Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of chlorhexidine 0.05% with the adjunct of fluoride 0.05% in the inhibition of plaque formation: a double blind, crossover, plaque regrowth study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mouthrinses containing 0.05% chlorhexidine + 0.05% fluoride solution on early dental plaque regrowth. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty periodontally healthy subjects were included in the study. A crossover 4-day plaque regrowth protocol was adopted. The test product was initially used in 15 patients, while a placebo was administered to the other 15 patients. Then, after a washout period, each patient used the other product. No other oral hygiene manoeuvre was allowed. Full-mouth plaque and bleeding scores (FMPS and FMBS) were evaluated at baseline and after 4 days. RESULTS All subjects completed the study. The mean age was 27 ± 8.4 years. Five patients were smokers with a mean daily consumption of 1 ± 2.5 cigarettes. FMPS at baseline was 8.0 ± 4.4 for control group and 7.9 ± 3.8 for test group, without significant difference. After the 4-day plaque regrowth the mean FMPS significantly increased to 31.9 ± 16.5 and 36.3 ± 16.1 for control and test group, respectively (no significant difference between the two groups). CONCLUSIONS The test product was safe and well tolerated by subjects. The similar outcomes of the two experimental groups suggest that the two products have an equivalent effect on early dental plaque regrowth. Studies with longer follow-up are needed to clarify whether there is a beneficial long-term effect of daily rinses with the tested solution.
Design and analysis for reliable broadcast transmission in energy harvesting networks

In this paper, we study the reliable broadcast transmission in energy harvesting networks. In addition to employ the erasure-based coding scheme to cope with the packet loss, we deal with the main challenge posed to a reliable transmission in energy harvesting networks: energy deficiency. It refers that the energy harvesting node cannot work when its battery is exhausted. Hence, we take both transmission error and energy deficiency into account and propose a theoretical analysis and a system design for reliable broadcast transmissions. We also investigate the performance trade-off between reliability and throughput. For different requirements, we propose the reliability-first policy and the throughput-first policy to determine the system parameters.
A novel Iterative algorithm to text segmentation for web born-digital images

Since web born-digital images have low resolution and dense text atoms, text region over-merging and miss detection are still two open issues to be addressed. In this paper a novel iterative algorithm is proposed to locate and segment text regions. In each iteration, the candidate text regions are generated by detecting Maximally Stable Extremal Region (MSER) with diminishing thresholds, and categorized into different groups based on a new similarity graph, and the texted region groups are identified by applying several features and rules. With our proposed overlap checking method the final well-segmented text regions are selected from these groups in all iterations. Experiments have been carried out on the web born-digital image datasets used for robust reading competition in ICDAR 2011 and 2013, and the results demonstrate that our proposed scheme can significantly reduce both the number of over-merge regions and the lost rate of target atoms, and the overall performance outperforms the best compared with the methods shown in the two competitions in term of recall rate and f-score at the cost of slightly higher computational complexity.
D Roadmapping in neuroendovascular procedures – an evaluation

The biggest drawback of 2D roadmapping is the fact that this technique requires the acquisition of images and injection of the iodinated contrast every time the C-arm is rotated. Observation from multiple viewing angles is not possible, since 2D roadmapping is based on a static projection. During treatment, however, the advancement of the endovascular material has to be checked from multiple angles. This means that additional imaging is required every time the viewing angle is altered, resulting in an increase in the volume of contrast agent and X-ray dosage.
Suppression of TNF-α induced NFκB activity by gallic acid and its semi-synthetic esters: possible role in cancer chemoprevention

Gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid), found in many plants either in free-form or part of tannins, is known to possess anti-microbial, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. NFκB regulates the expression of several genes involved in carcinogenesis. These include anti-apoptotic, cytokines and cell cycle-regulatory genes. It is well established that the transcriptional factor NFκB is deregulated in many forms of cancer. Thus, agents that can suppress NFκB activation have the potential of suppressing carcinogenesis. In the present investigation, gallic acid was isolated from Alchornea glandulosa (Euphorbiaceae) and eight esters were synthesised. These compounds were evaluated against TNF-α-induced NFκB activation with stably transfected 293/NFκB-Luc human embryonic kidney cells. Gallates with IC 50 values in a range of 10–56 µM mediated inhibitory activity higher than gallic acid (IC 50 76.0 ± 4.9 µM). In addition to inhibiting NFκB activation, gallic acid mediated a modest cytotoxic effect, and some of the gallates affected cell viability at the tested concentrations. Based on these results, suppression of NFκB activation by gallate esters could play a chemopreventive role in carcinogenesis.
Performance of handheld electrocardiogram devices to detect atrial fibrillation in a cardiology and geriatric ward setting

Aims To determine the usability, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of two handheld single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) devices for atrial fibrillation (AF) screening in a hospital population with an increased risk for AF. Methods and results Hospitalized patients (n = 445) at cardiological or geriatric wards were screened for AF by two handheld ECG devices (MyDiagnostick and AliveCor). The performance of the automated algorithm of each device was evaluated against a full 12-lead or 6-lead ECG recording. All ECGs and monitor tracings were also independently reviewed in a blinded fashion by two electrophysiologists. Time investments by nurses and physicians were tracked and used to estimate cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies. Handheld recordings were not possible in 7 and 21.4% of cardiology and geriatric patients, respectively, because they were not able to hold the devices properly. Even after the exclusion of patients with an implanted device, sensitivity and specificity of the automated algorithms were suboptimal (Cardiology: 81.8 and 94.2%, respectively, for MyDiagnostick; 54.5 and 97.5%, respectively, for AliveCor; Geriatrics: 89.5 and 95.7%, respectively, for MyDiagnostick; 78.9 and 97.9%, respectively, for AliveCor). A scenario based on automated AliveCor evaluation in patients without AF history and without an implanted device proved to be the most cost-effective method, with a provider cost to identify one new AF patient of &OV0556;193 and &OV0556;82 at cardiology and geriatrics, respectively. The cost to detect one preventable stroke per year would be &OV0556;7535 and &OV0556;1916, respectively (based on average CHA2DS2-VASc of 3.9 ± 2.0 and 5.0 ± 1.5, respectively). Manual interpretation increases sensitivity, but decreases specificity, doubling the cost per detected patient, but remains cheaper than sole 12-lead ECG screening. Conclusion Using AliveCor or MyDiagnostick handheld recorders requires a structured screening strategy to be effective and cost-effective in a hospital setting. It must exclude patients with implanted devices and known AF, and requires targeted additional 12-lead ECGs to optimize specificity. Under these circumstances, the expenses per diagnosed new AF patient and preventable stroke are reasonable.
A Neural Model of Moral Decisions

In this paper a neural model of moral decisions is proposed. It is based on the fact, supported by neuroimaging studies as well as theoretical analysis, that moral behavior is supported by brain circuits engaged more generally in emotional responses and in decision making. The model has two components, the first is composed by artificial counterpart of the orbitofrontal cortex, connected with sensorial cortical sheets and with the ventral striatum, the second by the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, that evaluate representations of values from the orbitofrontal cortex, comparing with negative values, encoded in the amygdala. The model is embedded in a simple environmental context, in which it learns that certain actions, although potentially rewarding, are morally forbidden.
Analysis of Clustered and Longitudinal Binary Data Subject to Response Misclassification

Summary. Misclassified clustered and longitudinal data arise in studies where the response indicates a condition identified through an imperfect diagnostic procedure. Examples include longitudinal studies that use an imperfect diagnostic test to assess whether or not an individual has been infected with a specific virus. This article presents methods to implement both population‐averaged and cluster‐specific analyses of such data when the misclassification rates are known. The methods exploit the fact that the class of generalized linear models enjoys a closure property in the case of misclassified responses. Data from longitudinal studies of infectious disease will illustrate the findings.
Irregular Repeat-Accumulate Lattice Network Codes for Two-Way Relay Channels

