Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphometry of the Cranial Base in Subjects with Class III Malocclusion

The significance of the cranial base in the development of Class III malocclusion remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the form of the cranial base differs between prepubertal Class I and Class III subjects. Lateral cephalographs of 73 children of European-American descent aged between 5 and 11 years with Class III malocclusion were compared with those of their counterparts with a normal, Class I molar occlusion. The cephalographs were traced, checked, and subdivided into seven age- and sex-matched groups. Average geometries, scaled to an equivalent size, were generated based on 13 craniofacial landmarks by means of Procrustes analysis, and these configurations were statistically tested for equivalence. Bivariate and multivariate analyses utilizing 5 linear and angular measurements were undertaken to corroborate the Procrustes analysis. Graphical analysis, utilizing thin-plate spline and finite element methods, was performed for localization of differences in cranial base morphology. Results indicated that cranial base morphology differed statistically for all age-wise comparisons. Graphical analysis revealed that the greatest differences in morphology occurred in the posterior cranial base region, which generally consisted of horizontal compression, vertical expansion, and size contraction. The sphenoidal region displayed expansion, while the anterior regions showed shearing and local increases in size. It is concluded that the shape of the cranial base differs in subjects with Class III malocclusion compared with the normal Class I configuration, due in part to deficient orthocephalization, or failure of the cranial base to flatten during development.
A novel non-iterative algorithm for low-multilinear-rank tensor approximation

Low-rank tensor approximation algorithms are building blocks in tensor methods for signal processing. In particular, approximations of low multilinear rank (mrank) are of central importance in tensor subspace analysis. This paper proposes a novel non-iterative algorithm for computing a low-mrank approximation, termed sequential low-rank approximation and projection (SeLRAP). Our algorithm generalizes sequential rank-one approximation and projection (SeROAP), which aims at the rank-one case. For third-order mrank-(1,R,R) approximations, SeLRAP's outputs are always at least as accurate as those of previously proposed methods. Our simulation results suggest that this is actually the case for the overwhelmingly majority of random third- and fourth-order tensors and several different mranks. Though the accuracy improvement is often small, we show it can make a large difference when repeatedly computing approximations, as happens, e.g., in an iterative hard thresholding algorithm for tensor completion.
Population structure and inbreeding in a rare and declining bumblebee, Bombus muscorum (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Owing to habitat loss populations of many organisms have declined and become fragmented. Vertebrate conservation strategies routinely consider genetic factors, but their importance in invertebrate populations is poorly understood. Bumblebees are important pollinators, and many species have undergone dramatic declines. As monoandrous social hymenopterans they may be particularly susceptible to inbreeding due to low effective population sizes. We study fragmented populations of a bumblebee species, on a model island system, and on mainland Great Britain where it is rare and declining. We use microsatellites to study: population genetic structuring and gene flow; the relationships between genetic diversity, population size and isolation; and frequencies of (sterile) diploid males — an indicator of inbreeding. We find significant genetic structuring (θ = 0.12) and isolation by distance. Populations > 10 km apart are all significantly differentiated, both on oceanic islands and on the mainland. Genetic diversity is reduced relative to closely related common species, and isolated populations exhibit further reductions. Of 16 populations, 10 show recent bottlenecking, and 3 show diploid male production. These results suggest that surviving populations of this rare insect suffer from inbreeding as a result of geographical isolation. Implications for the conservation of social hymenopterans are discussed.
Potential Role of Long Non‐Coding RNA ANRIL in Pediatric Medulloblastoma Through Promotion on Proliferation and Migration by Targeting miR‐323

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a common primary tumor of the central nervous system diagnosed in pediatric patients. Survivors of MB are frequently accompanied by severe side effects, thus it is urgent to explore novel therapeutic target. First of all, the level of antisense non‐coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) in normal cerebellum and DAOY cells were evaluated. Then, the effect of ANRIL on DAOY cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were tested. Then, qRT‐PCR was performed to explore whether ANRIL acted as a sponge of miR‐323. The effects of miR‐323 inhibition on ANRIL silence‐induced alterations of cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were estimated. Predicted by TargetScan, the possible target gene of miR‐323 was screened, followed by validation with luciferase assay. The abnormally expressed BRI3 on cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and signaling pathways were all evaluated. ANRIL was up‐regulated in MB and its silence significantly lowered cell viability and migration but promoted cell apoptosis. ANRIL acted as a sponge of miR‐323 and its silence functioned through up‐regulating miR‐323. BRI3 and CDK6 were target genes of miR‐323 and the effect of BRI3 on DAOY cells was the same as ANRIL. Moreover, ANRIL suppression could reduce phosphorylated levels of p38 MAPK, ERK and AKT, and inhibit Wnt signaling pathway through positively regulating BRI3. ANRIL inhibition repressed cell proliferation and migration but promoted cell apoptosis through miR‐323‐mediated regulation of BRI3, which could activate p38 MAPK, ERK, and AKT as well as Wnt signaling pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4735–4744, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IL-33 promotes airway remodeling and is a marker of asthma disease severity

