Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance of a Submerged Membrane Bioreactor System for Biological Nutrient Removal

A pilot submerged membrane bioreactor coupled with biological nutrient removal was used to treat the primary effluent at a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Long‐term experiments were conducted by varying hydraulic retention time from 6 to 8 hours and solids retention time from 20 to 50 days, respectively. The performance was assessed by monitoring key wastewater parameters, including chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrogen, and phosphorus concentration in individual anoxic, anaerobic, aerobic, and membrane separation zones. Results showed that the tested system can consistently achieve COD, nitrogen, and phosphorus removal efficiencies at 80 to 98%, 70 to 93%, and 89 to 98%, respectively. Effluent COD remained low as a result of efficient solid retention, even though there was great variation in influent quality. However, total nitrogen increased proportionally with influent concentration. At a 50‐day solids retention time, higher COD and nitrogen oxides specific utilization rates in the anoxic zone resulted in a high production of nitrogen oxides in the subsequent aerobic zone.
Demonstration of an E‐box and Its CNS‐Related Binding Factors for Transcriptional Regulation of the Mouse Type 1 Inositol 1,4,5‐Trisphosphate Receptor Gene

Abstract: The type 1 inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1) is expressed abundantly in the CNS, such as in cerebellar Purkinje cells and the hippocampus. We established a tissue‐specific cell‐free transcription system and studied regulatory properties of the 5′ upstream region of the IP3R1 gene by use of this system. Deletion analyses of the promoter revealed several cis elements that function significantly in brain nuclear extracts. Among those elements, sequences from −398 to −295 showed the most predominant cerebellum‐specific positive function. Footprint analyses demonstrated a factor‐binding region from −334 to −318, termed box‐I, that contained an E‐box consensus sequence. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed CNS‐related basic helix‐loop‐helix proteins for the box‐I. Mutational studies using the function assay and competitive electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated a good correlation between the box‐I‐binding factors and the activated transcription. Box‐I‐binding factors were present abundantly in adult mouse CNS, whereas their existence was restricted in embryonic and nonneural tissues. Transient chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assay for the IP3R1 promoter revealed the requirement of box‐I in Neuro2a neuroblastoma cells. In the postnatal CNS, multiple basic helix‐loop‐helix factors are expressed abundantly, some of which are suggested to activate IP3R1 gene expression in the mammalian CNS.
Comparison of automated 25-OH vitamin D immunoassays with liquid chromatography isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND Comparing two fully automated 25-OH-D immunoassays with a validated liquid chromatography isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-IDMS/MS) method in human serum samples. METHODS 180 samples were analyzed with the Liaison TOTAL Vitamin D, the IDS-iSYS 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D, and a validated LC-IDMS/MS 25-OH D method. RESULTS The Liaison method mean +/- standard deviation (SD) was 64.3 +/- 23.5 nmol/L; the IDS-iSYS 70.1 +/- 27.0 nmol/L, and the LC-IDMS/MS 68.9 +/- 24.6 nmol/L. The correlation coefficient (r) between the Liaison and LC-IDMS/MS was 0.723, and the r between the IDS-iSYS and LC-IDMS/MS was 0.799. When the samples were grouped by females and males, the r between the Liaison and LC-IDMS/MS was 0.680 and 0.846, being 0.781 and 0.863 between the IDS-iSYS and LC-IDMS/MS, respectively. With the Passing-Bablok analysis, only the IDS-iSYS gave equivalent results to LC-IDMS/MS. CONCLUSIONS The automated 25-OH-D immunoassays were in clinically good overall agreement with the LC-IDMS/MS method.
Subjective social status, self-rated health and tobacco smoking: Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Using baseline data from ELSA-Brasil (N = 15,105), we investigated whether subjective social status, measured using three 10-rung “ladders,” is associated with self-rated health and smoking, independently of objective indicators of social position and depression symptoms. Additionally, we explored whether the magnitude of these associations varies according to the reference group. Subjective social status was independently associated with poor self-rated health and weakly associated with former smoking. The references used for social comparison did not change these associations significantly. Subjective social status, education, and income represent distinct aspects of social inequities, and the impact of each of these indicators on health is different.
Transplantation of reproductive organs

