Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of storage media and time on the fracture toughness of resin-based luting cements.

BACKGROUND Resin-based cements are brittle materials and the major shortcomings of these materials are manifested in their sensitivity to flaws and defects. Although various mechanical properties of resin luting cements have been described, few fracture toughness test data for resin-based luting cements using the short rod design have been published. METHODS Specimens were prepared from five resin luting cements. For each material a total of 36 disc-shaped specimens were prepared using a custom-made mould. Specimens were randomly divided into six groups of six, immersed in two solutions: distilled water and 0.01 mol/L lactic acid at 37 °C for 24 hours, 1 month or 3 months. The specimens were loaded using a universal testing machine. The maximum load at specimen failure was recorded and the K(Ic) (MPa. M 0.5) was calculated. RESULTS There was a relationship between material, storage solution and time (p < 0.05). Nexus 3 showed the highest K(Ic) followed by Panavia F, Calibra, Smart Cem2 and seT. CONCLUSIONS The fracture toughness of the resin luting cements was affected by both time and storage solution. Comparable fracture toughness of conventional resin cement and self-adhesive resin cements was observed.
Human Neuroscience

flow (Lee et al., 2010), other studies have reported that input to and activity within local neuronal circuits are both better predictors of the hemodynamic response than output from pyramidal cells (e.g., Logothetis et al., 2001; Goense and Logothetis, 2008), suggesting that the hemodynamic response does not simply reflect the level of spiking activity. Indeed, in some cases the hemodynamic response has been observed in the absence of spiking output (Logothetis et al. A further complication is that both excitatory and inhibitory input create metabolic demands (Buzsáki et al., 2007), making it even harder to interpret the concomitant vascular response as a simple measure of neural firing rate (Logothetis, 2008; although in some cases, neuronal inhibition may produce metabolic and hemody-namic down-regulation; Stefanovic et al., 2004). Overall, the hemo-dynamic response is likely to reflect an average response to a range of metabolic demands imposed by neural activity, including both excitatory and inhibitory post-synaptic processing, neuronal spik-ing, as well as neuromodulation (Logothetis, 2008; Palmer, 2010). Bearing these caveats in mind, the reminder of the paper will focus on statistical methods for separating noise from systematic fluctuations of the BOLD signal induced by experimental stimulation. Following a brief review of the general linear model (GLM) framework, the paper will focus on the degree by which single-subject fMRI time-series conform to the assumptions of the framework , and on the approaches used to mitigate infringements of these assumptions. Finally, the paper will also discuss methods to combine datasets from multiple subjects, with respect to their inferential scope and validity. For clarity, the rest of the manuscript will use the term " volume " to refer to an individual data acquisition point, typically a three dimensional image of the MRI signal at multiple points throughout
Long-term fasting in the anadromous Arctic charr is associated with downregulation of metabolic enzyme activity and upregulation of leptin A1 and SOCS expression in the liver

