Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A randomized controlled evaluation of alveolar ridge preservation following tooth extraction using deproteinized bovine bone mineral and demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft

Background: Alveolar ridge preservation could be performed immediately following tooth extraction to limit dimensional changes of alveolar process due to bone resorption. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and histologic outcomes of socket preservation using two different graft materials; deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) and demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) with absorbable collagen membrane. Materials and Methods: Twenty extraction sockets in 20 patients were randomly divided into 2 treatment groups: 10 sockets were augmented with DBBM and collagen membrane whereas 10 sockets were filled with DFDBA and covered by collagen membrane. Primary closure was achieved over extraction sockets by flap advancement. Horizontal and vertical ridge dimensional changes were assessed at baseline and after 4-6 months at the time of implant placement. For histological and histomorphometrical analysis, bone samples were harvested from the augmented sites with trephine during implant surgery. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 (α=0.05). Results: Clinical measurements revealed that average horizontal reduction was 2.3 ± 0.64 mm for DFDBA and 2.26 ± 0.51 mm for DBBM. Mean vertical ridge resorption at buccal side was 1.29 ± 0.68 mm for DFDBA and 1.1 ± 0.17 mm for DBBM. Moreover, mean vertical ridge reduction at lingual site was 0.41 ± 0.38 mm and 0.35 ± 0.34 mm for DFDBA and DBBM, respectively. No significant differences were seen between two groups in any of those clinical parameters. Histologic analysis showed statistically significant more new bone deposition for DFDBA compared to DBBM (34.49 ± 3.19 vs. 18.76 ± 3.54) (P < 0.01). Residual graft particles were identified significantly more in DBBM (12.77 ± 1.85) than DFDBA (6.06 ± 1.02). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, both materials have positive effect on alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction, but there was more new bone formation and less residual graft particles in DFDBA group than in DBBM group.
The responses of visual cortical neurons encode differences across saccades

Primate vision consists mostly of periods of stable fixation separated by rapid saccadic eye movements. Each saccade brings a new scene onto the retina, and each new scene results in a burst of activity in the neurons of visual cortex. It might be expected that the activity of these neurons should only represent what is on the retina now, much as a video camera hooked up to a television only displays what the camera is currently pointed at. However, we show here that this is not the case. Recording from 25 primary visual cortical neurons in an awake primate demonstrated that the responses to the saccade-induced presentation of a stimulus within a neuron's receptive field (RF) are typically suppressed by the presence of a stimulus in the RF before the saccade. Flashing stimuli on with the eyes stationary showed, on average, suppressive effects of similar magnitude, suggesting that the mechanism is simple adaptation. However, while the mechanism may be simple, the implications for the operation of the visual system are not. The activity of visual cortical neurons does not represent just the current retinal image, but also the differences between the current retinal image and the previous one. These results suggest that the current approach of studying the visual system, which concentrates on determining the relationship between a single stimulus and a single response, may have to be modified to take into account the timing of retinal image changes that occurs in normal vision.
RON (MST1R) is a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma

RON (MST1R) is one of two members of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase family, along with parent receptor MET. RON has a putative role in several cancers, but its expression and function is poorly characterized in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. A recognized functional role of MET tyrosine kinase in gastroesophageal cancer has led to early phase clinical trials using MET inhibitors, with unimpressive results. Therefore, the role of RON in gastroesophageal cancer, as well as its role in cooperative signaling with MET and as a mechanism of resistance to MET inhibition, was studied in gastroesophageal tissues and cell lines. By IHC, RON was highly over-expressed in 74% of gastroesophageal samples (n=94), and over-expression was prognostic of poor survival (p=0.008); RON and MET co-expression occurred in 43% of samples and was prognostic of worst survival (p=0.03). High MST1R gene copy number by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or array comparative genomic hybridization, was seen in 35.5% (16/45) of cases. High MST1R gene copy number correlated with poor survival (p=0.01), and was associated with high MET and ERBB2 gene copy number. A novel somatic MST1R juxtamembrane mutation R1018G was found in 11% of samples. RON signaling was functional in cell lines, activating downstream effector STAT3, and resulted in increased viability over controls. RON and MET co-stimulation assays led to enhanced malignant phenotypes over stimulation of either receptor alone. Growth inhibition as evidenced by viability and apoptosis assays was optimal using novel blocking monoclonal antibodies to both RON and MET, versus either alone. SU11274, a classic MET small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor, blocked signaling of both receptors, and proved synergistic when combined with STAT3 inhibition (combination index <1). These preclinical studies define RON as an important novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for gastroesophageal cancer warranting further investigation.
Association of Thrombotic Microangiopathy and Intimal Hyperplasia With Bleeding Post–Renal Biopsy in Antiphospholipid Antibody–Positive Patients

