Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Remineralizing potential of CPP-ACP creams with and without fluoride in artificial enamel lesions.

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the effect of pastes containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) with and without fluoride on enamel demineralization. METHODS Human enamel blocks were used and after incipient caries-like lesions were formed, they were assigned to four groups: G1 - saliva; G2 - MI Paste (RecaldentTM ); G3 - MI Paste Plus (RecaldentTM 900 ppm as NaF); and G4 - Crest™ (1.100 ppm as NaF). The specimens were soaked in demineralizing solution for 6 hours and remineralized in artificial saliva for 18 hours alternatively for 10 days. The dentifrice was prepared with deionized water in a 1:3 proportion (w/w) or applied undiluted in the case of the CPP-ACP formula. Demineralized enamel changes were analysed by surface microhardness (SMH), 3D-profilometry and SEM. Data were analysed by non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test comparisons and one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc test (α = 0.05). RESULTS The SMH values observed in the G2 (47.8 ± 28.5) and G3 (53.6 ± 27.6) groups were different from that of G4 (90.2 ± 17.1), which were significantly higher than that found in G1 (39.4 ± 14.2). The %SMH was significantly lower in G4 when compared to G1 (p < 0.001) and G3 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS MI Paste Plus demonstrated a greater protective effect against demineralization than MI Paste and showed smoother surfaces.
Predicting lower limb periprosthetic joint infections: A review of risk factors and their classification

AIM To undertook a systematic review to determine factors that increase a patient’s risk of developing lower limb periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). METHODS This systematic review included full-text studies that reviewed risk factors of developing either a hip or knee PJI following a primary arthroplasty published from January 1998 to November 2016. A variety of keywords were used to identify studies through international databases referencing hip arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty, infection, and risk factors. Studies were only included if they included greater than 20 patients in their study cohort, and there was clear documentation of the statistical parameter used; specifically P-value, hazard ratio, relative risk, or/and odds ratio (OR). Furthermore a quality assessment criteria for the individual studies was undertaken to evaluate the presence of record and reporting bias. RESULTS Twenty-seven original studies reviewing risk factors relating to primary total hip and knee arthroplasty infections were included. Four studies (14.8%) reviewed PJI of the hip, 3 (11.21%) of the knee, and 20 (74.1%) reviewed both joints. Nineteen studies (70.4%) were retrospective and 8 (29.6%) prospective. Record bias was identified in the majority of studies (66.7%). The definition of PJI varied amongst the studies but there was a general consensus to define infection by previously validated methods. The most significant risks were the use of preoperative high dose steroids (OR = 21.0, 95%CI: 3.5-127.2, P < 0.001), a BMI above 50 (OR = 18.3, P < 0.001), tobacco use (OR = 12.76, 95%CI: 2.47-66.16, P = 0.017), body mass index below 20 (OR = 6.00, 95%CI: 1.2-30.9, P = 0.033), diabetes (OR = 5.47, 95%CI: 1.77-16.97, P = 0.003), and coronary artery disease (OR = 5.10, 95%CI: 1.3-19.8, P = 0.017). CONCLUSION We have highlighted the need for the provider to optimise modifiable risk factors, and develop strategies to limit the impact of non-modifiable factors.
Computer Model Calibration or Tuning in Practice

Computer models to simulate physical phenomena are now widely available in engineering and science. Before relying on a computer model, a natural first step is often to compare its output with physical or field data, to assess whether the computer model reliably represents the real world. Field data, when available, can also be used to calibrate or tune unknown parameters in the computer model. Calibration is particularly problematic in the presence of systematic discrepancies between the computer model and field observations. We introduce a likelihood alternative to previous Bayesian methodology for estimation of calibration or tuning parameters. In an important special case, we show that maximum likelihood estimation will asymptotically find values of the calibration parameter that give an unbiased computer model, if such a model exists. However, the calibration parameters are not necessarily estimable. We also show in some settings that calibration or tuning need to take into account the end-use prediction strategy. Depending on the strategy, the choice of the parameter values may be critical or unimportant.
Genetic Algorithm with Fuzzy Genotype Values and Its Application to Neuroevolution