A historical review of the literature concerning replantation and transplantation of reproductive organs has included studies from this laboratory, using rats, over the past 25 years. From the basic observation of ischemic and traumatic injury due to the transplantation, syngeneic testicle transplants, resulting in a partner's impregnation and histological restoration of the testicles, led to human testicular transplantation. As to the ovarian transplants, granulosa‐theca cell tumors may transform into malignancies if followed for a prolonged period as intrasplenic ovaries, and high doses (15 to 20 mg/kg b.w.) of azathioprine can produce such malignant tumors in a shorter period. By caval‐portal shunt, ovarian hormones enter directly into the portal blood stream and no typical granulosa‐theca cell tumors were produced, owing to the fact that the liver cannot degrade all the hormones secreted by both ovaries. While en‐bloc vagino‐utero‐ovarian transplantation in the rat is possible, no impregnation has been yet achieved. Finally, it is hypothesized that those who have acquired microsurgical techniques and have a full understanding of the anatomy of the reproductive system will not only be able to perform replantation of the penis, but also will be capable of allogeneic transplantation of genital organs, whether ethically approved or not, and sooner than one may think. In such cases a penile part may be obtained at a sex‐change surgery or from a cadaveric donor, similar to other vital organ transplantation practices. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Racial differences in the use of cardiac catheterization after acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND Several studies have reported that black patients are less likely than white patients to undergo cardiac catheterization after acute myocardial infarction. The role of the race of the physician in this pattern is unknown. METHODS We analyzed data from the Cooperative Cardiovascular Project, a study of Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction in 1994 and 1995, to evaluate whether differences between black patients and white patients in the use of cardiac catheterization within 60 days after acute myocardial infarction varied according to the race of their attending physician. RESULTS Our study cohort consisted of 35,676 white and 4039 black patients with acute myocardial infarction who were treated by 17,550 white and 588 black physicians. Black patients had lower rates of cardiac catheterization than white patients, regardless of whether their attending physician was white (rate of catheterization, 38.4 percent vs. 45.7 percent; P< 0.001) or black (38.2 percent vs. 49.6 percent, P<0.001). We did not find a significant interaction between the race of the patients and the race of the physicians in the use of cardiac catheterization. The adjusted mortality rate among black patients was lower than or similar to that among white patients for up to three years after the infarction. CONCLUSIONS Racial differences in the use of cardiac catheterization are similar among patients treated by white physicians and those treated by black physicians, suggesting that this pattern of care is independent of the race of the physician.
Working Memory and Speech Comprehension in Older Adults With Hearing Impairment.

Purpose This study examined the relationship between working memory (WM) and speech comprehension in older adults with hearing impairment (HI). It was hypothesized that WM would explain significant variance in speech comprehension measured in multitalker babble (MTB). Method Twenty-four older (59-73 years) adults with sensorineural HI participated. WM capacity (WMC) was measured using 3 complex span tasks. Speech comprehension was assessed using multiple passages, and speech identification ability was measured using recall of sentence final-word and key words. Speech measures were performed in quiet and in the presence of MTB at + 5 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Results Results suggested that participants' speech identification was poorer in MTB, but their ability to comprehend discourse in MTB was at least as good as in quiet. WMC did not explain significant variance in speech comprehension before and after controlling for age and audibility. However, WMC explained significant variance in low-context sentence key words identification in MTB. Conclusions These results suggest that WMC plays an important role in identifying low-context sentences in MTB, but not when comprehending semantically rich discourse passages. In general, data did not support individual variability in WMC as a factor that predicts speech comprehension ability in older adults with HI.
Outcomes of growth hormone replacement therapy in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

