Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment of multiple adjacent Miller class I and II gingival recessions with a Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel (MCAT) technique and a collagen matrix or palatal connective tissue graft: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND A newly developed collagen matrix (CM) of porcine origin has been shown to represent a potential alternative to palatal connective tissue grafts (CTG) for the treatment of single Miller Class I and II gingival recessions when used in conjunction with a coronally advanced flap (CAF). However, at present it remains unknown to what extent CM may represent a valuable alternative to CTG in the treatment of Miller Class I and II multiple adjacent gingival recessions (MAGR). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes following treatment of Miller Class I and II MAGR using the modified coronally advanced tunnel technique (MCAT) in conjunction with either CM or CTG. METHODS Twenty-two patients with a total of 156 Miller Class I and II gingival recessions were included in this study. Recessions were randomly treated according to a split-mouth design by means of MCAT + CM (test) or MCAT + CTG (control). The following measurements were recorded at baseline (i.e. prior to surgery) and at 12 months: Gingival Recession Depth (GRD), Probing Pocket Depth (PD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), Keratinized Tissue Width (KTW), Gingival Recession Width (GRW) and Gingival Thickness (GT). GT was measured 3-mm apical to the gingival margin. Patient acceptance was recorded using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The primary outcome variable was Complete Root Coverage (CRC), secondary outcomes were Mean Root Coverage (MRC), change in KTW, GT, patient acceptance and duration of surgery. RESULTS Healing was uneventful in both groups. No adverse reactions at any of the sites were observed. At 12 months, both treatments resulted in statistically significant improvements of CRC, MRC, KTW and GT compared with baseline (p < 0.05). CRC was found at 42% of test sites and at 85% of control sites respectively (p < 0.05). MRC measured 71 ± 21% mm at test sites versus 90 ± 18% mm at control sites (p < 0.05). Mean KTW measured 2.4 ± 0.7 mm at test sites versus 2.7 ± 0.8 mm at control sites (p > 0.05). At test sites, GT values changed from 0.8 ± 0.2 to 1.0 ± 0.3 mm, and at control sites from 0.8 ± 0.3 to 1.3 ± 0.4 mm (p < 0.05). Duration of surgery and patient morbidity was statistically significantly lower in the test compared with the control group respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The present findings indicate that the use of CM may represent an alternative to CTG by reducing surgical time and patient morbidity, but yielded lower CRC than CTG in the treatment of Miller Class I and II MAGR when used in conjunction with MCAT.
Restoration of the immune functions in aged mice by supplementation with a new herbal composition, HemoHIM

The effect of a new herbal composition, HemoHIM, on immune functions was examined in aged mice, in which various immune responses had been impaired. The composition HemoHIM was prepared by adding the ethanol‐insoluble fraction to the total water extract of a mixture of three edible herbs, Angelica Radix, Cnidium Rhizoma and Paeonia Radix. Supplementation to the aged mice with HemoHIM restored the proliferative response and cytokine production of splenocytes with a response to ConA. Also, HemoHIM recovered the NK cell activity which had been impaired in the aged mice. Meanwhile aging is known to reduce the Th1‐like function, but not the Th2‐like function, resulting in a Th1/Th2 imbalance. HemoHIM restored the Th1/Th2 balance in the aged mice through enhanced IFN‐γ and IgG2a production, and conversely a reduced IL‐4 and IgG1 production. It was found that one factor for the Th1/Th2 imbalance in the aged mice was a lower production of IL‐12p70. However, HemoHIM restored the IL‐12p70 production in the aged mice. These results suggested that HemoHIM was effective for the restoration of impaired immune functions of the aged mice and therefore could be a good recommendation for immune restoration in elderly humans. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Choline Promotes Nicotinic Receptor α4 + β2 Up-regulation