Renal biopsy remains the gold standard investigation for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes in the clinical management of lupus nephritis. However, it is not without potentially significant complications. The objectives of this study were to determine the rate of significant bleeding post–renal biopsy in patients with lupus nephritis and to identify risk factors associated with hemorrhagic complications.
Service-oriented simulation using web ontology

Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) Simulation Packages (CSPs) have proved popular in a wider industrial setting. Reuse of Simulation Component (SC) models by collaborating organisations or divisions is restricted, however, by the same semantic issues that restrict the inter-organisation use of other software services. Semantic models, in the form of ontology, utilised by a web-service-based discovery and deployment architecture provide one approach to support simulation model reuse. Semantic interoperation is achieved using domain-grounded SC ontology to identify reusable components and subsequently loaded into a CSP, and locally or remotely executed. The work is based on a health service simulation that addresses the transportation of blood. The ontology-engineering framework and discovery architecture provide a novel approach to inter-organisation simulation, uncovering domain semantics and providing a less intrusive mechanism for component reuse. The resulting web of component models and simulation execution environments present a nascent approach to simulation grids.
Utilization of Database Marketing in the Private Club Industry

ABSTRACT The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of database marketing in private clubs. Additionally, it aimed to develop a list of preferences that would be beneficial to track and determine how satisfaction levels with the remembrance of preferences impacted overall satisfaction at home and reciprocal clubs. A mixed method approach involving a focus group of private club managers and a mail survey of members at three private clubs was used to achieve research objectives. Results indicated that database marketing is only starting to become prevalent in private clubs. Also, member satisfaction with remembrance of preferences did affect their overall satisfaction with the club. A list of member preferences that would be beneficial to track is presented.
Respiratory modulation of carotid and aortic body reflex left ventricular inotropic responses in the cat

1 The reflex changes in the inotropic state of the left ventricle, measured as the dP/dtmax (maximum rate of change of pressure), occurring in response to selective stimulation of the carotid and aortic body chemoreceptors by sodium cyanide, were studied in the cat anaesthetized with a mixture of chloralose and urethane. 2 The animals were artificially ventilated with an open pneumothorax. The heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were maintained constant. 3 With on‐going central respiratory activity, stimulation of the carotid bodies caused an increase in respiratory movements. Variable changes in left ventricular dP/dtmax occurred, the predominant response being an increase. The mean change was 8.3 ± 2.9 % from a control value of 6850 ± 450 mmHg s−1. Stimulation of the aortic bodies resulted in a smaller increase in respiration or no effect, but a significant increase occurred in left ventricular dP/dtmax of 19.6 ± 2.9 % from a control value of 6136 ± 228 mmHg s−1. No significant changes in left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure occurred in response to stimulation of either group of chemoreceptors. 4 Tests of chemoreceptor stimulations were repeated during temporary suppression of the secondary respiratory mechanisms: the central respiratory drive was suppressed reflexly by electrical stimulation of the central cut ends of both superior laryngeal nerves and lung stretch afferent activity was minimized by stopping artificial respiration. Carotid body stimulation again evoked variable responses, the predominant now being a reduction in left ventricular dP/dtmax of 3.1 % from a control value of 5720 ± 320 mmHg s−1, which was significantly different to that occurring during on‐going spontaneous respiration. Aortic body stimulation caused an increase in left ventricular dP/dtmax similar to the response during on‐going spontaneous respiration. 5 The positive inotropic responses were mediated via the sympathetic nervous system, as indicated by their abolition as a result of intravenous injections of the β‐adrenoceptor blocking agent, propranolol. 6 It is concluded that the carotid bodies exert a small variable effect on left ventricular dP/dtmax, the predominant positive inotropic response being due to the concomitant neurogenic effects of the increase in respiration. In contrast, the positive inotropic response to excitation of the aortic chemoreceptors is not respiratory modulated.
Association of polymorphisms in virulence factor of Helicobacter pylori and gastroduodenal diseases in South Korea

Clinical outcomes of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection have been shown to be dependent on the variability of virulence factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of each virulence factor and the association between polymorphisms of the virulence factors of HP, and the clinical outcome of gastroduodenal diseases in South Korea.
Smartphone Use of Effectiveness in Supporting Young Entrepreneurs Business Activity in the Palopo Using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