Abstract Objective: To investigate the function of interleukin-33 (IL-33) in the asthmatic airway remodeling and the relationship between IL-33 and asthma severity. Methods: IL-33 levels, sputum eosinophils percentage (EOS%), pulmonary function and total immunoglobulin (IgE) were measured for 45 patients with asthma and 40 non-allergic controls. Asthma severity was assessed. The expressions of IL-33 and reticular basement membrane (RBM) on bronchial biopsy specimens from eight asthma patients and eight non-allergic controls were observed after hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) and immunohistochemical staining. In vitro experiments, real-time polymerase chain reactions and western blotting analysis were used to identify the specific effects of IL-33 administration. Results: Serum IL-33 levels in patients with asthma were higher than those in non-allergic controls. Moreover, in asthmatic patients, serum IL-33 levels were negatively correlated to forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1, % predicted), and positively correlated to asthma severity. Increased expression of IL-33 and RBM thickening were observed on bronchial biopsy specimens obtained from patients with asthma. Serum IL-33 levels were positively correlated to basement membrane thickness. The production of fibronectin1 and type I collagen in human lung fibroblasts (HLF-1) increased at 24 h after IL-33 treatment in vitro. Pre-treatment with anti-ST2 antibody or fluticasone propionate (FP) suppressed the production of fibronectin1 and types I collagen induced by IL-33. Conclusions: IL-33 is a marker of asthma severity, and may contribute to airway remodeling in asthma by acting on human lung fibroblasts.
Activation of the phase II enzymes for neuroprotection by ginger active constituent 6-dehydrogingerdione in PC12 cells.

UNLABELLED The cellular endogenous antioxidant system plays pivotal roles in counteracting or retarding the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases. Molecules with the ability to enhance the antioxidant defense thus are promising candidates for neuroprotective drugs. 6-Dehydrogingerdione (6-DG), one of the major components of dietary ginger, has received increasing attention due to its multiple pharmacological activities. However, how this pleiotropic molecule works on the neuronal system has not been studied. This paper reports that 6-DG efficiently scavenges various free radicals in vitro and displays remarkable cytoprotection against oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell damage in the neuron-like rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12 cells. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with 6-DG significantly up-regulates a panel of phase II genes as well as the corresponding gene products, such as glutathione, heme oxygenase, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase, and thioredoxin reductase. Mechanistic study indicates that activation of the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway is the molecular basis for the cytoprotection of 6-DG. This is the first revelation of this novel mechanism of 6-DG as an Nrf2 activator against oxidative injury, providing the potential therapeutic use of 6-DG as neuroprotective agent.
High Viral Loads of Epstein-Barr Virus DNA in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Associated with Unfavorable Prognosis

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous γ-herpesvirus that infects more than 90% of the world population. The potential involvement of EBV in the clinical course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains unexplained. The aim of this study was to determine whether EBV-DNA load in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of CLL patients may influence heterogeneity in the course of the disease. The study included peripheral blood samples from 115 previously untreated patients with CLL (54 women and 61 men) and 40 healthy controls (16 women and 24 men). We analyzed the association between the EBV-DNA load in PBMCs and the stage of the disease, adverse prognostic factors, and clinical outcome. Detectable numbers of EBV-DNA copies in PBMCs were found in 62 out of 115 CLL patients (53.91%). The EBV-DNA copy number/μg DNA was significantly higher in patients who required early implementation of treatment, presented with lymphocyte count doubling time <12 months, displayed CD38-positive or ZAP-70-positive phenotype, and with the del(11q22.3) cytogenetic abnormality. Furthermore, the EBV-DNA copy number/μg DNA showed significant positive correlation with the concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and beta-2-microglobulin. We have shown that in CLL patients, higher EBV-DNA copy number predicted shorter survival and shorter time to disease progression, and it was associated with other established unfavorable prognostic factors. This suggests that EBV may negatively affect the outcome of CLL.
BIOPYDB: A Dynamic Human Cell Specific Biochemical Pathway Database with Advanced Computational Analyses Platform

