Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bandwidth enhancement of a microstrip antenna for X-band applications

An X-band microstrip antenna for bandwidth enhancement is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna is comprised of circular and rectangular slots fed by a 50 Ω microstrip line. It is designed on 40 mm × 40 mm printed circuit board using FR4 substrate material. Commercially available high frequency electromagnetic solver HFSS based on the finite element method (FEM) is taken into account in this study. The impedance bandwidth (VSWR≤2) of the proposed antenna is 2.10 GHz (9.75 to 11.85 GHz). 1.85 dB is the average gain where maximum gain is 2.3 dB. The proposed antenna exhibits stable Omni-directional radiation pattern.
Biomimetic Remineralization of Carious Lesions by Self-Assembling Peptide

Caries is the most common disease in the world. Great efforts have been undertaken for prevention and to identify a regenerative treatment solution for dental caries. Self-assembling β-sheet forming peptides have previously shown to form 3-dimensional fiber networks supporting tissue regeneration. In particular, the self-assembling peptide P11-4 has shown potential in the treatment and prevention of dental caries. It has previously been shown that application of monomeric P11-4 solution to early carious lesions can increase net mineral gain by forming de novo hydroxyapatite crystals. The hypothesis for the mode of action was that monomeric self-assembling peptide P11-4 diffuses into the subsurface lesion body and assembles therein into higher order fibrils, facilitating mineralization of the subsurface volume by mimicking the natural biomineralization of the tooth enamel, and it remains within the lesion body as a scaffold built-in by the newly formed hydroxyapatite. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of action of the self-assembling peptide P11-4 supporting mineralization of carious enamel. By various analytical methods, it could be shown that the self-assembling peptide P11-4 diffuses into the subsurface lesion, assembles into higher formed aggregates throughout the whole volume of the lesion, and supports nucleation of de novo hydroxyapatite nanocrystals and consequently results in increased mineral density within the subsurface carious lesion. The results showed that the application of self-assembling peptide P11-4 can facilitate the subsurface regeneration of the enamel lesion by supporting de novo mineralization in a similar mode of action as has been shown for the natural formation of dental enamel.
Comparative efficacies of permethrin-, deltamethrin- and α-cypermethrin-treated nets, against Anopheles arabiensis and Culex quinquefasciatus in northern Tanzania

Abstract Mosquito nets treated with permethrin, deltamethrin or α-cypermethrin at 25 mg/m2 were evaluated in experimental huts in an area of rice irrigation near Moshi, in northern Tanzania. The nets were deliberately holed to resemble worn nets. The nets treated with permethrin offered the highest personal protection against Anopheles arabiensis (61.6% reduction in fed mosquitoes) and Culex quinquefasciatus (25.0%). Deltamethrin and α-cypermethrin provided lower personal protection against An. arabiensis (46.4% and 45.6%, respectively) and no such protection against Cx. quinquefasciatus. Permethrin performed poorly in terms of mosquito mortality, however, killing only 15.2% of the An. arabiensis and 9.2% of the Cx. quinquefasciatus exposed to the nets treated with this pyrethroid (after correcting for control mortality). The α-cypermethrin and deltamethrin performed marginally better, with respective mortalities of 32.8% and 33.0% for An. arabiensis and 19.4% and 18.9% for Cx quinquefasciatus. The poor killing effect of permethrin was confirmed in a second trial where a commercial, long-lasting insecticidal net based on this pyrethroid (Olyset®) produced low mortalities in both An. arabiensis (11.8%) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (3.6%). Anopheles arabiensis survivors collected from the verandahs of the experimental huts and tested on 0.75%-permethrin and 0.05%-deltamethrin papers, in World Health Organization susceptibility kits, showed mortalities of 96% and 100%, respectively. The continued use of permethrin-treated nets is recommended for personal protection against An. arabiensis. In control programmes that aim to interrupt transmission of pathogens by mosquitoes and/or manage pyrethroid resistance in such vectors, a combination of a pyrethroid and another insecticide with greater killing effect should be considered.
A cardinality version of Beigel's nonspeedup theorem

