Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electrical Characteristics of Intraoral Dental Imaging Devices Based on the CMOS Imager Coupled with Integrated X-ray Conversion Fiber Optics

As a continuation of our digital X-ray imaging sensor R&D, we have developed a cost-effective, intraoral imaging device based on the CMOS photosensor array coupled with an integrated X-ray conversion fiber-optic faceplate. It consists of a commercially available CMOS photosensor of a 35 times 35 mum2 pixel size and a 688 times 910 pixel array dimension, and a high efficiency columnar CsI(Tl) scintillator of a 90 mum thickness directly deposited on a fiber-optic faceplate of a 6 mum core size and an 1.46 mm thickness with 85/15 core-cladding ratio (NA~1.0 in air). The fiber-optic faceplate is a highly X-ray attenuating material that minimizes X-ray absorption on the end CMOS photosensor array, thus, minimizing X-ray induced noise at the photosensor array. It uses a high light-output columnar CsI(Tl) scintillator with a peak spectral emission at 545 nm, giving better spatial resolution, but attenuates some of this light due to interfacial and optical attenuation factors. In this paper, we presented the performance analysis of the intraoral imaging device with experimental measurements and acquired X-ray images in terms of modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE).
Renal resistive index reflects Fontan pathophysiology and predicts mortality

Objectives The renal resistive index (RRI) reflects non-renal pathophysiology, such as great artery stiffness, haemodynamics and even end-organ damage in patients with hypertension. This study was conducted to clarify the clinical significance of the RRI in Fontan pathophysiology. Methods We measured the RRI in 280 consecutive Fontan patients and 36 healthy controls. Results The patients exhibited a higher RRI than the controls (0.71±0.07 vs 0.60±0.04, p<0.0001). A high central venous pressure, low arterial pressure, greater pulse pressure and low arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) independently predicted a high RRI (p<0.05–0.0001). The RRI was inversely correlated with the peak oxygen uptake (PVO2) and 24-hour creatine clearance, and was positively correlated with the plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (p<0.0001 for all). The high RRI was also associated with liver dysfunction and postprandial hyperglycaemia during the oral glucose tolerance test (p<0.001). During the follow-up period, 18 patients died. Age, RRI, SaO2, BNP, use of diuretics and antiarrhythmic drugs, and PVO2 predicted mortality. When PVO2 was excluded, RRI (HR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.23; p<0.01) or RRI ≥0.81 (HR: 12.0; 95% CI: 3.4 to 50; p<0.0001) independently predicted mortality. Conclusions The RRI reflected heart failure severity, hepatorenal function and glucose intolerance, and predicted all-cause mortality in Fontan patients. Therefore, the RRI may be a useful marker of Fontan-associated multiorgan pathophysiology.
A novel humanized mouse model of Huntington disease for preclinical development of therapeutics targeting mutant huntingtin alleles

Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. HTT is a large protein, interacts with many partners and is involved in many cellular pathways, which are perturbed in HD. Therapies targeting HTT directly are likely to provide the most global benefit. Thus there is a need for preclinical models of HD recapitulating human HTT genetics. We previously generated a humanized mouse model of HD, Hu97/18, by intercrossing BACHD and YAC18 mice with knockout of the endogenous mouse HD homolog (Hdh). Hu97/18 mice recapitulate the genetics of HD, having two full-length, genomic human HTT transgenes heterozygous for the HD mutation and polymorphisms associated with HD in populations of Caucasian descent. We have now generated a companion model, Hu128/21, by intercrossing YAC128 and BAC21 mice on the Hdh-/- background. Hu128/21 mice have two full-length, genomic human HTT transgenes heterozygous for the HD mutation and polymorphisms associated with HD in populations of East Asian descent and in a minority of patients from other ethnic groups. Hu128/21 mice display a wide variety of HD-like phenotypes that are similar to YAC128 mice. Additionally, both transgenes in Hu128/21 mice match the human HTT exon 1 reference sequence. Conversely, the BACHD transgene carries a floxed, synthetic exon 1 sequence. Hu128/21 mice will be useful for investigations of human HTT that cannot be addressed in Hu97/18 mice, for developing therapies targeted to exon 1, and for preclinical screening of personalized HTT lowering therapies in HD patients of East Asian descent.
Energy underreporting in African-American girls: a longitudinal analysis.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine the longitudinal prevalence and predictors of dietary underreporting in African-American preadolescent girls and the association of baseline dietary underreporting with changes in BMI over a 2-year period as part of the Girls health Enrichment Multi-site Studies (GEMS). METHODS Energy was summarized at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months and computed as a 3-day average of 24-hour dietary recalls. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometer, basal metabolic rate was estimated using the World Health Organization's prediction equation, and caloric underreporting was based on the Goldberg equation. RESULTS We classified 48% of the girls at baseline as underreporters; with underreporting increasing over time (61% at 12 months; 66% at 24 months). Intervention treatment assignment did not affect the prevalence of underreporting over time. The consistency of underreporting (or not) stayed stable over time. Across all three time points, a higher BMI predicted underreporting. Baseline dietary underreporting and baseline BMI were found to be the major predictors of change in BMI, whereas baseline dietary variables did not predict change in BMI. CONCLUSIONS Dietary underreporting was extremely common in this sample of AA preadolescent girls and predictive of change in BMI. Given the magnitude and consistency of dietary underreporting along with the fact that no dietary variables predicted change in BMI, measurement of dietary intake in preadolescents, even with sophisticated measurement methodologies, appears biased. The best use of dietary recalls may not be to estimate dietary intake but rather to determine underreporting.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and risk of site‐specific cancers: a long‐term prospective cohort study