Abstract BIOPYDB: BIOchemical PathwaY DataBase is developed as a manually curated, readily updatable, dynamic resource of human cell specific pathway information along with integrated computational platform to perform various pathway analyses. Presently, it comprises of 46 pathways, 3189 molecules, 5742 reactions and 6897 different types of diseases linked with pathway proteins, which are referred by 520 literatures and 17 other pathway databases. With its repertoire of biochemical pathway data, and computational tools for performing Topological, Logical and Dynamic analyses, BIOPYDB offers both the experimental and computational biologists to acquire a comprehensive understanding of signaling cascades in the cells. Automated pathway image reconstruction, cross referencing of pathway molecules and interactions with other databases and literature sources, complex search operations to extract information from other similar resources, integrated platform for pathway data sharing and computation, etc. are the novel and useful features included in this database to make it more acceptable and attractive to the users of pathway research communities. The RESTful API service is also made available to the advanced users and developers for accessing this database more conveniently through their own computer programmes.
The AUDIT Alcohol consumption questions (AUDIT-C) : An effective brief screening test for problem drinking

cording to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revised Third Edition, criteria; and (3) either. Results: Of 393 eligible patients, 243 (62%) completed AUDIT-C and interviews. For detecting heavy drinking, AUDIT-C had a higher AUROC than the full AUDIT (0.891 vs 0.881; P = .03). Although the full AUDIT performed better than AUDIT-C for detecting active alcohol abuse or dependence (0.811 vs 0.786; P<.001), the 2 questionnaires performed similarly for detecting heavy drinking and/or active abuse or dependence (0.880 vs 0.881).
IL-10 Conditioning of Human Skin Affects the Distribution of Migratory Dendritic Cell Subsets and Functional T Cell Differentiation

In cancer patients pervasive systemic suppression of Dendritic Cell (DC) differentiation and maturation can hinder vaccination efficacy. In this study we have extensively characterized migratory DC subsets from human skin and studied how their migration and T cell-stimulatory abilities were affected by conditioning of the dermal microenvironment through cancer-related suppressive cytokines. To assess effects in the context of a complex tissue structure, we made use of a near-physiological skin explant model. By 4-color flow cytometry, we identified migrated Langerhans Cells (LC) and five dermis-derived DC populations in differential states of maturation. From a panel of known tumor-associated suppressive cytokines, IL-10 showed a unique ability to induce predominant migration of an immature CD14+CD141+DC-SIGN+ DC subset with low levels of co-stimulatory molecules, up-regulated expression of the co-inhibitory molecule PD-L1 and the M2-associated macrophage marker CD163. A similarly immature subset composition was observed for DC migrating from explants taken from skin overlying breast tumors. Whereas predominant migration of mature CD1a+ subsets was associated with release of IL-12p70, efficient Th cell expansion with a Th1 profile, and expansion of functional MART-1-specific CD8+ T cells, migration of immature CD14+ DDC was accompanied by increased release of IL-10, poor expansion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and skewing of Th responses to favor coordinated FoxP3 and IL-10 expression and regulatory T cell differentiation and outgrowth. Thus, high levels of IL-10 impact the composition of skin-emigrated DC subsets and appear to favor migration of M2-like immature DC with functional qualities conducive to T cell tolerance.
Distress tolerance and pain experience among young adults

Abstract Pain and pain related problems affect a significant proportion of the United States population. Past research suggests that emotional distress is associated with more severe and disabling pain experience. Yet, it is less clear how individual reactions to distress are related to pain experience. Distress tolerance, defined as the perceived ability to withstand cognitive, affective, or physical distress, is an individual difference factor that may be particularly important to understanding the experience of pain. The current study examined the association of distress tolerance with pain severity, pain disability, and frequency of pain disability in a sample of young adults (N = 1577, M age = 22.17) with mild to severe pain. Results indicated that, after controlling for gender, past 30-day opiate use, and perceived health status, lower distress tolerance was significantly associated with more severe and disabling pain. These novel empirical findings suggest distress tolerance may be a useful construct in need of further study among young adults with pain complaints.
Markets and technology in Western Canadian sawmills

A survey of sawmills located in western Canada was conducted to better understand the inter-relationships among technological innovation, quality control procedures, and target markets served. Information was collected through interviewing respondents in each sampling unit (individual sawmills) in an attempt to analyze the current status in terms of technology levels, quality control activities, markets served, and products produced. Results show that there are two distinct markets served by western Canadian sawmills : North America (predominantly the United States) and overseas (predominantly Japan). Interior BC and Alberta sawmills focused more on the North American market, while Coastal BC mills focused more on overseas markets. The market orientation strongly influenced the products manufactured, the technology applied, and the level of quality control activities in the mill.
Gamma-band auditory steady-state response after frontal tDCS: A double-blind, randomized, crossover study

