Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Undergraduate teaching in gerodontology in Austria, Switzerland and Germany.

OBJECTIVE To survey the present state of undergraduate teaching in the domain of gerodontology in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. STUDY PARTICIPANTS All universities of Austria (A), Germany (D) and Switzerland (CH). PROTOCOL A questionnaire on undergraduate teaching in gerodontology was mailed to all Deans (A: n = 3; CH: n = 4; D: n = 31) and all independent departments except paediatric dentistry and orthodontics (A: n = 11; CH: n = 15; D: n = 111). RESULTS The questionnaires were completed and returned by 29 Deans (A: n = 2; CH: n = 4; D: n = 23) and 102 departments (A: n = 7; CH: n = 8; D: n = 87). In Austria, gerodontology is a very small component of the dental curriculum and the Deans did not want this to be increased. Most German universities claimed to teach some aspects of gerodontology to undergraduate students and 87.4% of the Deans voted for separate lectures in gerodontology. In Switzerland, gerodontology seems well established. The results of questionnaires from the independent departments revealed that in all three countries lectures were more prevalent (A: n = 0; CH: n = 4; D: n = 6) than practical training in nursing homes (A: n = 0; CH: n = 3; D: n = 6). CONCLUSION Considering the demographical shift which is leading to an increasing proportion of elderly in the population, the weighting of gerodontology in the undergraduate dental curriculum should be considered for revision in Austria and Germany.
Anti-CD20 Therapy Acts via Fc g RIIIA to Diminish Responsiveness of Human Natural Killer Cells

Natural killer (NK) immune cells mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by aggregating Fc g RIIIA/CD16, contributing signi ﬁ cantly to the therapeutic effect of CD20 monoclo-nalantibodies(mAb). Inthisstudy,weshowthatCD16ligationon primaryhumanNKcellsbytheanti-CD20mAbrituximabor ofatumumab stably impairs the spontaneous cytotoxic response attributable to cross-tolerance of several unrelated NK-activating receptors(includingNKG2D, DNAM-1, NKp46,and 2B4). Similar effects were obtained from NK cells isolated from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in an autologous setting. NK cells rendered hyporesponsive in this manner were de ﬁ cient in the ability of these cross-tolerized receptors to phosphorylate effector signaling molecules critical for NK cytotoxicity, including SLP-76, PLC g 2, and Vav1. These effects were associated with long-lasting recruitment of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 to the CD16 receptor complex. Notably, pharmacologic inhibition of SHP-1 withsodiumstibogluconate counteracted CD20mAb-induced NK hyporesponsiveness,unveiling anunrecognizedrole for CD16asa bifunctional receptor capable of engendering long-lasting NK cell inhibitory signals. Our work de ﬁ nes a novel mechanism of immune exhaustion induced by CD20 mAb in human NK cells, with potentially negative implications in CD20 mAb-treated patients where NK cells are partly responsible for clinical ef ﬁ cacy. Cancer Res; 75(19
Oxidative DNA Damage to Sperm Cells and Peripheral Blood Leukocytes in Infertile Men

Background Oxidative DNA damage is associated with male infertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative DNA damage of sperm cells and blood leukocytes and to determine the levels of MDA and NO levels in seminal and blood plasma of idiopathic infertile men. Material/Methods The study enrolled 52 patients, including 30 infertile and 22 fertile men. MDA, NO, and 8-OHdG/106dG were estimated using spectrophotometry and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based methods in seminal and blood plasma. The association with the sperm parameters was assessed, particularly sperm counts and motility. Results The mean sperm concentration and sperm motility of the fertile men were significantly higher than that of the infertile men. The mean MDA and NO concentration in the seminal and blood samples of the infertile men were higher than that of fertile men. Also, the mean numbers of sperm cells and leukocytes 8-OHdG/106dG of the infertile men were significantly higher than that of fertile men (p=0.04 and p<0.001, respectively). Sperm motility and sperm count were negatively correlated with leukocyte and sperm cell 8-OHdG/106dG ratio. However, progressive motility was significantly negatively correlated with sperm cell and leukocyte 8-OHdG/106dG ratio (R=−0.357, p=0.026; R=−0.388, p=0.024, respectively). Conclusions Oxidative stress is an important factor in male infertility. Therefore, biochemical detection of 8-OHdG/106dG in sperm cells and blood leukocytes may be an additional tool in the diagnosis of male infertility.
Long-term Results after Fractionated Radiation Therapy for Large Brain Arteriovenous Malformations