Abstract If S is a finite set, let ∣S∣ be the cardinality of S. We show that if m ∈ ω, A ⊆ ω, B ⊆ ω, and ∣i: ≤ i ≤ 2m & xi ∈ A}∣ can be computed by an algorithm which, for all x1, …, x2m, makes at most m queries to B, then A is recursive in the halting set K. If m = 1, we show that A is recursive.
The Effect of Various Classes of Malocclusions on the Maxillary Arch Forms and Dimensions in Jordanian Population

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the differences of clinical maxillary arch forms in Angle Class I, II, and III using arch dimension parameters. Materials and method: A total of 124 (76 females and 48 males) fully dentate Jordanian subjects (mean age=18.34±4.26; range=14-22 years) were clinically examined and divided into 3 groups according to Angle’s classifications (Class I, II and III). Study casts were made and measured for 4 linear measurements of maxillary cast dimensions were taken (Inter-canine and inter-molar widths; and canine and molar depths). Canine W/D and molar W/D ratios were calculated. Arch form was determined according to measurements and related to occlusal pattern. The commonest malocclusion was class I (54.8%), followed by class II (37.9%) and class III (7.3%). Statistically significant differences were recorded in arch widths (p<0.05); Class III maxillary dental arches (W=37.8mm) were narrower than Class I (W=38.9 mm) and Class II dental arches (W=40.6mm) were the widest. In Class I: 55% of arches were ovoid, 40% tapered and 5% square. In Class II: 73% tapered 24% ovoid, and 3% square. In Class III: 45% tapered, 35% ovoid and 20% square. Measurements were significantly (p<0.05) higher in males than in females. No gender differences in canine and molar W/D ratios were recorded. Although more males had Class III, more females had Class II arches but the differences were not significant. Conclusion: Before orthodontic treatment, the arch form should be determined in relation with patients’ occlusal pattern to achieve best esthetic, functional and stable arch form out-come.
A Personalized Health Information Retrieval System

Consumers face barriers when seeking health information on the Internet. A Personalized Health Information Retrieval System (PHIRS) is proposed to recommend health information for consumers. The system consists of four modules: (1) User modeling module captures user’s preference and health interests; (2) Automatic quality filtering module identifies high quality health information; (3) Automatic text difficulty rating module classifies health information into professional or patient educational materials; and (4) User profile matching module tailors health information for individuals. The initial results show that PHIRS could assist consumers with simple search strategies.
Intermediate-coupling theory of the spin polaron in the t-J model.

The spin polaron in the {ital t-J} model, i.e., a hole dressed by a cloud of virtual magnons of the antiferromagnetic spin background, is treated within the framework of intermediate-coupling theory. The original {ital t}-{ital J} model is first reformulated in terms of spinless fermions and bosons by means of the generalized Dyson-Maleev representation (DMR). The latter may be regarded as the natural extension of the ordinary DMR of pure (undoped) spin systems to the case where holes are present, and is similar to the one originally proposed by Schmitt-Rink, Varma, and Ruckenstein. The reformulated {ital t}-{ital J} model, which is reminiscent of the Fr{umlt o}hlich Hamiltonian, is then subjected to a series of unitary transformations, analogous to those employed by Lee, Low, and Pines in their treatment of the Fr{umlt o}hlich polaron. Our approach yields an approximate quasiparticle energy {ital E}({ital k}{bold )} as well as the corresponding eigenvector. To explore the range of validity of our theory, the analytic expressions are then further analyzed for intermediate ({ital J}/{ital t}=0.4) and strong ({ital J}/{ital t}=0.08) coupling, where special attention is paid to the quasiparticle bandwidth {ital W}. The intermediate-coupling result for {ital E}({ital k}{bold )} is in excellent agreementmore » with the dispersion curve recently obtained by Dagotto and co-workers by means of a Green function Monte Carlo method. Even in the strong-coupling range the bandshape remains qualitatively correct. The bandwidth {ital W} is rather accurate for weak coupling ({ital J}/{ital t}{approx_gt}3), and still reasonable in the intermediate range 0.4{approx_lt}{ital J}/{ital t}{le}3, where it deviates from the correct values by some 10-20%. Our theory fails, however, to describe the proper behavior of {ital W} in the strong-coupling regime. This shows that the limitations of our approach manifest themselves in the bandwidths rather than in the shapes of the dispersion curves. « less
Improvement of Reverse Transcription PCR by RNase H