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) composed of α4 + β2 subunits, the high affinity nicotine-binding site in the mammalian brain, up-regulate in response to chronic nicotine exposure. The identities of endogenous mediators of this process are unknown. We find that choline also up-regulates α4 + β2 nAChRs stably expressed by HEK293 cells as measured by increased [3H]epibatidine density. Choline-mediated up-regulation is dose-dependent and corresponds with an increase in β2 subunit protein expression. The choline kinase inhibitor hemicholinium-3 inhibits ∼60% of choline-mediated up-regulation revealing both an HC3-dependent and -independent pathway. Furthermore, choline-mediated up-regulation is not additive with up-regulation agents such as nicotine, but it is additive with weaker promoters of the up-regulation process. When co-applied with the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α, choline-mediated up-regulation is increased further through a mechanism that includes an increase in both α4 and β2 protein expression, and this is inhibited by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190. These findings extend the view that up-regulation of α4 + β2 nAChRs is a normal physiological response to altered metabolic and inflammatory conditions.
Adapter-based Safety Injection System for Prevention of Wrong Route and Wrong Patient Medication Errors

Wrong-route or -patient medication errors due to human mistakes have been considered difficult to resolve in clinical settings. In this study, we suggest a safety injection system that can help to prevent an injection when a mismatch exists between the drug and route or patient. For this, we prepared two distinct adapters with key and keyhole patterns specifically assigned to a pair of drug and route or patient. When connected to a syringe tip and its counterpart, a catheter injection-port, respectively, the adapters allowed for a seamless connection only with their matching patterns. In this study, each of the adapters possessed a specific key and keyhole pattern at one end and the other end was shaped to be a universal fit for syringe tips or catheter injection-ports in clinical use. With the scheme proposed herein, we could generate 27,000 patterns, depending on the location and shape of the key tooth in the adapters. With a rapid prototyping technique, multiple distinct pairs of adapters could be prepared in a relatively short period of time and thus, we envision that a specific adapter pair can be produced on-site after patient hospitalization, much like patient identification barcodes.
Cellulose Synthesis and Its Regulation

Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer synthesized on land, is made of linear chains of ß (1–4) linked D-glucose. As a major structural component of the cell wall, cellulose is important not only for industrial use but also for plant growth and development. Cellulose microfibrils are tethered by other cell wall polysaccharides such as hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin. In higher plants, cellulose is synthesized by plasma membrane-localized rosette cellulose synthase complexes. Despite the recent advances using a combination of molecular genetics, live cell imaging, and spectroscopic tools, many aspects of the cellulose synthesis remain a mystery. In this chapter, we highlight recent research progress towards understanding the mechanism of cellulose synthesis in Arabidopsis.
Application of Grassmann—Cayley Algebra to Geometrical Interpretation of Parallel Robot Singularities

The aim of this paper is two—fold: first, it provides an overview of the implementation of Grassmann—Cayley algebra to the study of singularities of parallel robots1 and, second, this algebra is utilized to solve the singularity of a general class of Gough—Stewart platforms (GSPs). The Grassmann—Cayley algebra has an intuitive way of representing geometric entities and writing them and their incidence algebraically. The singularity analysis is performed using the bracket representation of the Jacobian matrix determinant associated with this algebra. This representation is a coordinate-free one, and for all cases treated and addressed in this paper, it enables the translation of the algebraic expression into a geometrically meaningful statement. The class of GSPs having two pairs of collocated joints, whose singularity is treated in this paper, is one of the more general classes. Their singularity analysis and geometrical interpretation, is presented here, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time.
Benchmarking evolutionary algorithms on convenience kinetics models of the valine and leucine biosynthesis in C. glutamicum