The development effort involving young entrepreneurs by age relative in Palopo City is now starting to grow and develop. One of the factors that affect the increasingly rapid development of information and communication technology. The development of information and communication technology enables anyone to conduct business without having to incur substantial costs for investment only places and other infrastructure. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the use of information and communication technology in this case is a smart phone to support the business activities of young entrepreneurs in Palopo. Total sample of 150 respondents. Data analysis was performed using the Partial Least Square (PLS) with 4.0 WarpPLS program. The results of the study results showed that of the five hypotheses which are built in this research there are four hypotheses that can be accepted: (1) Perceived Ease of Use significant effect on Perceived Usefulness; (2) Perceived Ease of Use significant positive effect on User Satisfaction; (3) Perceived Usefulness significant positive effect on Behavioral intention; (4) User Satisfaction significant positive effect on Behavioral Intention. While the hypothesis is not accepted, namely (1) Perceived Ease of Use positive effect was not significant to the User Satisfaction, which in this hypothetical direct influence that has no significant effect. This study also provides empirical support for the theory of TAM in the context of the Smartphone use by young entrepreneurs in the city of Palopo in support of business activities. The benefits and user satisfaction is an important determinant that explains the interest behaves using Smartphone. In addition Smartphone has a user friendly design that allows users to operate the various service features / applications provided on each brand Smartphone. The results of this research study also found information that would have a positive impact on young entrepreneurs perkembagan with age categories were taken from 20 years has begun to grow. This indicates that the motivation, innovation and creativity among young entrepreneurs to continue to try to create jobs independently.
Predictors of New‐Onset Diabetes After Transplantation: The Overlooked Confounders

The article by Van Laecke et al. (1) highlights the relationship between calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) induced hypomagnesemia and development of abnormal glucose metabolism posttransplantation. The authors’ analyses suggest the diabetogenicity of CNIs, primarily considered secondary to pancreatic b-cell dysfunction, is also partially related to hypomagnesemia. Insulin regulates magnesium homeostasis but magnesium itself is reciprocally implicated in both insulin and glucose metabolism (2). Use of magnesium replacement, dietary or pharmacological, is associated with attenuation of the risk of diabetes in the general population and therefore the authors’ paradoxical findings of magnesium supplements being associated with new-onset diabetes after transplantation, albeit on univariate analysis alone, is difficult to explicate. The explanations offered by the authors are legitimate but the answer may lie in the multitude of unappreciated confounding factors involved with glucose metabolism.
Is maximum conservative management an equivalent treatment option to dialysis for elderly patients with significant comorbid disease?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There is ongoing growth of elderly populations with ESRD in Western Europe and North America. In our center, we offer an alternative care pathway of 'maximum conservative management' (MCM) to patients who elect not to start dialysis, often because of a heavy burden of comorbid illness and advanced age. The objective of our study was to compare clinical outcomes for patients who had ESRD and chose either MCM or renal replacement therapy (RRT). DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS This is an observational study of a single-center cohort in the United Kingdom that evaluating 202 elderly (> or =70 yr) patients who had ESRD and had chosen either MCM (n = 29) or RRT (n = 173). We report survival, hospitalization rates, and location of death for this cohort. Survival was measured from a standardized 'threshold' estimated GFR of 10.8 ml/min per 1.73 m(2). RESULTS Median survival, including the first 90 d, was 37.8 mo (range 0 to 106 mo) for RRT patients and 13.9 mo (range 2 to 44) for MCM patients (P < 0.01). RRT patients had higher rates of hospitalization (0.069 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.068 to 0.070]) versus 0.043 [95% CI 0.040 to 0.047] hospital days/patient-days survived) compared with MCM patients. MCM patients were significantly more likely to die at home or in a hospice (odds ratio 4.15; 95% CI 1.67 to 10.25). A survey of the literature describing elderly ESRD outcomes is also presented. CONCLUSIONS Dialysis prolongs survival for elderly patients who have ESRD with significant comorbidity by approximately 2 yr; however, patients who choose MCM can survive a substantial length of time, achieving similar numbers of hospital-free days to patients who choose hemodialysis.
Poseidon: An Efficient Communication Architecture for Distributed Deep Learning on GPU Clusters

