Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Salivary Lysozyme in Relation to Dental Caries among Thai Preschoolers.

AIM The objective of this study was to analyze salivary lysozyme levels and activities in Thai preschoolers with different dental caries status. STUDY DESIGN Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 64 preschoolers, divided into a caries free group (n = 32) and a severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) group (n = 32). RESULTS Both groups were similar regarding gender, age, dental caries status, salivary flow rate, and salivary protein concentrations. No differences were also in the caregivers' characteristics, oral health behaviors, and feeding habits. Only professional fluoride application was less frequently found in the S-ECC group (p < 0.03). Western blotting and lysoplate assays revealed that salivary lysozyme levels and activities were significantly increased in the S-ECC group compared with the caries free group (p< 0.001; p = 0.008, respectively). CONCLUSION The up-regulated expression of salivary lysozyme and the increased lysozyme activity in S-ECC preschoolers suggests a possible connection between salivary lysozyme and oral immunity in response to early childhood dental caries.
Regulation of Epstein-Barr Virus Latency Type by the Chromatin Boundary Factor CTCF

ABSTRACT Epstein Barr virus (EBV) can establish distinct latency types with different growth-transforming properties. Type I latency and type III latency can be distinguished by the expression of EBNA2, which has been shown to be regulated, in part, by the EBNA1-dependent enhancer activity of the origin of replication (OriP). Here, we report that CTCF, a chromatin boundary factor with well-established enhancer-blocking activity, binds to EBV sequences between the OriP and the RBP-Jκ response elements of the C promoter (Cp) and regulates transcription levels of EBNA2 mRNA. Using DNA affinity, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, DNase I footprinting, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we found that CTCF binds both in vitro and in vivo to the EBV genome between OriP and Cp, with an ∼50-bp footprint at EBV coordinates 10515 to 10560. Deletion of this CTCF binding site in a recombinant EBV bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) increased EBNA2 transcription by 3.5-fold compared to a wild-type EBV BAC. DNA affinity and ChIP showed more CTCF binding at this site in type I latency cell lines (MutuI and KemI) than in type III latency cell lines (LCL3456 and Raji). CTCF protein and mRNA expression levels were higher in type I than type III cell lines. Short interfering RNA depletion of CTCF in type I MutuI cells stimulated EBNA2 mRNA levels, while overexpression of CTCF in type III Raji cells inhibited EBNA2 mRNA levels. These results indicate that increased CTCF can repress EBNA2 transcription. We also show that c-MYC, as well as EBNA2, can stimulate CTCF mRNA levels, suggesting that CTCF levels may contribute to B-cell differentiation as well as EBV latency type determination.
Employing Graph Network Analysis for Web Service Composition

The Web services paradigm has enabled an increasing number of providers to host remotely accessible services. However, the true potential of such a distributed infrastructure can only be reached when such autonomic services can be combined together as parts of a workflow, in order to collectively achieve combined functionality. In this article, we present our work in the area of automatic workflow composition among Web services with semantically described functionality capabilities. For this purpose, we use a set of heuristics derived from the connectivity structure of the service repository in order to effectively guide the composition process. The methodologies presented in this article have been inspired by research in areas such as graph network analysis, social network analysis, and bibliometrics. In addition, we present comparative experimentation results in order to evaluate the presented techniques.
Combination treatment with Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Puerariae radix offsets their independent actions on bone and mineral metabolism in ovariectomized rats

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) and Puerariae radix (PR) combination treatment in bone and mineral metabolism in ovariectomized (OVX) rats in our search for an alternative regimen for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. MethodsSix-month-old OVX rats were used as postmenopausal osteoporotic models, and PR water extract (PR) and FLL water extract (WE) were added to commercial diets individually or in combination and administered to OVX rats for 12 weeks. Bone properties, calcium and phosphorus absorption, and bone biochemical markers were measured to investigate the potential interactions between the actions of PR and the actions of WE on bone and mineral metabolism in OVX rats. ResultsLong-term treatment with PR did not significantly improve bone properties but greatly ameliorated the secondary hyperparathyroidism induced by ovariectomy in the animals. WE significantly enhanced the intestinal calcium absorption rate and decreased the enlarged trabecular bone surface at the site of metaphysic tibia in OVX rats. However, the positive effects of WE or PR alone on bone and mineral metabolism were diminished when OVX rats were cotreated with WE and PR. ConclusionsThe combination of these two herbs offsets their independent actions on bone and mineral metabolism in vivo. The results of the present study could provide insights to medical professionals to further their understanding of the potential negative impact of herb-herb interactions when a combination of herbal mixtures is used for the management of osteoporosis.
Vision calibration for automated guided vehicle based on static and motion two states