PURPOSE Little is known about the long-term efficacy or adverse effects of growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who have GH deficiency. We investigated the adult height of patients who had received GH and estimated their risk of leukemia relapse or development of a second malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Of 910 patients treated for ALL at a single institution, 47 had received GH replacement therapy. The linear growth of these 47 patients was retrospectively evaluated. Their risk of leukemia relapse or second malignancy was compared with that of survivors who did not undergo GH therapy. RESULTS The median height SD score at the start of GH therapy had decreased by 1.0 since the time of diagnosis of ALL. After a median duration of 4.5 years of GH therapy, adult height SD scores improved and approached height SD scores at the time of diagnosis of ALL. The median adult height for male patients was 173.2 cm (range, 157 to 191.9 cm), and for female patients, it was 158.1 cm (range, 141 to 168 cm). None of the patients developed adverse effects requiring discontinuation of GH treatment. At the 7-year and 11-year landmarks in continuous hematologic remission, there was no statistical evidence that GH therapy was associated with leukemia relapse or development of a second malignancy. CONCLUSION This study suggests that GH replacement therapy is safe and efficacious for the correction of GH deficiency in survivors of childhood ALL.
Identification of Quinolines that Inhibit Melanogenesis by Altering Tyrosinase Family Trafficking

A series of quinolines, including chloroquine and quinine, were identified as potent pigmentation inhibitors through screening a compound library in murine melanocytes. Structure-activity relationship analysis indicated that 4-substituted amino groups with a tertiary amine side chain, such as chloroquine, were associated with robust inhibitory activity. In contrast to many previously identified pigmentation inhibitors, these newly identified inhibitors had no effect on either the level or the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin production. Rather, our results showed that these quinolines inhibited melanogenesis by disrupting the intracellular trafficking of tyrosinase-related proteins and lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (Lamp-1). In treated melanocytes, tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 1 accumulated in Lamp-1-positive perinuclear organelles instead of melanosomes, thus preventing melanogenesis. The depigmenting abilities of chloroquine and quinine salicylate were assessed in a human skin equivalent model (MelanoDerm). Both compounds were considerably more effective than arbutin, a widely used lightening agent. Our results indicate that quinolines may be useful agents for “cosmeceutical” skin lightening and treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders.
Co‐adsorption of Trichloroethylene and Arsenate by Iron‐Impregnated Granular Activated Carbon

Co‐adsorption of trichloroethylene (TCE) and arsenate [As(V)] was investigated using modified granular activated carbons (GAC): untreated, sodium hypochlorite‐treated (NaClO‐GAC), and NaClO with iron‐treated GAC (NaClO/Fe‐GAC). Batch experiments of single‐ [TCE or As(V)] and binary‐ [TCE and As(V)] components solutions are evaluated through Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and adsorption kinetic tests. In the single‐component system, the adsorption capacity of As(V) was increased by the NaClO‐GAC and the NaClO/Fe‐GAC. The untreated GAC showed a low adsorption capacity for As(V). Adsorption of TCE by the NaClO/Fe‐GAC was maximized, with an increased Freundlich constant. Removal of TCE in the binary‐component system was decreased 15% by the untreated GAC, and NaClO‐ and NaClO/Fe‐GAC showed similar efficiency to the single‐component system because of the different chemical status of the GAC surfaces. Results of the adsorption isotherms of As(V) in the binary‐component system were similar to adsorption isotherms of the single‐component system. The adsorption affinities of single‐ and binary‐component systems corresponded with electron transfer, competitive adsorption, and physicochemical properties.
Modification of biophysical properties of lung epithelial Na(+) channels by dexamethasone.

