Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The possible therapeutic role of ginger extract in the effect of chronic aluminum toxicity on rat periodontium (Histological and Immunohistochemical study)

Background: Chronic aluminum intoxication enhanced the risk for different body tissues in human and animals. Ginger administration may minimize the harmful effects of metal ions toxicity. Objective: This study has attempted to assess and compare the effects of chronic aluminum intoxication and concomitant ginger treatment on different structures of rat periodontium. Methodology: 21 adult male albino rats were divided into three equal groups: For three months; groupI received sterile 0.9% saline/day orally, groups II and III received (20mg/kg/day) aluminum chloride orally in drinking water; then, only groupIII received (150mg/kg/day) ginger oil extract orally for 4 weeks. Some of dissected mandibular halves were used for bone mineral density (BMD) measure. Other halves were decalcified and processed for H&E and immunohistochemical (using anti-CD68+ and anti-osteopontin antibodies) examination. Results: Histopathologically, groupII showed apparently decreased periodontal fibers density, wide degenerative areas and marked inflammatory infiltrates. Likewise, CD68+ was significantly expressed in giant cells in periodontal ligament (PDL) and at resorption surfaces of cementum and bone in groupII. These changes were improved in groupIII with a significant decrease of CD68+ positive cells in PDL. Cementum and bone of groupII presented significant destructive changes that were mostly restored in groupIII. Comparing to groupI, osteopontin expression in groupII significantly increased in acellular cementum(AC)>cellular cementum(CC)>bone> PDL. In comparison, this reactivity was significantly increased in bone>CC>AC in groupIII while osteopontin expression in PDL was mild but with significant increase comparing to groupI. BMD of alveolar bone was highest in groupI>groupIII>groupII with significant differences. We concluded that detrimental alterations associated with chronic Al toxicity were markedly detected in PDL>bone>CC>AC that could result in serious clinical outcomes. Ginger extract greatly ameliorated these changes in bone>CC>AC>PDL confirming its strong curative potency against aluminum associated oxidative damage thus it is indicated for use in further new therapeutic approaches.
Soft Tissue Repair in Supination-External Rotation IV Ankle Fractures

Achieving optimal functional outcomes while preventing posttraumatic ankle arthritis in patients with unstable ankle fractures remains challenging for orthopedic surgeons. The rate of syndesmotic malreduction is alarmingly high after transsyndesmotic screw fixation. The senior author introduced an alternative to transsyndesmotic screw fixation with anatomic approach to bone and ligament repair. Here we review the development of this approach and present the technique of repairing soft tissue structures in unstable ankle fractures.
Refined Asymptotics for a Block Fading Channel Under Energy Harvesting and Fixed Power Constraints

We consider a block fading additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel with perfect channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter (CSIT) and the receiver (CSIR). For a given codeword length and non-vanishing average probability of error, we obtain lower and upper bounds on the maximum transmission rate. First, we derive bounds when the transmitter has a time varying peak power constraint imposed by an energy harvesting device; such devices power many modern wireless devices. Next, using the same techniques we obtain bounds for the canonical peak and average power constraint cases. The bounds characterize the finite blocklength back-off from the channel capacity, which is in turn achieved by water-filling power allocation across time. Finally, we derive bounds on the moderate deviations constant for the block fading model. We compare the bounds numerically to bring out the efficacy of our results.
Robust Fuzzy Predictive Control for Discrete-Time Systems With Interval Time-Varying Delays and Unknown Disturbances

