Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of panoramic and conventional cross-sectional tomography for preoperative selection of implant size.

OBJECTIVE To compare panoramic and conventional cross-sectional tomography for preoperative selection of implant size for three implant systems (Brånemark, Straumann(®), 3i). MATERIAL AND METHODS Presurgical panoramic (Pan) and cross-sectional tomograms (Tomo) of 121 implant sites in 121 patients scheduled for single-tooth implant treatment were recorded; in 70 of the Pans (Pan-B), a metal ball was placed in the edentulous area. By means of dedicated software, an implant with subjectively determined proper dimensions for the respective site was outlined by manually placing four reference points in each image by three observers. Additionally, four reference points corresponding to the margins of the metal ball were manually placed in Pan-Bs. The length and width of the implant were calculated after calibration to the reference ball (true magnification) in Pan-Bs and to a "standard" calibration method in all images (magnification factor 1.25 in Pans and 1.7 in Tomos). Based on the corrected dimensions, the nearest, smaller implant size was selected among those available in each of the three implant systems. RESULTS When comparing Pans with Tomos, selected implant size differed in on average 89% of the cases. The length differed in 69% and the width in 66%. Implants planned on Tomos were longer than those planned on Pans in 47% and narrower in 30% (<10% in posterior regions). The Straumann(®) system, with the smallest range of available implant sizes was significantly less affected by the radiographic method compared with the other two systems. CONCLUSION The selected implant size differed considerably when planned on panoramic or cross-sectional tomographs.
Time-Resolved Fluorescence Energy Transfer DNA Helicase Assays for High Throughput Screening

DNA helicases are responsible for the unwinding of double-stranded DNA, facilitated by the binding and hydrolysis of 5′-nucleoside triphosphates. These enzymes represent an important class of targets for the development of novel anti-infective agents particularly because opportunity exists for synergy with existing therapies targeted at other enzymes involved in DNA replication. Unwinding reactions are conventionally monitored by low throughput, gel-based radiochemical assays; to overcome the limitations of low throughput to achieve comprehensive characterization of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent unwinding by viral and bacterial helicases and the screening for unwinding inhibitors, we have developed and validated homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer (TRET) assays. Rapid characterization and screening of DNA helicase has been performed in 96- and 384-well plate densities, and the ability to assay in 1536-well format also demonstrated. We have successfully validated and are running full high throughput runs using 384-well TRET helicase assays, culminating in the identification of a range of chemically diverse inhibitors of viral and bacterial helicases. For screening in mixtures, we used a combination of quench correction routines and confirmatory scintillation proximity (SP) assays to eliminate false-positives due to the relatively high levels of compound quenching (unlike other Ln3+-based assays). This strategy was successful yet emphasised the need for further improvements in helicase assays.
Differential expression of Na,K-ATPase alpha and beta subunit genes in the developing zebrafish inner ear.

We have used whole-mount in situ hybridization to analyze Na,K-ATPase alpha and beta subunit gene expression in the developing zebrafish ear. Four alpha1-like (alpha1a.1, alpha1a.2, alpha1a.4, and alpha1a.5) and two beta (beta1a and beta2b) subunit genes are expressed in ear beginning at mid-somitogenesis. Each gene exhibits a distinct spatial and temporal expression pattern. The alpha1a.1 gene was ubiquitously expressed in the otic epithelium from mid-somitogenesis to 24 hr postfertilization (hpf). Expression of this gene was gradually reduced and by 48 hpf, alpha1a.1 transcripts were no longer detectable in the ear. The alpha1a.2 and alpha1a.5 genes were expressed in regions that correspond to the anterior macula, lateral crista, and semicircular canal projections up to 48 hpf. At later stages, expression of these genes was limited to cells in the dorsolateral septum and semicircular canal projections. alpha1a.4 and beta1a transcripts were ubiquitously expressed during ear development and were present in most otic tissues at 5 days postfertilization (dpf). Expression of the beta2b gene, on the other hand, was restricted to subsets of cells that form sensory epithelia. These results strongly suggest different functional roles for individual Na,K-ATPase genes in zebrafish ear development. Na,K-ATPase genes are likely to represent useful markers for the analysis of zebrafish otogenesis.
Increased aflatoxin contamination of dried figs in a drought year