There is considerable interest in identifying the basic mechanisms by which dexamethasone alters ion transport across the adult alveolar epithelium. Herein, we incubated synchronized A549 cells, a human alveolar epithelial cell line, with dexamethasone (1 microM) for 24-48 h. When normalized to HPRT (a housekeeping gene), A549 beta- and gamma-subunit mRNA levels for the human amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel (hENaC), assessed by RT-PCR, increased by 1.6- and 17-fold respectively, compared with control values (P < 0.05). These changes were abolished by actinomycin D, indicating transcriptional regulation. Western blotting studies revealed that dexamethasone also increased expression of beta- and gamma-hENaC protein levels. In contrast, alpha-hENaC mRNA increased by onefold (P > 0.05) and alpha-hENaC protein level was unchanged. Incubation of A549 cells with dexamethasone increased their whole cell amiloride-sensitive sodium currents twofold and decreased the K(0.5) for amiloride from 833 +/- 69 to 22 +/- 5.4 nM (mean +/- SE; P < 0.01). Single channel recordings in the cell-attached mode showed that dexamethasone treatment increased single channel open time and open probability threefold and decreased channel conductance from 8.63 +/- 0.036 to 4. 4 +/- 0.027 pS (mean +/- SE; P < 0.01). We concluded that dexamethasone modulates the amiloride-sensitive Na(+) channels by differentially regulating the expression of beta- and gamma-subunits at the mRNA and protein levels in the human A549 cell line, with little effect on alpha-hENaC subunit.
Serial pattern complexity: irregularity and hierarchy

In perception research, various models have been designed for the encoding of, for example. visual patterns, in order to predict the human interpretation of such patterns. Each of these encoding models provides a few coding rules to obtain codes for a pattern, each code expressing regularity and hierarchy in that pattern. Some of these models employ the minimum principle which states that the human interpretation of a pattern is reflected by the simplest code for that pattern. ie the simplest code according to a given complexitv metric. In rhis paper a new complexitv metric is proposed. This metric is based on a formal analysis of the concept of regularitv. Some conclusions of this analysis are sketched. The new metric does not depend on artifacts of the coding rules. [t accounts for the amounts of irregularity and hierarchy as represented in a code of a pattern. such that these two amounts can be added to determine the complexity of a code. An experiment is discussed that shows that the new metric performs significantly better than the metrics used previously. In particular, the new metric predicts more local pattern organizations than the old metrics. This implies that various local pattern organizations do not falsif-v the minimum prirrciple anymore.
Mice Lacking Histone Deacetylase 6 Have Hyperacetylated Tubulin but Are Viable and Develop Normally

ABSTRACT Posttranslational modifications play important roles in regulating protein structure and function. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a mostly cytoplasmic class II HDAC, which has a unique structure with two catalytic domains and a domain binding ubiquitin with high affinity. This enzyme was recently identified as a multisubstrate protein deacetylase that can act on acetylated histone tails, α-tubulin and Hsp90. To investigate the in vivo functions of HDAC6 and the relevance of tubulin acetylation/deacetylation, we targeted the HDAC6 gene by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells and generated knockout mice. HDAC6-deficient mice are viable and fertile and show hyperacetylated tubulin in most tissues. The highest level of expression of HDAC6 is seen in the testis, yet development and function of this organ are normal in the absence of HDAC6. Likewise, lymphoid development is normal, but the immune response is moderately affected. Furthermore, the lack of HDAC6 results in a small increase in cancellous bone mineral density, indicating that this deacetylase plays a minor role in bone biology. HDAC6-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts show apparently normal microtubule organization and stability and also show increased Hsp90 acetylation correlating with impaired Hsp90 function. Collectively, these data demonstrate that mice survive well without HDAC6 and that tubulin hyperacetylation is not detrimental to normal mammalian development.
An Empirical Analysis of the Influence of Fault Space on Search-Based Automated Program Repair

