Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of rhBMP-2 loaded PCL/PLGA/β-TCP guided bone regeneration membrane fabricated by 3D printing technology for reconstruction of calvaria defects in rabbit

We successfully fabricated a three-dimensional (3D) printing-based PCL/PLGA/β-TCP guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane that slowly released rhBMP-2. To impregnate the GBR membrane with intact rhBMP-2, collagen solution encapsulating rhBMP-2 (5 µg ml−1) was infused into pores of a PCL/PLGA/β-TCP membrane constructed using a 3D printing system with four dispensing heads. In a release profile test, sustained release of rhBMP-2 was observed for up to 28 d. To investigate the efficacy of the GBR membrane on bone regeneration, PCL/PLGA/β-TCP membranes with or without rhBMP-2 were implanted in an 8 mm calvaria defect of rabbits. Bone formation was evaluated at weeks 4 and 8 histologically and histomorphometrically. A space making ability of the GBR membrane was successfully maintained in both groups, and significantly more new bone was formed at post-implantation weeks 4 and 8 by rhBMP-2 loaded GBR membranes. Interestingly, implantation with rhBMP-2 loaded GBR membranes led to almost entire healing of calvaria defects within 8 weeks.
Thymus-Derived Regulatory T Cells Infiltrate the Cardiac Allograft Before Rejection

Background FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) either originate in the thymus (natural [n]Treg) or are induced in the periphery by antigen exposure and cytokines (induced [i]Treg). It is currently not elucidated which and to what extent these Treg subsets regulate intracardiac allogeneic responses in transplant patients. Methods By using demethylation of the Treg-specific demethylated region in the FOXP3 gene as a marker for nTreg and FOXP3 messenger RNA expression as a marker for the total Treg population, we examined Treg in endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) of both patients who developed an acute rejection necessitating therapy (rejectors; International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation rejection grade ≥ 2R) and patients who remained free from rejection (nonrejectors). Results In the presence of comparable messenger RNA levels of CD3, IL-10, TGF&bgr;, IL2, IFN&ggr;, and IL17A, the percentage of nTreg was significantly higher in EMB with histological signs of mild rejection (rejection grade 1R) collected before rejection than in 1R EMB of nonrejectors. The total Treg population was comparable in 1R EMB of nonrejectors and 1R EMB collected before rejection, which suggests the presence of iTreg in the EMB of nonrejectors. The relative high percentage of nTreg after rejection was not related to the number of rejections, whereas the total Treg population was inversely related to the number of rejections the first year after transplantation. Conclusions Our data indicate that intragraft nTreg are unable to restrain alloreactivity leading to rejection. Moreover, the indirect evidence of the presence of intragraft iTreg suggests a possible role of iTreg in the regulation of alloreactivity.
Instability of a transverse liquid rivulet on an inclined plane

This work concentrates on the stability of a viscous liquid rivulet positioned across an inclined plane under partial wetting conditions. The study is performed within the framework of lubrication approximation by employing a slip model. Both normal and parallel components of gravity are considered. We find the stability regions for given area of the cross section of the rivulet, A, plane inclination angle, α, and static contact angle, θ0, characterizing the wettability of the substrate. For α’s smaller than some critical angle, α*, a static solution exists. This solution is characterized by rear/front contact angles given by θ0 ± δ. The linear stability analysis of this solution is performed using an efficient pseudo-spectral Chebyshev method. We analyze the effects of A, θ0, and α on the predictions of the model, such as the dominant wavelength, the maximum growth rate, and the behavior of the most unstable perturbation mode. To verify them, we also carry out experiments with silicone oils spreading on .
Planar versus SPET imaging in the assessment of condylar growth