Dried figs (4917 samples) destined for export from Turkey to the European Union were collected between September and December during the very dry crop year of 2007 and tested for aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 by immunoaffinity column clean-up and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). While 32% of the samples contained detectable levels of total aflatoxins, 9.8% of them exceeded the European Union limits. Aflatoxin levels were in the range of 0.2–259.46 µg kg−1 and 2.04–259.46 µg kg−1 for all samples and samples that exceeded the limits, respectively. A substantial increase in the incidence of aflatoxins was observed in 2007 compared with previous years, most likely due to the drought stress, high temperatures and low relative humidity encountered during the period from January to September of that year. In 2007, the mean temperature was 1–2°C higher, there was 300 mm less total rain, and the mean relative humidity was 10–15% lower than in 2002–06. The average concentration of individual aflatoxins present in the samples was quantified to determine whether the drought conditions promoted certain types of aflatoxins. Among the contaminated samples, aflatoxin B1 occurred in 97% of the contaminated samples, followed by G1 in 47%, B2 in 24%, and G2 in 6% of samples. Concentrations of individual aflatoxins exhibited great variability among the samples but were not significantly different from those reported in previous studies, which were conducted under conditions without drought and high temperatures.
Greater unidirectional calcium efflux from bone during metabolic, compared with respiratory, acidosis.

There is a smaller net calcium efflux from bone in vitro during respiratory (increased PCO2) than metabolic (decreased [HCO3-] acidosis. This could be due to the elevated PCO2, which would lessen the driving force for mineral dissolution and increase the driving force for mineralization with respect to carbonated apatite in the bone mineral. To test this hypothesis, we injected neonatal mice with 45Ca and dissected the radiolabeled calvariae 24 h later. The live calvariae were then cultured for 24 h under conditions simulating respiratory acidosis (Resp, pH = 7.225 +/- 0.003, PCO2 = 87.5 +/- 0.1 mmHg), severe respiratory acidosis (SResp, pH = 7.072 +/- 0.004, PCO2 = 103.0 +/- 0.5 mmHg), metabolic acidosis (Met, pH = 7.212 +/- 0.003, HCO3- = 15.5 +/- 0.1 meq/l), or normal acid-base status (Ctl, pH = 7.452 +/- 0.003, PCO2 = 40.0 +/- 0.2 mmHg, HCO3- = 27.8 +/- 0.2 meq/l) and bidirectional net calcium flux (JCa) and unidirectional 45Ca release were determined. There was greater JCa from bone during Met than Resp, and JCa was not different from Met during SResp despite the latter having a significantly lower pH. There was greater unidirectional 45Ca release from bone during Met than Resp, SResp, or Ctl. There was a similar direct correlation between JCa and 45Ca efflux in the respiratory and metabolic groups. However, when calvarial osteoclast activity was inhibited with calcitonin,although there was again greater JCa and 45Ca release with a metabolic compared with respiratory acidosis, there was a greater proportion of 45Ca release than JCa from bone. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Relationships between range characteristics, ranging behaviour, and welfare of commercial free-range laying hens

i DECLARATION . iv PREFACE . v PUBLICATIONS . vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . ix TABLE OF CONTENTS. xi THESIS STRUCTURE . xiv CHAPTER 1 General Introduction and Literature Review . 1 1.1 Free-range egg production . 1 1.2 Animal welfare . 3 1.2. 1 The scientific concept of animal welfare . 3 1.2. 2 Assessing animal welfare . 4 1.2. 3 Welfare concerns of free-range systems . 8 1.3 Outdoor range use . 14 1.3. 1 Natural history of laying hens . 14 1.3. 2 Range use in free-range. 16 1.3. 3 Factors affecting range use . 21 1.4 Relationship between welfare and range use . 32 1.5 Conclusions . 34 1.6 Aims of research . 37 References . 38 CHAPTER 2 Go outside and play? Behavioural time budget of free-range laying hens in a natural shrub structure . 53 Summary . 54 2.
Increasing body weight and risk of limitations in activities of daily living: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

