Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mixed domain asymptotics for a stochastic process model with time trend and measurement error

We consider a stochastic process model with time trend and measurement error. We establish consistency and derive the limiting distributions of the maximum likelihood (ML) estimators of the covariance function parameters under a general asymptotic framework, including both the fixed domain and the increasing domain frameworks, even when the time trend model is misspecified or its complexity increases with the sample size. In particular, the convergence rates of the ML estimators are thoroughly characterized in terms of the growing rate of the domain and the degree of model misspecification/complexity.
Immediate vs. Delayed Loading of Mandibular Implant-Retained Overdentures: A 60-month Follow-up of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

AIM The purpose of this observational, post-trial follow up study, was to evaluate 60-month outcomes of a randomized controlled clinical trial, that compared immediate and delayed loaded two unsplinted implants, supporting a Locator retained mandibular overdenture. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients from a randomized controlled clinical trial, treated with either immediate or delayed loading of two implants, supporting a Locator retained mandibular overdenture were recalled for 60-month evaluation. Patients underwent a clinical and radiographic examination to evaluate the peri-implant soft tissue parameters and bone. Prosthetic maintenance needs and complications were also recorded. RESULTS Twenty-three of the 30 patients were available for the 60-month follow-up. The mean radiographic bone level change measured using standardized periapical radiographs from baseline to 60 months was 0.89 mm (±0.74) and 0.18 (±0.41) for delayed loading and immediate loading groups respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed at 60-months with a smaller radiographic bone level change in the immediate loading group. No implants were lost between 12 and 60-months. At 60-months, per protocol implant survival rate was 100% for both the groups. No difference was found in the peri-implant soft tissue parameters and prosthetic needs between the groups. CONCLUSION Both immediate and delayed loaded implants supporting a Locator retained mandibular overdenture showed similar clinical outcomes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The Biomarkers NT-proBNP and CA-125 are Elevated in Patients with Idiopathic Atrial Fibrillation.

Background Blood biomarkers related to AF could be useful to detect silent AF and to develop stratified strategies for AF prevention. Previous studies identified markers that predict incident AF. However, it is difficult to differentiate whether biomarkers relate to underlying cardiovascular diseases, are generated by the atria in response to an AF episode, or both. We therefore measured a panel of blood biomarkers in patients without overt CVD with and without AF to investigate the association between biomarkers and atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients without overt cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods Blood samples - drawn remote from an AF episode - of 60 patients with AF but without overt forms of CVD (idiopathic AF; iAF) were compared to 120 matched patients with sinus rhythm only. A novel antibody-based method for quantification of blood biomarkers (OlinkProseek Multiplex Cardiovascular) was used to compare 92 biomarkers between the two groups. Results N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), Cathepsin L1, Endothelial cell-specific molecule 1, Cancer Antigen-125 (CA-125), Heat shock 27kDa protein, Galanin peptides, Proteinase-activated receptor 1, Stem cell factor, and CD40-ligand were all higher in iAF patients than in SR controls. Both NT-proBNP (OR1.55(1.07-2.25);p=0.022) and CA-125 (OR1.68(1.07-2.64);p=0.026) were independently associated with iAF. Conclusions This exploratory study, investigating over 90 cardiovascular blood biomarkers in patients without known CVD, identified one established biomarker for paroxysmal AF, NT-proBNP, and a novel marker, CA-125. CA-125 - previously unrelated to paroxysmal AF in an otherwise healthy population - may thus be a potential indicator of remote paroxysms of AF.
Pulmonary Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic autoimmune disorder that characteristically causes joint inflammation and damage. In addition, many patients develop extraarticular manifestations which may cause significant comorbidity and premature mortality. Some respiratory tract involvement of the upper and lower airways and parenchymal disease features are unique to RA, including cricoarytenoid arthritis and RA pulmonary nodulosis, and others, especially the interstitial parenchymal involvement, occur in many other idiopathic and autoimmune diseases. The pathophysiology of lung disease is not well understood. Rheumatoid lung disease may even predate the onset of joint disease, and could be triggered by chronic airway and alveolar epithelial injury. Chronic systemic inflammation and risk factors such as cigarette smoking, infection, host genetics, and immune dysregulation are contributors. Treatment of the respiratory disease is directed at reducing the systemic inflammation of RA. Less well understood is the management of the interstitial lung disease of RA, for which antifibrotic and immune suppressive agents may be helpful. The management of RA-related lung disease is perhaps the major remaining hurdle in reduction of the disease burden related to extraarticular manifestations of this disease.
Logarithmic-Domain Array Interpolation for Improved Direction of Arrival Estimation in Automotive Radars