OBJECTIVE:To study the results after fractionated radiotherapy of large arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). METHODS:Twenty-eight patients harboring large AVMs were treated between 1980 and 1985 with fractionated radiotherapy with up to 3.5 Gy per fraction twice a week to a total dose of 41 to 50 Gy. All but 5 patients were examined with an angiogram at least 4 years after the treatment. RESULTS:Two AVMs (8%) were obliterated after the treatment. Eight patients died: five as a result of hemorrhages, two of unknown causes, and one as a result of lung carcinoma. Five patients deteriorated slightly, three moderately, and four severely after the treatment. The longer the observation time, the higher the incidence of neurological deterioration. The AVMs were significantly larger in the four patients who developed a severe deficit after the treatment. The annual hemorrhage rate was 6% after the treatment, suggesting that radiation did not protect from hemorrhage unless the AVM was occluded. AVMs with a pretreatment rupture had a annual hemorrhage rate of 12%, compared with 1% in the unruptured cases. CONCLUSION:The obliteration rate after fractionated radiotherapy with a dose per fraction of 2 to 4 Gy to a total dose of up to 50 Gy was low. The clinical outcome suggests that the radiation treatment may have caused significant side effects. Although the risk for hemorrhage in previously ruptured large AVMs is high, the use of fractionated radiotherapy using low doses per fraction cannot be recommended.
Carbon Footprint of Beef Cattle

The carbon footprint of beef cattle is presented for Canada, The United States, The European Union, Australia and Brazil. The values ranged between 8 and 22 kg CO 2 e per kg of live weight (LW) depending on the type of farming system, the location, the year, the type of management practices, the allocation, as well as the boundaries of the study. Substantial reductions have been observed for most of these countries in the last thirty years. For instance, in Canada the mean carbon footprint of beef cattle at the exit gate of the farm decreased from 18.2 kg CO 2 e per kg LW in 1981 to 9.5 kg CO 2 e per kg LW in 2006 mainly because of improved genetics, better diets, and more sustainable land management practices. Cattle production results in products other than meat, such as hides, offal and products for rendering plants; hence the environmental burden must be distributed between these useful products. In order to do this, the cattle carbon footprint needs to be reported in kg of CO 2 e per kg of product. For example, in Canada in 2006, on a mass basis, the carbon footprint of cattle by-products at the exit gate of the slaughterhouse was 12.9 kg CO 2 e per kg of product. Based on an economic allocation, the carbon footprints of meat (primal cuts), hide, offal and fat, bones and other products for rendering were 19.6, 12.3, 7 and 2 kg CO 2 e per kg of product, respectively.
Introduction to Asian language researches

This article provides an introduction to aspects of emergent literacy and bilingualism that will orient readers to the importance of innovative and varied classroom activities with young children, so that teachers can promote competence and enjoyment of language learning, particularly for those young children learning English as a second language. This article also introduces a set of researches in this Special Issue on how teachers and principals respond to legislative requirements in some Asian countries, that is, laws that impact on how and when teachers can introduce bilingual and even trilingual efforts in Asian classrooms. Some of the research papers reveal how urgent the need for teacher training is when adults (responsible for the care of very young children) have not been required or helped to understand the importance of providing early positive responses and effective interactions to promote rich language development from infancy onward. Other researches in this Special Issue provide specific details of creative teacher efforts to encourage emergent literacy, storytelling, and bilingual proficiency in classrooms for young children in four Asian countries.
[Factors connected with efficacy of single ketamine infusion in bipolar depression].

AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of single ketamine infusion and clinical and biochemical factors connected with such efficacy, in patients with bipolar depression, which had not improved on antidepressant treatment. METHODS The study included 42 patients (32 women, 10 men), aged 22-67 years, with bipolar depression. They received > or = 1 mood-stabilizing medications of first and/or second generation. After discontinuation of antidepressants (> or = 7 days), intravenous infusion of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg body weight) was performed. The assessment of depression by the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was made before, and after 1, 3, 7 and 14 days following administration of ketamine. The assumed criterion for clinical improvement was the reduction of > or = 50% score on the Hamilton scale after 7 days. In a subgroup of 20 patients, prior to administration of ketamine, serum concentrations of homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid, neurotrophins and inflammatory proteins were measured. RESULTS In the whole group, the severity of depression on the Hamilton scale decreased significantly 24 hours after administration of ketamine from 22.6 +/- 5.1 to 15.6 +/- 7.4 points. After 7 days it was 13 +/- 7 and after 14 days - 11.8 +/- 7.8 points. Patients showing clinical improvement (n = 22) had significantly higher frequency of alcohol addiction and family history of alcoholism. Biochemical tests in the subset of 20 patients demonstrated that those with clinical improvement (n = 10) had higher serum concentrations of vitamin B12 and receptor-1 Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor before administration of ketamine. Ketamine infusion was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS The results confirm a rapid antidepressant effect of ketamine infusion maintaining for 2 weeks, in a considerable proportion of patients with bipolar depression, and good clinical tolerance of such procedure. Also, some clinical and biochemical factors associated with ketamine efficacy were shown.
Disparity Estimation using TV Regularization 3 3 Disparity Estimation from Lumigraph

Plenoptic cameras make a trade-off between spatial and angular resolution. The knowledge of the disparity map allows to improve the resolution of these cameras using superresolution techniques. Nonetheless, the disparity map is often unknown and must be recovered from the lightfield captured. Hence, we focus on improving the disparity estimation from the structure tensor analysis of the epipolar plane images obtained from the lightfield. Using an hypercube representation, we formalize a data fusion problem with total variation regularization using the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers. Assuming periodic boundary conditions allowed us to integrate the full 4D lightfield efficiently using the frequency domain. We applied this methodology to a synthetic dataset. The disparity estimations are more accurate than those of the structure tensor.
Optimal resource allocation in HetNets

The deployment of pico cells to cover traffic hot spots within the footprint of a macro cell provides a powerful approach to meet the massive growth in traffic demands fueled by smartphones and bandwidth-hungry applications. Joint optimization of resource allocation and user association is of critical importance to achieve the maximum capacity benefits in such heterogeneous network deployments (HetNets). We first examine the problem of minimizing the amount of resources required to satisfy given traffic demands. We characterize the structure of the optimal solution, and identify a simple optimality condition in terms of the physical transmission rates of the edge users between the macro cell and the various pico cells. We further demonstrate how these structural properties can be leveraged in designing a distributed online algorithm for achieving a max-min fair throughput allocation across all users. Numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the results.
Extending the IS Strategy Typology: An Assessment of Strategy Impacts on Capabilities Development and Performance

A typology of IS strategy has recently been forwarded in the literature in which IS strategy is categorized into three types: Innovative, Conservative, and Undefined. But more recent investigations in IS found that when firms attempt to take an ambidextrous approach, to some degree exhibiting both moderately innovative and conservative strategy behaviors, firms tend to perform equally well or better than those implementing predominately a single approach. Therefore, this paper proposes an extension to the existing typology by including a fourth strategy—IS Ambidextrous. It contributes by operationalizing and testing the extended typology in a model that assesses IS strategies’ impacts on dynamic capabilities development and ultimately on performance. It is found that, in practice, a substantially high percentage of firms strive to be ambidextrous and that this approach to IS is a rewarding strategy and by no means inferior to any of the other IS approaches in the typology.
Three Duality Symmetries between Photons and Cosmic String Loops, and Macro and Micro Black Holes

We present a review of two thermal duality symmetries between two different kinds of systems: photons and cosmic string loops, and macro black holes and micro black holes, respectively. It also follows a third joint duality symmetry amongst them through thermal equilibrium and stability between macro black holes and photon gas, and micro black holes and string loop gas, respectively. The possible cosmological consequences of these symmetries are discussed.
Effect of Media Advertising and other Sources on Movie Selection

