedetomidine 0.6 micrograms kg-1 or saline was given i.v. 10 min before induction of anaesthesia. The required dose of thiopentone was significantly (P less than 0.001) smaller in the dexmedetomidine group (mean 4.4 (sd 0.9) mg kg-1) than in the control group (6.9 (1.6) mg kg-1), and the drug attenuated the cardiovascular responses to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. The concentration of noradrenaline in mixed venous plasma was smaller in the dexmedetomidine group during all phases of induction (P less than 0.01). During surgery, fentanyl was required in a dose of 0.5 (0.6) mg kg-1 and 2.8 (2.6) mg kg-1 in the dexmedetomidine and control groups, respectively (P less than 0.001). During 2 h postoperative follow-up, oxycodone 0.06 (0.06) mg kg-1 and 0.16 (0.1) mg kg-1 (P less than 0.05) was given to the two groups respectively.
Thyroid Disruption in Zebrafish Larvae by Short-Term Exposure to Bisphenol AF

Bisphenol AF (BPAF) is extensively used as a raw material in industry, resulting in its widespread distribution in the aqueous environment. However, the effect of BPAF on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroidal (HPT) axis remains unknown. For elucidating the disruptive effects of BPAF on thyroid function and expression of the representative genes along the HPT axis in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, whole-body total 3,3′,5-triiodothyronine (TT3), total 3,5,3′,5′-tetraiodothyronine (TT4), free 3,3′,5-triiodothyronine (FT3) and free 3,5,3′,5′-tetraiodothyronine (FT4) levels were examined following 168 h post-fertilization exposure to different BPAF concentrations (0, 5, 50 and 500 μg/L). The results showed that whole-body TT3, TT4, FT3 and FT4 contents decreased significantly with the BPAF treatment, indicating an endocrine disruption of thyroid. The expression of thyroid-stimulating hormone-β and thyroglobulin genes increased after exposing to 50 μg/L BPAF in seven-day-old larvae. The expressions of thyronine deiodinases type 1, type 2 and transthyretin mRNAs were also significantly up-regulated, which were possibly associated with a deterioration of thyroid function. However, slc5a5 gene transcription was significantly down-regulated at 50 μg/L and 500 μg/L BPAF exposure. Furthermore, trα and trβ genes were down-regulated transcriptionally after BPAF exposure. It demonstrates that BPAF exposure triggered thyroid endocrine toxicity by altering the whole-body contents of thyroid hormones and changing the transcription of the genes involved in the HPT axis in zebrafish larvae.
The ASA Physical Status Classification: Inter-observer Consistency

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification system has previously been shown to be inconsistently applied by anaesthetists. One hundred and sixty questionnaires were sent out to all specialist anaesthetists in Hong Kong. Ten hypothetical patients, identical to those of a similar study undertaken 20 years ago, each with different types and degrees of physical disability were described. Respondents were asked about their country of training and type of anaesthetic practice and to assign an ASA classification status for each patient. Ninety-seven questionnaires were returned (61%) after two mailings. Agreement for each patient within groups, between groups and overall comparisons were made. Percentage of agreement was between 31 to 85%. Overall correlation was only fair in all groups (Kappa indices: 0.21–0.4). We found that the current pattern of inter-observer inconsistency of classification was similar to that 20 years ago and exaggerated between locally and overseas trained specialists (P<0.05). The validity of the ASA system, its usefulness and the need for a new, more precise scoring system is discussed.
Barriers to Social Participation among Lonely Older Adults: The Influence of Social Fears and Identity

Introduction Loneliness among older adults is a major public health problem that may be associated with processes of social participation and identity. This study therefore sought to examine the relationship between social participation and identity in a sample of lonely older adults living independently in London, England. Method An inductive qualitative approach, based on semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, was employed. Results Participants commonly spoke of barriers to social participation that have been reported elsewhere, including illness/disability, loss of contact with friends/relatives, lack of a supportive community, and lack of acceptable social opportunities. However, novel findings were also derived. In particular, participants commonly minimised the difficulties they faced alone, and described attempts to avoid social opportunities. These behaviours were linked to fears about engaging in social participation opportunities, including fears of social rejection and/or exploitation, and fears of losing valued aspects of identity. Discussion It is concluded that social participation amongst lonely older people will not improve through the removal of previously reported barriers alone; instead, older peoples’ beliefs, fears and identities must be addressed. Suggestions for implementing these findings within community organisations are provided.