— The author proposes an extension of genetic algorithm (GA) for solving fuzzy-valued optimization problems. In the proposed GA, values in the genotypes are not real numbers but fuzzy numbers. Evolutionary processes in GA are extended so that GA can handle genotype instances with fuzzy numbers. The proposed method is applied to evolving neural networks with fuzzy weights and biases. Experimental results showed that fuzzy neural networks evolved by the fuzzy GA could model hidden target fuzzy functions well despite the fact that no training data was explicitly provided.
Emergency planning for students with disabilities: A survey of Australian Schools

Children with disabilities and special needs are among the most vulnerable when disaster strikes. Schools can play an effective role in mitigating the effects of natural disasters on students and their families through disaster preparedness and community-based risk reduction. However, recent research indicates that insufficient consideration is being given to the needs of students with disabilities in disaster management plans and policies of Australian education departments. This study involved a postal survey of schools in Western Australia (n= 45) and South Australia (n=35) to review the emergency management policies and plans in place with respect to students with disabilities. The results indicated that most schools had disaster management plans but not all plans made provision for students with disabilities, although the results varied according to the disability and the disaster envisaged. Moreover, most schools were not represented at Local Disaster Management Groups. This paper advocates for better preparedness in schools to support their students with disabilities and their families during natural disasters.
Effects of long-term exposure to PM10 and NO2 on asthma and wheeze in a prospective birth cohort

Background Epidemiological studies on the effect of urban air pollution on childhood asthma have shown conflicting results and so far no consistent association has emerged. However, a common limitation in previous studies has been exposure misclassification leading to uncertainties in risk estimates.The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on the prevalence of asthma and wheeze within a population-based birth cohort—the Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study (MAAS). Methods The prevalence of asthma and current wheeze within the cohort (N=1185) was determined through parental questionnaires at ages 3, 5, 8 and 11 years. The typical monthly PM10 and NO2 exposure of each child was estimated through a novel microenvironmental exposure model from birth to age 11. The association between exposure and asthma or wheeze was analysed using generalised estimating equations and multiple logistic regression. Results The range of asthma prevalence was 15.2–23.3%, with the lowest prevalence at age 3 and the highest at age 5. The prevalence of current wheeze decreased from ages 3 to 8 (23.7–18%). The mean NO2 exposure decreased from the 1st year of life (21.7 µg/m3) to the 11th year of life (16.0 µg/m3). The mean PM10 exposure showed a smaller decrease (12.8 –10.7 µg/m3). The statistical analysis showed no significant association between the exposures and either outcome. Conclusions No evidence of a significant association between long-term exposure to PM10 and NO2 and the prevalence of either asthma or wheeze was found.
Hemolytic phospholipase C inhibition protects lung function during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

RATIONALE The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes both acute and chronic lung infections and is particularly problematic in patients with cystic fibrosis and those undergoing mechanical ventilation. Decreased lung function contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality during P. aeruginosa infection, and damage inflicted by P. aeruginosa virulence factors contributes to lung function decline. OBJECTIVES We sought to describe direct contribution of a bacterial phospholipase C/sphingomyelinase, PlcHR, to alteration of host lung physiology and characterize a potential therapeutic for protection of lung function. METHODS We infected C57Bl/6 mice with P. aeruginosa wild-type or isogenic plcHR deletion strains and measured lung function using computer-controlled ventilators. For in vivo testing, miltefosine was delivered intraperitoneally 1 hour after infection. Infection and respiratory endpoints were at 24 hours after infection. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS P. aeruginosa wild-type infection caused significant lung function impairment, whereas the effects of a ΔplcHR strain infection were much less severe. Surfactometry analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid indicated that PlcHR decreased pulmonary surfactant function. Miltefosine has structural similarity to the PC and sphingomyelin substrates of PlcHR, and we found that it inhibits the cleavage of these choline-containing lipids in vitro. Miltefosine administration after P. aeruginosa infection limited the negative effects of PlcHR activity on lung function. CONCLUSIONS We have directly linked production of a single virulence factor in P. aeruginosa with effects on lung function, and demonstrated that the inhibitor miltefosine protects lung function from PlcHR-dependent surfactant dysfunction.
Analysis of transmission capacity region in D2D integrated cellular networks with power control

