Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional finite element analysis of occlusal stress distribution in the human skull with premolar extraction.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the effect of orthodontic treatment with premolar extraction on the stress distribution of the occlusal force in the human skull. MATERIALS AND METHODS A three-dimensional finite element (3D FE) model was constructed based on computed tomography scan data, and it served as the pretreatment model. For the extraction model simulating postorthodontic occlusion, the first premolar was removed in the pretreatment model, and the anterior and posterior segments were repositioned. Stress distribution was evaluated by 3D FE analysis in both models under the simulation of 1000 N for occlusal forces and 400 N for masseter muscle force. RESULTS The occlusal stresses were concentrated at the alveolar bone near the teeth, the infrazygomatic crest, the frontal process, the temporal process of the zygomatic bone, the infraorbital rim, the pyriform aperture region, and the pterygoid plate in both models. The von Mises stress at the pterygoid plate area was lower in the extraction model (3.53 MPa) than in the pretreatment model (5.57 MPa), while the stress at the frontal process of the maxilla was higher in the extraction model (2.32 MPa) than in the pretreatment model (2.16 MPa). CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that the occlusal forces were transferred through the maxillonasal, maxillozygomatic, and maxillopterygoid stress trajectories and that stress distribution moved more "forward" with the orthodontic treatment with premolar extraction.
The organization and contribution of helicases to RNA splicing

Splicing is an essential step of gene expression. It occurs in two consecutive chemical reactions catalyzed by a large protein–RNA complex named the spliceosome. Assembled on the pre‐mRNA substrate from five small nuclear proteins, the spliceosome acts as a protein‐controlled ribozyme to catalyze the two reactions and finally dissociates into its components, which are re‐used for a new round of splicing. Upon following this cyclic pathway, the spliceosome undergoes numerous intermediate stages that differ in composition as well as in their internal RNA–RNA and RNA–protein contacts. The driving forces and control mechanisms of these remodeling processes are provided by specific molecular motors called RNA helicases. While eight spliceosomal helicases are present in all organisms, higher eukaryotes contain five additional ones potentially required to drive a more intricate splicing pathway and link it to an RNA metabolism of increasing complexity. Spliceosomal helicases exhibit a notable structural diversity in their accessory domains and overall architecture, in accordance with the diversity of their task‐specific functions. This review summarizes structure–function knowledge about all spliceosomal helicases, including the latter five, which traditionally are treated separately from the conserved ones. The implications of the structural characteristics of helicases for their functions, as well as for their structural communication within the multi‐subunits environment of the spliceosome, are pointed out. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:259–274. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1331
Cytopathic effect and plaque formation by arboviruses in a continuous cell line (XTC-2) from the toad Xenopus laevis.

Forty-six arboviruses were tested for c.p.e. and/or plaque formation in an amphibian cell line. C.p.e. was observed with a high proportion of the viruses tested. Comparative plaque assay, in the XTC-2 cells at 28 degrees C and Vero cells at 37 degrees C, suggests that these systems are comparable in sensitivity and susceptibility to infection. Practical uses of this cell line are discussed.
An analysis on student profiles in learning virtual environments

By means of the association of Psychology, Pedagogy and Computer Science concepts, it has been possible to develop several models, methods and tools to provide personalized education and adaptive support to different student's profiles. This knowledge area is associated with Adaptive Learning. In this context, this paper aims to present the state of the art regarding the definition of the student's profiles in Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs). Our contribution focuses on identifying what are the current technologies, patterns and models that support the identification of student's profile and their learning needs, and how the educational content could meet these profiles.
Trends in Performance on the Psychiatry Resident-In-Training Examination (PRITE ): 10 Years of Data From a Single Institution

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine trends in the Psychiatry Resident-In-Training Examination (PRITE®) scores at one institution from 2001 to 2010. The authors hypothesized that two factors, the 2003 implementation of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) duty-hour restrictions and the residency program’s 2008 restructuring of its curriculum to a half-day per week of didactics, would lead to improved scores.MethodResidents in the general psychiatry program at the University of Florida College of Medicine from 2001 to 2010 were included in this study. To examine the effect of the 2003 ACGME duty-hours change, the authors compared test results from 2001–2002 and 2003–2010. To examine the effect of the 2008 didactic restructuring, they compared test results from 2001–2007 and 2008–2010.ResultsThere were 288 PRITE test scores from 2001 to 2010 The authors did not find a statistical difference between test results before and after the 2003 implementation of ACGME duty-hour restrictions or between test results before and after the 2008 restructuring of residency didactics.ConclusionsThe hypothesis was rejected. The results of the literature review propose that examination scores are affected by other elements of residency training.
Animal research: the need for a middle ground