An important problem in systems biology is parameter estimation for biochemical system models. Our work concentrates on the metabolic subnetwork of the valine and leucine biosynthesis in Corynebacterium glutamicum, an anaerobic actinobacterium of high biotechnological importance. Using data of an in vivo experiment measuring 13 metabolites during a glucose stimulus-response experiment we investigate the performance of various evolutionary algorithms on the parameter inference problem in biochemical modeling. Due to the inconclusive information on the reversibility of the reactions in the pathway, we develop both a reversible and an irreversible differential equation model based on the recent convenience kinetics approach. As the reversible model allows better approximation on the whole, we use it to analyze the impact of different settings on four especially promising EAs. We show that Particle Swarm Optimization as well as Differential Evolution are useful methods for parameter estimation on convenience kinetics models outperforming Genetic Algorithm and Evolution Strategy approaches and nearly reaching the quality of independent spline approximations on the raw data.
Concatenative Programming - An Overlooked Paradigm in Functional Programming

: Based on the state of our ongoing research into Language-Driven Software Development (LDSD) and Language-Oriented Programming (LOP) we argue that the yet relatively unknown paradigm of concatena-tive programming is valuable for fundamental software engineering research and might prove to be a suitable foundation for future programming. To be sound, we formally introduce Concat, our research prototype of a purely functional concatenative language. The simplicity of Concat is contrasted by its expressiveness and a richness of inspiring approaches. Concatenative languages contribute a fresh and different sight on functional programming, which might help tackle challenges in LDSD/LOP from a new viewpoint.
Noise robust one-dimensional blind deconvolution of medical ultrasound images

Recently, several blind cepstral deconvolution methods for medical ultrasound images were compared experimentally. The results indicated that the generalized cepstrum or the complex cepstrum with phase unwrapping give the blind homomorphic deconvolution algorithms with the best performance. However, the frequency domain phase unwrapping for pulse estimation, which is an essential part of both methods, is sensitive to the sensor noise when the values of the spectrum are small due to the randomness of the tissue response. The noise introduces abrupt changes in the phase. The phase degradation due to the noise causes variable spatial and gray scale resolution in image sequences following deconvolution. This paper introduces a noise robust Bayesian phase unwrapping method using a noncausal Markov random chain model. The prior regularizing term accounts for the noise and smoothes the phase. The phase unwrapping is formulated as a least mean square optimization problem. The optimization is done noniteratively by solving a difference equation using the cosine transform. The resulting improvement in radial and lateral blind deconvolution is demonstrated on six short ultrasound image sequences recorded in vitro or in vivo.
Estatus, distribución y parámetros reproductores de las poblaciones de aves carroñeras en Navarra

In this study, the distribution and evolution of the populations of the griffon vulture Gyps fulvus, the Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus, and the bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus in Navarra (north of the Iberian Peninsula) are examined. The knowledge of the biology, demography and the conservation of this species have been increasing in the region since the start of the eighties. The griffon vulture has evolved demographically in quite a spectacular way, going from 312 to 2751 pairs in twenty five years and colonizing extensive areas of the east of the region, that were unoccupied at the end of the seventies. In 2007 and 2008 the population showed a slight decline and a fall of productivity apparently linked to the decrease of food caused by the elimination of carcasses from farming and the mass closing of dumpsites. The Egyptian vulture population apparently stabilized at around 150 pairs (census in 2000), but various other detailed studies suggest that a significant decline is taking place. The bearded vulture stopped its positive evolution at the end of the nineties and maintains between six and eight breeding territories. The presence of the floating population of this species in the study area has suffered a sharp decline that threatens the fragile colonizing process started in new mountain systems outside of the Pyrenees. The most important limiting factors are linked to unnatural death (increasing incidents of poison and collisions in wind farms). The recent generalized implementation of an elimination system of carcasses from farming may be having an important impact on some species, especially the griffon vulture. The priority of the conservation of necrophage birds in Navarra in the future should be to reduce death by unnatural causes. Trophic availability should also be ensured by means of a new legal framework for extensive farming that should be supported particularly in mountainous environments that are not very productive where the reintroduction of ungulates can also be studied. The use of feeding places should be rigorously controlled in all aspects in order to avoid undesired affects on the biology of the necrophages. Lastly, it is important to continue with the monitoring of these birds and to start specific studies about different aspects that are frequently unknown despite being relatively common species.
Inhibitory machinery for the TGF-β family signaling pathway