The integration of Device-to-Device (D2D) communications into cellular networks, albeit improving spectrum efficiency, may inevitably lead to cross-tier interference between cellular users and D2D users. In this paper, we endow D2D users with the capability of power control to address the cross-tier interference and theoretically analyze the benefits of power control in enhancing the transmission capacity region (TCR). In particular, based on transmission capacity, the TCR is defined as the enclosure of all feasible combinations of transmitter intensities in cellular and D2D networks. We first employ the stochastic geometry framework to derive closed-form expressions of the TCR for two prevalent spectrum sharing modes, i.e., reuse mode and dedicated mode. As for the reuse mode, we then study how to enlarge the TCR through initializing the power levels of cellular users and D2D users. Finally, the dedicated mode is compared with the reuse mode through TCR. Specifically, given the same target rate for cellular users and D2D users, the reuse mode is shown to outperform the dedicated mode in terms of the TCR when 2α/2 ≤ θ + 2, where α and θ are, respectively, the path loss exponent and decoding threshold. The analysis provides useful guidance for spectrum regulation and design of efficient power control techniques in D2D integrated cellular networks.
Dissociation of proto‐oncogene induction from growth response in normal human fibroblasts

Proto‐oncogenes are cellular homologues of viral oncogenes that are known to be associated with regulation of growth and differentiation. The c‐myc and c‐fos proto‐oncogenes have been extensively studied by using established cell lines but to a lesser extent by using normal cells. Using physiologic growth modulators, we have shown that mitotic stimulation of normal human dermal fibroblasts is associated with induction of c‐myc and c‐fos, but that growth inhibition of these cells is not necessarily accompanied by their down‐regulation. When treated with both serum and interferon‐alpha during quiescence, fibroblasts were delayed in their progress into the S‐phase of the cell cycle as compared to cells treated with serum alone and displayed substantial growth inhibition as measured by cell number at the end of 1 week. However, this growth inhibition was not preceded by down‐regulation or delay in induction of c‐myc and c‐fos mRNA. The above studies suggest that in normal fibroblasts growth inhibition is not necessarily dependent on down‐regulation of transcription of either c‐myc or c‐fos and that interferon may act to inhibit cell growth either through a post‐transcriptional effect on cellular proto‐oncogenes necessary for cell proliferation or through induction of other, as yet unrecognized gene(s) associated with growth arrest.
Consumer Decision Making Regarding a “Green” Everyday Product

One of the techniques marketers use to convert low-involvement products into high-involvement ones is adding an important product feature. A case in point is the common practice of adding a “green” or environmentally friendly product feature to an everyday product, something which is often assumed to elevate consumer involvement in the choice of the product. However, there is a lack of research investigating whether adding such a “green” product attribute actually makes any difference to how consumers make choices. Does the way in which consumers make decisions about groceries change when both “green” and conventional alternatives are available? Does it make them deliberate more or do they just develop another, simple choice heuristic? Based on observation and follow-up interviews of consumers at the milk counter in two supermarkets which stock both organic (a “green” attribute) and conventional milk, it is concluded that, rather than changing the way consumers make decisions when buying this type of product, the availability of a “green” alternative seems to make “green” consumers develop a new, simple choice heuristic that allows them to do their shopping as effortless and time-efficient as consumers buying conventional products.
High-throughput fluorogenic assay for determination of botulinum type B neurotoxin protease activity.