Based on self‐reported physical activity, there is epidemiologic evidence for a beneficial relation between physical activity and colon cancer in men, but findings for other cancers are inconclusive. Measured cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) can provide knowledge about the cancer‐preventive value of physical activity. We aimed to assess relationships between CRF and risk of site‐specific cancers. A cohort of 1997 healthy Norwegian men, aged 40–59 years at inclusion in 1972–1975, was followed for cancer throughout 2012 using data from the Cancer Registry of Norway. CRF was measured by a maximal exercise bicycle test at inclusion. Relationships between CRF and site‐specific cancers were estimated using Cox regression, adjusted for age, body mass index, and smoking. During follow‐up, 898 cancer cases were diagnosed in 758 men. When comparing men in CRF tertile 1 with men in tertiles 2 and 3, respectively, we found decreased risk of proximal colon cancer in tertile 2 (HR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.13–0.73) and decreased risk of cancers of lung (0.39 95% CI: 0.22–0.66), pancreas (0.32 95% CI: 0.10–1.00), and bladder (HR: 0.40 95% CI: 0.21–0.74) in tertile 3. Furthermore, a significant trend for lower risk by increasing CRF tertile was found for cancers of proximal colon, lung, and bladder (P‐value for trend <0.05). For other cancer sites, no significant association was found. Our results indicate that high midlife CRF may have cancer‐preventive value.
Lake Superior Rural Cancer Care Project, part II: provider knowledge.

PURPOSE The purpose of this article is to report the main learning outcomes of the Lake Superior Rural Cancer Care Project. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY The authors designed and tested a multimodal intervention directed at rural providers and their healthcare systems in a large rural area in the north central United States. An experimental design was used to randomize rural providers at the group level. The intervention consisted of providing increased education for rural providers with a number of approaches, including the use of clinical opinion leaders. The main outcome of the intervention was knowledge scoring on discipline-specific cancer management tests. RESULTS Knowledge scores for providers in the experimental group significantly increased from pretest to post-test: 66 to 79 for physicians (and physician assistants) (P=.02); 58 to 71 for nurses (P=.01); and 54 to 64 for pharmacists (P=.01). At post-test, participating providers in the experimental group performed significantly better on the knowledge tests (P <.01) than those in the control groups. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This study may be the first to test educational interventions to improve rural providers' knowledge about cancer practice using an experimental design. The intervention may possibly change provider practice behaviors and, thus, patient outcomes, data that will be reported in a future issue. Finally, this educational intervention may prove useful for providers in other rural areas.
Battles with False Positives in Static Analysis of JavaScript Web Applications in the Wild

Now that HTML5 technologies are everywhere from web services to various platforms, assuring quality of web applications becomes very important.While web application developers use syntactic checkers and type-related bug detectors, extremely dynamic features and diverse execution environments of web applications make it particularly difficult to statically analyze them leading to too many false positives.Recently, researchers have developed static analyzers for JavaScript web applications addressing quirky JavaScript language semantics and browser environments, but they lack empirical studies on the practicality of such analyzers.In this paper, we collect 30 JavaScript web applications in the wild, analyze them using SAFE, the state-of-the-art JavaScript static analyzer with bug detection, and investigate false positives in the analysis results.After manually inspecting them, we classify 7 reasons that cause the false positives: W3C APIs, browser-specific APIs, JavaScript library APIs, dynamic file loading, dynamic code generation, asynchronous calls, and others.Among them, we identify 4 cases which are the sources of false positives that we can practically reduce.Rather than striving for sound analysis with unrealistic assumptions, we choose to be intentionally unsound to analyze web applications in the real world with less false positives.Our evaluation shows that the approach effectively reduces false positives in statically analyzing web applications in the wild.
Generic Cognitive Abilities in Higher Education: An international analysis of skills sought by stakeholders