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family signaling regulates cell growth and differentiation of many different cell types and is widely involved in the regulation of homeostasis during both embryogenesis and adult life. Therefore, aberrant TGF-β family signal transduction is linked to congenital disorders, tumorigenicity, and fibrosis, which can be life-threatening. A specific receptor–ligand complex initiates transduction of TGF-β family signaling to the nucleus via intracellular signal molecules, mainly Smads, whereby a number of bioactivities such as wound healing, immunomodulation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis are controlled. To avoid an excess of TGF-β family signaling in cells, the duration and intensity of the TGF-β family signal appear to be subject to elaborate regulation. In this paper, we describe recent advances in the understanding of how TGF-β family signals are perturbed and terminated to maintain homeostasis in cells.
RAPID RESTORATION OF MICROCIRCULATORY BLOOD FLOW WITH HYPERVISCOUS AND HYPERONCOTIC SOLUTIONS LOWERS THE TRANSFUSION TRIGGER IN RESUSCITATION FROM HEMORRHAGIC SHOCK

ABSTRACT Resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock relies on fluid retransfusion. However, the optimal properties of the fluid have not been established. The aim of the present study was to test the influence of the concentration of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solution on plasma viscosity and colloid osmotic pressure (COP), systemic and microcirculatory recovery, and oxygen delivery and consumption after resuscitation, which were assessed in the hamster chamber window preparation by intravital microscopy. Awake hamsters were subjected to 50% hemorrhage and were resuscitated with 25% of the estimated blood volume with 5%, 10%, or 20% HES solution. The increase in concentration led to an increase in COP (from 20 to 70 and 194 mmHg) and viscosity (from 1.7 to 3.8 and 14.4 cP). Cardiac index and microcirculatory and metabolic recovery were improved with HES 10% and 20% when compared with 5% HES. Oxygen delivery and consumption in the dorsal skinfold chamber was more than doubled with HES 10% and 20% when compared with HES 5%. This was attributed to the beneficial effect of restored or increased plasma COP and plasma viscosity as obtained with HES 10% and 20%, leading to improved microcirculatory blood flow values early in the resuscitation period. The increase in COP led to an increase in blood volume as shown by a reduction in hematocrit. Mean arterial pressure was significantly improved in animals receiving 10% and 20% solutions. In conclusion, the present results show that the increase in the concentration of HES, leading to hyperoncotic and hyperviscous solutions, is beneficial for resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock because normalization of COP and viscosity led to a rapid recovery of microcirculatory parameters.
On the absence of sternal elements in Anchiornis (Paraves) and Sapeornis (Aves) and the complex early evolution of the avian sternum

Significance We have observed more than 200 specimens of Anchiornis, the earliest known feathered dinosaur, and nearly 100 specimens of Sapeornis, one of the basalmost birds, and recognize no sternal ossifications. We propose that the sternum may have been completely lost in these two taxa (and Archaeopteryx as well) based on histological analysis and the excellent preservation of soft-tissue structures, thus suggesting the absence of a sternum could represent the plesiomorphic avian condition. Our discovery reveals an unexpected level of complexity and high degree of inherent developmental plasticity in the early evolution of the avian sternum. Anchiornis (Deinonychosauria: Troodontidae), the earliest known feathered dinosaur, and Sapeornis (Aves: Pygostylia), one of the basalmost Cretaceous birds, are both known from hundreds of specimens, although remarkably not one specimen preserves any sternal ossifications. We use histological analysis to confirm the absence of this element in adult specimens. Furthermore, the excellent preservation of soft-tissue structures in some specimens suggests that no chondrified sternum was present. Archaeopteryx, the oldest and most basal known bird, is known from only 10 specimens and the presence of a sternum is controversial; a chondrified sternum is widely considered to have been present. However, data from Anchiornis and Sapeornis suggest that a sternum may also have been completely absent in this important taxon, suggesting that the absence of a sternum could represent the plesiomorphic avian condition. Our discovery reveals an unexpected level of complexity in the early evolution of the avian sternum; the large amount of observable homoplasy is probably a direct result of the high degree of inherent developmental plasticity of the sternum compared with observations in other skeletal elements.
Impacts of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle uncertainty and grid unavailability on home load management