A robust fuzzy predictive control (RFPC) based on Takagi–Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model is proposed for systems with uncertainties, time-varying delays, unknown disturbances, as well as strong nonlinearity. First, the T-S fuzzy model is built by a number of linear submodels and nonlinear membership functions. Then, by introducing the output tracking error to this fuzzy model, the novel augmented state space model is presented to independently regulate the process state variables and output tracking error. The control law of the proposed RFPC is further designed based on this extended model, which can guarantee the process state to be fast convergent and make the process output track the set-point well. Moreover, it increases the ability of adjustment for the proposed controller. Utilizing Lyapunov–Krasovskii method, optimized control theory, and control method, the stable sufficient conditions are given for the designed control law to make sure the asymptotical stability of the nonlinear uncertain system with the time-varying delay and unknown disturbances. The gains of the controller can be obtained by solving these stabilized conditions in form of linear matrix inequality constraints. At last, a case study of continuous stirred tank reactor manifests that the proposed RFPC method can bear a larger range of time delay, overcome the uncertainties and unknown disturbances well, and have better tracking performance.
Prediction of injunctive and descriptive norms for willingness to quit smoking: The mediating role of smoking risk perception

ABSTRACT Although social norms play an important role in smoking cessation, relatively little is known about the underlying mechanisms of influence of specific social norms on willingness to quit smoking. This study aimed to test the mediated role of smoking risk perception on the relationship between social norms (injunctive norms and descriptive norms) and willingness to quit smoking. A total of 340 smokers completed questionnaires about perceived descriptive norms and injunctive norms, smoking risk perception, and willingness to quit smoking and nicotine dependence. Mediation analysis shows that (1) descriptive norms, injunctive norms, and smoking risk perception were all predictors of the willingness to quit smoking and that (2) smoking risk perception completely mediated the predictive effect of injunctive norms on willingness to quit smoking and partially mediated the predictive effect of descriptive norms on willingness to quit smoking. Overall, these findings suggest that smoking risk perception is an important underlying internal mechanisms for explaining how descriptive norms and injunctive norms respectively influence smokers’ willingness to quit smoking.
Experimental Investigations on the Tribological Performance of Electric Discharge Alloyed Ti–6Al–4V at 200–600 °C

Nowadays, the titanium alloys observe broad applicability in aerospace, marine, automobile, and bio-medical industries due to their lightweight, bio-compatibility, good fatigue strength, and corrosion resistance. However, it possesses poor tribological behavior characterized by a high coefficient of friction (CoF) and the specific wear rate (SWR). In this paper, the impact of the electrical discharge machining on the tribological properties of Ti6Al4V (Ti64) was compared before and after electrical discharge machining (EDM) using a pin-on-disk tribometer under un-lubricated and ambient temperature. Besides, ex-situ analysis was performed on the distinct pin surfaces using (i) scanning electron microscopy (SEM), (ii) energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and (iii) X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) techniques to elucidate the associated wear mechanisms. The mechanical properties such as nano-hardness and elastic modulus of the test surfaces were also determined using a nano-indenter. Significant improvement in SWR (65.44% reduction) with a passable compromise for CoF (22.5% increment) occurred during experimentation (before and after EDM) at 100 N. Besides, the wear behavior of the electrical discharge alloyed Ti64 (ETi64) was evaluated at 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C under the applied loads of 50–150 N. At 400 °C and 600 °C, the SWR initially decreased and then increased with variation in load from 50–100 N and 100–150 N, respectively. The enhanced tribo-behavior at 100 N was due to the protective influence of tribo-oxides, viz., TiO2 and Ti8O15 assisted by the hard Ti24C15 carbides in the recast layer (RL).
The effect of vanillin on the oxidative stability of palm olein

The existence of unsaturated fatty acids in palm olein contributes to the oil’s degree unsaturation and reduces the oil’s oxidative stability when it is exposed to atmospheric oxygen and heat. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of vanillin on improving the oxidative stability of palm olein. 1% of vanillin was incorporated into palm olein and the sample was heated at 90 C in an oven for 200 hours. Samples were collected at 0 hours, 50 hours, 100 hours, 150 hours and 200 hours heating prior to analysis using a thermal oxidative stability test including iodine value test, peroxide value test, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results obtained were compared with the result of palm olein without antioxidant (blank). The results showed that the presence of vanillin in palm olein reduced the autoxidation process and increased the oxidative stability of palm olein by 16.10%, 46.51% and 25.00% based on the peroxide value, absorbance of the infrared spectrum and thermogravimetric sample’s weight gain per cent, respectively.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Obesity in Children Aged 2 - 12 Years in the Abu Dhabi Islands