We propose and design a lattice coded physical- layer network coding (PNC) over a finite complex number field Z[&#969;]/&#958;Z[&#969;] in a two-way relay channel (TWRC). In our design, we construct the lattice codes from an irregular repeat- accumulate (IRA) code over GF(q). A randomly generated coset is employed to our scheme to ensure that the codes exhibit permutation invariance and symmetric properties. In a TWRC, two users employ the same lattice codebook and use the same transmit power. The relay attempts to decode the lattice coded network codes of the two users' messages by using an iterative belief propagation decoder and then broadcasts the lattice network coded messages back to both users. We use extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) charts to analyse the convergence behaviour and optimise the decoding threshold. Our results show that the optimised IRA lattice network codes can provide significant coding gain over the previous designed lattice coded PNC scheme over one dimensional Z lattice.
Characteristics of Community Nursing Homes Serving Per Diem Veterans, 1999 to 2002

This study compared the characteristics of community nursing homes where veterans received their care with those of facilities that did not treat veterans from 1999 to 2002 using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Online Survey Certification and Reporting system data merged with the CMS Minimum Data Set. A structure, process, and outcome model was used to examine whether the presence of per diem veterans had any impact on multidimensional quality measures. Facilities with any veterans were less likely to meet recommended nurse staffing standards; more likely to have patients with tube feeding, new catheterizations, and mobility restraints; and more likely to have actual harm citations and new pressure sores, plus quality-of-care, quality-of-life, and total deficiencies, than facilities without veterans. The implications of this study are that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may need to examine its contracting policies with community facilities to understand both quality and selection effects that may be occurring.
Quantitative pathological evidence for axonal loss in normal appearing white matter in multiple sclerosis

We assessed axonal loss in the normal appearing white matter of the corpus callosum in postmortem brains of patients with multiple sclerosis, using quantitative measures of both axonal density and white matter atrophy. The calculated total number of axons was reduced significantly (mean ± SD, 5.4 × 107 ± 3.1 × 107) compared with normal controls (11.6 × 107 ± 2.2 × 107, p = 0.001) with a reduction both in axonal density (median, 34%; range, 16–56%; p = 0.004) and area (mean ± SD: multiple sclerosis, 584 ± 170 mm2; controls, 871 ± 163 mm2; p = 0.004). These results confirm substantial axonal loss in the normal appearing white matter and demonstrate that measures of both axonal density and white matter volume are necessary to appreciate the full extent of axonal loss. Ann Neurol 2000;47:391–395
Control of neuronal network organization by chemical surface functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotube arrays

Carbon nanotube substrates are promising candidates for biological applications and devices. Interfacing of these carbon nanotubes with neurons can be controlled by chemical modifications. In this study, we investigated how chemical surface functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotube arrays (MWNT-A) influences neuronal adhesion and network organization. Functionalization of MWNT-A dramatically modifies the length of neurite fascicles, cluster inter-connection success rate, and the percentage of neurites that escape from the clusters. We propose that chemical functionalization represents a method of choice for developing applications in which neuronal patterning on MWNT-A substrates is required.
Recovering Modified Watermarked Audio Based on Dynamic Time-Warping Technique

An audio registration method based on dynamic timewarping (DTW) technique was described. DTW technique can be used to register two audio signals whose type of misalignment in time domain is unknown. By measuring the frame dissimilarities in two audio signals, the best alignment between a pair of audio signals can be obtained to register the two audio signals. This method can solve the registration problem for audio signal which is processed by re-scaling in the time domain. It is useful in many audio applications and has been applied in digital audio watermarking detection.
On Some Trends in Understanding the Genetics of Man

The objectives and directions of scientific investigation in the United States are currently coming under a scrutiny such as they have perhaps not enjoyed since the nineteenth century [i]. Efforts to meet some ofthe very proper questions being raised can proceed from either of two viewpoints, the very general—which runs the risk of lacking the substance on which to base a solid philosophy—and the more specific—which quickly can assume the form of special pleading. In this presentation, despite the risks, we will attempt to be rather specific about a particular area, on the thesis that from such communications, if properly executed, comes the stuffon which to base the discussions which ultimately lead to a reasonable consensus. But the hope of a consensus with these present thoughts and emphases was not a primary consideration in the preparation of this communication.
Towards more accurate diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis using defined antigens.