An improvement in the method of the Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR) using RNase H is proposed here. We succeeded in RT-PCR amplification against the full sequence of the coding region (8.9 kb) of the Insulin-like growth factor II receptor gene which has the area called the GC-block of about 90% GC contents at the 5′ terminal. Furthermore, the RNase H treatment improved the sensitivity of RT-PCR amplification against a general target.
Interleukin 1 stimulation of plasminogen activator production in cultured gingival fibroblasts.

Addition of human interleukin-1 (IL-1) to normal human gingival fibroblasts in culture stimulated the production of plasminogen activator (PA). This stimulation could be detected as early as 3 hours after addition of IL-1, was dosedependent and inhibited by antibody directed against IL-1. Additional observations suggest that IL-1 increases PA production. These include: (1) an increase in both intra- and extracellular PA activity, (2) the dependence of increased PA activity on RNA and protein synthesis and (3) an increase in immunologically detectable PA molecules by immunoperoxidase staining. Since IL-1 has been reported to be present in human gingival fluid and PA activity has been associated with connective tissue matrix alterations, the results presented here may provide some insight as to how immune events are linked to soft tissue destruction associated with periodontitis.
Basal metabolic rate and the evolution of the adaptive immune system

Vertebrates have evolved an adaptive immune system in addition to the ancestral innate immune system. It is often assumed that a trade–off between costs and benefits of defence governs the evolution of immunological defence, but the costs and benefits specific to the adaptive immune system are poorly known. We used genetically engineered mice lacking lymphocytes (i.e. mice without adaptive, but with innate, immunity) as a model of the ancestral state in the evolution of the vertebrate immune system. To investigate if the magnitude of adaptive defence is constrained by the energetic costs of producing lymphocytes etc., we compared the basal metabolic rate of normal and lymphocyte–deficient mice. We found that lymphocyte–deficient mice had a higher basal metabolic rate than normal mice with both innate and adaptive immune defence. This suggests that the evolution of the adaptive immune system has not been constrained by energetic costs. Rather, it should have been favoured by the energy savings associated with a combination of innate and adaptive immune defence.
No correlation of five gene polymorphisms with periodontal conditions in a Greek population.

BACKGROUND Various studies have examined possible correlations between a number of cytokine gene polymorphisms and periodontal disease in populations of different origins. The present study sought the correlation between four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (IL1A+3954, IL1B+4845, TNFA-308, COL1A1 Sp1), a variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism (IL1RN intron 2) and periodontal conditions in subjects of Greek origin. METHODS One hundred and ninety-two healthy subjects, stratified as non-periodontitis and periodontitis (chronic and aggressive) cases, participated in the present study. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-based techniques using the primers and conditions described in the literature. The frequencies of genotypes between study groups were compared using Genepop v3.3 genetic software and Instat statistical package. RESULTS No differences were observed among the groups concerning the distributions of genotypes under investigation. CONCLUSIONS Carriage rates of the polymorphisms under investigation in systemically healthy subjects of Greek origin are well within the range reported for Caucasians but these polymorphisms cannot discriminate between non-periodontitis and periodontitis (chronic or aggressive) cases.
Escherichia coli O157:H7 and the hemolytic-uremic syndrome.