The aim of this study was to compare two methods of quantifying 99Tcm-methylene diphosphonate uptake in the mandibular condyle. The study groups consisted of 23 patients with mandibular asymmetry and 16 normal volunteers aged 10-30 years. The accuracy and reproducibility of SPET using condyle-to-clivus ratios was compared with planar analysis using condyle-to-L4 (fourth lumbar vertebra) ratios. Quantitative analysis was correlated with semi-quantitative grading by three observers. Normal ranges for condyle-to-L4 and condyle-to-clivus ratios in individuals aged 11 years or over were determined. These ratios are useful in the serial monitoring of patients with condylar hyperplasia to establish when condylar growth has ceased and hence the type of surgery performed. Visual interpretation of condylar activity should use a combination of planar and SPET images and be performed in conjunction with quantitative analysis. Semi-quantitative grading on SPET images detected more subtle differences in condylar activity than planar images (using quantitative analysis as a standard).
Tag constructions: structure and function in child discourse

ABSTRACT A distinction has been drawn between tag questions which occur within the same temporally defined turn and those in a second turn by the same speaker. A TAG CONSTRUCTION has been defined as a MATRIX CLAUSE (any syntax) and a TAG FORM (reduced interrogative in elliptical constructions; or interrogative expression in stereotypical constructions) produced WITHIN THE SAME TURN. The discoursal functions of tag constructions include requests for information, agreement, permission, compliance, responsiveness and attention. Although stereotypical tag constructions emerge earlier in development than elliptical tag constructions, from the beginning stereotypical tag constructions perform the same discoursal functions as the grammatically more complex elliptical constructions as well as additional ones. Tag constructions are less effective than canonical questions in obtaining turn transfers. This relative ineffectiveness may be due to either the post-positioned clearance signal or the fact that the listener feels less compelled to respond when the speaker seems to have an expectation as to what the response to the request should be.
Cell division modulates prion accumulation in cultured cells

The phenotypic effect of prions on host cells is influenced by the physical properties of the prion strain and its level of accumulation. In mammalian cell cultures, prion accumulation is determined by the interplay between de novo prion formation, catabolism, cell division, and horizontal cell-to-cell transmission. Understanding this dynamic enables the analytical modeling of protein-based heritability and infectivity. Here, we quantitatively measured these competing effects in a subline of neuroblastoma (N2a) cells and propose a concordant reaction mechanism to explain the kinetics of prion propagation. Our results show that cell division leads to a predictable reduction in steady-state prion levels but not to complete clearance. Scrapie-infected N2a cells were capable of accumulating different steady-state levels of prions, dictated partly by the rate of cell division. We also show that prions in this subline of N2a cells are transmitted primarily from mother to daughter cells, rather than horizontal cell-to-cell transmission. We quantitatively modeled our kinetic results based on a mechanism that assumes a subpopulation of prions is capable of self-catalysis, and the levels of this subpopulation reach saturation in fully infected cells. Our results suggest that the apparent effectiveness of antiprion compounds in culture may be strongly influenced by the growth phase of the target cells.
The Use of Between-Methods Triangulation in Cancer Nursing Research: A CASE STUDY EXAMINING INFORMATION SOURCES FOR PARTNERS OF WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER

This article describes between-methods triangulation—the combination of research strategies using different methods—and illustrates its use in cancer nursing research by outlining a case study, which identified the information sources for partners of women with breast cancer. By combining both qualitative and quantitative data, the study was found to possess good convergent validity. Between-methods triangulation also provided a more complete picture of the topic of inquiry than that supplied by either method alone. It is a useful strategy for identifying the information sources for partners of women with breast cancer and its use is encouraged in cancer nursing research.
Interactions Between Dendritic Cells and Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells Lead to an Activation of Both Populations