Deep learning models can take weeks to train on a single GPU-equipped machine, necessitating scaling out DL training to a GPU-cluster. However, current distributed DL implementations can scale poorly due to substantial parameter synchronization over the network, because the high throughput of GPUs allows more data batches to be processed per unit time than CPUs, leading to more frequent network synchronization. We present Poseidon, an efficient communication architecture for distributed DL on GPUs. Poseidon exploits the layered model structures in DL programs to overlap communication and computation, reducing bursty network communication. Moreover, Poseidon uses a hybrid communication scheme that optimizes the number of bytes required to synchronize each layer, according to layer properties and the number of machines. We show that Poseidon is applicable to different DL frameworks by plugging Poseidon into Caffe and TensorFlow. We show that Poseidon enables Caffe and TensorFlow to achieve 15.5x speed-up on 16 single-GPU machines, even with limited bandwidth (10GbE) and the challenging VGG19-22K network for image classification. Moreover, Poseidon-enabled TensorFlow achieves 31.5x speed-up with 32 single-GPU machines on Inception-V3, a 50% improvement over the open-source TensorFlow (20x speed-up).
The Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation of the Infraspinatus on Shoulder External Rotation Force Production after Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery

Background Muscle weakness, particularly of shoulder external rotation, is common after rotator cuff repair surgery. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation has been shown to be an effective adjunct in the enhancement of muscle recruitment. Hypothesis Shoulder external rotation peak force can be enhanced by neuromuscular electrical stimulation after rotator cuff repair surgery. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Thirty-nine patients (20 men, 19 women) who had undergone rotator cuff repair surgery were tested a mean of 10.5 days after surgery. Testing consisted of placing patients supine with the shoulder in 45° of abduction, neutral rotation, and 15° of horizontal adduction. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation was applied to the infraspinatus muscle belly and inferior to the spine of the scapula. Placement was confirmed by palpating the muscle during a resisted isometric contraction of the external rotators. Patients performed 3 isometric shoulder external rotation contractions with and without neuromuscular electrical stimulation, each with a 5-second hold against a handheld dynamometer. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation was applied at maximal intensity within comfort at 50 pulses per second, symmetrical waveform, and a 1-second ramp time. The 3 trials under each condition were recorded, and an average was taken. The order of testing was randomized for each patient tested. A paired samples t test was used to determine significant differences between conditions (P < .05). Each group was also divided based on age, rotator cuff tear size, number of days postoperative, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation intensity. Analysis of variance Models were used to determine the influence of these variables on external rotation force production (P < .05). Results Peak force production was significantly greater (P < .001) when tested with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (3.75 kg) as opposed to without neuromuscular electrical stimulation (3.08 kg) for all groups tested. There was no significant difference based on the size of the tear, age of the patient, number of days after surgery, or level of neuromuscular electrical stimulation intensity. Conclusion Peak shoulder external rotation force was significantly increased by 22% when tested with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after rotator cuff repair surgery. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation significantly increased force production regardless of the age of the patient, size of the tear, intensity of the current, or the number of days postoperative. Clinical Relevance Neuromuscular electrical stimulation may be used concomitantly with exercises to enhance the amount of force production and potentially minimize the inhibition of the rotator cuff after repair surgery.
Altered functional connectivity in the motor network after traumatic brain injury

Background: A large proportion of survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) have persistent cognitive impairments, the profile of which does not always correspond to the size and location of injuries. One possible explanation could be that TBI-induced damage extends beyond obvious lesion sites to affect remote brain networks. We explored this hypothesis in the context of a simple and well-characterized network, the motor network. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to establish the residual integrity of the motor network as an important proof of principle of abnormal connectivity in TBI. Methods: fMRI data were obtained from 12 right-handed patients and 9 healthy controls while they performed the finger-thumb opposition task with the right hand. We used both conventional and psychophysiologic interaction (PPI) analyses to examine the integrity of functional connections from brain regions we found to be activated in the paradigm we used. Results: As expected, the analysis showed significant activations of the left primary motor cortex (M1), right cerebellum (Ce), and bilateral supplementary motor area (SMA) in controls. However, only the activation of M1 survived robust statistical thresholding in patients. In controls, the PPI analysis revealed that left M1, SMA, and right Ce positively interacted with the left frontal cortex and negatively interacted with the right supramarginal gyrus. In patients, we observed no negative interaction and reduced interhemispheric interactions from these seed regions. Conclusions: These observations suggest that patients display compromised activation and connectivity patterns during the finger-thumb opposition task, which may imply functional reorganization of motor networks following TBI.