Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dimensional Evaluation of Root Resorption Areas in Differing Severity of Chronic Periodontitis: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate root surface alterations in terms of location, length, and depth of root resorption in the gingival, middle, and apical third of the mesial and distal surfaces of the root in healthy and periodontally affected teeth with chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Teeth diagnosed with differing severity of chronic periodontitis, as assessed by clinical and radiographic parameters of bone destruction, were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Existence and location of root resorption areas, as well as length and depth of the resorption on each radicular third of the teeth, were determined. Results: Totally 27 teeth (60%) among all the groups exhibited root resorption. The number of teeth showing root resorption in each group was divided into the following groups; Group I: 2 teeth (13.33%); Group II: 11 teeth (73.33%); and Group III: 14 teeth (93.33%). The most affected teeth were the mandibular incisors. The apical one-third of the root was the most affected and the gingival third of the root was the least affected with respect to the length and depth of the root resorption. The mesial surface of the root was more commonly affected when compared to the distal surface of the root. Conclusion: It may thus be concluded that the existence and extent of root resorption depend on the severity of periodontal destruction.
Large-scale adaptive differentiation in the alpine perennial herb Arabis alpina.

Information about the incidence and magnitude of local adaptation can help to predict the response of natural populations to a changing environment, and should be of particular interest in arctic and alpine environments where the effects of climate change are expected to be severe. To quantify adaptive differentiation in the arctic-alpine perennial herb Arabis alpina, we conducted reciprocal transplant experiments for 3 yr between Spanish and Scandinavian populations. At the sites of one Spanish and one Scandinavian population, we planted seedlings representing two Spanish and four Scandinavian populations, and recorded survival, flowering propensity and fecundity. The experiment was replicated in two subsequent years. The results demonstrate strong adaptive differentiation between A. alpina populations from the two regions. At the field site in Spain, survival and fruit production of Spanish populations were higher than those of Scandinavian populations, while the opposite was true at the site in Scandinavia, and these differences were consistent across years. By comparison, fitness varied little among populations from the same region. The results suggest that the magnitude and geographical scale of local adaptation need to be considered in predictions of the effects of global change on the dynamics of arctic and alpine plant populations.
In Vitro Production Of L-dopa In Tissue Cultures Of Banana

Shoot and callus cultures of banana ( Musa sp.) were analyzed for the accumulation of L–DOPA. Treatment of cultures with L–tyrosine and L–phenylalanine yielded higher levels of DOPA compared to those in control cultures without any treatment. Among the two amino acids, phenylalanine induced higher accumulation of DOPA. The study suggests that banana may become an useful system for the production of DOPA.
Integrating stereotactic body radiation therapy in stage II/III non-small cell lung cancer: is local control important?

Local control for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a significant problem with chemoradiation local failure rates in the chest of 30–50%. Despite attempts at dose escalation with conventional radiation therapy techniques, toxicities limit the amount of radiation that can be delivered. For stage I NSCLC, mounting evidence supports the use of hypofractionated radiation therapy (SBRT) to gain high local control rates with acceptable toxicity. For healthy patients with stage II/III NSCLC, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines suggest surgery is the preferred standard of care for patients with <N2 nodes or T3 tumors. In select patients who are surgical candidates or have more extensive disease, guidelines may include pre-operative chemoradiation followed by surgery, although this remains controversial and is the subject of a current national clinical trial (RTOG 0839). Dose escalation through conventional radiation therapy planning suggests that we can improve outcomes in stage III patients, but toxicity remains problematic. It follows that with improvements in imaging and delivery of radiotherapy, dose escalation with SBRT incorporation may improve local control in stage II/III NSCLC for medically inoperable patients. The rationale for dose escalation and some of the considerations for incorporation of SBRT dose escalation in stage III lung cancer are reviewed here.
Antenatal diagnosis of haemophilia B by amplification and electrophoresis of an exon fragment with a short deletion

Abstract: Carrier identification and antenatal diagnosis were performed in 2 sisters by electrophoretic separation of the normal and abnormal bands obtained after amplification of a fragment of exon h in the factor IX gene. The mutation in the family had been characterised as an 8‐base pair (bp) deletion in exon h. By amplification of a 326 bp fragment containing the site of deletion, the shorter 318 bp band of the haemophilia B gene could be separated by electrophoresis of the fragments. The comprehensive data collection at the Haemophilia Centre is of vital importance in the genetic counselling of haemophilia families, and was a crucial step for the successful diagnoses in these sisters.
Uncertainty About Federal Reserve Policy and Its Transmission to Emerging Economies: Evidence from Twitter

