Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of lingual site toothbrushing on periodontal disease in the elderly: a cross-sectional study

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between periodontitis and toothbrushing on the lingual surfaces of teeth (lingual toothbrushing) among community dwelling Korean elders.Methods: A total of 150 elderly participants (34 males and 116 females) from Seoul, Korea, were cross-sectionally examined. Socio-demographic, habitual, and systemic health-related factors were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed for outcomes of periodontitis.Results: Oral health activities including lingual toothbrushing were closely correlated with oral health status. Lingual toothbrushing demonstrated a significant association with periodontitis. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 8.98 (1.30-62.15) with inclusion of demographic status, systemic health status, oral health activity, and oral health status.Conclusions: Here, we demonstrate that lingual toothbrushing is associated with periodontitis in the elderly. The importance of lingual toothbrushing should be emphasized in oral health education.
Engineered Materials to Measure and Regulate Cell Mechanotransduction

The extracellular environment plays a key role in a wide array of cellular functions including migration, tissue formation, and differentiation. This thesis overviews the design of a molecular sensor to measure cellular forces and a hydrogel system to engineer angiogenic sprouting. We developed molecular force probes (FPs) that report traction forces of adherent cells with high spatial resolution, can be linked to virtually any surface, and do not require monitoring deformations of elastic substrates. FPs consist of DNA hairpins conjugated to fluorophore-quencher pairs that unfold and fluoresce when subjected to specific amounts of force. In chapter two we overview the synthetic strategies to produce these FPs from solid-state synthesis. We then demonstrate the chemical and physical characterization of these FPs. These data show that the FPs can be designed rationally from existing knowledge of the force-responsiveness of DNA hairpins. Chapter three summarizes our methods to affix these FPs to solid substrates to measure cellular traction forces. The silane chemistry to conjugate these FPs to glass coverslips is reported in detail. Then, the results of converting the fluorescence of these FPs to force values is given along with biological validation. We find using this method that cellular tractions are exerted at the distal ends of focal adhesions. In chapter four we present a versatile bioactive PEG hydrogel to study angiogenesis. This material is MMP-degradable and cell-adhesive. We show a microfabrication strategy to micromold these gels to pattern angiogenic sprouting from ex vivo tissue explants. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Bioengineering First Advisor Christopher S. Chen
A Mini-review of Face Alignment - Classical Method versus Deep Learning Approach

— Face alignment is one of the vital research areas to be explored specifically face tasks like face recognition, face verification, face reconstruction, and facial expression analysis. Hence, the need for robust face alignment is still in demand. Numerous classic methods have used the 2D image for the detection of facial landmarks but this task is challenging due to several reasons, for instance, large poses, semi-frontal images, and facial expression. Abundant techniques have been established to mitigate all these challenges but there are far from being solved. Hence this mini-review discussed the face alignment methods based on the classic method to the state-of-the-art that includes the 2D-face alignment along with the 3D-face alignment approach. Based on the review done, the 3D model could combat large poses, facial expressions, and semi-frontal images however some of the facial landmarks are not visible and stack together for occluded face images. Hence, this will be the research area to be explored further in ensuring robustness and better accuracy in the face alignment area.
Recent progress in pulse reversal plating of copper for electronics applications

Abstract Based on demands for modern printed circuit board (pcb) manufacturing, the copper electroplating process is discussed. Electroplating from an additive free solution using low frequency pulse reversal plating with superimposed cathodic pulsation is suggested, which meets the demands for precise dimensions, high ductility and conductivity, low costs and environmental friendliness.
GPS/INS Integrated Navigation Systems Design for Spinning Smart Munitions

Since GPS receivers and INS algorithms do not work properly in the spinning vehicles due to change of the GPS signal and excess of the measurement limitation of the gyroscope, conventional GPS/INS integrated navigation systems do not provide accurate navigation outputs. This paper proposes a design method for GPS/INS integrated navigation systems of spinning vehicles. A special GPS receiver with a signal tracking loop for changed GPS signal caused by spinning and an INS with a roll estimation method are configured and the conventional integration filter is combined. The proposed method was verified through comparison of the navigation results. The result of the proposed method for the spinning vehicle was similar to that of the conventional navigation system without spinning.
Factors affecting foraging behavior of beef cattle grazing native tallgrass range in the Kansas Flint Hills