Background: The prevalence of childhood obesity has grown at an alarming rate worldwide over the last few decades. The negative health outcomes of obesity, including the increased risk of non-communicable disease, morbidity, mortality, and the cost of health services, make this condition a major public health problem. Aim: To measure the prevalence and risk factors of obesity in children aged 2–12 years in the Abu Dhabi Islands, United Arab Emirates. Methods: A questionnaire was submitted to 274 mothers with children aged 2–12 years at 2 governmental ambulatory health care centers in Abu Dhabi. This cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2014 and January 2015. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the study population was found to be 32.8% overall (15.3% and 17.5%, respectively). In the study population, 59.1% were of normal weight and 8% were underweight. The prevalence of childhood obesity was found to be higher among UAE nationals than non-UAE-nationals (22.2% vs. 10.4%; p = 0.016). We observed a statistically significant relationship between obesity and child age (p = 0.001), with 6.2% of children aged 2–4 years being obese compared to 29.2% of children aged 11–12 years. Parents of the obese children underestimated the problem. We found that in 84% of normal weight children, their parents perceived them as having a normal weight. By comparison, only 16% of obese children were perceived by their parents as obese. This difference is statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children is increasing in the UAE, especially among UAE nationals. Moreover, obesity increases with age, and children who are obese in the first years of their life will stay obese in their late childhood. Most parents of obese children fail to perceive their children as obese.
Numerical Investigation of Parametric Frequency Dependence in the Modeling of Octave-Spanning Kerr Frequency Combs

A generalized Lugiato-Lefever equation in frequency domain for the modeling of Kerr frequency combs, including full-order frequency dependence of all parameters, is derived and solved without sacrifice of computational time. The proposed model shows high accuracy and efficiency in simulations, agreeing well with previous reports. Based on the proposed model, the influence of parametric frequency dependence is systemically investigated by generating octave-spanning combs in a silicon-nitride micro-ring-resonator with an air slot. The device is dispersion-tailored for broadband comb generation, and its parameters are strongly dependent on frequency. When considering three kinds of parametric influence separately, we reach the following conclusions. The frequency dependent propagation constant determines whether the dispersive wave is generated, matching well with the phase-matching condition. Besides, the frequency dependence of effective area and nonlinear refractive index can both introduce spectral blue-shift. Combining full-order frequency dependence of the three parameters together, a dispersive wave sideband emerges and this phenomenon has never been reported. Our work reveals that full-order frequency dependence of all parameters can be considered with high computational efficiency, which enables precise prediction of dispersive wave frequency for f-2f self-referencing and opens up more reliable avenues for the understanding of Kerr frequency comb generation, especially octave-spanning cases.
Role of Milrinone on Oxygen Index in Babies Ventilated for Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Najmus Saqib1*, Mahvish Qazi2, Narayanappa3, Srinivasamurty Doreswami3 1Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, SKIMS Soura Srinagar Kashmir, India 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SKIMS Soura Srinagar Kashmir, India 3JSS Medical College, Mysore, Karnataka, India Submission: January 23, 2017; Published: February 20, 2017 *Corresponding author: Dr. Najmus Saqib, Senior Resident, Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, SKIMS Soura Srinagar, India, Tel: Email:
Joint line restoration in total knee arthroplasty

Total knee Arthroplasty is the most common and successful surgery world wide. Foundation of TKA is based on three pillars soft tissue balancing, bone cuts and cementing. All these factors are equally important and mistake at any level will lead to failure. We here would like to add the fourth pillar 'Joint line Restoration' for successful TKA.
A community nitrogen footprint analysis of Baltimore City, Maryland