Automated program repair (APR) has attracted great research attention, and various techniques have been proposed. Search-based APR is one of the most important categories among these techniques. Existing researches focus on the design of effective mutation operators and searching algorithms to better find the correct patch. Despite various efforts, the effectiveness of these techniques are still limited by the search space explosion problem. One of the key factors attribute to this problem is the quality of fault spaces as reported by existing studies. This motivates us to study the importance of the fault space to the success of finding a correct patch. Our empirical study aims to answer three questions. Does the fault space significantly correlate with the performance of search-based APR? If so, are there any indicative measurements to approximate the accuracy of the fault space before applying expensive APR techniques? Are there any automatic methods that can improve the accuracy of the fault space? We observe that the accuracy of the fault space affects the effectiveness and efficiency of search-based APR techniques, e.g., the failure rate of GenProg could be as high as $60\%$ when the real fix location is ranked lower than 10 even though the correct patch is in the search space. Besides, GenProg is able to find more correct patches and with fewer trials when given a fault space with a higher accuracy. We also find that the negative mutation coverage, which is designed in this study to measure the capability of a test suite to kill the mutants created on the statements executed by failing tests, is the most indicative measurement to estimate the efficiency of search-based APR. Finally, we confirm that automated generated test cases can help improve the accuracy of fault spaces, and further improve the performance of search-based APR techniques.
Nutritional counseling practices: how do North Carolina pediatric dentists weigh in?

UNLABELLED It has been demonstrated that nutrition/healthy lifestyle counseling can help alleviate the childhood obesity crisis. Because pediatric dentists see children with regular frequency, they are uniquely positioned to help provide such counseling. PURPOSE To document current nutrition/healthy lifestyle counseling practices of pediatric dentists in NC and examine factors associated with those practices. METHODS A 65-item survey instrument was developed by an expert committee, pilot-tested and revised. The instrument contained questions in 6 domains: Academic Preparation, Knowledge, Confidence, Opinions, Practice Patterns and Barriers. It was sent to all clinically active pediatric dentists in NC. RESULTS The response rate was 69% (70/102). Less than 25% provided nutrition counseling services. Academic preparation in residency training was statistically significant (P<.05) in determining those who practiced nutritional counseling. Logistic regression revealed that respondents with higher overall knowledge (OR=18.2), those comfortable discussing weight-related issues (OR=47.7), those in practice >10 years (OR=20.6), and females (OR=173) were more likely to provide nutrition/healthy lifestyle counseling. CONCLUSIONS All respondents believed that childhood obesity is a major health concern and expressed a willingness to assist other health professionals in addressing this problem. These findings offer a rich source of data that can be used for educational initiatives and strategic planning.
The Effect of Interbody Cage Positioning on Lumbosacral Vertebral Endplate Failure in Compression

Study Design. A biomechanical investigation using a human cadaver, multisegmental lumbosacral spine model. Objectives. To determine if 2 small, posterolaterally positioned titanium mesh interbody cages would provide superior construct strength and stiffness in compression compared to central cage placement. In addition, determine construct stiffness with interbody cages as opposed to an intact spine and assess the effect of bone mineral density (BMD). Summary of Background Data. Previous work has shown that the posterolateral corners of the lumbosacral endplates are stronger than the anterior and central regions. Information to suggest appropriate interbody cage positioning to avoid subsidence into adjacent vertebrae would be valuable for spine surgeons and implant designers. Methods. A total of 27 functional spinal units from L3 to S1 were dual x-ray absorptiometry scanned for BMD, instrumented with pedicle screw systems, and tested to failure in compression with titanium mesh interbody cages placed in 1 of 3 positions: 2 small posterolateral, 2 small central, or 1 large central. Analysis of covariance was conducted to compare failure load and stiffness across the different cage configurations. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze stiffness between functional spinal units with intact disc, discectomy, or interbody cages. Failure load was correlated against BMD. Results. Of the 3 placement patterns, 2 small titanium mesh cages in the posterolateral corners had 20% higher failure loads, although the difference was not significant (P = 0.20). Stiffness in compression for the 3 cage positions was not significantly different (P = 0.82). All intact discs with posterior instrumentation were significantly stiffer than any of the cage patterns (P = 0.0001). BMD of the vertebrae significantly correlated with failure loads (P = 0.007). Conclusions. The placement of 2 small interbody cages posterolaterally tended to result in higher failure loads than central cage placement, although the results were not statistically significant. It is noteworthy that cage placement in any position resulted in a less stiff construct in compression than with an intact disc.