Many countries, including Britain, suffer from grossly oversimplified debates on important issues like drugs, crime and punishment, genetically modified foods, and animal research. Are you for or against? Sign here. Yet none of these issues is moved forward by such polarised arguments. The British debate on animal research currently features people in balaclavas using every tactic, including illegal and violent ones, to close down animal research institutes pitted against intimidated scientists arguing that no progress can be made in treating serious human diseases without animal research. We need more understanding of the complexities of animal research and a greater concentration on where we agree. Can any of us imagine a world where animals were not used for food, clothing, or transport, where we had no pets, where rats and other vermin were not controlled, and where an ape, or even a fly, was regarded as the moral equal of the Archbishop of Canterbury? Most of us can't, and many people in Britain accept the need for some animal research.1 Yet most of us would not tolerate a world where animals had no rights and could be exploited for whatever cause. We thus have to find some middle …
Dynamic Control of Nuclear Receptor Transcription

This Perspective highlights experiments that probe the complexity and regulation underlying cyclical association of nuclear receptor transcriptional complexes with DNA. Using advanced in vivo and in vitro techniques, these studies emphasize the importance of chromatin remodeling and histone modification in defining the timing and nature of the cycles. In addition, they reveal the multiplicity of receptor-coregulator complexes that reside on a single promoter. These conceptual and technical achievements integrate kinetic and combinatorial regulation into a new dynamic model of nuclear receptor–mediated transcription.
Novel Shannon Graph Entropy, Capacity: Spectral Graph Theory

In this research paper, an interesting probability mass function is associated with the vertices of graph. One among the various possible entropies ( Shannon, Renyii, Tsallis etc ) is associated with such a probability mass function. Specifically Shannon entropy is utilized to define a novel graph entropy. Characterization of minimum and maximum Shannon entropy graphs is discussed. By associating a symmetric stochastic matrix with the graph, novel Shannon Capacity of a graph is defined. Several interesting results in spectral graph theory of structured graphs are reported. New results related to sparsest and densest cut computation are reported ( without invoking Cheeger‟s inequality ).
The influences of service quality of online order and electronic word of mouth on price sensitivity using loyalty as a mediating variable

The purpose of this study is to propose the model to confirm the direct and indirect relationship between service quality, customer loyalty, customer satisfaction, electronic word of mouth and price sensitivity. In order to reflect true phenomenon, the model is split into the service quality model and the electronic word of mouth model. The major findings are as follows: (1) service quality, customer loyalty and electronic word of mouth show significant direct effects on price sensitivity; (2) with good service quality and high electronic word of mouth, customers feel low price sensitivity; (3) customer loyalty has a significant indirect effect on both service quality and price sensitivity. Customer loyalty has a significant indirect effect on both electronic word of mouth and price sensitivity; (4) there is a significant correlation between service quality and electronic word of mouth.
Dialect Variation in Speaking Rate

The difference in speaking rates among American English regional dialects have been assumed and become popular belief in U.S. culture without supporting evidence to prove or disprove it. This study compares the speaking rates of those in south-central Wisconsin and western North Carolina in order to see if southerners do, in fact, speak more slowly than northerners. Age and gender are also compared. Secondly, the effect of dialect, age, and gender were examined in the difference in speaking rates in read sentences and spontaneous speech, because previous research has shown that speaking rate is slower when reading aloud than when having a conversation. Articulation rates were calculated and results showed a significant difference in both rates of spontaneous speech and read sentences for the two dialects, with Wisconsin being faster for both. Age was also a significant factor for both types of production in Wisconsin, and although gender did not have a main significant effect, there were significant differences in young men and young women in North Carolina for read sentences. These results supported some previous preliminary findings and should be considered in future dialect studies.
Pneumococcal bacteremia in Monroe County, New York.

OBJECTIVES Knowledge of the epidemiology of pneumococcal disease is critical for public health planning, evaluation of preventive strategies, and development of immunization recommendations. METHODS We studied the incidence and case-fatality rates of pneumococcal bacteremia as a proxy for pneumococcal disease in Monroe County, New York, from 1985 through 1989 by reviewing the laboratory and clinical care records of all cases occurring among residents. RESULTS There were 671 cases identified, for an overall yearly rate of 18.8 per 100,000. The rates were highest in the very young, in the very old, and in non-White populations. Age-specific rates were consistently higher in Blacks than in Whites. Predisposing medical conditions were present in 61% of cases. Case-fatality rates were 15% overall, 27% in those with predisposing medical conditions, and approximately 30% in Blacks older than 55 years and Whites older than 65 years. CONCLUSIONS This study documents the incidence of and mortality from pneumococcal bacteremia. It supports previous observations that Black populations have an increased risk of invasive pneumococcal infection and suggests that immunization should be considered for Blacks older than 55 years.
Excitatory and inhibitory innervation of the mouse orofacial motor nuclei: A stereological study