,One of the most generally accepted beliefs about movie audiences is that their selection of films is strongly influenced by interpersonal communication.1 Anecdotal evidence is often cited to support this claim. Several movies with extremely small advertising budgets have gone on to become box-office successes, while other movies supported by extensive budgets have failed. The assumption is that wordof-mouth information made the difference and, therefore, interpersonal communication must be more important than massmedia advertising in influencing movie selection decisions. Empirical investigations of the relative influence of different information sources on film selections, however, have been
CENP-A, -B, and -C Chromatin Complex That Contains the I-Type α-Satellite Array Constitutes the Prekinetochore in HeLa Cells

ABSTRACT CENP-A is a component of centromeric chromatin and defines active centromere regions by forming centromere-specific nucleosomes. We have isolated centromeric chromatin containing the CENP-A nucleosome, CENP-B, and CENP-C from HeLa cells using anti-CENP-A and/or anti-CENP-C antibodies and shown that the CENP-A/B/C complex is predominantly formed on α-satellite DNA that contains the CENP-B box (αI-type array). Mapping of hypersensitive sites for micrococcal nuclease (MNase) digestion indicated that CENP-A nucleosomes were phased on the αI-type array as a result of interactions between CENP-B and CENP-B boxes, implying a repetitive configuration for the CENP-B/CENP-A nucleosome complex. Molecular mass analysis by glycerol gradient sedimentation showed that MNase digestion released a CENP-A/B/C chromatin complex of three to four nucleosomes into the soluble fraction, suggesting that CENP-C is a component of the repetitive CENP-B/CENP-A nucleosome complex. Quantitative analysis by immunodepletion of CENP-A nucleosomes showed that most of the CENP-C and approximately half the CENP-B took part in formation of the CENP-A/B/C chromatin complex. A kinetic study of the solubilization of CENPs showed that MNase digestion first released the CENP-A/B/C chromatin complex into the soluble fraction, and later removed CENP-B and CENP-C from the complex. This result suggests that CENP-A nucleosomes form a complex with CENP-B and CENP-C through interaction with DNA. On the basis of these results, we propose that the CENP-A/B/C chromatin complex is selectively formed on the I-type α-satellite array and constitutes the prekinetochore in HeLa cells.
Can distributed resources contribute to micro grid operation and support?: Technical and economic considerations in a sub-network of the Colombian Power System

This paper presents and analyzes the possible contribution of Distributed Resources to the short-term security of supply in distribution grid. This study shows technical considerations in a sub-network of the Colombian Power System that has Small Hydro Power Plants, which are part of a Microgrids project in the distribution system of a Colombian region. We conducted a technical and economic analysis on the dynamic performance of the system in a Microgrid operation in slow behavior through testing.
Bridging the Conceptual Frameworks of Constraints Negotiation and Serious Leisure to Understand Leisure Benefit Realization

Constraints negotiation and serious leisure are two major conceptual frameworks that have developed independently to understand individuals’ leisure participation. Although discrete ideas, they are conceptually similar in light of the fact that they address individuals’ leisure pursuits to attain various desirable benefits. The most important connections between these two frameworks lie in their assertion of different challenges inherent in leisure pursuits together with the need for serious efforts to reach leisure goals. Using a sample of Wisconsin anglers, the goal of this study is to better understand individuals’ benefit realization process by jointly examining the two conceptual frameworks of constraints negotiation and serious leisure. The study results suggest that negotiation strategies or efforts, which are at the center of both perspectives, play a key role in realizing diverse beneficial outcomes and developing unique leisure identities.
Sensitivity of Input Blocking Capacitor on Output Voltage and Current of a PV Inverter Employing IGBTs