It is well known that a tightening or easing of the United States’ monetary policy affects financial markets in emerging economies. This paper argues that uncertainty about future monetary policy is a separate transmission channel. We focus on the taper tantrum episode in 2013, a period with an elevated uncertainty about monetary policy, and use a data set that contains 90,000 Twitter messages (“tweets”) on Federal Reserve tapering. Based on this data set, we construct a new index about monetary policy uncertainty using a list of uncertainty keywords. An advantage of this index is that it reflects uncertainty about a specific policy decision. An estimated vector autoregression (VAR) shows that uncertainty shocks lead to a fall in asset prices and a depreciation of local currencies. We also discuss the policy implications of this uncertainty channel of monetary policy transmission.
Distribution of neurons containing phenylethanolamine N‐methyltransferase in medulla and hypothalamus of rat

Neurons immunocytochemically labeled with the adrenaline‐synthesizing enzyme phenylethanolamine N‐methyltransferase were mapped in the brain of rat pretreated with colchicine. In medulla, immunoreactive cells in the C1 and C2 groups were distributed in a more complex manner than described previously.
Learning to deal with objects

In this paper, a modification of the standard learning algorithm Q-learning is presented: Object Q-learning (OQ-learning). An autonomous agent should be able to decide its own goals and behaviours in order to fulfil these goals. When the agent has no previous knowledge, it must learn what to do in every state (policy of behaviour). If the agent uses Q-learning, this implies that it learns the utility value Q of each action-state pair. Typically, an autonomous agent living in a complex environment has to interact with different objects present in that world. In this case, the number of states of the agent in relation to those objects may increase as the number of objects increases, making the learning process difficult to deal with. The proposed modification appears as a solution in order to cope with this problem. The experimental results prove the usefulness of the OQ-learning in this situation, in comparison with the standard Q-learning algorithm.
Chattering-free finite-time tracking control algorithms with variable structure for mobile robots

The trajectory-tracking problem for mobile robot is considered. A compound finite-time tracking control linearization algorithm base on feedback linearization and variable structure is proposed, and the reaching-control law is used to drive the steering angle trajectory with large inertial error exponentially toward the given switching surface neighborhood. When the steering angle trajectory is inside the neighborhood, the chattering-free control law based on continuous state-feedback drives the trajectory to the switching surface precisely while converting the original nonlinear system into a reduced system; state-feedback control law for the reduced system is then designed to stabilize the position error in finite time. Numerical simulations show the desired trajectory is attained fully in finite-time without chattering.
Evidence for agonist‐specific endothelial vasodilator dysfunction with ageing in healthy humans

Endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation declines with advancing age in humans independently of disease. The mechanisms responsible for this decline are not clear. We determined whether the age‐related reduction in endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation in response to acetylcholine reflects a specific agonist‐related defect or rather a more general endothelial cell vasomotor abnormality. Twenty‐two young (23‐35 years) and 41 older (50‐76 years) healthy men were studied. Forearm blood flow (FBF) responses to intra‐arterial infusions of acetylcholine, bradykinin, substance P, isoproterenol (isoprenaline) and sodium nitroprusside were measured by strain‐gauge plethysmography. There were no differences in resting FBF between the young (3.9 ± 0.2 ml (100 ml tissue)−1 min−1) and older men (4.0 ± 0.2 ml (100 ml tissue)−1 min−1). The increase in FBF at the highest dose of acetylcholine was ∼30 % lower (P < 0.01) in the older (from 4.0 ± 0.2 to 12.3 ± 0.7 ml (100 ml tissue)−1 min−1) compared with young men (from 3.9 ± 0.2 to 17.1 ± 1.5 ml (100 ml tissue)−1 min−1). In contrast to acetylcholine, the FBF responses to the other endothelial agonists were not impaired with age. The maximum increases in FBF in response to bradykinin (19.2 ± 1.0 vs. 20.2 ± 0.9 ml (100 ml tissue)−1 min−1), substance P (15.1 ± 0.8 vs. 16.8 ± 0.7 ml (100 ml tissue)−1 min−1) and isoproterenol (17.5 ± 0.9 vs. 17.5 ± 0.9 ml (100 ml tissue)−1 min−1) were not significantly different between the older and young subjects. There were no age‐related differences in the FBF responses to sodium nitroprusside. These results demonstrate that, although acetylcholine‐induced vasodilatation is impaired with age, forearm endothelial vasodilatation in reponse to bradykinin, substance P and isoproterenol are well preserved in healthy men. Moreover, these findings suggest that agonist‐stimulated endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation is not universally impaired with age.
Antibody therapy for familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy

Although it is believed that altered conformations exposing cryptic regions are intermediary and critical steps in the mechanism of transthyretin (TTR) amyloid formation, no effective therapy targeting this step is available. In this study, to establish the antibody therapy for familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), we generated a monoclonal anti-TTR antibody, which specifically reacts with surface epitopes of TTR (MAb ATTR) and evaluated its binding affinity and specificity for TTR amyloid fibrils. MAb ATTR showed specific binding affinity for TTR amyloid fibrils, but not for native form of TTR. Moreover, MAb ATTR indeed showed the high consistency with Congo red positive areas in tissue specimens from FAP ATTR V30M patients, indicating that MAb ATTR showed binding affinity and specificity for TTR amyloid fibrils in vitro and in vivo. MAb ATTR may have a potential to suppress TTR amyloid deposition and become a candidate for the antibody therapy for FAP.
On Energy Storage Requirements in Modular Multilevel Converters

The modular multilevel converter is a promising topology for high-voltage and high-power applications. By using submodules equipped with dc-capacitors excellent output voltage waveforms can be obtained at low switching frequencies. The rated energy storage of the submodule capacitors is a driving factor of the size, cost, and weight of the submodules. Although the modular multilevel converter has been thoroughly investigated in the literature, a more detailed analysis of the energy-storage requirements will provide an important contribution for dimensioning and analysis of modular multilevel converters. Such an analysis is presented in this paper. The analysis relates the power transfer capability to the stored energy in the converter and the findings are validated by both simulations and experimental results. The required size of the submodule capacitors in a 4.5 MW grid-connected converter is first calculated and the calculated operating range is then compared with simulation results. The experimental results show that if the average capacitor voltage is allowed to increase 10% above the nominal value an energy storage to power transfer ratio of 21 J/kW can be achieved. It is concluded that the presented theory can relate the power transfer capability to the energy storage in the converter and is thus a valuable tool in the design and analysis of modular multilevel converters.
Functional-Level Transformation in Multi-Domestic MNCs: Transforming Local Purchasing into Globally Integrated Purchasing

This paper revisits Bartlett and Ghoshal’s transnational theory of the MNC in relation to multi-domestic MNCs. We argue that the aggregate level of analysis adopted by Bartlett and Ghoshal is unhelpful for identifying significant changes in multi-domestic MNCs at the level of discrete functions. We argue that a more disaggregated level of analysis is required. Our analysis of two cases of multi-domestic MNCs that have undertaken the global integration of their locally distributed purchasing functions indicates that while significant change to the purchasing function has occurred, at the aggregate level both MNCs remain multi-domestic. In both cases the decision to integrate local purchasing was regarded as having more obvious benefits than integrating other functions such as marketing. While both of our case multi-domestic MNCs may in future choose to integrate other functions and develop into full-fledged transnational companies we argue that there is no inevitability to this. Indeed global integration may cease with the purchasing function. A second theme in this paper is that we argue that Bartlett and Ghoshal’s transnational theory has a biased view of what constitutes effective governance mechanisms for achieving global integration, local responsiveness and worldwide learning and that it would greatly benefit from a more balanced application of hierarchical and relational governance mechanisms.
EVOLUTION OF THE MASS AND LUMINOSITY FUNCTIONS OF GLOBULAR STAR CLUSTERS

We reexamine the dynamical evolution of the mass and luminosity functions of globular star clusters (GCMF and GCLF). Fall & Zhang (2001, FZ01) showed that a power-law MF, as commonly seen among young cluster systems, would evolve by dynamical processes over a Hubble time into a peaked MF with a shape very similar to the observed GCMF in the Milky Way and other galaxies. To simplify the calculations, the semi-analytical FZ01 model adopted the “classical” theory of stellar escape from clusters, and neglected variations in the /L ratios of clusters. Kruijssen & Portegies Zwart (2009, KPZ09) modified the FZ01 model to include “retarded” and mass-dependent stellar escape, the latter causing significant /L variations. KPZ09 asserted that their model was compatible with observations, whereas the FZ01 model was not. We show here that this claim is not correct; the FZ01 and KPZ09 models fit the observed Galactic GCLF equally well. We also show that there is no detectable correlation between /L and L for GCs in the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies, in contradiction with the KPZ09 model. Our comparisons of the FZ01 and KPZ09 models with observations can be explained most simply if stars escape at rates approaching the classical limit for high-mass clusters, as expected on theoretical grounds.
On the capacity of binary and Gaussian channels with run-length-limited inputs

Bounds on the capacity of binary symmetric channels and additive Gaussian channels with run-length-limited two-level (binary, bipolar) inputs are presented, and their tightness is demonstrated for some cases. Stationary input sequences, which do not degrade capacity, are considered when deriving the bounds. Lower bounds on the magnetic recording density for a simple continuous-time recording model incorporating a minimal intertransition constraint are evaluated for soft and hard decisions. A superiority of about 1.5 dB in signal-to-noise ratio is observed for the soft-decision scheme. >
AGGLOMERATION ECONOMIES AND THE LOCATION OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM VIETNAM