The paper summarises, in a table, various stakeholder surveys and factor analyses which attempt to delineate 'generic'/'core'/'key' skills. There is very substantial agreement, amongst stakeholders and across countries, that communication skills are the most frequently mentioned generic ability. However, in respect of other skills, there seems to be more variation in skills requirements of employers across Europe than within the UK or within the USA. There is some evidence of similarities to the UK for Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Differences between countries in relative rankings of employers' skills requirements do not seem to relate consistently to organisational cultural features, and may have more to do with different uses of terminology and categorisation. The stakeholder surveys take transferability as unproblematic, but the philosophical discourses lead to no overall consensus about the transferability of skills. However, the philosophers ignore the empirical evidence.
A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON GRAVITY AND DYNAMICS OF SPACE–TIME

The Einstein–Hilbert action has a bulk term and a surface term (which arises from integrating a four divergence). I show that one can obtain Einstein's equations from the surface term alone. This leads to: (i) a novel, completely self-contained, perspective on gravity and (ii) a concrete mathematical framework in which the description of space–time dynamics by Einstein's equations is similar to the description of a continuum solid in the thermodynamic limit.
Research on deep RIE-based through-Si-via micromachining for 3-D system-in-package integration

This paper reports the designing/simulation and experimental investigation into the Deep RIE-based micro-fabrication of through-Si-via (TSV) which acts as the vital vertical interconnect for compact 3-D system-in-package integration. An in-house developed process simulator based on cell/string evolution algorithm and physical modeling is used to explore suitable DRIE conditions for drilling vias with various sections, especially those with tapered profile. The effectiveness of the simulator is verified with process trials. Optimal deposition parameters are obtained for conformal formation of insulation, barrier and seed layers for electro-plating via filling. Combined with additives, Periodic Pulse Reverse current plating is utilized for satisfying bottom-up blind-via filling. The research have laid firm groundwork for the demonstration of the prospect of 3-D packaging based microsystem integration, combining heterogeneous micro/nano devices with ICs, in consumer, industrial and defense electronics.
The effect of exercise on expression of myokine and angiogenesis mRNA in skeletal muscle of high fat diet induced obese rat

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of regular treadmill exercise on the mRNA expressions of myokines and angiogenesis factors in the skeletal muscle of obese rats. [Methods] Thirty two male Sprague-Dawley rats (4weeks old) were divided into the CO (control) and HF (high fat diet) groups. Obesity was induced in the HF group by consumption of 45% high-fat diet for 15 weeks. These groups were further subdivided into training groups (COT and HFT); the training groups conducted moderate intensity treadmill training for 8 weeks. Soleus muscles were excised and analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR. [Results] mRNA expression of myokines, such as PGC-1α, IL-6, and IL-15, in the COT and HFT groups (which conducted regular exercise), were higher as compared with the CO and HF groups (p < 0.05). Also, the levels in the HF group were significantly lower when compared with CO group (p < 0.05). Expression of angiogenesis mRNA, namely mTOR, VEGF, and FLT1, were significantly lower in the HF group, as compared to the CO group (p < 0.05). In addition, COT group had a higher expression of mTORC1, mTORC2, VEGF and FLT mRNA, than the CO group (p < 0.05); the HFT group also had higher expressions of mTOR, VEGF and FLT1 mRNA than the HF group (p < 0.05). [Conclusion] These results indicate that mRNA expression of myokines was increased through the activity of muscle contraction, and it also promoted the mRNA expression of angiogenesis due to activation of mTOR. Thus, we conclude that not only under normal health conditions, but in obesity and excess nutritional circumstances also, regular exercise seems to act positively on the glycemic control and insulin sensitivity through the angiogenesis signaling pathway.
The assessment of executive functions: coming out of the office

Over the last two decades, the importance of executive functions in successful adaptive living has been increasingly recognized. Hence, investigation of executive functioning has become a core component of neuropsychological assessment. At present, correct identification is seen as crucial to ensuring adequate treatment, compensation and support. It is argued here that, in the medico-legal arena especially, but also in clinical practice, neuropsychological assessment may rely too heavily on data derived from office-based tests of executive functioning both for the identification of deficits and also for the prediction of their real world consequences. This paper discusses the discriminant and ecological validity of such tests and implications for the future assessment of executive functioning. Additionally, the importance of reliable behavioural observations, made in more ecologically valid environments than purely the consulting room is stressed.
A Global Characterization and Identification of Multifunctional Enzymes