Diagnostic accuracy is of paramount importance in test-and-slaughter programmes for the eradication of bovine tuberculosis (TB). Currently applied methods, such as in vivo skin testing and in vitro interferon-gamma (IFN- gamma) testing, utilize purified protein derivatives (PPDs), which are poorly-defined mixtures containing many individual antigenic components. It is known that false-positive responses to these reagents can occur in cattle which are not infected with TB, largely because of that antigenic complexity. This paper reviews recent approaches to the characterization of more precisely defined diagnostic tools which can be used to develop tests with greater specificity. For example, the low mass secreted protein ESAT-6 has been shown to be capable of differentiating TB-infected cattle from those which develop responsiveness to PPD through contact with environmental mycobacteria or vaccination with BCG. The information which has accumulated in recent years has shown that the increased specificity is associated with some decrease in test sensitivity, but the overall advantages of being able to make precise diagnostic decisions will have significant advantages in many situations.
N-demethylation the antineoplastic agent4(5)-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazeno)imidazole-5(4)-carboxamide by rats and man.

4(5)-(3,3-Dimethyl-1-triazeno)imidazole-5(4)-carboxamide (DIC) was N -demethylated in vitro by rat liver microsomes resulting in the formation of 20.5 mμmoles of formaldehyde/mg microsomal protein/30 min. 4(5)-Aminoimidazole-5(4)-carboxamide was recovered in vitro as a major metabolic product following N -demethylation resulting in the formation of 14.9 mμmoles/mg microsomal protein/30 min. The administration of 14C-methyl-labeled DIC intraperitoneally to rats was followed by the recovery of 4.0% of the dose as 14CO2 within 6 hr. When 14C-methyl-labeled DIC was administered intraperitoneally to rats pretreated with prochlorperazine or phenobarbital, increased amounts (8.1% and 10.5% respectively) of DIC were N -demethylated to 14CO2 within 6 hr. One patient given 14C-methyl-labeled DIC orally expired 21.4% of the radioactivity as 14CO2 within 6 hr. N -Demethylation appears to be a major metabolic pathway of DIC in rats and man. This reaction is mediated by liver microsomal enzymes that can be induced by barbiturates and perhaps prochlorperazine.
Development of oligonucleotide primers and probes against structural and regulatory genes of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and their use for amplification of HIV-1 provirus by using polymerase chain reaction

The polymerase chain reaction is a powerful technique for amplifying a few copies of double-stranded genetic material to millions of copies in a few hours. The sensitivity and specificity of the polymerase chain reaction technique depend to some extent on the nucleotide sequences of the oligonucleotide primer pair used in the amplification. We report new oligonucleotide primers and probes which can be used for the amplification and detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 provirus sequences of not only structural but also regulatory genes. These primers are very sensitive and specific and can be used for the detection of African and North American strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1.
Type‐I collagen mutation compromises the post‐yield behavior of Mov13 long bone