The objective of this series of studies was to examine select factors that affect behavior of beef cattle grazing native-tallgrass rangelands. Mineral supplements with divergent palatability characteristics were delivered to beef cows grazing native tallgrass range during various seasons of the year in order to measure mineral intake, frequency of supplement use, and duration of supplement use. We concluded that molasses-based mineral supplements influenced the activities of grazing cows more strongly than salt-based mineral supplements. These influences extended to the amount of supplement consumed as well as to the frequency, duration, and timing of use. Diet selection preferences of experienced, multiparous beef cows and naïve, primiparous beef cows grazing dormant, native tallgrass pastures were examined also during a short-term winter grazing bout. Naïve, primiparous cows selected more forbs and fewer grasses than experienced, multiparous cows. Previous research indicated that preference for broadleaf plants generally increased with grazing experience; however, these conclusions were based on research with greater-quality forages than those evaluated in our study. The differences in diet selection patterns between experienced, multiparous cows and naïve, primiparous cows during a short-term winter grazing period could be indicative of differences in long-term foraging strategies. In addition, the botanical composition of diets grazed by lactating beef cows with suckling calves and non-pregnant, non-lactating beef cows grazing either burned or unburned native tallgrass prairie during summer were evaluated. There were no differences in botanical diet composition between lactating cows suckling calves and non-lactating cows. In contrast, total graminoid selection was greater on burned (74.2%) than unburned pastures (71.8%) and total forb selection was greater on unburned (28.2%) than burned pastures (25.8%). We interpreted these data to suggest that forage selection preferences of beef cows can be altered with spring burning of native tallgrass pastures. Effects of large, round hay bale feeding method on intake of smooth bromegrass hay and eating behavior by beef cows were examined on dormant tallgrass prairie pastures during winter. Three large, round hay bale-feeding systems were evaluated: bales fed in a ring feeder, bales unrolled on the ground, and bales chopped with a flail-type hay processor (20-cm particle length) and deposited on the ground. Hay intake, hay refusal, frequency of use, and duration of use were not influenced by hay-feeding method. Foraging behaviors of beef cows in our studies were influenced by supplement type, cow age, and prescribed burning of rangeland. Conversely, foraging behaviors of beef cows were not influenced by lactation or by hay-feeding method. FACTORS AFFECTING FORAGING BEHAVIOR OF BEEF CATTLE GRAZING NATIVE TALLGRASS RANGE IN THE KANSAS FLINT HILLS
Borderless knowledge : understanding the 'new' internationalisation of research and higher education in Norway

The internationalisation of research and higher education: Ase Gornitzka,- The many ways of internationalisation: Stig Slipersaeter and Dag W. Aksnes,- All cosmopolitans now? : Jens-Christian Smeby and Ase Gornitzka,- Internationalisation of industrial R&D: Magnus Gulbrandsen,- Career impact of student mobility: Jannecke Wiers-Jenssen,- Justifications and drivers: Nicoline Frolich,- Translation of globalisation and regionalisation in nordic cooperation in higher education: Peter Maassen, Agnete Vabo and Bjorn Stensaker,- The internationalisation of national knowledge policies: Ase Gornitzka and Liv Langfeldt,- Crossing the borders: Ase Gornitzka, Magnus Gulbrandsen and Liv Langfeldt,- Index
Gut Microbiota as Early Predictor of Infectious Complications before Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Pilot Study

Cardiac surgery remains a field of medicine with a high percentage of postoperative complications, including infectious ones. Modern data indicate a close relationship of infectious disorders with pathological changes in the composition of the gut microbiome; however, the extent of such changes in cardiac surgery patients is not fully clarified. In this prospective, observational, single center, pilot study, 72 patients were included, 12 among them with the infectious complications. We analyzed the features of the fecal microbiota before and in the early postoperative period, as one of the markers for predicting the occurrence of bacterial infection. We also discovered the significant change in microbial composition in the group of patients with infectious complications compared to the non-infectious group before and after cardiac surgery, despite the intra-individual variation in composition of gut microbiome. Our study demonstrated that the group of patients that had a bacterial infection in the early postoperative period already had an altered microbial composition even before the surgery. Further studies will evaluate the clinical significance of the identified proportions of individual taxa of the intestinal microbiota and consider the microbiota as a novel target for reducing the risk of infectious complications.
Design Flow for Hybrid CMOS/Memristor Systems—Part II: Circuit Schematics and Layout

