Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microflora associated with experimental root surface caries in humans

This study describes the microflora from actively progressing root surface caries lesions, in which mineral loss had been determined by quantitative microradiography. The caries lesions were produced experimentally in root surface specimens from human molars inserted in lower partial dentures carried for 3 months by six elderly individuals. A total of 780 bacterial isolates were identified from 13 plaque samples, collected with a punch technique, and six dentin samples. The composition of the microflora showed distinct individual differences. The microflora from plaque samples associated with the highest mineral loss was dominated by either Actinomyces viscosus or a combination of mutans streptococci (serotypes c, d, and f) and Lactobacillus species (L. casei and L. brevis). Plaque from root surfaces with less pronounced mineral loss harbored a more complex microflora comprising gram-positive rods, mutans streptococci, Streptococcus mitis biovar 1, Veillonella spp. , gram-negative rods, and low numbers of lactobacilli. In the latter samples, individual variations in the proportions of mutans streptococci (serotypes c, d, and g), Actinomyces species (A. viscosus and A. naeslundii), and Veillonella parvula biotypes were observed. These findings suggest that certain species or combinations of species are more cariogenic than others and that dominance of single acidogenic species in particular is conducive to high caries activity.
Factor X Stockton: a mild bleeding diathesis associated with an active site mutation in factor X

A unique blood coagulation factor X variant has been identified in a family with a history of bleeding. Plasma from affected family members had prolonged prothrombin times and activated partial thromboplastin times, low to below normal factor X coagulant activity, and normal factor X antigen levels. Sequencing of DNA from the propositus revealed a single G to A substitution in one allele of factor X at base 964 resulting in an amino acid substitution of Asn for Asp at residue 282. This residue corresponds with the active site Asp102 of chymotrypsin. The substitution eliminates a TaqI restriction site and provided the basis for a screening assay to detect the mutation in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified factor X exon VIII DNA. Fourteen additional family members were identified as having the mutation at base 964. Plasma factor X purified from the proposita using an anti-factor X monoclonal antibody immunoadsorbent exhibited an approximately 50% decrease in specific activity compared with factor X purified from a normal individual in a similar manner. Bleeding in family members with the mutation, termed factor X Stockton, appears to be due to disruption of normal hemostasis by the presence in plasma of circulating abnormal factor X. Factor X Stockton is the first naturally occurring substitution at the active site Asp of a serine protease and underscores the importance of this amino acid residue in factor Xa coagulant activity.
That Model Down Syndrome Increased Survival following Tumorigenesis in Ts 65

Epidemiologic results tend to suggest that adults with Down syndrome have a reduced incidence of cancer, but some studies have reached the opposite conclusion. In this study, we offer direct biological evidence in support of the notion that Down syndrome reduces incidence of multiple types of cancer. Previous studies showed that introduction of the Apc mutation into the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome by interbreeding caused formation of intestinal adenomas at a significantly reduced incidence compared with control (euploid) animals that did not have trisomy. To a large degree, this reduction was determined to reflect an increased dosage of the Ets2 tumor repressor gene due to trisomy. Studies of tumor grafts using Ts65Dn suggested angiogenesis as a mechanism that mediated reduced tumor growth, metastasis, and mortality in individuals with Down syndrome. To confirm and extend these findings, we employed the complex cancer mouse model NPcis, which is heterozygous for the Trp53 and Nf1 genes and through LOH develops lymphomas, sarcomas, or carcinomas with 100% penetrance. In this aggressive model, trisomy did not prevent cancer, but it nevertheless extended host survival relative to euploid littermates. However, protection in this case was not attributable to either Ets2 dosage or to reduced angiogenesis. Together, our findings indicate that the genetic complexity underlying Down syndrome supports multiple mechanisms that contribute to reduced mortality from cancer. Cancer Res; 71(10); 3573–81. 2011 AACR.
Variation in skin reactivity inhalant allergens estimated by the end-point technique.

Skin prick testing is commonly used to diagnose IgE-mediated sensitization to allergens, whereas the longitudinal variability in positive/negative results can be used for clinical and epidemiological purposes. Few publications have investigated the longitudinal variability in skin reactivity, and most studies have concluded that seasonal changes in exposure to environmental allergens are paralleled by a change in skin reactivity. Our trial investigated the relationship between variations in skin reactivity and seasonal exposure to allergens in sensitized subjects, by use of a sensitive method-the end-point technique. Forty-three patients monosensitized to inhalant allergens were selected, and the skin prick end-point technique with serial 1:4 dilutions of standardized commercial allergens was used to assess skin reactivity. Twenty-two patients sensitized to pollens with a short pollination period were tested before and after the pollen season, whereas the other 21 patients sensitized to house dust mites or to a species with a long pollination period such as Parietaria were tested in the same month 12 months later. Patients tested with the end-point technique showed a large interindividual variability in skin reactivity. None of the patients in either group showed a decrease in skin sensitivity with time whereas 9 out of 43 showed no change and 34 out of 43 showed an increase (p < .0001). According to our data, skin reactivity increases in sensitized subjects over time, and this increase seems not to have a circannual rhythm related to the seasonal exposure to environmental allergens, since it can be detected both in pollen- and mite-sensitized patients after a 12-month interval.
Endogenous retroviral elements, but not exogenous retroviruses, are detected in CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders of the skin.