This paper present a MATLAB-SIMULINK model of a single phase 2.5 KVA, 240V RMS controlled PV VSI (Photovoltaic Voltage Source Inverter) inverter using IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor). The behavior of output voltage, output current, and the total harmonic distortion (THD), with the variation in input dc blocking capacitor (Cdc), for linear and non-linear load has been analyzed. The values of Cdc as suggested by the other authors in their papers are not clearly defined and it poses difficulty in selecting the proper value. As the dc power stored in Cdc, (generally placed parallel with battery) is used as input to the VSI inverter. The simulation results shows the variation in the output voltage and current with different values of Cdc for linear and non-linear load connected at the output side of PV VSI inverter and suggest the selection of suitable value of Cdc.
Combined Effects of Nitrous Oxide and Propofol on the Dynamic Cerebrovascular Response to Step Changes in End-tidal Pco2 in Humans

Background Nitrous oxide (N2O) and propofol exhibit directionally opposite effects on the cerebral circulation, vasodilation and vasoconstriction, respectively. The authors investigated an interaction between the two anesthetic agents on the dynamic cerebrovascular response to step changes in end-tidal pressure of carbon dioxide (Petco2) in humans. Methods Participants with no systemic diseases were allocated into two groups, each of which was anesthetized sequentially with two protocols. Patients in group 1 were anesthetized with 30% O2 + 70% N2O. A continuous intravenous infusion of propofol (7–10 mg · kg−1 · h−1) was then added to the N2O. Patients in group 2 were anesthetized first with continuous infusion of propofol (10 mg · kg−1 · h−1), and then 30% O2 + 70% N2O was added to the propofol anesthesia. Using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, blood flow velocity at the middle cerebral artery (FVMCA) was measured during a step increase (on-response) followed by a step decrease (off-response) in Petco2, with Petco2 ranging between approximately 28 and 50 mmHg. The dynamic FVMCA–Petco2 relationship was analyzed using a mathematical model that was characterized with a pure time delay, and a time constant and a gain each for the on- or off-response. Results The addition of propofol to the N2O anesthesia increased the on-response time constant (P < 0.01), whereas the addition of N2O to the propofol anesthesia increased the time constants for on- (P < 0.01) and off-responses (P < 0.05). However, the addition of either anesthetic did not affect the gains. Conclusions Propofol and N2O, when one is added to the other, produce similar dynamic FVMCA responses to sudden changes in Petco2. Addition of each anesthetic slows the dynamic response and produces the response whose magnitude is proportional to the baseline FVMCA.
New hope for recognizing twins by using facial motion

Distinguishing between identical twins is the Holy Grail in face recognition because of the great similarity between the faces of a pair of twins. Most existing face recognition systems choose to simply ignore it. However, as the population of twins increases quickly, such an “ostrich strategy” is no longer acceptable. The biometric systems that overlook the twins problem are presenting a serious security hole. Inspired by recent advances in motion-based face recognition techniques, we propose to use facial motion to address the twins problem. We collect a twins facial expression database and conduct a series of experiments in two assumed scenarios: the Social Party Scenario and the Access Control Scenario. The experimental results show that facial motion ourperforms facial appearance in distinguishing between twins. Based on this finding, we propose a two-stage cascaded General Access Control System, which combines facial appearance with facial motion. The experimental results show that, compared with an appearance-based face recognition system, this cascaded system is much more secure against an “evil-twin” imposter attack, while performing as good for normal population.
Institute for Mathematical Physics Differential Rigidity of Anosov Actions of Higher Rank Abelian Groups and Algebraic Lattice Actions Differential Rigidity of Anosov Actions of Higher Rank Abelian Groups and Algebraic Lattice Actions to Dmitry Viktorovich Anosov on His Sixtieth Birthday

We show that most homogeneous Anosov actions of higher rank Abelian groups are locally C ∞-rigid (up to an automorphism). This result is the main part in the proof of local C ∞-rigidity for two very different types of algebraic actions of irreducible lattices in higher rank semisimple Lie groups: (i) the Anosov actions by automorphisms of tori and nil–manifolds, and (ii) the actions of cocompact lattices on Furstenberg boundaries, in particular, projective spaces. The main new technical ingredient in the proofs is the use of a proper " non–stationary " generalization of the classical theory of normal forms for local contractions.