In automotive radar systems, a limited number of antenna elements are used to estimate the angle of the target. Therefore, array interpolation techniques can be used for direction of arrival (DOA) estimation to achieve high angular resolution. In general, to generate interpolated array elements from original array elements, the method of linear least squares (LLS) is used. When the LLS method is used, the amplitudes of the interpolated array elements may not be equivalent to those of the original array elements. In addition, through the transformation matrix obtained from the LLS method, the phases of the interpolated array elements are not precisely generated. Therefore, we propose an array transformation matrix that generates accurate phases for interpolated array elements to improve DOA estimation performance, while maintaining constant amplitudes of the array elements. Moreover, to enhance the effect of our interpolation method, a power calibration method for interpolated received signals is also proposed. Through the simulation, we confirm that the array interpolation accuracy and DOA estimation performance of the proposed method are improved compared to those of the conventional method. Moreover, the performance and effectiveness of our proposed method are also verified using data obtained from the commercial radar system. Because the proposed method exhibits better performance when applied to actual measurement data, it can be utilized in commercial automotive radar systems.
Time to task failure differs with load type when old adults perform a submaximal fatiguing contraction

Young adults exhibit a longer time to task failure when performing a submaximal isometric contraction by pushing against a force transducer (force task) than when supporting an equivalent inertial load (position task). The purpose of this study was to compare the time to failure for old adults when they performed a force task and a position task with the elbow flexor muscles. Eighteen old adults (72 ± 4 years) performed the force and position tasks at 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force until task failure. The time to task failure was briefer for the position task (10.6 ± 6.1 min) than the force task (22.8 ± 9.1 min, P < 0.05). The rate of increase in electromyographic (EMG) bursting activity, ratings of perceived exertion, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and fluctuations in motor output during the fatiguing contraction were greater for the position task. However, the increase in averaged EMG for the elbow flexor muscles was greater at termination of the force task. The difference in time to failure for the two tasks was due to a higher level of central neural activity during the position task and was similar to that observed for young adults. These findings indicate that the type of load supported influences the mechanisms and time to task failure for sustained contractions in old adults, and have implications for the design of tasks for rehabilitation and for tasks that minimize fatigue. Muscle Nerve, 2005
miR551b Regulates Colorectal Cancer Progression by Targeting the ZEB1 Signaling Axis

Our current understanding of the role of microRNA 551b (miR551b) in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains limited. Here, studies using both ectopic expression of miR551b and miR551b mimics revealed that miR551b exerts a tumor suppressive effect in CRC cells. Specifically, miR551b was significantly downregulated in both patient-derived CRC tissues and CRC cell lines compared to normal tissues and non-cancer cell lines. Also, miR551b significantly inhibited the motility of CRC cells in vitro, including migration, invasion, and wound healing rates, but did not affect cell proliferation. Mechanistically, miR551b targets and inhibits the expression of ZEB1 (Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1), resulting in the dysregulation of EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) signatures. More importantly, miR551b overexpression was found to reduce the tumor size in a xenograft model of CRC cells in vivo. Furthermore, bioinformatic analyses showed that miR551b expression levels were markedly downregulated in the advanced-stage CRC tissues compared to normal tissues, and ZEB1 was associated with the disease progression in CRC patients. Our findings indicated that miR551b could serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and could be utilized to improve the therapeutic outcomes of CRC patients.
Career Concerns and Dynamic Arbitrage