Dendritic cells (DCs) are major antigen-presenting cells. They are capable of capturing and processing tumor antigens, expressing lymphocyte costimulatory molecules, and secreting cytokines to initiate immune responses. Here, the authors tested the effect of cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, a population that includes CD3 + CD56 + cells (natural killer T cells), with regard to their capacity to immunomodulate DCs. Cytokine-induced killer cells were cocultured with autologous DCs generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Expression of markers typical for both populations was measured using flow cytometry, and secretion of interleukin (IL)-12 was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Cytotoxicity assays were performed to investigate the role of IL-12 and the importance of cell–cell interactions. Considering this, receptors for IL-12 and CD40 were blocked and cocultures were performed with cell culture inserts. Coculture of CIK cells led to a significant increase of DC-specific, costimulatory, and antigen-presenting molecules in DC cultures. In addition, coculture resulted in a dramatically increase of IL-12 secretion by DCs and to a significant increase in cytotoxic activity of CIK cells toward carcinoma cells. Blockage of IL-12 uptake decreased the cytolytic activity of CIK cells. Cytokine secretion was shown to be important for activation of CIK cells, and also cellular interactions between DCs and effector cells caused a higher cytolytic capacity. Interactions between DCs and CIK cells caused changes in the surface molecule expression of both populations, led to an increase of IL-12 secretion, and rendered an improved cytotoxic activity. The natural killer T cell subpopulation seems to be responsible for this effect. Therefore, coculture of DCs with CIK cells may have a major impact on immunotherapeutic protocols for patients with cancer.
Familial factors confound the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and young adult offspring overweight.

BACKGROUND Smoking during pregnancy has been shown to increase the risks of several adverse birth outcomes. Associations with overweight and/or obesity in the offspring have also been suggested. We aim to investigate whether familial factors confound the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and overweight in early adulthood in young Swedish males born 1983-88. METHODS In a population-based Swedish cohort comprising 124 203 singleton males born to Nordic mothers between 1983 and 1988, we examined the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and the risk of overweight in the offspring at age ∼18 years. We also investigated the association within siblings, controlling for common genes and shared environment. RESULTS In the cohort analyses, the risk of overweight was increased in sons of smoking mothers compared with sons of non-smokers: adjusted odds ratios 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-1.49, and 1.56, 95% CI 1.46-1.66, for one to nine cigarettes per day, and >10 cigarettes per day, respectively. Stratifying for maternal smoking habits across two subsequent male pregnancies, there was an increased risk of overweight for the second son only if the mother was smoking in both male pregnancies. The effect of smoking during pregnancy on the offspring's body mass index was not present when the association was evaluated within full and half sibling pairs. CONCLUSION The association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring's risk of overweight appears to be confounded by familial factors.
Ultrasonographic Examination of the Normal and Diseased Equine Pelvis

A technique was devised to map the normal equine pelvis using ultrasonography, validated by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and frozen cadaver slices. A reference range was developed of measurements for each structure imaged. This technique was then used to diagnose fractures, hematomas, subluxations, and ligament damage in 25 clinical cases of lameness referable to the pelvis. Authors’ address: Department of Clinical and Population Sciences, 225k Veterinary Teaching Hospitals, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108. © 2000 AAEP.
Intraperitoneal murine alveolar hydatidosis: relationship between the size of the larval cyst mass, immigrant inflammatory cells, splenomegaly and thymus involution.

Both phagocytic and nonphagocytic inflammatory cells infiltrate the peritoneal cavity of mice infected intraperitoneally with Echinococcus multilocularis cysts. A longitudinal study on the kinetics of peritoneal leukocytosis at 3 days, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 14 weeks postinfection revealed that the restrictive and progressive growth phases of the alveolar hydatid cyst correspond sharply with the increasing and decreasing levels of peritoneal cells, respectively. The restrictive phase is characterized by the progressive peritoneal accumulation of lymphocytes, monocytoid cells and eosinophils. Between 6 and 14 weeks p.i. , the alveolar cyst increased in weight 30 fold. This phase was associated with peritoneal neutrophilia, splenomegaly, involution of the thymus and a significant decline in the extravasated lymphocytes, monocytoid cells and eosinophils. These results in conjunction with our previous studies indicate that host's hydatid immunosurveillance is compromised as a result of profound immunopathologic disorders during the progressive growth phase of the alveolar cyst. In order to understand the prolonged survival of alveolar cyst, further investigation of inflammatory cell-cyst interactions is indicated.
The Hearing Aid Revolution: Fact or Fiction?