Botulinum neurotoxins are responsible for botulism, a flaccid muscular paralysis caused by inhibition of acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. This occurs by cleavage of conserved proteins involved in exocytosis such as synaptobrevin by the zinc metallopeptidase activity of the light chain of some botulinum neurotoxins. Botulism, for which there is presently no therapy available, is a relatively widespread disease that may result in death. Consequently, the development of drugs able to inhibit the hydrolytic activity of these neurotoxins is of great interest. Design and screening of such inhibitors could be largely facilitated by using high-throughput assays. With this aim, a novel in vitro test for quantifying the proteolytic activity of botulinum type B neurotoxin was developed. The substrate is the 60--94 fragment of human synaptobrevin-1 which was modified by introduction of the fluorescent amino acid l-pyrenylalanine in position 74 and a p-nitrophenylalanyl residue as quenching group in position 77. The cleavage of Syb 60-94 [Pya(74), Nop(77)] by the toxin active chain occurs selectively between residues 76 and 77 as in the case of the unmodified synaptobrevin and is directly quantified by measuring the strong fluorescence of the formed metabolite Syb 60-76 [Pya(74)]. This is the easiest, quickest, and cheapest assay described to date for measuring the proteolytic activity of botulinum type B neurotoxin. It can be easily automated for high-throughput screening. Moreover, amounts of about 3.5 pg/ml of botulinum type B neurotoxin could be detected by this method.
Irrigation investments in India in the last three decades: an analysis of economic performance

As in many other countries, the poor economic rate of return of many past irrigation projects in India contributed to the decline in irrigation investment and lending by international agencies, especially since the 1990s (Gulati and Narayanan 2003, Pitman 2002, Jones 1995). Furthermore, these low rates of economic return may have diminished the poverty reduction impacts of such irrigation projects. The performance of Indian agriculture has been closely related to changes in agricultural productivity. Increases in agricultural productivity have been partly attributed to substantial increases in irrigated area (Meizen-Dick and Rosegrant 2005, Vyas in Mundle et al. 2003). This study provides a systematic analysis of the factors determining the performance, measured in terms of economic rate of return, of irrigation projects using data from 314 irrigation projects worldwide. Specifically, this paper: (1) examines the trends in performance of irrigation investments in India over time and contrast it to trends in South Asia and worldwide; (2) establishes the factors that determine performance of irrigation projects worldwide; and (3) draws lessons for future irrigation projects in India.
IMPLICATIONS OF LONG-TERM SURVIVAL IN ACUTE STEM CELL LEUKEMIA OF CHILDHOOD TREATED WITH COMPOSITE CYCLIC THERAPY.

The results of 9 years’ experience with acute stem cell (lymphoblastic) leukemia treated with a combination of steroids and antimetabolites, designated as "composite cyclic therapy" (CCT), are described and their theoretical implications are discussed. In 175 patients surviving at least one month after diagnosis the per cent survivals were: 17.2 months (50 per cent), 27.5 months (25 per cent), and 45.0 months (10 per cent). Six patients were alive in uninterrupted remission at the close of the study, from 4-9 years after diagnosis. The mean survival of the expired patients was 17.7 months, with a median of 14.5 months. The mean duration of the first remission was 15.2 months with a median of 12.5. The therapeutic response in terms of remission rate and total survival was significantly better in stem cell leukemia, as defined cytologically at the time of original diagnosis, than in other types, suggesting that the effect of steroids on the former is at least in part specific for malignant cells of lymphoid origin. A highly significant difference within the group of stem cell leukemia was observed between patients with initially low as compared to high white blood count, the dividing line being at 20,000 cells/mm. ,3 the latter having twice the mean survival of the former. Of the 44 patients achieving survival of 2 years or more only one had an initial white count of more than 20,000. In conjunction with chromosome studies published elsewhere these findings suggest that the initial white count is a parameter, possibly of immunologic nature, indicative of the partial retention or complete loss of control over leukemic mutant cells. The possibility is discussed, on the basis of theoretical considerations and the observed role of long first remissions in the total survival time, that conditions and measures taken in the early stages of therapy may be decisive for the ultimate course. The current evidence for the mutational nature of acute leukemia permits the theoretical distinction between remission as the temporary suppression of a mutant stem line as opposed to a "cure" representing its permanent elimination, and to explain occasional apparent cures, including some observed in the present series, on that basis. Clinically, combined cyclic therapy or CCT appears to be superior to the use of single antimetabolites. The withholding of steroids until these drugs become ineffective does not at present appear justified.
Risk of recurrent seizures after two unprovoked seizures.