A massive focus has recently been made on demand response (DR) programs, aimed to the electricity price reduction, reliability improvement, and energy efficiency. Basically, DR programs are divided into twofold main categories, namely incentive-based programs and price- or time-based programs. The focus of this paper is on priced-based DR programs including consumer responses to the time differentiated pricing. Home load management (HLM) program is designed to control responsive appliances and charging/discharging cycles of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by the consumer. Uncertain parameters associated with PHEV, i.e. its departure/travelling time and energy consumption as well as the grid unavailability in serving the loads are incorporated in the proposed probabilistic HLM model. Numerical simulations are conducted to illustrate the investigated notions and to verify the advantages of the developed model.
Design and Performance of a 600-W  $C$-Band Amplifier Using Spatially Combined GaAs FETs for Satellite Communications

This paper describes the design and performance of a C-band amplifier with over 600 W of saturated output power. This amplifier is intended for use in commercial broadcast satellite uplink base stations. The amplifier uses spatial power combining to combine the output powers of sixteen internally matched 45-W GaAs FETs. The amplifier also comprises pre-amplification and driver amplification stages, a level control variable attenuator, and a predistortion linearizer. The unit also includes a power supply as well as a user monitor and control interface. We will present various measures of this amplifier's linearity performance, demonstrating its suitability for use in broadcast applications. Finally, we will present results from power combining two of these amplifiers, resulting in a solid-state amplifier with 1.4 kW of saturated C-band output power.
Atherosclerosis Inflammation Imaging with 18F-FDG PET: Carotid, Iliac, and Femoral Uptake Reproducibility, Quantification Methods, and Recommendations

Atherosclerosis imaging with 18F-FDG PET is useful for tracking inflammation within plaque and monitoring the response to drug therapy. Short-term reproducibility of this technique in peripheral artery disease has not been assessed, and the optimal method of 18F-FDG quantification is still debated. We imaged 20 patients with vascular disease using 18F-FDG PET twice, 14 d apart, and used these data to assess reproducibility measures and compare 2 methods of 18F-FDG uptake measurement. We also reviewed the literature on quantification methods to determine the optimal measures of arterial 18F-FDG uptake for future studies. Methods: Twenty patients with vascular disease underwent PET/CT of the iliac, femoral, and carotid arteries 90 min after 18F-FDG administration. In 19 patients, repeat testing was performed at 2 wk. Coregistration and attenuation correction were performed with CT. Vessel 18F-FDG uptake was measured as both the mean and maximum blood-normalized standardized uptake value (SUV), known as the target-to-background ratio (TBR). We assessed interscan, interobserver, and intraobserver agreement. Results: Nineteen patients completed both imaging sessions. The carotid and peripheral arteries all have excellent short-term reproducibility of the 18F-FDG signal, with intraclass correlation coefficients all greater than 0.8 for all measures of reproducibility. Both mean and maximum TBR measurements for quantifying 18F-FDG uptake are equally reproducible. 18F-FDG uptake was significantly higher in the carotid arteries than in both iliac and femoral vessels (P < 0.001 for both). Conclusion: We found that both mean and maximum TBR in the carotid, iliac, and femoral arteries were highly reproducible. We suggest the mean TBR be used for tracking systemic arterial therapies, whereas the maximum TBR is optimal for detecting and monitoring local, plaque-based therapy.