Primary cutaneous CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) comprise a spectrum of disorders including lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) and CD30+ pleomorphic or anaplastic large T-cell lymphomas ( 1 – 3 ). LyP is a chronic, recurrent lymphoproliferative disorder which manifests clinically as papulonodular, spontaneously regressing skin lesions ( 4 ). Histologically, large pleomorphic and anaplastic tumor cells are found which are activated T-lymphocytes expressing the CD30 antigen ( 5 , 6 ). Viruses are known etiologic factors in the pathogenesis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL) ( 7 ). In particular, retroviruses such as human T-lymphotropic virus 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and 2) have been linked to adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and other forms of NHL (for review see refs 8 and 9). Primary cutaneous lymphomas, especially cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, have been considered to be caused by viruses. Several reports of the detection of HTLV-1 or 2 sequences in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) ( 10 – 13 ) have not been confirmed in other studies ( 8 , 9 , 14 , 15 ).
An Autonomous Camera Calibration System Based on the Theory of Minimum Convex Hull

Camera calibration is a fundamental problem in computer vision community. Already extensive research has been conducted and emerge a large number of excellent calibration algorithm, but there is few studies of automatic calibration system, the camera calibration toolbox for the moment almost use multi-use manual or semi-automatic marking the target area and extracting feature points, inefficient and the accuracy of calibration is under the great influence of human factors. This paper presents a calibration target zone automatic plate recognition algorithm based on the theory of minimum convex hull, use ZhangZhengYou classical calibration algorithm, An autonomous camera calibration that checkerboard area of automatic identification and feature extraction has been designed and implemented, convenient and efficient. Experimental results of real images show that this system is reliable and accurate in indoor and outdoor environments and the calibration operation is very convenient.
Energy efficiency meets ecodesign — technology impacts of the European EuP directive

The framework directive for ecodesign of energy using products (EuP) has been in force in Europe since 2005 already, but only now the process for setting eco-requirements for specific products is becoming clear. The paper explains the results of the so-called preparatory studies, which prepare the definition of eco-requirements, and the current state of the policy process. From the current planning it is possible that in the second half of 2008 there will be implementing measures for the first product groups with a grace period of one product design cycle. Hence, the first compliance deadlines might be due for 2009 already. Although this timeline seems to be comfortable for the manufacturers, it is highly recommended to start early with preparatory activities as this directive will ban certain products and even technologies as such - by setting e.g. strict energy thresholds. The paper outlines these technological consequences for some exemplary product groups: external power supplies, TV sets, imaging equipment, and standby and off-mode losses as a horizontal aspect.
The induction of autophagy by mechanical stress

The ability to respond and adapt to changes in the physical environment is a universal and essential cellular property. Here we demonstrated that cells respond to mechanical compressive stress by rapidly inducing autophagosome formation. We measured this response in both Dictyostelium and mammalian cells, indicating that this is an evolutionarily conserved, general response to mechanical stress. In Dictyostelium, the number of autophagosomes increased 20-fold within 10 min of 1 kPa pressure being applied and a similar response was seen in mammalian cells after 30 min. We showed in both cell types that autophagy is highly sensitive to changes in mechanical pressure and the response is graduated, with half-maximal responses at ~0.2 kPa, similar to other mechano-sensitive responses. We further showed that the mechanical induction of autophagy is TOR-independent and transient, lasting until the cells adapt to their new environment and recover their shape. The autophagic response is therefore part of an integrated response to mechanical challenge, allowing cells to cope with a continuously changing physical environment.
Distinguishing gelatin bioabsorbable sponge and postoperative abdominal abscess on CT.

OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to differentiate the CT findings of gelatin bioabsorbable sponges used as hemostatic agents from postoperative abdominal abscess. CONCLUSION Gelatin absorbable sponge may mimic a postoperative abscess on CT. Findings that may help differentiate the hemostatic agent from abscess include linear arrangement of tightly packed gas bubbles, fixed position of gas bubbles on subsequent examinations, shape, lack of air-fluid level, and lack of enhancing wall.
Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensing of Biological Warfare Agent Botulinum Neurotoxin A

A label free real time method was developed for the detection as well as quantification of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). In the present work, antibody against rBoNT/A-HCC fragment and synaptic vesicles (SV) were immobilized on carboxymethyldextran modified gold chip. The immobilization of BoNT/A antibody and interaction of BoNT/A with immobilized antibody were in-situ characterized by SPR and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A sample solution containing BoNT/A antigen in the concentration ranging from 0.225 fM to 4.5 fM and 0.045 fM to 5.62 fM was interacted with immobilized antibody and immobilized SV, respectively. By using kinetic evaluation software, KD (equilibrium constant) and Bmax (maximum binding capacity of analyte) values were calculated and found to be 0.53 fM and 38.23 mo for immobilized antibody and 0.22 fM and 116.0 mo for immobilized SV, respectively. Moreover, thermodynamic parameters such as change in Gibb’s free energy (ΔG), change in enthalpy (ΔH) and change in entropy (ΔS) were determined and the values revealed that the interaction between BoNT/A antigen and BoNT/A antibody as spontaneous, endothermic and entropy driven one. In order to optimize the detection method, temperature and pH variation studies were also performed.
Effect of Activin A on In Vitro Development of Rat Preantral Follicles and Localization of Activin A and Activin Receptor II

Abstract Preantral follicles (140–160 μm) were isolated mechanically from the ovaries of 10-day-old rats and cultured in groups of four to six for 6 days in medium containing 0, 1, 10, or 100 ng/ml of activin A. Activin stimulated (P < 0.05) the growth of preantral follicles in a dose-dependent fashion and enhanced the proliferation of preantral, oocyte-free follicular cells. Furthermore, treatment with activin induced the majority of follicles to form an antrum-like structure and helped to maintain the ultrastructure of these follicles during culture. Activin A also induced further changes characteristic of follicle and oocyte maturation, such as the elongation of granulosa cells contacting the oocyte and migration of the cortical granules to the oocyte cortex. In addition, gene expression for activin and activin receptor type II (ActR II) was demonstrated in both the oocytes and the somatic cells using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemical studies demonstrated the presence of activin and ActR II proteins in the somatic tissue and, especially, the oocytes of these follicles. It is concluded that, in vitro, activin A stimulates the growth of rat preantral follicles and promotes antrum formation. Furthermore, because activin A and ActR II are synthesized within preantral follicles, intrafollicular activin likely plays an important role in early follicular development.
A simple and efficient method to prepare graphene by reduction of graphite oxide with sodium hydrosulfite

Inspired by an ancient reducing method used in textile production, sodium hydrosulfite was used to reduce graphite oxide as an efficient reducing agent in our work. The reduced materials were characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, wide-angle x-ray scattering, Raman spectroscopy, solid state 13C NMR spectroscopy and electrical conductivity measurements, respectively. The results showed that graphite oxide can be reduced with sodium hydrosulfite in a few minutes, with a degree of reduction comparable to those achieved with hydrazine. It provides an efficient method to reduce graphite oxide and could be used as a method to prepare novel composites.
Comparative efficacy and safety of albuterol sulfate Spiros inhaler and albuterol metered-dose inhaler in asthma.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To compare the long-term efficacy and safety of albuterol administration using a Spiros Inhalation System (Dura Pharmaceuticals; San Diego, CA) dry powder inhaler (DPI) and albuterol (Ventolin; Glaxo Wellcome; Research Triangle Park, NC) administration using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) in patients with asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a phase III, 12-week, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study of 283 adolescent and adult patients with mild to moderate asthma. The patients were randomized into one of three treatment groups: the Spiros group, who were given 108 microg/actuation of albuterol sulfate equivalent to 90 microg of albuterol base; the MDI group, who were given 90 microg/actuation of albuterol; and the placebo group. RESULTS Over the length of the study, the Spiros and MDI groups were comparable in all FEV1 parameters. Both active treatment groups were superior to the placebo group for each FEV1 parameter at all visits. With the exception of differences at treatment week 0 for the maximum percent change in the FEV1, the duration of effect, and the area under the curve at baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between the Spiros and MDI groups for any FEV1 parameters. Using a repeated-measures analysis, the FEV1 parameters at week 0 for the Spiros group were not statistically significantly different from the parameters at weeks 4, 8, and 12. The same analysis effect at week 0 for the MDI group was greater for maximum percent change in the FEV1 from baseline (weeks 4, 8, and 12) and duration of effect. Adverse events and changes in clinical laboratory values, vital signs, ECG results, and physical examinations were reported with similar incidence in each of the three treatment groups. CONCLUSION Both active treatments were superior to the placebo treatment. The Spiros DPI was well tolerated and was as effective as the albuterol MDI in treating patients with moderate asthma.
[Diagnosis and procedure coding in relation to the DRG system].

