Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BioKB - Text mining and semantic technologies for the biomedical content discovery

The ever-increasing number of publicly available biomedical articles calls for automatic information extraction from digitized publications. We have implemented a pipeline which, by exploiting text mining and semantic technologies, helps researchers easily access semantic content of thousands of abstracts and full text articles. The text mining component analyzes the articles content and extracts relations between a wide variety of concepts, extending the scope from proteins, chemicals and pathologies to biological processes and molecular functions. Moreover, the relations are extracted along with the context which specifies localization of the detected events, preconditions, temporal and logic order, mutual dependency and/or exclusion. Extracted knowledge is stored in a knowledge base publicly available for both, human and machine access, via web interface and SPARQL endpoint. To address the data accessibility, reusability and interoperability, all the extracted relations are standardized using unique resource identifiers (URIs) and a custom ontology based on Genia ontology.
Cell Signaling : Proteins , Pathways and Mechanisms Nickel suppresses the PACAP-induced increase in guinea pig cardiac neuron excitability

Tompkins JD, Merriam LA, Girard BM, May V, Parsons RL. Nickel suppresses the PACAP-induced increase in guinea pig cardiac neuron excitability. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 308: C857–C866, 2015. First published March 25, 2015; doi:10.1152/ajpcell.00403. 2014. —Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a potent intercellular signaling molecule involved in multiple homeostatic functions. PACAP/ PAC1 receptor signaling increases excitability of neurons within the guinea pig cardiac ganglia, making them a unique system to establish mechanisms underlying PACAP modulation of neuronal function. Calcium influx is required for the PACAP-increased cardiac neuron excitability, although the pathway is unknown. This study tested whether PACAP enhancement of calcium influx through either T-type or R-type channels contributed to the modulation of excitability. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses indicated transcripts for Cav3.1, Cav3.2, and Cav3.3 T-type isoforms and R-type Cav2.3 in cardiac neurons. These neurons often exhibit a hyperpolarization-induced rebound depolarization that remains when cesium is present to block hyperpolarization-activated nonselective cationic currents (Ih). The T-type calcium channel inhibitors, nickel (Ni ) or mibefradil, suppressed the rebound depolarization, and treatment with both drugs hyperpolarized cardiac neurons by 2–4 mV. Together, these results are consistent with the presence of functional T-type channels, potentially along with R-type channels, in these cardiac neurons. Fifty micromolar Ni , a concentration that suppresses currents in both T-type and R-type channels, blunted the PACAPinitiated increase in excitability. Ni also blunted PACAP enhancement of the hyperpolarization-induced rebound depolarization and reversed the PACAP-mediated increase in excitability, after being initiated, in a subset of cells. Lastly, low voltage-activated currents, measured under perforated patch whole cell recording conditions and potentially flowing through T-type or R-type channels, were enhanced by PACAP. Together, our results suggest that a PACAP-enhanced, Ni -sensitive current contributes to PACAP-induced modulation of neuronal excitability.
The insertion-deletion polymorphism of the ACE gene is associated with increased blood pressure in women at the end of pregnancy

Introduction: Malfunctioning of the cardiovascular system during pregnancy may be responsible for adverse effects on the ‘mother-fetus’ system. The cardiovascular system of a pregnant woman develops adaptation to the increased load. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is known to play an important role in the adaptation. The present study was designed to investigate whether the insertion-deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene is associated with the level of arterial blood pressure in women before and during pregnancy. Materials and methods: The level of blood pressure was measured in 591 Russian women (Central Russia) before and during (37–40 weeks term) pregnancy. The women were divided into three groups which were hypertensive, hypotensive, and normotensive according to blood pressure level. Genotyping of the ACE I/D polymorphism was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism assay. Results: Women with genotype DD showed the highest blood pressure level both during and at the end of pregnancy (p<0.05). The highest frequencies of allele D and genotype DD were found in pregnant women in the hypertensive group. Conclusions: The deletion variant of the ACE gene is associated with high blood pressure level at the end of pregnancy.
Training tomorrow's anatomists today: A partnership approach