The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) likely depend on cortical N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) neurotransmission; however, no previous studies have reported tDCS-mediated modulation of cortical NMDA neurotransmission in humans. The gamma-band auditory steady-state response (ASSR) to a 40 Hz stimulation likely reflects the integrity of cortical NMDA neurotransmission. The present study tested whether the effect of tDCS is reflected in gamma-band ASSRs during a 40 Hz stimulation. Using a double-blind, randomized, crossover study, we performed magnetoencephalography (MEG) and measured the ASSR in 24 healthy participants during 40 Hz of auditory stimulation after prefrontal tDCS (2 mA) or sham (i.e., placebo) treatment. Our results failed to reveal significant differences in any brain between the two conditions after the application of a frequency of approximately 40 Hz. Based on these results, the ASSR is an insufficient method to detect the effect of tDCS on cortical NMDA neurotransmission. Unexpectedly, the results revealed an enhanced beta-band event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) in the left motor cortex after tDCS compared with that observed after the sham stimuli. Given that beta-band oscillations reflect many functions in motor cortices, the tDCS for the frontal areas had some effect on the left motor cortex while the participants were focusing on not pressing the button with their right index finger. An additional study with an adequate psychological task is necessary to draw a conclusion regarding this unexpected result.
Environmental factors and suicide in Australian farmers: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Farmers and farm workers have been recognized as a group at high risk of suicide in Australia. This study aims to identify and better understand environmental factors associated with suicide among Australian farmers and farm workers. Qualitative analysis was undertaken in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. Male and female focus groups were conducted separately with people who lived or worked on a farm in six farming communities. Qualitative analyses showed that a number of environmental influences may contribute to the increased risk of suicide: extreme climatic events; isolation; service availability; access to, and frequent use of firearms; death and suffering of animals; government and legislation; technology; and property values. Both the physical and socio-cultural environments in which farmers operate appear to contribute to farmer suicide and need to be considered in suicide prevention.
Differential changes in the development of motor coordination and executive functions in children with motor coordination impairments

ABSTRACT Cognitive and motor coordination skills of children with and without motor coordination impairments were examined with a one-year follow-up investigation. Initially, children were between 4 and 6 years old. Age-appropriate tests of executive functions (updating, switching, inhibition, interference control), motor coordination (the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2) and fitness (the Körperkoordinations-Test für Kinder) were administered in two consecutive years. Several background variables (age, socioeconomic status, medical support, clinical interventions, leisure activities) and potential moderators (nonverbal intelligence, reaction time, visual perception) were controlled. The matched sample consisted of 48 control children and 48 children with motor coordination impairments. The children’s executive functions dramatically improved during the one-year period. With regard to motor coordination performance, half of the impaired children caught up to the control children’s level (“remission group”), while the remaining half showed no improvement (“persisting group”). Compared to the persisting group, the children in the remission group showed markedly better interference control at both measurement points. The correlation between executive functions and motor coordination is significant in the persisting group, but not in the remission group. The results of the study are discussed in the light of the role of executive functions, especially inhibition processes, for the automatization of motor coordination tasks.
The role of affective commitment and future work self salience in the abusive supervision–job performance relationship

Drawing upon the identity-based perspective, the current research focused on the role of affective commitment and future work self salience (FWSS) in the relationship between abusive supervision and job performance. We expected that affective commitment, which represents the organization-based identities of employees, would mediate the relationship between abusive supervision and job performance. Furthermore, we predicted that employees’ FWSS, which represents the ease of construction and clarity of an individual's hoped-for work-based identity, would amplify the indirect effect of abusive supervision on job performance via affective commitment. Specifically, FWSS was expected to play an amplifying role in the abusive supervision–affective commitment path. Based on a sample of 480 salespersons, the results of a 3-wave study revealed that affective commitment mediated the abusive supervision–sales performance relationship. Moreover, the indirect effect of abusive supervision on sales performance via affective commitment was stronger for employees with higher FWSS. Specifically, the deleterious effect of abusive supervision on affective commitment was amplified by FWSS. This was the case even when emotional exhaustion and leader–member exchange were incorporated as competing mediators. Implications of our findings and future directions are discussed. Practitioner points Organizations should pay greater attention to employees with higher FWSS because they are more vulnerable to abusive supervision in terms of their decreased affective commitment and performance. To maintain affective commitment and job performance of employees with higher FWSS, organizations should train leaders to reduce or eliminate abusive behaviours, especially for those leading teams with a majority of high-FWSS employees.