The capability of in-memory computation, reconfigurability, low power operation as well as multistate operation of the memristive device deems them a suitable candidate for designing electronic circuits with a broad range of applications. Besides, the integrability of memristor with CMOS enables it to use in logic circuits too. In this work, we demonstrate with examples the design flow for memristor-based electronics, after the custom memristor model already being integrated and validated into our chosen Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tool to performing layout-versus-schematic and post-layout checks including the memristive device. We envisage that this step-by-step guide to introducing memristor into the standard integrated circuit design flow will be a useful reference document for both device developers who wish to benchmark their technologies and circuit designers who wish to experiment with memristive-enhanced systems.
The Potential Advantage of Targeting Both PD-L1/PD-L2/PD-1 and IL-10–IL-10R Pathways in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Tumor cells promote the suppression of host anti-tumor type 1 T cell responses by various mechanisms, including the upregulation of surface inhibitory molecules such as programmed death ligand (PD-L)-1, and the production of immunosuppressive cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10). There are over 2000 trials investigating PD-L1 and/or its receptor programmed-death 1 (PD-1) blockade in cancer, leading to the approval of PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors in several types of solid cancers and in hematological malignancies. The available data suggest that the molecule PD-L1 on antigen-presenting cells suppresses type 1 T cell immune responses such as cytotoxicity, and that the cytokine IL-10, in addition to downregulating immune responses, increases the expression of inhibitory molecule PD-L1. We hypothesize that the manipulation of both the co-inhibitory network (with anti-PD-L1 blocking antibodies) and suppressor network (with anti-IL-10 blocking antibodies) is an attractive immunotherapeutic intervention for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients ineligible for standard treatment with chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and with less severe adverse reactions. The proposed combination of these two immunotherapies represents a new approach that can be readily translated into the clinic to improve the therapeutic efficacy of AML disease treatment.
First-Year University Students’ Mental Health Trajectories Were Disrupted at the Onset of COVID-19, but Disruptions Were Not Linked to Housing and Financial Vulnerabilities: A Registered Report

This study modeled disruptions in first-year undergraduates’ trajectories of mental health associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, testing whether disruptions were worse for students who moved residences, reported low family income, or were food insecure. Participants (n = 510) at a large Canadian university reported depression, anxiety, and stress in September, November, January, and March. In March 2020, in tandem with COVID-related campus closures, students also reported for each mental health measure whether their responses were influenced by personal experiences surrounding the pandemic. As hypothesized, students who reported feeling more COVID-related disruption reported poorer mental health in March. Contrary to hypotheses, mental health disruptions were not more pronounced for students who moved, had low income, or were food insecure. Survey administration at an early stage of COVID-19 combined with supports afforded by moving in with parents and near-universal government income assistance may have mitigated the incremental distress we hypothesized for vulnerable students.
Simulated Microgravity Subtlety Changes Monoamine Function across the Rat Brain

Microgravity, one of the conditions faced by astronauts during spaceflights, triggers brain adaptive responses that could have noxious consequences on behaviors. Although monoaminergic systems, which include noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT), are widespread neuromodulatory systems involved in adaptive behaviors, the influence of microgravity on these systems is poorly documented. Using a model of simulated microgravity (SMG) during a short period in Long Evans male rats, we studied the distribution of monoamines in thirty brain regions belonging to vegetative, mood, motor, and cognitive networks. SMG modified NA and/or DA tissue contents along some brain regions belonging to the vestibular/motor systems (inferior olive, red nucleus, cerebellum, somatosensorily cortex, substantia nigra, and shell of the nucleus accumbens). DA and 5-HT contents were reduced in the prelimbic cortex, the only brain area exhibiting changes for 5-HT content. However, the number of correlations of one index of the 5-HT metabolism (ratio of metabolite and 5-HT) alone or in interaction with the DA metabolism was dramatically increased between brain regions. It is suggested that SMG, by mobilizing vestibular/motor systems, promotes in these systems early, restricted changes of NA and DA functions that are associated with a high reorganization of monoaminergic systems, notably 5-HT.
Enable Fair Proof-of-Work (PoW) Consensus for Blockchains in IoT by Miner Twins (MinT)

Blockchain technology has been recognized as a promising solution to enhance the security and privacy of Internet of Things (IoT) and Edge Computing scenarios. Taking advantage of the Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus protocol, which solves a computation intensive hashing puzzle, Blockchain assures the security of the system by establishing a digital ledger. However, the computation intensive PoW favors members possessing more computing power. In the IoT paradigm, fairness in the highly heterogeneous network edge environments must consider devices with various constraints on computation power. Inspired by the advanced features of Digital Twins (DT), an emerging concept that mirrors the lifespan and operational characteristics of physical objects, we propose a novel Miner-Twins (MinT) architecture to enable a fair PoW consensus mechanism for blockchains in IoT environments. MinT adopts an edge-fog-cloud hierarchy. All physical miners of the blockchain are deployed as microservices on distributed edge devices, while fog/cloud servers maintain digital twins that periodically update miners’ running status. By timely monitoring miner’s footage that is mirrored by twins, a lightweight Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) based detection achieves to identify individual misbehaved miners that violate fair mining. Moreover, we also design a novel Proof-of-Behavior (PoB) consensus algorithm to detect byzantine miners that collude to compromise a fair mining network. A preliminary study is conducted on a proof-of-concept prototype implementation, and experimental evaluation shows the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed MinT scheme under a distributed byzantine network environment.
Impedance Noise Identification for State-of-Health Prognostics