Anatomy is recognized to play a central role in the education and training of clinicians, healthcare professionals, and scientists. However, in recent years, the perceived decline in popularity of anatomy has led to a deficiency in the numbers of new anatomy educators. The tide is now turning with anatomy once again taking its rightful place in a wide of variety of disciplines, and therefore it is imperative that a new generation of anatomists is in place to meet this need. In response, the Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland has made the training of the next set of anatomists, one of its strategic priorities, and in collaboration with the American Association of Anatomists has developed a dedicated Training Program. The overall aim of the Program is to provide trainees with the necessary knowledge, understanding, aptitudes, and attitudes in appropriate detail, sufficient to enable them to teach and examine Anatomy with full competence at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. The Program offers opportunities to consolidate knowledge and deepen understanding of anatomy, improve skills in teaching and communication with students, and be competent in preparing teaching materials and assessment modalities. The Program uses a distance‐learning approach with an incorporated Residential School and is particularly aimed at those undertaking a career in the biosciences. Early indications suggest that initiatives such as the development of this Training Program will help deliver the next generation of anatomists and ensure that anatomy continues to play a fundamental role in the education of clinicians, healthcare professionals, and scientists. Anat Sci Ed 2:119‐125, 2009 © 2009 American Association of Anatomists.
Identification of a retinoic acid-inducible endogenous retroviral transcript in the human teratocarcinoma-derived cell line PA-1

Retinoic acid (RA), a developmental morphogen, causes activation of a transcript of an endogenous retrovirus-related element in the human teratocarcinoma-derived cell line PA-1. This provirus is defective, and the provirus-related sequences exist as multicopy elements (more than 20 copies) in human DNA. This is the first human endogenous retroviral mRNA that is known to be transcriptionally activated by RA. The nucleotide sequence of the 3,357 bp of this viral cDNA was determined and shows a strong homology to the type C-related human endogenous retroviral proviruses ERV3 and 4-1. This cDNA contains 'R-U5-delta pol-env-U3-R sequences of the provirus. Adjacent to the putative 5' long terminal repeat of this provirus there is an 18-bp sequence complementary to the 3' end of isoleucine tRNA. We named this RA-responsive virus RRHERV-I.
Comparison of cold lateral condensation and a warm multiphase gutta-percha technique for obturating curved root canals.

AIM The aim of this project was to evaluate and compare the radiographic quality and sealability of root fillings in extracted human teeth using lateral condensation of gutta-percha or multiphase gutta-percha obturation (Alphaseal). METHODOLOGY A total of 108 freshly extracted human, mature single-rooted teeth were divided into two identical groups of 54 teeth on the basis of root canal shape. The canals were prepared to a minimum 0.055 taper and enlarged to size 35 at the apex. All root canals were flushed with 17% EDTA solution and 2.5% NaOCl to remove the dentinal smear layer. The canals of one group were obturated using cold lateral condensation of gutta-percha and the canals of the other group were filled using a warm multiphase gutta-percha obturation technique. The extrusion of sealer and/or gutta-percha through the apex of the teeth was recorded using a simple yes/no scheme. The sealability of each technique was assessed by a dye penetration method. The radiographic quality of obturation was determined for each canal using a four-point scale. RESULTS Root canals filled by multiphase obturation had significantly more extrusion of sealer (P < 0.001) and gutta-percha (P < 0.001) than canals filled by lateral condensation. Canals filled by multiphase gutta-percha obturation had significantly less apical dye leakage than those obturated by lateral condensation (P < 0.05). Lateral condensation achieved significantly better scores for radiographic quality than multiphase obturation from the bucco-lingual view (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Under laboratory conditions multiphase gutta-percha had better sealability but poorer radiographic quality than lateral condensation.
Improving MR quantification of regional blood volume with intravascular T1 contrast agents: Accuracy, precision, and water exchange

The goal of this work was to develop a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between vascular proton exchange rates and the accuracy and precision of tissue blood volume estimates using intravascular T1 contrast agents. Using computer simulations, the effects of vascular proton exchange and experimental pulse sequence parameters on measurement accuracy were quantified. T1 and signal measurements made in a rat model implanted with R3230 mammary adenocarcinoma tumors demonstrated that the theoretical findings are biologically relevant; data demonstrated that over‐simplified exchange models may result in measures of tumor, muscle, and liver blood volume fractions that depend on experimental parameters such as the vascular contrast concentration. As a solution to the measurement of blood volume in tissues with exchange that is unknown, methods that minimize exchange rate dependence were examined. Simulations that estimated both the accuracy and precision of such methods indicated that both the inversion recovery and the transverse‐spoiled gradient echo methods using a “noexchange” model provide the best trade‐off between accuracy and precision.
A case-control study of serious autoimmune adverse events following hepatitis B immunization