This study examined the relationship between normal weight, overweight and obesity class I and II+, and the risk of disability, which is defined as impairment in activities of daily living (ADL). Systematic searching of the literature identified eight cross‐sectional studies and four longitudinal studies that were comparable for meta‐analysis. An additional four cross‐sectional studies and one longitudinal study were included for qualitative review. Results from the meta‐analysis of cross‐sectional studies revealed a graded increase in the risk of ADL limitations from overweight (1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.08), class I obesity (1.16, 95% CI 1.11–1.21) and class II+ obesity (1.76, 95% CI 1.28–2.41), relative to normal weight. Meta‐analyses of longitudinal studies revealed a similar graded relationship; however, the magnitude of this relationship was slightly greater for all body mass index categories. Qualitative analysis of studies that met the inclusion criteria but were not compatible for meta‐analysis supported the pooled results. No studies identified met all of the pre‐defined quality criteria, and subgroup analysis was inhibited due to insufficient comparable studies. We conclude that increasing body weight increases the risk of disability in a graded manner, but also emphasize the need for additional studies using contemporary longitudinal cohorts with large numbers of obese class III individuals, a range of ages and with measured height and weight, and incident ADL questions.
Effect of monodesethyl amodiaquine on human polymorphonuclear neutrophil functions in vitro

We have previously observed that the antimalarial drug amodiaquine impairs the human polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) oxidative burst in vitro. However, the drug acted at a concentration of 100 micrograms/ml, far higher than that which is achievable therapeutically. Since amodiaquine is extensively metabolized into monodesethyl amodiaquine, we investigated whether the metabolite modified PMN functions at lower concentrations than amodiaquine does. Monodesethyl amodiaquine strongly depressed PMN chemotaxis and phagocytosis at concentrations as low as 10 micrograms/ml. This inhibition was reversed by washing out the drug. The PMN oxidative burst was markedly depressed by monodesethyl amodiaquine, whatever the assay technique (luminol-amplified chemiluminescence, lucigenin-amplified chemiluminescence, myeloperoxidase activity) or stimulus used (opsonized zymosan, phorbol myristate acetate, formylmethionyl leucyl phenylalanine). There were extreme interindividual variations in sensitivity to the depressive effect of monodesethyl amodiaquine when the PMN oxidative burst was assayed in terms of luminol-amplified chemiluminescence or lucigenin-amplified chemiluminescence. PMN samples were divided into two groups on the basis of the MIC of the drug: 60% of the samples were "highly sensitive," being strongly inhibited at concentrations as low as 0.1 micrograms/ml (obtained during therapy), whereas the "moderately sensitive" samples were inhibited at concentrations of 10 micrograms/ml and above. The difference between the two groups was highly significant. This PMN sensitivity to the inhibitory effect of the drug was not related to intrinsic oxidative metabolism. Our data indicate that monodesethyl amodiaquine, the main metabolite of amodiaquine, has a far stronger inhibitory effect on various PMN functions in vitro than the parent drug, warranting relevant in vivo studies.
Simultaneous development of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma – analyses of the clonal relatedness by sequencing CDR3 in immunoglobulin heavy chain genes

Abstract: A 75‐yr‐old male simultaneously having lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is presented. He had manifested with lumbago, high‐grade fever, and confusion. Physical examination on admission showed disorientation and severe back pain. There were neither lymphadenopathy nor hepatosplenomegaly. Routine laboratory tests showed moderate pancytopenia, hypercalcemia (serum calcium, 15.9 mg/dL), IgM λ‐type monoclonal gammopathy (IgG, 405 mg/dL; IgA, 42 mg/dL; and IgM, 2023 mg/dL), and λ‐type Bence–Jones protein in the urine (0.8 g/d). Bone marrow biopsy showed the clusters of surface λ‐positive small‐sized mature‐appearing lymphoplasmacytoid cells. Bone survey and computed tomographic scan showed multiple osteolytic lesions and a tumor involving the third lumbar spine (L3). An open biopsy of the L3 tumor showed diffuse proliferation of CD20‐ and λ‐positive large cells. We thus diagnosed the patient as simultaneously having LPL and DLBCL. Although the combination chemotherapy was at least partially effective, he died of bacteremia and organ failure after three courses of chemotherapy. To clarify the clonal relatedness between LPL and DLBCL, we analyzed the sequences of the complementarity‐determining region 3 in immunoglobulin heavy‐chain genes. The data showed that LPL and DLBCL in the present patient originated from two independent clones.
Comparative Outcomes of Two Distance-Based Interventions for Male Caregivers of Family Members With Dementia