BACKGROUND Patients with a single unprovoked seizure have about a 35 percent risk of recurrence in the subsequent five years. We studied the risk of recurrence after two unprovoked seizures. METHODS We prospectively followed 204 patients with a first unprovoked seizure from the day of the initial seizure. Information was obtained from patients (and verified by a review of their medical records) about the dates and circumstances of any subsequent seizures. The risk of a second, third, and fourth seizure was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Of the 204 patients, 63 had a second seizure, 41 a third seizure, and 26 a fourth seizure. The mean age of the patients was 36 years, 10 percent were less than 16 years of age, 70 percent were male, 71 percent had epilepsy of unknown cause, and 66 percent had generalized seizures. The risk of a second unprovoked seizure was 33 percent. Among those with a second seizure, the risk of a third unprovoked seizure was 73 percent; among those with a third unprovoked seizure, the risk of a fourth was 76 percent. Most recurrences occurred within one year of the second or third seizure. The risk of a third seizure was higher in those with a presumed cause of epilepsy (relative risk, 1.9; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.0 to 3.4). CONCLUSIONS Although only about one third of patients with a first unprovoked seizure will have further seizures within five years, about three quarters of those with two or three unprovoked seizures have further seizures within four years.
Smokers Report More Psoriasis, but Not Atopic Dermatitis or Hand Eczema: Results from a Norwegian Population Survey among Adults

Background: Many reports indicate that skin diseases are affected by lifestyle factors. Objective: To examine the relationship between reported skin diagnoses, smoking and alcohol consumption in an urban population. Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based health study among 18,747 adults in Oslo. Results: For current smokers, odds ratio for reporting psoriasis was 1.49 (95% CI 1.11–2.00) for males, and 1.48 (95% CI 1.15–1.91) for females, as compared to never smokers. There was no association between reported atopic dermatitis or hand eczema and smoking. High consumption of cigarettes was associated with an increased reporting of psoriasis in men, but not women. Reporting drinking alcohol 4–7 times per week was crudely associated with reporting psoriasis in men, but not in the adjusted model. Conclusion: Cigarette smoking was associated with reported psoriasis, but not with atopic dermatitis or hand eczema.
Do Analysts Anticipate Accounting Fraud?

We examine whether analysts anticipate the public disclosure of accounting frauds by studying a sample of companies that have committed fraud as evidenced by the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) issuance of an Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Release (AAER). We use survival analysis to determine when analysts drop coverage and revise their recommendations down prior to the public disclosure of fraud. Our analyses indicate some evidence that analysts anticipate fraud and use different signals to inform investors about different fraud types. For example, firms that commit larger frauds are significantly more likely to have analysts drop coverage earlier in the period preceding the public announcement, but are not significantly more likely to show downward revisions in recommendations. We also find that analysts appear to be fooled by fictitious frauds - they are no more likely to drop coverage or revise down earlier prior to public disclosure for firms that commit these frauds versus firms that do not commit fictitious frauds. Finally, our results show that the decision and timing of dropping coverage is not correlated with revision of forecasts, indicating that analysts consider different variables for the two decisions.
High power, high efficiency PHEMTs for use at 8 GHz

Power PHEMTs from 4.8 mm to 14.4 mm gate periphery have been characterized at 8 GHz to study the effect of device scaling on output power, gain, and efficiency. The effect of unit gate width, gate to gate spacing, and substrate thickness on PHEMT performance is also described. A 14.4 mm device delivered 8.09 W with 12.67 dB associated gain and 55.8% PAE under 8 V operation at 8 GHz. <<ETX>>