Hepatitis B infection is one of the most important causes of acute and chronic liver disease. During the 1980s, genetically engineered hepatitis B vaccines (HBVs) were introduced in the United States. A large-series of serious autoimmune conditions have been reported following HBVs, despite the fact that HBVs have been reported to be “generally well-tolerated. ” A case-control epidemiological study was conducted to evaluate serious autoimmune adverse events prospectively reported to the vaccine adverse events reporting system (VAERS) database following HBVs, in comparison to an age, sex, and vaccine year matched unexposed tetanus-containing vaccine (TCV) group for conditions that have been previously identified on an a priori basis from case-reports. Adults receiving HBV had significantly increased odds ratios (OR) for multiple sclerosis (OR = 5.2, p < 0.0003, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.9 ™ 20), optic neuritis (OR = 14, p < 0.0002, 95% CI = 2.3 − 560), vasculitis (OR = 2.6, p < 0.04, 95% CI = 1.03 ™ 8.7), arthritis (OR = 2.01, p < 0.0003, 95% CI = 1.3 − 3.1), alopecia (OR = 7.2, p < 0.0001, 95% CI = 3.2 − 20), lupus erythematosus (OR = 9.1, p < 0.0001, 95% CI = 2.3 − 76), rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 18, p < 0.0001, 95% CI = 3.1 − 740), and thrombocytopenia (OR = 2.3, p < 0.04, 95% CI = 1.02 − 6.2) in comparison to the TCV group. Minimal confounding or systematic error was observed. Despite the negative findings of the present study regarding the rare serious adverse effects of HBVs, it is clear that HBV does, indeed, offer significant benefits, but it is also clear that chances of exposure to hepatitis B virus in adults is largely life-style dependent. Adults should make an informed consent decision, weighing the risks and benefits of HBV, as to whether or not to be immunized.
Reduced complexity DVB-RCS turbo decoder

Turbo codes are employed in many robust wireless digital communication systems. Those codes have been adopted for the satellite return channel in DVB-RCS standards. The implementation for such codes is complex and dissipates a large amount of power. For decoder hardware implementation, reduced complexity leads to low power consumption which is considered a key implementation issue. This paper investigates the decoder input quantization of low complexity decoding algorithm and proposes an algorithm for efficient decoder quantization to achieve significant improvement in the hardware implementation of the decoder architecture. Hence, leading to reduction of both area and power consumption in the whole radio receiver.
Simplified Space Vector Modulation Techniques for Multilevel Inverters

This paper presents simplified techniques for the space vector modulation (SVM) of any n-level multilevel inverter. Three techniques have been presented to simplify the identification of the nearest three vectors to the reference vector. The first two techniques are based on resolving the multilevel inverter space vector diagram into appropriate two-level hexagons. This results in simplification of the multilevel SVM problem into a two-level SVM problem. The third technique is an algorithm-based technique which makes use of a 60°-spaced gh coordinate system to perform the SVM of a multilevel inverter. Switching sequence design for all the three techniques is presented with the aim of minimization of the device switching frequency. Simulation and experimental results have been provided to verify the feasibility of the proposed techniques. Simulation results are provided for up to 21-level cascaded H-bridge (CHB) inverters, while the experimental verification is done on a five-level laboratory prototype. Although only the CHB inverter is considered in this study, the proposed techniques are perfectly general and can be applied to all types of multilevel inverters, and are extendable to any number of levels.
Model-based, closed-loop control of PZT creep for cavity ring-down spectroscopy

Cavity ring-down spectrometers typically employ a PZT stack to modulate the cavity transmission spectrum. While PZTs ease instrument complexity and aid measurement sensitivity, PZT hysteresis hinders the implementation of cavity-length-stabilized, data-acquisition routines. Once the cavity length is stabilized, the cavity’s free spectral range imparts extreme linearity and precision to the measured spectrum’s wavelength axis. Methods such as frequency-stabilized cavity ring-down spectroscopy have successfully mitigated PZT hysteresis, but their complexity limits commercial applications. Described herein is a single-laser, model-based, closed-loop method for cavity length control.
Sources of goniometric error at the elbow.

We assessed accuracy and potential sources of error in goniometry by using a photographic reference standard. Forty-six physical therapy students measured elbow positions using plastic or steel goniometers following three protocols: ALIGN, in which the investigator's elbow was splinted and bony landmarks were prelabeled; ASSIGN, in which the elbow remained splinted but labels were removed; and PROM, in which raters measured full passive flexion of the elbow. F ratios of variances indicated that alignment of goniometer, identification of landmarks, and variations in manual force during PROM contributed to goniometric error and that accuracy of joint angle measurement by photography (s +/- 0.7-1.1 degrees) was greater than by standard goniometry (s +/- 2.4-3.4 degrees). Analysis of variance and post-hoc test results unexpectedly indicated that all but one goniometric mean differed statistically (p less than .05) from associated photographic means. Small systematic errors in alignment of goniometers and identification of reference landmarks may have accounted for these differences. The results indicate that relatively inexperienced raters should be able to use goniometers accurately to measure elbow position when given standardized methods to follow.
Survival gain after liver transplantation for patients with alcoholic liver disease: a comparison across models and centers