Impedance Noise Identification is an in-situ method of measuring battery impedance as a function of frequency using a random small signal noise excitation source. Through a series of auto- and cross-correlations and Fast Fourier Transforms, the battery complex impedance as a function of frequency can be determined. The results are similar to those measured under a lab-scale electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement. The lab-scale measurements have been shown to correlate well with resistance and power data that are typically used to ascertain the remaining life of a battery. To this end, the Impedance Noise Identification system is designed to acquire the same type of data as an on-board tool. A prototype system is now under development, and results are being compared to standardized measurement techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A brief description of the Impedance Noise Identification hardware system and representative test results are presented.
The Crystallization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients with Low Melting Points in the Presence of Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation

Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) during the crystallization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) often causes agglomeration and other quality issues in crystal products; thus, it should be avoided if possible. However, LLPS in the crystallization of APIs with low melting points cannot be circumvented in some cases due to yield considerations. The crystallization of ibuprofen in an ethanol/water mixture was studied to explore methods to reduce agglomeration in the presence of LLPS. It was found that unseeded crystallization produced agglomerates when LLPS took place. The two liquid phases resulting from LLPS underwent LLPS again when they were cooled separately, indicating the dynamic nature of LLPS. Seeding and seed ageing at a low supersaturation were very effective in mitigating agglomeration. The effects of two widely used surfactants, i.e., Tween 80 and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), on LLPS and crystallization were confirmed preliminarily. More work needs to be conducted to explore their usefulness in LLPS handling. The findings and techniques presented in this study may be applicable to the crystallization of other APIs with low melting points.
Tactical Driving using Visual Routines

To meet the demands of driving in complex environments, the perception subsystem of an intelligent vehicle must be able to extract the information needed for behaviors from the input video stream. An attractive way of achieving this is to have a library of basic image processing sub-functions (visual routines), which can be composed to subserve more elaborate goal-directed programs. The crucial compositional capability allows the visual routines to span the huge space of different task goals. pp The visual routines presented here are developed in a unique platform. The view from a car driving in a simulated world is fed into a Datacube pipeline video processor. The integration of photo-realistic simulation and real-time image processing represents a proof of concept for a new system design that allows testing computer vision algorithms under controllable conditions, thus leading to rapid prototyping. In addition to the simulations, the routines are also tested on similar images generated by driving in the real world to assure the generalizability of the simulation. pp The simulator can also be used with human subjects who can drive a kart through the virtual environment while wearing head mounted displays (HMDs). A unique feature of the driving simulator we have built is the ability to track eye movements within a freely moving HMD. This allows the assessment of exigencies in complex situations that can be used to guide the development of automated routines.
Rapid Detection of Equine Piroplasms Using Multiplex PCR and First Genetic Characterization of Theileria haneyi in Egypt

Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) is an infectious disease caused by the hemoprotozoan parasites Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and the recently identified species T. haneyi. Hereby, we used a multiplex PCR (mPCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene of T. equi and B. caballi for the simultaneous detection of EP in Egyptian equids and examined the presence of T. haneyi infections in Egypt. Blood samples from 155 equids (79 horses and 76 donkeys) collected from different governorates of Egypt were examined by mPCR and PCR targeting T. hayeni. The mPCR method revealed a prevalence of T. equi of 20.3% in horses and of 13.1% in donkeys and a prevalence of B. caballi of 1.2% in horses. B. caballi was not detected in donkeys in the current study. The mPCR method also detected coinfections with both species (2.5% and 1.3% in horses and donkeys, respectively). Additionally, we report the presence of T. haneyi in Egypt for the first time in 53.1% of the horse and 38.1% of the donkey tested samples. Coinfection with T. haneyi and T. equi was found in 13.5% of the samples, while infection with the three EP species was found in 1.9% of the samples.
Hazelnut Shells as Source of Active Ingredients: Extracts Preparation and Characterization

Hazelnut shells represent a waste material (about 42% of the total biomass) deriving from hazelnut harvest. These are mainly used as a heating source; however, they represent an interesting source of polyphenols useful in health field. The impact on phenolic profile and concentrations of hazelnut shell extracts obtained by three extraction methods (maceration, ultrasonic bath, and high-power ultrasonic), as well as temperature, extraction time, and preventive maceration, was studied. The prepared extracts were characterized in terms of chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Eighteen different phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by chemical analysis and gallic acid was the most abundant in all the extracts analyzed. Other relevant compounds were chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid and catechin. Preventive maceration had a positive effect on the extraction of different types of compounds regardless of the method performed. Application of the high-power ultrasonic method had different effects, either positive or negative, depending on the type of compound and extraction time. All the prepared extracts showed antioxidant activity especially those prepared by maceration, and many of them were able to inhibit the growth of both B. subtilis and B. cereus.