This paper analyzes the effect of career concerns on risky arbitrage. It presents an analytically tractable model where some fund managers can locate arbitrage opportunities, i.e., fundamentally very similar assets with a temporary difference in their price. Fund managers need operating capital from investors to exploit these opportunities. Investors judge the abilities of fund managers and decide whether to keep or fire them based on their past performance. Career concerns of fund managers distort their strategies which effect prices. In equilibrium, investors keep those arbitrageurs with higher probability who speculate on fast convergence of prices, even if the expected profit of this strategy is lower. As an effect, fund managers over invest in these strategies which increase the probability of liquidity crises: episodes with large price divergences and large aggregate losses of fund managers without any change in the fundamentals. JEL classification: G10, G20, D5.
Ultrasound Systems for Biometric Recognition

Biometric recognition systems are finding applications in more and more civilian fields because they proved to be reliable and accurate. Among the other technologies, ultrasound has the main merit of acquiring 3D images, which allows it to provide more distinctive features and gives it a high resistance to spoof attacks. This work reviews main research activities devoted to the study and development of ultrasound sensors and systems for biometric recognition purposes. Several transducer technologies and different ultrasound techniques have been experimented on for imaging biometric characteristics like fingerprints, hand vein pattern, palmprint, and hand geometry. In the paper, basic concepts on ultrasound imaging techniques and technologies are briefly recalled and, subsequently, research studies are classified according to the kind of technique used for collecting the ultrasound image. Overall, the overview demonstrates that ultrasound may compete with other technologies in the expanding market of biometrics, as the different commercial fingerprint sensors integrated in portable electronic devices like smartphones or tablets demonstrate.
Echinocandins for the Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis: from Laboratory to Bedside

Echinocandins (caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin), targeting β-1,3-glucan synthesis of the cell wall, represent one of the three currently available antifungal drug classes for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. Despite their limited antifungal activity against Aspergillus spp. , echinocandins are considered an alternative option for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA). ABSTRACT Echinocandins (caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin), targeting β-1,3-glucan synthesis of the cell wall, represent one of the three currently available antifungal drug classes for the treatment of invasive fungal infections. Despite their limited antifungal activity against Aspergillus spp. , echinocandins are considered an alternative option for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA). This drug class exhibits several advantages, such as excellent tolerability and its potential for synergistic interactions with some other antifungals. The objective of this review is to discuss the in vitro and clinical efficacy of echinocandins against Aspergillus spp. , considering the complex interactions between the drug, the mold, and the host. The antifungal effect of echinocandins is not limited to direct inhibition of hyphal growth but also induces an immunomodulatory effect on the host’s response. Moreover, Aspergillus spp. have developed important adaptive mechanisms of tolerance to survive and overcome the action of echinocandins, such as paradoxical growth at increased concentrations. This stress response can be abolished by several compounds that potentiate the activity of echinocandins, such as drugs targeting the heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90)-calcineurin axis, opening perspectives for adjuvant therapies. Finally, the present and future places of echinocandins as prophylaxis, monotherapy, or combination therapy of IA are discussed in view of the emergence of pan-azole resistance among Aspergillus fumigatus isolates, the occurrence of breakthrough IA, and the advent of new long-lasting echinocandins (rezafungin) or other β-1,3-glucan synthase inhibitors (ibrexafungerp).
Total, Neutral, and Polar Lipids of Brewing Ingredients, By-Products and Beer: Evaluation of Antithrombotic Activities