Neurons in the trigeminal (Mo5), facial (Mo7), ambiguus (Amb), and hypoglossal (Mo12) motor nuclei innervate jaw, facial, pharynx/larynx/esophagus, and tongue muscles, respectively. They are essential for movements subserving feeding, exploration of the environment, and social communication. These neurons are largely controlled by sensory afferents and premotor neurons of the reticular formation, where central pattern generator circuits controlling orofacial movements are located. To provide a description of the orofacial nuclei of the adult mouse and to ascertain the influence of excitatory and inhibitory afferents upon them, we used stereology to estimate the number of motoneurons as well as of varicosities immunopositive for glutamate (VGluT1+, VGluT2+) and GABA/glycine (known as VIAAT+ or VGAT+) vesicular transporters in the Mo5, Mo7, Amb, and Mo12. Mo5, Mo7, Amb, and Mo12 contain ∼1,000, ∼3,000, ∼600, and ∼1,700 cells, respectively. VGluT1+, VGluT2+, and VIAAT+ varicosities respectively represent: 28%, 41%, and 31% in Mo5; 2%, 49%, and 49% in Mo7; 12%, 42%, and 46% in Amb; and 4%, 54%, and 42% in Mo12. The Mo5 jaw‐closing subdivision shows the highest VGluT1+ innervation. Noticeably, the VGluT2+ and VIAAT+ varicosity density in Mo7 is 5‐fold higher than in Mo5 and 10‐fold higher than in Amb and Mo12. The high density of terminals in Mo7 likely reflects the convergence and integration of numerous inputs to motoneurons subserving the wide range of complex behaviors to which this nucleus contributes. Also, somatic versus neuropil location of varicosities suggests that most of these afferents are integrated in the dendritic trees of Mo7 neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:738–758, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Over-The-Air Programming of PSoC sensor interface in wireless sensor networks

Over-The-Air Programming (OTAP) technology was developed originally to enable device manufacturers and network operators to deliver updated firmware for mobile handset. The growing popularity and complexity of wireless sensor networks implies the importance of usage of such technology (OTAP) the same way it is used in mobile networks. The idea of this work is to enable firmware update of motes and sensor interfaces used in wireless sensor networks in their final locations from a central base station. This work also focuses on the development of PSoC based sensor interface board. The usage of PSoC in sensors interfaces allows for a broad range of sensors to be interfaced. Signal conditioning, filtering and amplification tasks are all preformed on the PSoC chip and can be modified and tuned by means of OTAP. A complete OTAP working flow is detailed to program the developed PSoC sensor interface board. The OTAP of this sensor board is implemented using a very low power CPLD device.
Optimal Truck Scheduling : Mathematical Modeling and Solution by the Column Generation Principle

We consider the daily transportation problem in forestry which arises when transporting logs from forest sites to customers such as sawmills and pulp and paper mills. Each customer requires a specific amount of a certain assortment, and the deliveries to the customers can be made within time intervals, known as time windows. Further, there are a number of supply points, each with a certain assortment, and a number of vehicles of a given capacity, to be used for transport. The log truck scheduling problem consists of finding a set of minimal costs routes, one for each vehicle, such that the customers’ demands are satisfied without exceeding the supplies available at the supplies. Each route has to satisfy a number of constraints concerning time windows, truck capacity, timetable of the driver, lunch breaks, et cetera. The model used to describe the log truck scheduling problem is based on the route concept, and each variable, or column, represents one feasible route. Since the number of feasible routes is huge, we work only with restricted versions of this problem, which are similar to restricted master problems in a Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition scheme. We use three solution methods based on the column generation principle, together with a pool strategy which allows us to deal with the feasible routes outside the restricted master problem. The three methods proposed have a common structure; they use branch-andprice together with a column generator, followed by branch-and-bound. The column generators in the three methods differ. In the first method, the subproblem is based on a cluster-first-route-second strategy. The column generator in the second method involves solving a constrained shortest path problem, and finally, the third method builds on a repeated generation of clusters and routes. The three methods are tested on real cases from Swedish forestry companies, and the third method has been adapted to a computerised system that utilises the Swedish national road data base, for computing travelling distances. The results obtained show that the optimisation methods succeed in finding significantly better solutions than those obtained by manual planning, and in a reasonable computing time.
Binding Sites for Bacillus thuringiensis Cry2Ae Toxin on Heliothine Brush Border Membrane Vesicles Are Not Shared with Cry1A, Cry1F, or Vip3A Toxin