A vision calibration technique based on two states of static and motion was proposed for a vision-based automated guided vehicle. Firstly, intrinsic parameters, radial distortion parameters and external parameters were estimated using planar template in static scene, and then union model of correcting distortions was designed for three individual image distortion models. Finally, rotation and translation parameters between corrected image and automated guided vehicle coordinate system can be calibrated in two motion cases. Experimental results show that the technique has the features of good flexibility and high precision.
YKL-40 and cytokines - a New Diagnostic Constellation in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Abstract Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes chronic inflammation and alteration of articular tissue and joints. The pathogenesis of the disease remains unclear although it is known that proinflammatory cytokines play a major role in its induction. YKL-40 is a chitinase-like glycoprotein produced by activated macrophages, neutrophils, arthritic chondrocytes and cancer cells. It has been shown that YKL-40 is implicated in tissue remodeling, angiogenesis and inflammation. Aim: to investigate serum and synovial YKL-40 levels in relation to IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in RA patients. Materials and methods: Serum and synovial concentrations of YKL-40, TNF-α, IL- 6, and IL-1β were determined by ELISA in 39 patients (mean age 53.18 ± 16.54 yrs) with active RA. Results: Serum YKL-40 levels were increased in all patients. The highest levels were found in synovial fluid (P<0.01). Our study showed a strong association between serum and synovial levels of YKL-40 and serum TNF-α and IL-1 β (P<0.05). Conclusion: This is the first study finding a significant correlation between serum TNF-α and IL-1β and YKL-40 in active RA. We suggest that these molecules together might play a dominant role in the pathogenesis and disease activity and could possibly serve as a new diagnostic constellation in rheumatoid arthritis.
A Randomized, Double-blinded Comparison of Ondansetron, Granisetron, and Placebo for Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Supratentorial Craniotomy

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are frequent and distressing complications after neurosurgical procedures. We evaluated the efficacy of ondansetron and granisetron to prevent PONV after supratentorial craniotomy. In a randomized double-blind, placebo controlled trial, 90 adult American Society of Anesthesiologists I, II patients were included in the study. A standard anesthesia technique was followed. Patients were divided into 3 groups to receive either placebo (saline), ondansetron 4 mg, or granisetron 1 mg intravenously at the time of dural closure. After extubation, episodes of nausea and vomiting were noted for 24 hours postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2 test and 1-way analysis of variance. Demographic data, duration of surgery, intraoperative fluids and analgesic requirement, and postoperative pain (visual analog scale) scores were comparable in all 3 groups. It was observed that the incidence of vomiting in 24 hours, severe emetic episodes, and requirement of rescue antiemetics were less in ondansetron and granisetron groups as compared with placebo (P<0.001). Both the study drugs had comparable effect on vomiting. However, the incidence of nausea was comparable in all 3 groups (P=0.46). A favorable influence on the patient satisfaction scores, and number needed to prevent emesis was seen in the 2 drug groups. No significant correlation was found between neurosurgical factors (presence of midline shift, mass effect, pathologic diagnosis of tumor, site of tumor) and the occurrence of PONV. We conclude that ondansetron 4 mg and granisetron 1 mg are comparably effective at preventing emesis after supratentorial craniotomy. However, neither drugs prevented nausea effectively.
When does evidence suffice for conviction

When does evidence suffice for conviction? Martin Smith (Glasgow) There is something puzzling about statistical evidence. One place this manifests is in the law, where courts are reluctant to use evidence of this kind, in spite of the fact that it is quite capable of meeting the standards of proof enshrined in legal doctrine. After surveying some proposed solutions to this problem, I shall outline a somewhat different approach ‚Ai one that makes use of a notion of normalcy that is distinct from the idea of statistical frequency. The problem is not, however, merely a legal one. Our unwillingness to base beliefs on statistical evidence is by no means limited to the courtroom, and is at odds with almost every general principle that epistemologists have ever proposed as to how we ought to manage our beliefs. Dogmas, Dominance, and Disintegrations Paul Pedersen (Berlin) Foundations for boundedly rational learning Simon Huttegger (UC Irvine) The core idea of rational Bayesian learning is that learning from experience should be consistent with one's inductive assumptions. I will use this idea to develop foundations for so-called bounded rationality learning rules, which are based on much less informational inputs than Bayesian conditioning. This results in foundations for bounded rationality learning very similar to those of a more standard Bayesian type.
On Linear Time Minor Tests with Depth-First Search