The in vitro antithrombotic properties of polar lipid constituents of malted grain (MG), pelleted hops (PH), brewer’s spent grain (BSG), spent hops (SH), wort, and bottled beer from the same production line were assessed in human platelets. The total lipids (TL) were extracted according to the Bligh and Dyer method and further separated into the total neutral lipids (TNL) and total polar lipids (TPL) extracts by counter-current distribution. The TL, TNL, and TPL extracts of all samples were assessed for their ability to inhibit platelet-activating factor (PAF) and thrombin-induced human platelet aggregation. The raw materials, by-products, wort, and beer lipid extracts all exhibited antithrombotic properties against PAF and thrombin. However, the beer TPL exhibited the lowest IC50 values against PAF-induced (7.8 ± 3.9 µg) and thrombin-induced (4.3 ± 3.0 µg) platelet aggregation indicating that these polar lipids were the most antithrombotic. The lipid extracts tended to be more bioactive against the thrombin pathway. The fatty acid content of all the TPL extracts were assessed using GC-MS. The fatty acid composition of the most bioactive TPL extracts, the wort and the beer, shared similar fatty acid profiles. Indeed, it was noted that fermentation seems to play a role in increasing the antithrombotic properties of polar lipids against PAF and thrombin by moderately altering the polar lipid fatty acid composition. Furthermore, the use of brewing by-products as a source of functional cardioprotective lipids warrants further investigation and valorisation.
Cadmium accumulation and its effects on physiological and biochemical characters of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.).

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of cadmium (Cd) toxicity on accumulation, growth, physiological responses, and biochemical characters in summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.). Plants were subjected to different levels of Cd concentrations including 0 (control), 2.5, 5, and 15 mg L−1 in the growing medium. Cd exposure led to a significant increase in root and shoot Cd content. Calculation of bioaccumulation factor, translocation factor, and transfer coefficient revealed that Cd mostly accumulated in roots of S. hortensis and root to shoot transport was effectively restricted. Cd toxicity negatively affected plant growth and significantly reduced chlorophyll content. Contrarily, proline, soluble and reducing carbohydrates, anthocyanin content, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes significantly increased as a result of Cd exposure. Cd application led to a significant increase in essential oil content of S. hortensis. GC-MS analysis revealed that percentage main constitute of S. hortensi, carvacrol, which determines the quality of oil increased under the highest Cd treatment. Based on our findings, S. hortensis can be considered an invaluable alternative crop for mildly Cd-contaminated soils. Besides, due to the high potential of Cd accumulation in the root, S. hortensis may offer a feasible tool for phytostabilization purposes.
The effect of chronic supplementation of Nigella sativa on splenocytes response in rats following treadmill exercise

Abstract Nigella sativa (N. sativa) was shown to recover fatigue and imbalanced immune system. Therefore, effect of chronic administration of N. sativa hydroethanolic extract on splenocytes response in sedentary and exercised animals, was evaluated. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into non-treated (control sedentary (C), moderately trained (MT; Velocity 20 m/min, 30 min/day 8 weeks), and over-trained (OT; Velocity 25 m/min, 60 min/day 11 weeks)), and N. sativa-treated animals (Nisa, 200 mg/kg, orally) (control (Nisa-C), moderately trained (Nisa-MT) and over-trained (Nisa-OT)). Finally, cell viability and proliferation, as well as interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) secretion in non-stimulated and concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated splenocytes, were evaluated. In the absence of the mitogen, cell viability in Nisa-C and Nisa-OT, cell proliferation in Nisa-C and Nisa-MT, IFN-γ concentration in Nisa-MT and Nisa-OT and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio in Nisa C, Nisa-MT and Nisa-OT were higher compared to non-treated groups; but, IL-4 level in Nisa-MT was lower than non-treated groups. In the presence of the mitogen, cell viability in Nisa-C and Nisa-OT, IL-4 concentration in Nisa-C and Nisa-OT groups, and IFN-γ concentration and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio in Nisa-MT were higher, while IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was lower in Nisa-C group compared to non-treated groups. Moreover, IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio in stimulated and non-stimulated splenocytes supernatant was higher in Nisa-MT compared to Nisa-C and Nisa-OT groups. N. sativa chronic administration may shift Th1/Th2 cytokines profile of splenocytes towards Th1, especially in over-trained and non-stimulated condition. Moderate exercise and N. sativa supplementation may improve disorders associated with elevated Th2 such as overtraining syndrome.
High spatial resolution diagnostics of optical waveguides using a photon-scanning tunneling microscope