The nitrogen footprint tool (NFT) provides a novel way for communities to understand the environmental impacts of their collective activities and consumption. Reactive nitrogen (Nr; all N species except N2) is created by the Haber–Bosch process for food production and as a by-product of fossil fuel combustion and two natural processes, biological nitrogen fixation and lightning. While it is a vital input for food production, too much Nr has a negative effect on the environment. Calculating the amount of Nr released to the environment as a result of an entity’s resource consumption is the first step in reducing those Nr losses. The nitrogen (N) footprint method has previously taken this approach at the personal and institution scale. In this study, the approach is extended, for the first time, to the spatial patterns of the community nitrogen footprint within a large city, through the integration of diverse geographic information to calculate the N footprint distribution within the City of Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The total N footprint of Baltimore City was ∼19 000 MT N or 30 kg N per capita in 2016, dominated by the food production sector (73%), followed by the energy and transportation sectors (15% combined). There was geographic variability among census block groups’ per capita N footprint within Baltimore City; driven primarily by economic and development factors. Several management scenarios were assessed to better understand what actions may reduce the Baltimore N footprint at the city and community scale over time. The study explored the effect and efficacy of reducing meat consumption based on differences in city consumption patterns, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, and reducing electricity consumption on the city’s total N footprint. The model for the Baltimore City N footprint calculation can be applied to other communities in the United States at the spatial grain of the census block group or any country with this level of data to provide an indicator of nitrogen sustainability.
Effect of graphene on the properties of flax fabric reinforced epoxy composites

The effect of graphene as the matrix strengthener in fiber reinforced polymer composites was studied for the improvement of several properties of flax/epoxy composites. Physical and mechanical characteristics of the hybrid composite along with flammability and water absorption properties are thoroughly studied for varied quantities of graphene added to the epoxy resin. The modified epoxy resin was infused on the flax fabric using vacuum resin infusion technique. The presence of graphene in flax/epoxy composites was found to act as a flame retardant and the flammability is found to decrease with increase in graphene content. The water absorption rate was also reduced significantly to 0.1 wt% of graphene. The tensile and flexural strengths of the composites increased by 61% and 71% at 0.1 wt% of graphene but reduced for higher addition of graphene. Fractography reveals that the main mechanisms of failure were matrix fracture and interfacial debonding, predominant for higher graphene content.
Chorus Acceleration of Relativistic Electrons in Extremely Low L‐Shell During Geomagnetic Storm of August 2018

Based on data from the Van Allen Probes and ZH‐1 satellites, relativistic electron enhancements in extremely low L‐shell regions (reaching L∼3 ) were observed during August 2018 major geomagnetic storm (minimum Dst≈−190 nT). Contrary to what occurs in the outer belt, such an intense and deep electron penetration event is rare and more interesting. Strong whistler‐mode (chorus and hiss) waves, with amplitudes 81–126 pT, were also observed in the extremely low L‐shell simultaneously (reaching L∼2.5 ) where the plasmapause was suppressed. The bounce‐averaged diffusion coefficient calculations support that the chorus waves can play a significantly important role in diffusing and accelerating the 1–3 MeV electrons even in such low L‐shells during storms. This is the first time that the electron acceleration induced by chorus waves in the extremely low L‐shell region is reported. This new finding will help to deeply understand the electron acceleration process in radiation belt physics.
Mitigating temporal mismatches in forensic soil microbial profiles

ABSTRACT Forensic implementation of soil bacterial DNA profiling is limited by the potential for temporal mismatch of DNA profiles, e.g. after storage or seasonal changes. We compared profiles of samples retrieved at one location over 14 years after air-drying, freeze-drying and –80 °C freezing storage. Sample mismatch in freeze-dried and air-dried samples was significant after two years and continued to increase yearly, whereas profiles after –80 °C freezing remained unchanged for many years. In an attempt to mitigate inter-seasonal temporal mismatches, e.g. when months pass between crime and seizure of evidence, soils sampled in winter and summer were exposed to artificial ‘summer’ and ‘winter’ conditions, respectively, and their DNA profiles were compared. Differences were small between soil types, larger between seasons and largest between ‘natural’ and ‘artificial’ seasons. Understanding sources of temporal variations is critical for storage of forensics samples and for developing mitigation procedures that could help overcome these time-induced limitations.
Expression Patterns of Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 in Hibernating Anatolian Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus Xanthoprymnus) Gastrointestinal Tract