Background. Prognostic models, which estimate survival probabilities, enable the survival benefit from a procedure to be assessed and allow the comparison of outcomes between centers. We therefore compared three models that estimate survival in the absence of transplantation for patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) to assess survival benefit after transplantation and to compare the outcomes in the six liver-transplant centers in England. Methods. The Béclére and Birmingham models and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) were used to estimate survival in the absence of transplantation in a cohort of 82 patients with end-stage ALD. Posttransplant survival in the same cohort of patients was calculated using conventional survival techniques. Each individual’s short-term survival gain after liver transplantation was also calculated and compared across UK liver transplant centers. Results. The expected gain in survival differed substantially depending on the model used. Over the 4-year study period, the survival gain for all ALD patients was 1.70 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–2.03) using the Béclére model, 0.95 years (CI 0.60–1.30) using MELD, and 0.08 years (CI −0.31–0.47) using the Birmingham model. Two centers consistently had greater estimated survival gains up to 4 years postliver transplant regardless of the model used to estimate nontransplant survival. Conclusions. These findings suggest that although liver transplantation is associated with an improvement in survival, the gain over 4 years is modest. The three models are poorly correlated and should be applied with caution. Survival gain does, however, appear to vary between centers.
Environmental suitability for Lutzomyia longipalpis in a subtropical city with a recently established visceral leishmaniasis transmission cycle, Argentina

BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic disease in northeastern Argentina including the Corrientes province, where the presence of the vector and canine cases of VL were recently confirmed in December 2008. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to assess the modelling of micro- and macro-habitat variables to evaluate the urban environmental suitability for the spatial distribution of Lutzomyia longipalpis presence and abundance in an urban scenario. METHODS Sampling of 45 sites distributed throughout Corrientes city (Argentina) was carried out using REDILA-BL minilight traps in December 2013. The sampled specimens were identified according to methods described by Galati (2003). The analysis of variables derived from the processing of satellite images (macro-habitat variables) and from the entomological sampling and surveys (micro-habitat variables) was performed using the statistical software R. Three generalised linear models were constructed composed of micro- and macro-habitat variables to explain the spatial distribution of the abundance of Lu. longipalpis and one composed of micro-habitat variables to explain the occurrence of the vector. FINDINGS A total of 609 phlebotominae belonging to five species were collected, of which 56% were Lu. longipalpis. In addition, the presence of Nyssomyia neivai and Migonemya migonei, which are vectors of tegumentary leishmaniasis, were also documented and represented 34.81% and 6.74% of the collections, respectively. The explanatory variable normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) described the abundance distribution, whereas the presence of farmyard animals was important for explaining both the abundance and the occurrence of the vector. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The results contribute to the identification of variables that can be used to establish priority areas for entomological surveillance and provide an efficient transfer tool for the control and prevention of vector-borne diseases.
Period-Doubling and Quadrupling Bifurcation of Vector Soliton Bunches in a Graphene Mode Locked Fiber Laser

Period-doubling bifurcation and period-quadrupling bifurcation of vector soliton pulses in a graphene mode locked fiber laser is experimentally observed and investigated. Not only single vector soliton but also vector soliton bunches as a unity are found to exhibit period-doubling and period-quadrupling bifurcation. The experimental results suggest that period-doubling and quadrupling bifurcation are intrinsic features of the pulses circulating in a nonlinear ring cavity, which are independent of the properties of the mode-locker in the fiber lasers.
What Predicts Sex Partners' Age Differences Among African American Youth? A Longitudinal Study from Adolescence to Young Adulthood

Partner age is associated with youth's sex risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infections. At present, however, it is not known whether the co-occurrence of other risk behaviors is associated with having older sex partners during adolescence and young adulthood. Using growth curve modeling, this study first describes the shape of the age difference between participants and their sex partners across adolescence and young adulthood in a sample of African American youth. Second, whether this model varied systematically by sex, mother's education, and high school dropout was tested. Third, whether age differences were associated with youth's self-acceptance, alcohol use, and employment trajectories over these two developmental periods was assessed. Finally, whether these associations had non-proportional effects over both periods was tested. This study modeled sex partners' age differences nonlinearly, with females being more likely to date older partners at baseline and over time. High school dropouts also reported older partners at baseline. Self-acceptance and the number of hours worked were associated with sex partners' age differences over time, with the effect decreasing over young adulthood years. Alcohol use frequency was also associated with having older partners over time. This study discusses the findings from a health perspective on youth's sexual development.