We examine the impacts of agglomeration economies on the location of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Vietnam. Using a large dataset that provides detailed information about individual firms, we investigate the location choices by 920 newly created foreign firms in 2009 in about 125 different 4-digit industries. The estimates of the conditional logit model show that agglomeration benefits motivate foreign firms in the same industries and from the same countries of origin to locate near each other. However, the empirical results also reveal that there is competition among provinces in Vietnam in attracting foreign investors, and the locations of Vietnamese firms have no effects on the location decisions by foreign firms in the same industry. This is one of the few studies of agglomeration effects on the location of Foreign Direct Investment in transition economies in general and Vietnam in particular.
Adaptive Integral Manifold Control of Flexible Joint Robots with Configuration Invariant Inertia

In this paper we derive a new adaptive corrective control law for a class of flexible joint robot manipulators with configuration-invariant inertia matrices. The control law consists of a fast controller to damp the elastic oscillations of the joints and a slow (corrective) controller designed based on the theory of integral manifolds for singularly perturbed nonlinear systems. We derive the first parameter update law that takes into consideration joint flexibility. We present detailed stability analysis using the composite Lyapunov function method.
An efficient approach of secure group association management in densely deployed heterogeneous distributed sensor network

A heterogeneous distributed sensor network (HDSN) is a type of distributed sensor network where sensors with different deployment groups and different functional types participate at the same time. In other words, the sensors are divided into different deployment groups according to different types of data transmissions, but they cooperate with each other within and out of their respective groups. However, in traditional heterogeneous sensor networks, the classification is based on transmission range, energy level, computation ability, and sensing range. Taking this model into account, we propose a secure group association authentication mechanism using one-way accumulator which ensures that: before collaborating for a particular task, any pair of nodes in the same deployment group can verify the legitimacy of group association of each other. Secure addition and deletion of sensors are also supported in this approach. In addition, a policy-based sensor addition procedure is also suggested. For secure handling of disconnected nodes of a group, we use an efficient pairwise key derivation scheme to resist any adversary’s attempt. Along with proposing our mechanism, we also discuss the characteristics of HDSN, its scopes, applicability, future, and challenges. The efficiency of our security management approach is also demonstrated with performance evaluation and analysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of IL-4 Responses After T Cell Priming in the Context of LFA-1 Costimulation Is Not Reversed by Restimulation in the Presence of CD28 Costimulation1

Costimulation is one of several factors that influence the differentiation of CD4+ Th cell responses. Previously, we have shown that Ag presentation in the context of LFA-1 costimulation by fibroblasts transfected with class II and ICAM-1 (ProAd-ICAM) can drive naive CD4-positive T cells into cell cycle, but these T cells die by apoptosis 4–5 days after stimulation. In this report we show that the death of these cells can be prevented by the addition of exogenous IL-2 (20 U/ml) or by restimulation with Ag presented in the context of CD28 costimulation. Under these conditions, T cells go through extensive cell division and normal cell expansion. However, when T cells that have been primed by Ag presented in the context of LFA-1 costimulation are restimulated, they secrete IL-2 and IFN-γ, but little or no IL-4. The inability of ProAd-ICAM-primed T cells to produce IL-4 was restored by the addition of IL-4 to the priming culture. However, IL-4 responses were not restored by representation of Ag in the context of CD28 costimulation, even as early as 24 h after priming with Ag presented by ProAd-ICAM cells. These findings suggest that differential expression of B7-1 and ICAM-1 by APCs during the initiation of immune responses may alter the differentiation of Th populations.
Reactions to gastrointestinal cancer—variation in mental adjustment and emotional well‐being over time in patients with different prognoses

The relation between mental adjustment, often referred to as coping strategies, and emotional well‐being and their changes over time were studied in 139 consecutive, newly diagnosed gastrointestinal cancer patients. Sixty‐six patients were potentially cured since all known disease could be removed by surgery, whereas in 73 patients, this was not possible. A more confronting reaction to the diagnosis was associated with better emotional well‐being whereas avoidance of reminders of, and intrusive thoughts about the disease were associated with more distress. In agreement with other studies, we found that the coping strategy ‘Fighting Spirit’ was associated with better emotional well‐being while the reverse was true for the strategies ‘Hopeless/Helplessness’ and ‘Anxious Preoccupation’. There were only minor changes over time in the average values of emotional well‐being and coping strategies, particularly among patients who at diagnosis were considered incurable. In analyses of each individual's changes of predominant coping style and whether they were categorized as cases/doubtful cases on the HAD anxiety and depression scale, marked changes were, however, seen in several patients.
SNCA, MAPT, and GSK3B in Parkinson disease: a gene–gene interaction study

Background and purpose: Recent evidence suggests that variation in the SNCA, MAPT, and GSK3B genes interacts in affecting risk for Parkinson disease (PD). In the current study, we attempt to validate previously published findings, evaluating gene–gene interactions between SNCA, MAPT, and GSK3B in association with PD.