Despite recent advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of skeletal fragility, little is known about how these molecular alterations lead to whole bone brittleness. In the current study, we investigated the relationship between a type‐I collagen mutation and post‐yield behavior of whole bone in Mov13 transgenic mice by considering tissue‐level organizational issues known to be important for normal bone fracture. Mechanical assays revealed that the post‐yield deflection of Mov13 femurs was reduced by 61% relative to littermate controls. Fractographic images revealed that lamellar interfaces, which were important for dissipating energy during the failure process of control femurs, were not effective in Mov13 mice. Further investigation revealed that a 22% reduction in bone collagen content, a 2‐fold increase in tissue porosity, and significant alterations in collagen organization interfered with normal energy dissipation mechanisms of Mov13 microstructure. Collectively, the results provided the first evidence that the reduced ductility associated with a type‐I collagen mutation was mediated by alterations in intermediate structures that normally contribute to the post‐yield behavior of cortical bone. The results suggest that, to better understand the pathogenesis of skeletal fragility, it is important to consider the effects of molecular alterations on higher‐level structures, particularly those structures that contribute to the failure mechanisms in normal bone.
New autosomal dominant branchio‐oculo‐facial syndrome

We observed an autosomal dominant disorder of abnormal upper lip, which resembles a poorly repaired cleft lip, malformed nose with broad bridge and flattened tip, lacrimal duct obstruction, malformed ears, and branchial cleft sinuses and/or linear skin lesions behind the ears in several persons in 3 families. In each of the 3 families, an affected parent had at least one affected child. Father‐to‐son transmission in one of these families ruled out X‐linked inheritance. Other anomalies include coloboma, microphthalmia, auricular pits, lip pits, highly arched plate, dental anomalies, and subcutaneous cysts of the scalp. Premature graying of hair occurred in the affected adults. Growth retardation, developmental delay, and hand anomalies are variable components of the syndrome.
An Introduction to Statistical Analysis for Business and Industry—A Problem Solving Approach

Part I (Chaps. 3 and 4) covers the foundations of the techniques and presents the background principles and properties of kernel functions and kernel-based algorithms. It also provides a quick review of the basic definitions from functional analysis and their application to the definition of kernels. Part II (Chaps. 5–8) develops specific algorithms. Chapter 5 evaluates properties of a dataset in a kernel-defined feature space (e.g., distance between two points, center of mass, projections of data, rank, variance and covariance of projections of a set of data) measured in the feature space. In this chapter the authors develop a novelty-detecting algorithm that detects new data points that deviate from the normal (with MATLAB code and guarantee on performance) and a kernelized version of the Fisher discriminant algorithm. Chapter 6 extends the methods in Chapter 5 to understand the spread of the data in a feature space. It then presents algorithms that show how to identify correlations between input vectors and target values and identify covariances between two representations of the same object. Chapter 7 presents algorithms for particular pattern analysis tasks such as novelty detection, classification, and regression. Here a novelty detection algorithm uses a training set to learn based on “normal” examples. Future test examples are then filtered by the resulting pattern function to identify abnormal examples that appear not to be generated by the same distribution. Chapter 8 discusses three common tasks in data analysis: ranking, clustering, and data visualization. Ranking is the problem of learning a ranking function from an initial set of ranked data. Clustering is the problem of identifying groupings of similar points that are relatively “isolated” from each other. Data visualization algorithms find low-dimensional embeddings of the data that approximately retain the relevant information. Part III (Chaps. 9–12) is concerned with kernels. Chapter 9 develops a number of techniques for creating kernels leading to the introduction of ANOVA kernels, kernels defined over graphs, kernels on sets, and randomized kernels. Chapter 10 considers kernels based on the vector space model of text, with emphasis on the refinements aimed at taking account of the semantics. Chapter 11 treats kernels for strings of symbols, trees, and general structured data. Chapter 12 examines how kernels can be created from previously known (approximate) models or knowledge of the data either using the probability of cooccurrence (P kernels) or through the Fisher kernel construction.
Ab initio calculation of the macroscopic dielectric constant in silicon.

We perform a first-principles calculation of the static dielectric constant of Si in the framework of density-functional theory. The only essential approximation used in this work is the local-density approximation (LDA): norm-conserving pseudopotentials and large plane-wave basis sets are used, numerical roundoff and convergence errors are kept below 1%. The present calculation gives for the first time the ``exact'' value of the macroscopic dielectric constant at the LDA level. The theoretical value of ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}$ is 12% higher than experiment.