INTRODUCTION The aim was to investigate the consequences of missing or wrong diagnoses and procedure codes in relation to the DRG system. MATERIAL AND METHODS All patients admitted to the orthopaedic department during the course of one week, 155 patients, were consecutively entered. Former diagnoses were registered from interviews with all the patients, former case notes, and present hospital records. They were then compared to the department case notes, including diagnosis and procedure codes. All codes were then compared in Visual DRG (version 97) for grouping. RESULTS The coding was correct in 103 of 155 cases (65%). In 52 cases (35%) the coding was incorrect or insufficient, in 18 of the 52 cases (12% overall) it lead to a decrease in the DRG value, which extrapolated on a yearly base, would lead to a loss of DDK 23 million. In total, coding was incorrect or insufficient in one third of the records. DISCUSSION Irrespective of whether the DRG system is implemented or not, it is important that departments register the correct diagnoses and procedures, not only those relevant to the department. There is a continued need to teach and inform the staff about the correct coding procedures.
Role of the cholinergic system in regulating survival of newborn neurons in the adult mouse dentate gyrus and olfactory bulb

Neurogenesis in the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus and olfactory bulbs continues into adulthood and has been implicated in the cognitive function of the adult brain. The basal forebrain cholinergic system has been suggested to play a role in regulating neurogenesis as well as learning and memory in these regions. Herein, we report that highly polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM)‐positive immature cells as well as neuronal nuclei (NeuN)‐positive mature neurons in the dentate gyrus and olfactory bulb express multiple acetylcholine receptor subunits and make contact with cholinergic fibers. To examine the function of acetylcholine in neurogenesis, we used donepezil (Aricept), a potent and selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that improves cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease. Intraperitoneal administrations of donepezil significantly enhanced the survival of newborn neurons, but not proliferation of neural progenitor cells in the subgranular zone or the subventricular zone of normal mice. Moreover, donepezil treatment reversed the chronic stress‐induced decrease in neurogenesis. Taken together, these results suggest that activation of the cholinergic system promotes survival of newborn neurons in the adult dentate gyrus and olfactory bulb under both normal and stressed conditions.
Visible and infrared optical probes for hemodynamic parameters assessment

Four optical probes were developed to measure the arterial distension waveform generated by the ventricular contraction and assess clinically relevant information. The pressure wave propagates through the arterial tree and can be measured in the peripheral arteries. The probes make use of two distinct photo-detectors: planar and avalanche photodiodes. Independently, two different light sources were tested: visible and infrared light. Performance of the probes was evaluated in a test setup that simulates the fatty deposits commonly seen in the obese, between skin and the artery. The probes show good overall performance in the test setup with less than 8% root mean square error (RMSE). However, the probes lit with IR sources show better results for the more extreme cases, with a better resolution in the waveform, higher definition of notable points and higher SNR when compared to the visible source signals. In vivo, the IR probes allow easier waveform detection, even more relevant with the increasing of the deposit structures.
Combining Hyperband and Bayesian Optimization

Proper hyperparameter optimization is computationally very costly for expensive machine learning methods, such as deep neural networks; the same holds true for neural architecture search. Recently, the bandit-based strategy Hyperband has shown superior performance to vanilla Bayesian optimization methods that are limited to the traditional problem formulation of expensive blackbox optimization. However, while Hyperband has strong anytime performance for finding configurations with acceptable results, it relies on random search and therefore does not find the best configurations quickly. We propose to combine Hyperband with Bayesian optimization by maintaining a probabilistic model that captures the density of good configurations in the input space and samples from this model instead of sampling uniformly at random. We empirically show that our new method combines Hyperband’s strong anytime performance with the strong eventual performance of Bayesian optimization.
Small-Area Racial Disparity in Stroke Mortality: An Application of Bayesian Spatial Hierarchical Modeling

Background: In the United States, excess burden of stroke mortality has persisted among African Americans compared with whites despite declines in stroke mortality for both groups. New insights may be gleaned by examining local, small-area patterns in racial disparities in stroke. Methods: The study population includes all non-Hispanic African Americans and non-Hispanic whites aged 35 to 64 in the southeastern United States during 1999 to 2002. We assessed county-level numbers of stroke deaths and population estimates in a Bayesian spatial hierarchical modeling framework allowing for inclusion of potential covariates (poverty and rurality), and generating county-specific model-based estimates of both absolute and relative racial disparity. The resulting estimates of race-specific stroke death rates, relative racial disparity, and absolute racial disparity were expressed in maps. Results: After adjustment for age, poverty, and rurality, county-level estimates of relative racial disparity ranged from 2.3 to 3.3 and estimates of absolute racial disparity ranged from 19 to 45 excess deaths per 100,000. For both racial groups, stroke death rates were higher in rural areas and with increasing poverty. High relative racial disparity was concentrated primarily in the eastern portion of the region and large absolute racial disparity was concentrated primarily in the western portion. Conclusions: The results highlight the pervasiveness and magnitude of substantial local racial disparities in stroke mortality in the southeast.