Hibernasyon, besinin az oldugu veya hic olmadigi uzun sureli aclik ile karakterize olan durumlarda hayatta kalma adaptasyonudur. Uzun sureli aclik β-galaktozil baglayan galektinler de dahil olmak uzere bir cok proteinin ekspresyonunu etkileyebilir. Galektinler, β-galaktozil baglayan proteinlerdir. Hibernasyonda Galektin-1 ve -3 (Gal-1 ve-3)’un ekspresyonuna iliskin herhangi bir veri bulunmamaktadir. Bu calismada hibernasyondaki Anadolu yer sincabi (Spermophilus xanthoprymnus) gastrointestinal kanalinda Gal-1 ve 3’un ekspresyonunun incelenmesi amaclanmistir. Hem gastrik lamina propria hem de ince bagirsagin villoz bag dokusundaki bazi hucrelerde yogun Gal-1 immun boyanmasi gozlendi. Gastrointestinal kanalin butun bolumlerindeki damar duvarlari, lamina muskularis ve tunika muskularisindeki duz kaslarda yogun Gal-1 ekspresyonu gozlendi. Ayrica kolon ve sekumda kript epiteli etrafindaki bazi bag dokusu hucrelerinde de yogun Gal-1 immunoreaksiyonu belirlendi. Gastrik foveoler epitel hucreleri orta derecede nukleer ve intrasitoplazmik Gal-3 immun reaksiyon gosterdi. Duodenum ve ileumun villoz epitel hucrelerinde Gal-3 immun boyamasi tespit edildi. Ayrica, kolon ve sekumdaki kriptlerin yuzey epitel hucrelerinde yogun Gal-3 boyanmasi goruldu. Sonuc olarak hibernasyon surecinde gastrointestinal kanaldaki hem Gal-1 hem de Gal-3 ekspresyonu hibernasyona yatmayan turlerle benzerdi. Gastrointestinal kanal bolumlerinde Gal-1 ekspresyonu acisindan farklilik gozlenmezken, Gal-3 ekspresyonu diger gastrointestinal bolumlere nazaran kalin bagisak epitelinde daha yogundu.
Serum Leptin Level among School Children with Atopic Dermatitis

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The pathogenesis of AD is still not fully understood. The association between obesity and AD suggests a potential role for adipocytes hormones, mainly leptin, which had variable immunological functions. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess serum leptin concentrations in children with AD and to evaluate the relationship between serum leptin levels and various demographic and clinical parameters. Material and Methods: A case control study included 90 school age children (54 cases and 36 controls) conducted at Al-Azhar University Hospital (New Damietta), from January 2016 to April 2017. The diagnosis of AD was based on ISAAC questionnaire. Enrolled children completed scoring of severity of AD (SCORAD), blood tests for total IgE, eosinophil counts. Serum leptin was measured by ELIZA. Results: There was no significant difference between cases and controls as regard age, sex and BMI. Serum leptin was significantly (P=0.015) higher among patients than healthy control. This difference was apparent between both boys (P=0.043) and girls (P=0.026). In addition, serum leptin was significantly higher among atopic girls (P=0.017) than boys. Regarding type of AD, there was no significant difference between patients with intrinsic AD and patients with extrinsic AD considering variable clinical parameters. Serum leptin was higher among intrinsic AD patients but it was not significant (P=0.062). Correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlation between leptin and total IgE (P=0.004). Also, non-significant negative correlation between serum leptin level and SCORAD value (P=0.062). Conclusion: There was significant association between serum leptin levels and atopic dermatitis, which was apparent among both atopic boys and girls. However, serum leptin was significantly higher among atopic girls than boys. Thus, leptin might play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. The tendency of leptin to increase among girls and with intrinsic AD suggests complex pathological mechanisms.