Data are presented on a preliminary study investigating the efficacy of 2 distance-based psychosocial interventions (N = 32) for male family dementia caregivers. Male caregivers were randomly assigned to either a basic education intervention (ie, educational booklet and biweekly check-in telephone calls) or a video intervention (ie, set of 10 videos, an accompanying workbook, and weekly telephone coaching sessions using behavioral strategies to manage challenging caregiving situations). Results did not support the greater efficacy of the video condition in reducing psychosocial distress (eg, negative affect, upset and annoyance following behavior problems) or increasing positive affect or caregiving self-efficacy. There was, however, a statistically significant effect for postintervention improvement in both the video/coaching and the educational booklet/check-in conditions. Potential reasons for the lack of differential treatment effects are discussed, along with implications for recruitment of male dementia caregivers.
Uncertain pathogenicity of MSH2 variants N127S and G322D challenges their classification

Hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is associated with germline mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Inherited missense mutations, however, complicate the diagnostics because they do not always cause unambiguous predisposition to cancer. This leads to variable and contradictory interpretations of their pathogenicity. Here, we establish evidence for the functionality of the 2 frequently reported variations, MSH2 N127S and G322D, which have been described both as pathogenic and non‐pathogenic in literature and databases. We report the results of 3 different functional analyses characterizing the biochemical properties of these protein variants in vitro. We applied an immunoprecipitation assay to assess the MSH2–MSH6 interaction, a bandshift assay to study mismatch recognition and binding, and a MMR assay for repair efficiency. None of the experiments provided evidence on reduced functionality of these proteins as compared to wild‐type MSH2. Our data demonstrate that MSH2 N127S and G322D per se are not sufficient to trigger MMR deficiency. This together with variable clinical phenotypes in the mutation carriers suggest no or only low cancer risk in vivo. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Commodity Price Movements and Banking Crises

We develop an empirical model to predict banking crises in a sample of 60 low-income countries (LICs) over the 1981-2015 period. Given the recent emergence of financial sector stress associated with low commodity prices in several LICs, we assign price movements in primary commodities a key role in our model. Accounting for changes in commodity prices significantly increases the predictive power of the model. The commodity price effect is economically substantial and robust to the inclusion of a wide array of potential drivers of banking crises. We confirm that net capital inflows increase the likelihood of a crisis; however, in contrast to recent findings for advanced and emerging economies, credit growth and capital flow surges play no significant role in predicting banking crises in LICs.
Infiltration By Immunocompetent Cells In Early Stage Invasive Carcinoma Of The Uterine Cervix: A prognostic study

&NA; In various tumor types dentritic cell, infiltration and the presence of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes have been associated with an improved clinical outcome. In the uterine cervix these immunocompetent cells have been associated with improved prognosis in high stage disease. The current study examines the significance of stromal and tumor T‐lymphocyte infiltration together with S‐100 positive dendritic cell infiltration in a series of 73 women with low stage (FIGO lb) invasive squamous and adenosquamous cervical carcinoma. Thirty four percent of cases contained S‐100 positive dendritic cells. These were under‐represented in cases showing pelvic recurrence or distant disease (1 of 11 compared to 24 of 62 free of recurrence, P = 0.05) and over‐represented in cases showing lymphatic/capillary space involvement (12 of 23 compared to 13 of 46 without vascular space invasion, P = 0.05). The women were followed up for an average of 5.2 years and the five‐year survival for women whose tumors contained S‐100 positive dendritic cells was 92% compared to 73% for negative cases (P = 0.04). There was a significant association between a low density of tumor infiltrating T‐cells and risk of pelvic lymph node spread and subsequent local or distant disease control failure (P = 0.008). A five year survival advantage was seen with five or more CD 3 positive tumor infiltrating T‐lymphocytes per high power field (90%) compared to a lower count (68%) (P = 0.04). A similar advantage could not be demonstrated for a high stromal infiltrate of T‐cells. As yet neither the specific mechanisms that induce these cells to infiltrate some cervical carcinomas nor the nature of the immunological injury that the cells co‐ordinate in tumor tissue are well understood.
Chinese multinationals’ approach to international human resource management: a longitudinal study