In the decade since its initial description in the Journal, 1 Escherichia coli O157:H7 has emerged as a major cause of both sporadic cases and outbreaks of diarrhea in North America. The first report described outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness that were associated with the consumption of undercooked ground beef from a chain of fast-food restaurants. At the time, little was known about the pathophysiology, epidemiology, or clinical sequelae of infection with E. coli O157:H7. Since that report, several studies have shown that infection with E. coli O157:H7 is responsible for most cases of the hemolytic–uremic syndrome, which is a major cause .
5‐HT4 receptor activation induces long‐lasting EPSP‐spike potentiation in CA1 pyramidal neurons

Recent studies implicated involvement of the 5‐hydroxytryptamine4 (5‐HT4) receptor in cognitive and emotional processes. The highest 5‐HT4 receptor densities in the brain are found in the limbic system including the hippocampus. Here we used the selective 5‐HT4 receptor full agonist, N‐pentyl‐N′‐aminoguanidine carbazimidamide (SDZ‐216454) to characterize effects of 5‐HT4 receptor activation in whole‐cell and field recordings in the area CA1 in hippocampal slices prepared from 3 to 4‐ and 6 to 9‐week‐old rats, respectively. Extracellular recordings showed that transient 5‐HT4 receptor activation by 10–20 min application of SDZ‐216454 induces field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP)‐population spike potentiation (ESP5‐HT4), which persisted for as long as we held the recordings (> 2 h). ESP5‐HT4 displayed characteristics different from EPSP‐spike potentiation that accompanies long‐term potentiation; it developed without an associated increase in synaptic transmission, was independent on afferent input, activity of postsynaptic neurons and N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor activation; and was expressed in the presence of GABA receptor antagonists. ESP5‐HT4 was also induced by transient application of the natural neurotransmitter, 5‐HT. The increase in the evoked population spike (PS) induced by SDZ‐216454 was not prevented by blockers of hyperpolarization‐activated cation current (Ih), Cs+ and ZD‐7288, but was mimicked and occluded by 150 µm Ba2+. Whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recordings from pyramidal neurons demonstrated that SDZ‐216454 application increases membrane resistance with a concomitant decrease in a Ba2+‐sensitive inwardly rectifying K+ current and the Ba2+‐insensitive K+ current underlying slow afterhyperpolarization (IsAHP). We conclude that 5‐HT4 receptor activation may cause a long‐lasting excitability increase in CA1 pyramidal neurons by inhibition of a Ba2+‐sensitive inwardly rectifying K+ current.
Are There Filtering Blebs After Canaloplasty?

PurposeAim of the study was to assess the development of filtering blebs after canaloplasty. MethodsTwenty eyes of 20 consecutive patients receiving canaloplasty were included. All eyes were examined clinically (slit lamp), and by anterior segment optical coherence tomography and high-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy to detect filtering blebs. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and medications were recorded. No antimetabolites were used at any time. Two success criteria were defined to assess a possible correlation of bleb formation and success: (1) IOP ⩽21 mm Hg and minimum 20% IOP reduction without medication and (2) IOP <18 mm Hg without medication. ResultsNo filtering blebs were detected clinically. One patient had a filtering bleb-like structure as detected by anterior segment optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy. Mean IOP decreased significantly from 22.15±9.5 mm Hg preoperatively to 13.3±9.9 mm Hg at last follow-up (at 245±120.0 d). The number of medications was reduced significantly from 3.15±1.2 preoperatively to 0.55±0.94 postoperatively. Complete success rate was 65% for both success criteria. ConclusionsFiltering blebs occur rarely after canaloplasty. In canaloplasty, IOP reduction seems to be independent of subconjunctival aqueous drainage, thus, avoiding the problems of conjunctival scarring.
Molecular cloning and expression of Campylobacter pylori species-specific antigens in Escherichia coli K-12