Objective – To present the experiences of consumers with traditional hearing aids (T-HAs) and digital signal processing hearing aids (DSP-HAs) during the period 1999–2001, based on data obtained from an ongoing quality assurance programme. Material and Methods – A questionnaire is mailed to subjects fitted with HAs 3–4 months after the fitting, and includes questions concerning satisfaction with the HA, frequency of use of the HA, ability to manipulate the HA, satisfaction with the overall services of the department and need (if any) for additional appointments. Results – The response rate was 69.5%, and thus information was obtained from 14 325 subjects (44.9% male, 55.1% female; median age 72 years; range 18–97 years). Of the respondents, 7983 (55.7%) had been provided with T-HAs and 6342 (44.3%) with DSP-HAs. The results of the questionnaire were as follows: 71.4% of those fitted with a T-HA were very satisfied/satisfied with it, compared to 68.1% with a DSP-HA (p<0.05); 91.6% and 89.1%, respectively used their HA daily/weekly (p<0.05); 80.5% and 82.2%, respectively, were able to manipulate their HA; 96.2% and 97.3%, respectively were satisfied with the overall services of the department; and 32.5% and 48.5%, respectively, indicated a need for an additional appointment (p<0.05). A comparison between high- and low-cost DSP-HAs showed that 68.4% and 68.2%, respectively were very satisfied/satisfied with their HA (p=NS). Conclusions – According to consumers the “HA revolution” has failed to materialize; the significantly higher proportion of subjects with DSP-HAs who need an additional appointment represents a heavy burden on the hearing health services. The lack of a difference between the benefits obtained with low- and high-cost DSP-HAs emphasizes the need for appropriately designed and performed trials before new HA technology is launched.
The Polysaccharide from the Seaweed Sargassum Graminifolium and its Effect on Calcium Oxalate Crystallization based on Determination of Electrical Conductivity

The effect of sulfate polysaccharide (SGP) isolated from the seaweed Sargassum graminifolium on the growth of urinary crystal calcium oxalate ( CaOx ) was investigated by means of Electrical conductivity. The results showed that adding solution of SGP can inhibit on CaOx crystallization under the same temperature and pH of supersaturated solution. Moreover, increasing concentrations of SGP resulted in increased inhibiting effect on CaOx crystallization. Compared with control conditions, both SGP and trisodium citrate significantly inhibited CaOx crystallization. As we all known, trisodium citrate is used for treating and preventing urine stone. SGP contained carboxyl and hydroxyl and sulfuric acid medium through the analysis of infrared spectrum, which provided that chemical foundation for the inhibition of CaOx. These results suggest that SGP could be a candidate for treating urinary stones because of its ability to inhibit calcium oxalate crystallization properties. KEYWORD: Electrical conductivity; Sargassum graminifolium; polysaccharide; Infrared spectroscopy; calcium oxalate crystallization
Reengineering Legacy to Modern ( RL 2 M ) System with One Time Checker ( OTC ) for Information System Evolution

The prime focus of the information system evolution process is the aggrandize productivity and quality of the various components of the system. The evolution process is always challenging as it leads to an increase in overall complexity especially when the system changes are mostly confined to part of it. In this respect to improve efficiency and decrease complexity, we propose a Reengineering model namely Reengineering Legacy to Modern (RL2M) system. In this proposed work, reengineering technique is implied to demonstrate how modern system can be obtained by converting a legacy system or application. This approach is developed to impose the dynamic program slicing as a method, which is basically used for simplifying programs by focusing on selected aspects of semantics. It also influences the value of the variable occurrence for a specific program input. The intermediate outcome of RL2M is to compute the dynamic slices for the legacy system. The obtained slices would be converted to a new system which is further integrated to a Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) application. In several VLSI applications, the integration could be more tedious by mapping the entire system components. In this proposed approach, a wrapper is created which acts as a common interface that would be linked with the legacy system for effective conversion. During reengineering, all the legacy systems are not compatible with the new system, which leads to inaccuracy. To avoid the issues of reengineering, we propose a method named One Time Checker (OTC) for legacy system conversion. Before the implementation of the migrated system, the converting system enters into OTC which is easily integrated with any reengineering approach. The main advantage of this proposed work is the OTC can be integrated with any reengineering process and it is virtual to end user with respect to the application. Key-words: System evolution, legacy system, re engineering, dynamic slicing, wrapper, VLSI.
Further Aspects of Lymphosarcoma in Xenopus (The South African Clawed