We propose a high-resolution diagnostics technique for optical waveguides using a photon-scanning tunneling microscope (P-STM). This technique has the advantageous capabilities of nondestructive measurement and informative analysis of guided mode. The capability of this technique was evaluated by measuring the characteristics of an LiTaO/sub 3/ waveguide. Scattered light spot of 500-nm diameter caused by defects was measured, and a normalized width was estimated to be 3.7 /spl mu/m. Moreover, we obtained the power dispersion in Y-branch waveguides, which were in good agreement with the theoretical plots calculated by the beam propagation method (BPM). <<ETX>>
Sulforaphane Prevents Hepatic Insulin Resistance by Blocking Serine Palmitoyltransferase 3-Mediated Ceramide Biosynthesis

Sulforaphane (SFA), a naturally active isothiocyanate compound from cruciferous vegetables used in clinical trials for cancer treatment, was found to possess potency to alleviate insulin resistance. But its underlying molecular mechanisms are still incompletely understood. In this study, we assessed whether SFA could improve insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis both in vitro and in vivo by regulating ceramide production. The effects of SFA on glucose metabolism and expression levels of key proteins in the hepatic insulin signaling pathway were evaluated in insulin-resistant human hepatic carcinoma HepG2 cells. The results showed that SFA dose-dependently increased glucose uptake and intracellular glycogen content by regulating the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. SFA also reduced ceramide contents and downregulated transcription of ceramide-related genes. In addition, knockdown of serine palmitoyltransferase 3 (SPTLC3) in HepG2 cells prevented ceramide accumulation and alleviated insulin resistance. Moreover, SFA treatment improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, inhibited SPTLC3 expression and hepatic ceramide production and reduced hepatic triglyceride content in vivo. We conclude that SFA recovers glucose homeostasis and improves insulin sensitivity by blocking ceramide biosynthesis through modulating SPTLC3, indicating that SFA may be a potential candidate for prevention and amelioration of hepatic insulin resistance via a ceramide-dependent mechanism.
MOTION-COMPENSATED VIDEO CODING TECHNIQUES

The ever-increasing demands of the modern telemetry system for the transmission of high resolution digital video data at primary and sub-primary bit rates necessitate the employment of efficient motion-compensated video coding algorithms. This paper reviews the current status of motion compensation techniques. The two major classes of motion estimation methods currently being used for predictive coding of time varying images: block matching and pel-recursive algorithms are treated in thorough detail. Examples of practical video coding systems using motion compensated compression are exhibited. Recent advances in the VLSI technology have made it possible to fit the entire circuitry required for a motion compensation algorithm onto a single chip.
The influence of emotional distress on the outcome of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and/or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment among infertile Turkish women.

BACKGROUND To determine whether the emotional distress of infertile Turkish women is related to social support and influences the outcome of their IVF and/or ICSI treatment. METHODS The Beck Depression Inventory, State- Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Social Support scales were administered to 104 primary infertile Turkish women before the date of their embryo transfer. Comparisons were made between the women who became pregnant and those who did not following the embryo transfer. RESULTS Compared to the pregnant women, the non-pregnant women had a greater number of emotional symptoms despite similar levels of social support. Also, the increased severity of depressive symptoms and higher levels of anxiety were predictive of low pregnancy rates. CONCLUSION The pregnancy rate of infertile Turkish women was associated with emotional distress and low levels of social support were associated with increased emotional distress. Further research is needed to determine the factors and mechanisms that contribute to emotional distress in the treatment of infertility.