Multi-functional enzymes are enzymes that perform multiple physiological functions. Characterization and identification of multi-functional enzymes are critical for communication and cooperation between different functions and pathways within a complex cellular system or between cells. In present study, we collected literature-reported 6,799 multi-functional enzymes and systematically characterized them in structural, functional, and evolutionary aspects. It was found that four physiochemical properties, that is, charge, polarizability, hydrophobicity, and solvent accessibility, are important for characterization of multi-functional enzymes. Accordingly, a combinational model of support vector machine and random forest model was constructed, based on which 6,956 potential novel multi-functional enzymes were successfully identified from the ENZYME database. Moreover, it was observed that multi-functional enzymes are non-evenly distributed in species, and that Bacteria have relatively more multi-functional enzymes than Archaebacteria and Eukaryota. Comparative analysis indicated that the multi-functional enzymes experienced a fluctuation of gene gain and loss during the evolution from S. cerevisiae to H. sapiens. Further pathway analyses indicated that a majority of multi-functional enzymes were well preserved in catalyzing several essential cellular processes, for example, metabolisms of carbohydrates, nucleotides, and amino acids. What’s more, a database of known multi-functional enzymes and a server for novel multi-functional enzyme prediction were also constructed for free access at http://bioinf.xmu. edu.cn/databases/MFEs/index.htm.
Experienced stress, psychological symptoms, self-rated health and academic achievement: A longitudinal study of Swedish university students.

In this study we investigated whether or not problems experienced during years at university affect academic achievement. Students enrolled full-time at a Swedish university were followed up from their year of entry in 1998/1999 through to 2000/2001 ( N = 1,127) by self-administered questionnaires. Students’ sociodemographic characteristics, their experience of stressors, psychological symptoms, and mental and general health ratings were linked to their academic achievement (degree completed). The extent to which various factors or groups of factors affect academic achievement was measured by a series of multiple logistic regression analyses. Older students, females, and those enrolled on comparatively shorter programs (3 years) tended to have higher odds of being awarded a degree. Experienced stress brought on by not coping academically and due to study support demands was a substantial barrier to students’ academic achievement.
Human relational memory requires time and sleep

Relational memory, the flexible ability to generalize across existing stores of information, is a fundamental property of human cognition. Little is known, however, about how and when this inferential knowledge emerges. Here, we test the hypothesis that human relational memory develops during offline time periods. Fifty-six participants initially learned five “premise pairs” (A>B, B>C, C>D, D>E, and E>F). Unknown to subjects, the pairs contained an embedded hierarchy (A>B>C>D>E>F). Following an offline delay of either 20 min, 12 hr (wake or sleep), or 24 hr, knowledge of the hierarchy was tested by examining inferential judgments for novel “inference pairs” (B>D, C>E, and B>E). Despite all groups achieving near-identical premise pair retention after the offline delay (all groups, >85%; the building blocks of the hierarchy), a striking dissociation was evident in the ability to make relational inference judgments: the 20-min group showed no evidence of inferential ability (52%), whereas the 12- and 24-hr groups displayed highly significant relational memory developments (inference ability of both groups, >75%; P < 0.001). Moreover, if the 12-hr period contained sleep, an additional boost to relational memory was seen for the most distant inferential judgment (the B>E pair; sleep = 93%, wake = 69%, P = 0.03). Interestingly, despite this increase in performance, the sleep benefit was not associated with an increase in subjective confidence for these judgments. Together, these findings demonstrate that human relational memory develops during offline time delays. Furthermore, sleep appears to preferentially facilitate this process by enhancing hierarchical memory binding, thereby allowing superior performance for the more distant inferential judgments, a benefit that may operate below the level of conscious awareness.
Getting the Message Across: The problem of communicating assessment feedback

Current literature provides useful insights into the role of assessment feedback in student learning, yet fails to recognise its complexity as a unique form of communication. This article outlines ideas emerging from ongoing research into the meaning and impact of assessment feedback for students in higher education. We argue that new models of communication are required to understand students' responses to the language of tutors' comments, and that issues of discourse, identity, power, control and social relationships should be central to any understanding of assessment feedback as a communication process. Implications of adopting an alternative perspective for research and practice are identified and discussed.
Iron-Dependent Production of Hydroxamate by Sodium-Dependent Azotobacter chroococcum

The sodium-dependent strain 184 of Azotobacter chroococcum was unable to grow significantly in iron-limited medium, but did produce iron-repressible outer membrane proteins. Siderophores were not produced under these conditions. Citric acid was excreted, but not in response to iron limitation. This strain, however, was able to grow in insoluble mineral iron sources, and under these conditions the cells produced a hydroxamate. Growth on minerals and hydroxamate production was dependent on a low level of freely exchangeable iron. Optimal hydroxamate production was observed with 0.75 μM ferric citrate, and hydroxamate production was repressed by >5 μM iron. Despite this iron requirement, hyroxamate was only formed during internal iron limitation of the cells. Iron-containing cells were able to grow in iron-limited medium but only produced hydroxamate when their iron-per-cellular-protein content was low. These results, the spectral changes observed upon Fe3+ addition, and iron-uptake coincident with hydroxamate production suggested that the hydroxamate was a siderophore.