Abstract This study explores how emerging market service firms, operating in developed markets, approach human resource management (HRM). Data analyzed in this article were drawn from a longitudinal case study of the Australian subsidiary of a Chinese multinational bank. We find that subsidiary HRM follows host country and global best practices. However, the way that this hybrid HRM system was implemented shows traces of Chinese origin. A key finding from this study is that although our case bank officially adopted a polycentric approach to subsidiary staffing, employing host country nationals, the subsidiary predominantly employed locals with a Chinese ethnic background. We also find the case bank’s strategy in international HRM has evolved from a focus on localization to global standardization. This global standardization, however, is shaped in line with global best practices rather than home country management model. These findings highlight the need for future studies to adopt a more nuanced approach to examining international HRM strategies, especially when analyzing host country effect or localization strategy.
Essays in international trade

Firm heterogeneity is crucial in determining firm-level decisions and, consequently, shaping the aggregate trade flows. Several studies have focused on this aspect, starting from the workhorse model of Melitz (2003). The fundamental insight of this literature is that firms are different along several dimensions (e.g. size and productivity). This difference necessarily reflects into their participation in the international markets; in particular, firms that are productive enough can select into exporting activity. Among those, only a narrow subset of them can afford the costs associated with the multinational activity. The dissertation builds upon the economic framework featuring heterogeneous firms and proposes two empirical self-containing contributions. In particular, the first chapter provides empirical evidence that multinational firms conducting horizontal FDI operate as risk averse agents. The second chapter analyzes the effects of the risk associated with quality perception in foreign markets on the entry mode selected by MNEs operating in the service sector. For both analyses, we rely on the development and estimation of structural models which allow us to run counterfactual analysis and evaluate the effects of policy changes.
Medical errors involving trainees: a study of closed malpractice claims from 5 insurers.

BACKGROUND Despite wide recognition that the delivery of medical care by trainees involves special risks, information about the types and causes of medical errors involving trainees is limited. To describe the characteristics of and factors contributing to trainee errors, we analyzed malpractice claims in which trainees were judged to have played an important role in harmful errors. METHODS The claims were closed between 1984 and 2004, and the errors occurred between 1979 and 2001. Specialist physicians reviewed random samples of closed malpractice claim files at 5 liability insurers from 2002 to 2004 and determined whether injuries had occurred, and if so, whether they were due to error. We described the clinical circumstances and contributing factors associated with harmful errors involving trainees ("cases"). We also compared the characteristics of cases with their nontrainee counterparts and probed trainee errors attributed to teamwork problems and lack of technical competence or knowledge. RESULTS Among 240 cases, errors in judgment (173 of 240 [72%]), teamwork breakdowns (167 of 240 [70%]), and lack of technical competence (139 of 240 [58%]) were the most prevalent contributing factors. Lack of supervision and handoff problems were most prevalent types of teamwork problems, and both were disproportionately more common among errors that involved trainees than those that did not (respectively, 54% vs 7% [P < .001] and 20% vs 12% [P = .009]). The most common task during which failures of technical competence occurred were diagnostic decision making and monitoring of the patient or situation. Trainee errors appeared more complex than nontrainee errors (mean of 3.8 contributing factors vs 2.5 [P < .001]). CONCLUSIONS In addition to problems with handoffs, house staff are particularly vulnerable to medical errors owing to teamwork failures, especially lack of supervision. Graduate medical education reform should focus on strengthening these aspects of training.