sarcoma.s in Triturus cristatus, and the experiments result ing in the induction of lymphosarcoma in Xenopus laevi@ laevis (2) have a number of similarities. Methylchol anth.rene as carcinogen and urethan as anesthetic are common features of these experiments, but whereas spontaneous lymphoid tumors are known in Xenopus, none have yet been reported in Triturus (1). Thus, the role of urethan in Leone's experiments would seem to have been cocarcinogenic, whereas in the Xenopus experi ments the tumor-augmenting property of urethan (14) may have played a part. The first part of this article is about two groups of experiments designed to test the role of urethan in carcinogenesis in Xenopus. Both spontaneouslyand chemically-induced lympho sarcomas have been found to be readily transplantable by homografting tumor fragments (3, 9) ; the implantation of histologically normal tissues has also led to lymphosar coma formation in Xenopus (5). The second part of the article deals with experiments involving the transfer of histologically-normal tissues from tumor-bearing animals, and the transfer of tumors to Xenopus tadpoles or to the eyes of adult Xenopus.
Multi-scale Image Denoising via a Regularization Method

Image restoration is a widely studied problem in the field of image processing. Although the existing image restoration methods based on denoising regularization have shown relatively well performance, image restoration methods for different features of unknown images have not been proposed. Since images have different features, it seems necessary to adopt different priori regular terms for different features. In this paper, we propose a multiscale image regularization denoising framework that can simultaneously perform two or more denoising prior regularization terms to better obtain the overall image restoration results. We use the alternating direction multiplier method (ADMM) to optimize the model and combine multiple denoising algorithms for extensive image deblurring and image super-resolution experiments, and our algorithm shows better performance compared to the existing state-of-the-art image restoration methods.
Multilocus analysis of the evolutionary dynamics of rainforest bird populations in Southeast Asia

Sundaland has a dynamic geographic history because its landmasses were periodically interconnected when sea levels fell during glacial periods. Superimposed on this geographic dynamism were environmental changes related to climatic oscillations. To investigate how tropical taxa responded to such changes, we studied the divergence and demographic history of two co‐distributed rainforest passerine species, Arachnothera longirostra and Malacocincla malaccensis. We sampled birds primarily from Borneo and the Malay Peninsula, which straddle the now‐submerged Sunda shelf, and analysed multilocus DNA data with a variety of coalescent and gene genealogy methods. Cross‐shelf divergence in both species occurred well before the last glacial maximum, i.e., before the most recent land connection. However, post‐divergence gene flow occurred, and it was more pronounced in A. longirostra (a highly vagile nectarivore/insectivore) than in M. malaccensis (an understory insectivore). Despite current habitat continuity on Borneo, the population of M. malaccensis in northeastern Borneo is substantially divergent from that on the rest of the island. The NE population experienced dramatic demographic fluctuations, probably because of competition with the other population, which expanded from western Borneo after the mid‐Pleistocene. In contrast, the Borneo population of A. longirostra has little structure and appears to have experienced demographic expansion 16 kya, long after it had diverged from the Malay Peninsula population (630–690 kya). Malay Peninsula populations of both species have remained relatively stable. Overall, the most recent glacial period was not the chief determinant of the evolutionary dynamics of our study species, and in this respect, they are different from temperate species.