Recent results on graph minors make it desirable to have efficient algorithms, that for a fixed set of graphs {H1, . , H c }, test whether a given graph G contains at least one graph H i as a minor. In this paper we show the following result: if at least one graph H i is a minor of a 2 × k grid graph, and at least one graph H i is a minor of a circus graph, then one can test in \(\mathcal{O}\)(n) time whether a given graph G contains at least one graph H∈{H1, . , H c } as a minor. This result generalizes a result of Fellows and Langston. The algorithm is based on depth first search and on dynamic programming on graphs with bounded treewidth. As a corollary, it follows that the MAXIMUM LEAF SPANNING TREE problem can be solved in linear time for fixed k. We also discuss that with small modifications, an algorithm of Fellows and Langston can be modified to an algorithm that finds in \(\mathcal{O}\)(k! 2 k n) time a cycle (or path) in a given graph with length≥k if it exists.
Development of broadband amplifier based on GaN HEMTs

Two types of broadband amplifier based on GaN HEMTs are presented in this paper. The feedback amplifier design has achieved over 42 dB gain with ± 1.75 dB flatness and higher than 32 dBm P1dB over 30 MHz to 4 GHz. Both theoretical predictions and measurement results will be presented. This PA was designed and fabricated using discrete GaN transistor die with chip & wire technology. The distributed amplifier design is optimized to achieve greater than 38 dBm of P1dB output power with higher than 15 dB linear gain, while having good port match and better than ± 1 dB gain flatness over 20 MHz to 6 GHz.
High‐Frequency Cortical Stimulation Augments Recovery of Thalamocortical Oscillations from Hypoxia in Rat Brain Slices

Objectives: Cerebrovascular hypoxia results in severe impairment and electrical dysfunction of cortical and thalamic neuronal networks. Typically cellular electrical activity returns if reoxygenation is established within 5–8 min. Electrical stimulation has been shown to reduce cellular apoptosis following cerebral hypoxia in animal models and clinical case reports. In this study, we wanted to analyze the electrophysiological repercussions of electrical stimulation on recovery of spontaneous thalamocortical oscillations (TCOs) following hypoxia in a thalamocortical slice preparation.
The Adoption of Blended E-learning Technology in Vietnam using a Revision of the Technology Acceptance Model

This study examines factors that determine the attitudes of learners toward a blended e-learning system (BELS) using data collected by questionnaire from a sample of 396 students involved in a BELS environment in Vietnam. A theoretical model is derived from previous studies and is analyzed and developed using structural equation modeling techniques. Several theoretical findings from previous studies are confirmed but there are new findings concerned with important indirect effects on the learner’s attitude caused by (a) the extent to which the BELS provides flexible access to instructional/assessment media (System Functionality); (b) the individual’s ability to use language as a studying tool (Language Capability); and (c) the extent of the interactions among students and faculty (Interaction). Each of these indirect effects operates by directly increasing the individual’s belief that using the BELS is easy (Perceived Ease of Use) which in turn produces an improved attitude towards the BELS. Also, System Functionality has an important indirect effect on the learner’s attitude to the BELS by increasing the learner’s perceptions that the information and the manner in which it is presented in the BELS are appropriate (Content Feature), which then produces a definite improvement in the learner’s attitude to the BELS. Based on the theoretical findings, a hierarchy of practical objectives and associated actions are suggested for improving the learner’s attitude toward the BELS. These practical implications are expected to be of interest to education professionals and BELS developers and the actions relate directly or indirectly to (a) increasing the extent of the interactions among students and faculty; (b) increasing the individual’s perception that the BELS is easy to use; (c) improving the learner’s language skills; (d) ensuring that the BELS provides flexible access to instructional/assessment media; and (e) ensuring the appropriateness of the information and its presentation in the BELS.
Tension band suture fixation for olecranon fractures

Olecranon fractures are common and often require surgical treatment when displaced. Traditional methods of stabilization using tension band wire fixation and plate fixation achieve adequate union and function but are associated with a high rate of re-operation and wound problems because of prominent metalwork. The purpose of the present article is to describe an all suture technique for fixation of simple olecranon fractures that maintains inter-fragmentary compression, provides bony union and reduces the rate of re-operation caused by prominent metalwork.
Grief in Spouse and Children Caregivers of Dementia Patients

Caring for a family member with dementia involves loss and inevitable grief during the illness duration. The purpose of this study was to determine the patterns of grief of caregivers of family members with dementia and the relationship of those patterns to the losses and experiences of the caregivers. Participants were 22 spouse caregivers and 11 adult children caregivers of family members with dementia. Caregivers’experiences were measured using visual analog scales and grief using The Grief Experience Inventory. Caregivers’ perceptions of the level of affection before the illness and the satisfaction of the marriage before the illness were inversely related to grief symptoms. Grief symptoms were also related to participants’ perceptions of loss of the future. Caregivers’emotional distress includes reaction to the losses they are encountering long before their care recipients die.
Early results of experiments to investigate the feasibility of employing MIMO techniques in the HF band