A gene bank of Campylobacter pylori DNA in Escherichia coli was constructed by cloning Sau3A-cleaved DNA fragments into the bacteriophage vector lambda EMBL3. The expression of C. pylori antigens was determined by screening the gene library with adsorbed C. pylori whole-cell rabbit antisera. One recombinant clone which reacted positively (lambda CP2) was studied further. Immunoblot analysis with lambda CP2 showed a polypeptide band of 66 kilodaltons (kDa) reacting antigenically with the adsorbed antiserum. Extraction of DNA from lambda CP2 and digestion with SalI revealed a DNA insert of 17 kilobases (kb). Subcloning with SalI and the E. coli vector pUC18 showed that the DNA also encoded a 31-kDa antigen. The cloned antigens were shown by immunoblotting to have the same molecular weight in E. coli as in C. pylori and to be present in all C. pylori strains. Antiserum was raised against the cloned polypeptides and found to react only with C. pylori when analyzed by dot blotting and indirect immunofluorescence. The cloned antigens were determined to be expressed from the pUC18 lac promoter. The DNA encoding these antigens was radiolabeled with 32P and found to hybridize only to C. pylori strains. Immunoblotting with affinity-purified polyclonal antibody to the urease enzyme of C. pylori revealed that the cloned antigens may be part of the urease enzyme.
Performance degradation analysis of switched systems

This paper proposes a new concept of performance degradation for switched systems in the sense of stability and converging rate. The relationship between the eigenvalues of each subsystem and the converging rate of the whole switched system is established, which can help to evaluate the accepting performance degradation in the presence of faults in system components and actuators. The efficiency of the proposed methods is illustrated by a flight control system example.
Immunomodulatory arsenal of nymphal ticks

Abstract Ticks have developed their own immunomodulatory mechanisms to inhibit the host inflammatory response. One of them involves the ability to subvert the cytokine network at the site of tick feeding by secreting cytokine binding molecules. Most studies have focused on the immunomodulatory prowess of adult female ticks. Here we describe anti‐cytokine activity in salivary gland extracts (SGEs) prepared from 2‐day‐fed nymphs of Dermacentor reticulatus Fabricius, Ixodes ricinus L. , Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neumann and Amblyomma variegatum Fabricius. Anti‐CXCL8 activity was detected in nymphs of all species. Relatively high activity against CCL2, CCL3 and CCL11 was observed in SGEs of R. appendiculatus and A. variegatum nymphs, whereas SGEs of I. ricinus nymphs showed comparatively high anti‐interleukin‐2 (‐IL‐2) and anti‐IL‐4 activities. These data show that nymphs, which epidemiologically are usually more important than adults as disease vectors, possess a range of anti‐cytokine activities that may facilitate pathogen transmission.
Assessment of sound laterality with the use of a multi-channel recorder

Acoustic analysis of laterality in speech sounds poses numerous obstacles to researchers. Spectral characteristics of such segments vary depending on their phonetic context and shaping of the vocal tract [1]. There are no unambiguous acoustic parameters indicating that a sound is produced laterally. The main alternatives to spectrographic analysis in studying laterality are costly devices, such as electropalatographs (EPG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. This article demonstrates how a much more affordable device, the multi-channel recorder, may be used in detecting and assessing laterality in speech. The system records multi-channel audio and calculates spatial coordinates of sound propagation sources, allowing the researcher to establish if the release is central, unilateral or bilateral. This method allows also for evaluating the dominance of the release on the left or right side. It may be used in assessing nasality, too.
Ultrasonographic Enthesopathy and Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, the correlation between ultrasonographic enthesopathy and severity in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been done before. However, the correlation between ultrasonography of enthesopathy and the Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS) have not been done. AIM: To compare the results of ultrasonographic enthesopathy of foot and PASDAS in PsA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 65 PsA patients were involved and divided into two groups. The first group of 35 active PsA and the second group of 30 ages and sex matched inactive PsA as a control group were recruited in this study. Both groups were evaluated by examination, radiological findings and ultrasonography. RESULTS: Of 70 entheses in 35 active PsA patients, the most entheseal abnormalities were tender plantar fascia (18.5%), tender Achilles tendon (37.8%). PASDAS was a direct highly significant correlated with plantar fascia and Achilles tendon thickness in in active PsA (r = 0.823 and r = 0.796, p < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal US is an accurate and low-cost method for assessment of enthesopathy with significant correlation to disease activities in psoriatic arthritis.