ABSTRACT The use of combinations of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins with diverse modes of action for insect pest control has been proposed as the most efficient strategy to increase target range and delay the onset of insect resistance. Considering that most cases of cross-resistance to Bt toxins in laboratory-selected insect colonies are due to alteration of common toxin binding sites, independent modes of action can be defined as toxins sharing limited or no binding sites in brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) prepared from the target insect larvae. In this paper, we report on the specific binding of Cry2Ae toxin to binding sites on BBMV from larvae of the three most commercially relevant heliothine species, Heliothis virescens, Helicoverpa zea, and Helicoverpa armigera. Using chromatographic purification under reducing conditions before labeling, we detected specific binding of radiolabeled Cry2Ae, which allowed us to perform competition assays using Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Fa, Vip3A, Cry2Ae, and Cry2Ab toxins as competitors. In these assays, Cry2Ae binding sites were shared with Cry2Ab but not with the tested Cry1 or Vip3A toxins. Our data support the use of Cry2Ae toxin in combination with Cry1 or Vip3A toxins in strategies to increase target range and delay the onset of heliothine resistance.
Evaluation of sensory substitution to simplify the mechanical design of a haptic wrist

The design of a new 3 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) haptic wrist for our 3-DOF force feedback haptic device is presenting a great design challenge. Demanding target specifications make it difficult to find a satisfactory mechanical design solution. This paper studies whether sensory substitution can lead to the possibility of simplifying the mechanics while preserving haptic performance. The proposed approach consists of substituting the haptic actuation of one of the 3 rotational DOF by specially designed visual or auditory cues. We have carried out a user study where participants are asked to perform an accessibility task with the aid of different sensorial stimuli. The results of these experiments show that the performance obtained by visual or auditory substitution can be satisfactory for accomplishing specific tasks, although it does not meet the performance obtained with a full haptic wrist.
Sensory features and repetitive behaviors in children with autism and developmental delays

This study combined parent and observational measures to examine the association between aberrant sensory features and restricted, repetitive behaviors in children with autism (N=67) and those with developmental delays (N=42). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to empirically validate three sensory constructs of interest: hyperresponsiveness, hyporesponsiveness, and sensory seeking. Examining the association between the three derived sensory factor scores and scores on the Repetitive Behavior Scales—Revised revealed the co‐occurrence of these behaviors in both clinical groups. Specifically, high levels of hyperresponsive behaviors predicted high levels of repetitive behaviors, and the relationship between these variables remained the same controlling for mental age. We primarily found non‐significant associations between hyporesponsiveness or sensory seeking and repetitive behaviors, with the exception that sensory seeking was associated with ritualistic/sameness behaviors. These findings suggest that shared neurobiological mechanisms may underlie hyperresponsive sensory symptoms and repetitive behaviors and have implications for diagnostic classification as well as intervention.
Port Site Metastases: Where are we at the Beginning of the 21st Century ?

Abstract Following the introduction of minimal invasive surgery in the field of malignant disease, a number of reports have been published describing the occurence of tumour deposits in the abdominal or thoracic wall at the sites of trocar placement. These trocar site metastases have caused great concern among minimal invasive surgeons and have put an important restraint on the rapid development of these techniques in oncologic surgery. The present review article focuses on the clinical facts and experimental studies that have been conducted on the problem of port site metastases, more specifically upon their occurence and pathogenesis. Although most of the port site recurrences are due to technical surgical problems and can be avoided by adapting the same oncologic surgical principles as in open surgery, some features of the minimal invasive techniques facilitate tumour growth and should be kept in mind when performing minimum invasive surgery for malignancy.
Basal Steroidogenic Activity of Adrenocortical Cells Is Increased 10-Fold by Coculture with Chromaffin Cells.

Historically, catecholamine-producing chromaffin cells and steroid-producing adrenocortical cells have been regarded as two independent endocrine systems that are united under a common capsule to form the adrenal gland. There is increasing evidence for bidirectional interactions, with regulatory influences of adrenocortical secretory products on adrenomedullary functions and vice versa. However, the direct involvement of chromaffin cells on the regulation and maintenance of cortical function has not yet been demonstrated. Therefore, we analyzed glucocorticoid secretion and P450 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in bovine adrenocortical cells in cocultures with chromaffin cells compared with those in pure cortical cell cultures. Cortisol release from cortical cells in coculture with chromaffin cells was 10 times as high (mean ± sem, 1035 ± 119%) as that from the same number of isolated cortical cells (100 ± 11%). By a [3H]thymidine incorporation assay, it was demonstrated that this effect was not due to a hi.