Over the last few years, the concept of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) has become a popular area of research in the field of wireless communications with the aim of delivering increased data rates. However, to date, MIMO research has focussed primarily on communications within the VHF, UHF and SHF bands (and above). Very little experimental or modelling research has been conducted in the area of exploiting MIMO techniques within the HF radio band. This paper describes some of the preliminary experimental work that has been carried out in order to investigate the feasibility of implementing MIMO techniques within the HF band.
A scalable anonymous communication system based on two-layers management scheme

Scalability is the key issue in anonymous communication system for a large scale network. This paper proposes a new architecture for scalable anonymous communication system based on Crowds. Using two layers management scheme, the users are divided into some subgroups managed by different sub-blenders, and all sub-blenders are managed by the main-blender. The identity information of user is distributed on sub-blenders. Each user only knows the identity information of the other users in the same subgroup, which makes each user keep much less information and reduces network overload. Both theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the new system architecture is well scalable, which can decrease the management cost obviously and keep almost equal anonymity with Crowds.
The Safety and Efficacy of Total Lymphoid Irradiation in Progressive Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome After Lung Transplantation

Total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) has been used to control renal and cardiac allograft rejection. Data evaluating TLI in bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), the physiological manifestation of chronic lung allograft rejection, is very limited. We present our single center experience of the safety and efficacy of TLI in controlling progressive BOS in a retrospective study.
Lemur: A bandwidth‐enhanced sinusoidal modeling system

Lemur models sounds as a collection of partials having amplitude, bandwidth, and frequency envelopes. Bandwidth envelopes allow the neat representation of noisy parts of sounds which produce clutter in purely sinusoidal analyses. Lemur associates noise energy with sinusoidal components that are nearby in frequency. Bandwidth envelopes record the fraction of the partial energy that is attributable to noise energy, as opposed to sinusoidal energy. Amplitude envelopes are calculated to include the energy added by the bandwidth association process. When partials are pruned from the model, in the analysis process or during editing, Lemur preserves the overall energy by distributing the removed partials energy among neighboring partials. For sounds with a good spread (in frequency) of partials, Lemur can represent noise energy in the appropriate spectral regions while retaining the manipulability and homogeneity of a purely sinusoidal model. This homogeneity is important for implementing certain kinds of model‐.
Test–retest reliability of short form (SF)-12 component scores of patients with stroke

Although the Short Form (SF)-12 has been used previously to characterize the health related quality of life of patients with stroke, its test–retest reliability has not been described for such patients. We, therefore, examined this reliability in 31 patients (mean age=66.5 years) who experienced an ischemic stroke 3–12 months previously. Patients were contacted twice (mean interval=16.2 days) by telephone. Physical component and mental component scores were derived from the 12 SF items. Scores differed less than 1.5 points between tests and were not significantly different. Intraclass correlation coefficients surpassed 0.800. The findings support the test–retest reliability of physical and mental component scores of the SF-12 administered by telephone to post-stroke patients.
Relationship-specific alcohol expectancies in couples with concordant and discrepant drinking patterns.

OBJECTIVE Despite growing evidence that the marital problems typically attributed to heavy drinking are stronger for couples in which only one partner is a heavy drinker than in couples in which both partners are heavy drinkers, relatively little research has examined factors that may serve to maintain particular drinking configurations. The current research examines the association between the configuration of partners' drinking and relationship-specific alcohol expectancies. METHOD Data are from an ongoing prospective study examining the effect of alcohol on executive cognitive functioning. Participant couples (n = 251) represented one of four drinking groups: concordant heavy drinkers (n = 68), heavy drinking husband (n = 79), heavy drinking wife (n = 35), and concordant abstainers/light drinkers (n = 69). As part of the study, participant couples completed a measure of relationship-specific alcohol expectancies through the mail. RESULTS Analyses reveal that wives demonstrate greater intimacy/openness expectancies in the concordant heavy drinking group than in the other three groups, as predicted. Unexpectedly, husbands demonstrate greater intimacy/openness expectancies if either member of the couple is a heavy drinker. Additionally, couples reported stronger sexual enhancement, power/assertion, and social pleasure/fun expectancies when the wife was a heavy drinker and stronger power/assertion expectancies when the husband was a heavy drinker. CONCLUSIONS Relationship-specific alcohol expectancies are differentially associated with the configuration of partners' drinking patterns. Wives' drinking status appears to influence relationship-specific alcohol expectancies to a greater extent than husbands' drinking status. Additional research is needed to determine the long-term effect of these associations.