SUMMARY The life strategy of the anadromous Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) includes several months of voluntary fasting during overwintering in freshwater, leading to emaciation prior to seawater migration in spring. In this study we compared changes in condition, substrate utilization and liver metabolism between captive anadromous charr subjected to food deprivation during late winter and spring, and conspecifics fed in excess. In March, nine out of the 10 sampled fed fish had not eaten, indicating that they were in a voluntary anorexic state. In June, the fed fish were eating and all had higher body mass, condition factor and adiposity than in March. In fasted fish there were only small decreases in body mass, condition factor and adiposity between March and May, but all these parameters decreased markedly from May to June. The fasted fish were depleted in fat and glycogen in June, had suppressed activity of hepatic enzymes involved in lipid metabolism (G6PDH and HOAD) and seemed to rely on protein-derived glucose as a major energy source. This was associated with upregulated liver gene expression of leptin A1, leptin A2, SOCS1, SOCS2 and SOCS3, and reduced IGF-I expression. In an in vitro study with liver slices it was shown that recombinant rainbow trout leptin stimulated SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression, but not SOCS2, IGF-I or genes of enzymes involved in lipid (G6PDH) and amino acid (AspAT) metabolism. It is concluded that liver leptin interacts with SOCS in a paracrine fashion to suppress lipolytic pathways and depress metabolism when fat stores are depleted.
Parathyroid hormone-parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor expression and function in otosclerosis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility that an abnormality related to parathyroid hormone (PTH) action is involved in the increased bone turnover observed in otosclerosis. To do so, expression and function of the PTH-PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) receptor were studied in the involved tissue (stapes) and compared with that in control bone sample obtained from the external auditory canal (EAC) in the same patient in 10 cases of otosclerosis and in 1 case of osteogenesis imperfecta. PTH-PTHrP receptor expression was studied by RT-PCR of RNA prepared from cultured cells in three patients and RNA directly extracted from bone samples in four patients. PTH-PTHrP receptor function was assessed by measuring the stimulation of cAMP production by 0.8, 8, and 80 nM PTH in bone cell cultures in seven cases. Results showed that PTH-PTHrP receptor mRNA expression in the otosclerotic stapes was lower than that in EAC samples (P < 0.05), whereas it was higher in stapes than that in EAC in the case of osteogenesis imperfecta. cAMP production after PTH stimulation was lower in bone cells cultured from otosclerotic stapes compared with that in cells cultured from EAC (range of increase in stimulation: 0.8-4.5 and 1.5-7 in stapes and EAC bone cells, respectively, P < 0.05). In contrast, the stimulation of cAMP production by forskolin was not significantly different in otosclerotic stapes and EAC bone cells (range of increase in stimulation: 20.7-83.1 and 4.9-99.8 in stapes and EAC, respectively, P > 0.05). These results show a lower stimulation of cAMP production in response to PTH associated with a lower PTH-PTHrP receptor mRNA expression in pathological stapes from patients with otosclerosis compared with that in control EAC samples. This difference supports the hypothesis that an abnormal cellular response to PTH contributes to the abnormal bone turnover in otosclerosis.
Collagen Containing Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) Attracts Regrowing Injured Corticospinal Axons in the Adult Rat Spinal Cord and Promotes Partial Functional Recovery

During development, neurotrophic factors play an important role in the guidance and outgrowth of axons. Our working hypothesis is that neurotrophic factors involved in the development of axons of a particular CNS tract are among the most promising candidates for stimulating and directing the regrowth of fibers of this tract in the lesioned adult animal. The neurotrophin NT-3 is known to be involved in the target selection of outgrowing corticospinal tract (CST) fibers. We studied the capacity of locally applied NT-3 to stimulate and direct the regrowth of axons of the CST in the lesioned adult rat spinal cord. We also studied the effect of NT-3 application on the functional recovery of rats after spinal cord injury, using the gridwalk test. NT-3 was applied at the site of the lesion dissolved into rat tail collagen type I. Four weeks after spinal cord injury and collagen implantation, significantly more CST fibers had regrown into the collagen matrix containing NT-3 (22 +/- 6%, mean +/- SEM) than into the control collagen matrix without NT-3 (7 +/- 2%). No CST fibers grew into areas caudal to the collagen implant. Despite the absence of regrowth of corticospinal axons into host tissue caudal to the lesion area, functional recovery was observed in rats with NT-3 containing collagen implants.
Prognostic Implications of the Systolic to Diastolic Duration Ratio in Children With Idiopathic or Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background—Childhood dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) carries high morbidity and mortality. The echocardiographic systolic to diastolic (S:D) duration ratio, an indicator of global cardiac performance, is elevated in DCM; however, its prognostic implications have not been investigated in this population. Methods and Results—We investigated systolic and diastolic durations and the resultant S:D ratio using pulsed tissue Doppler imaging in children with idiopathic or familial DCM. We studied serial echocardiograms from presentation until the last follow-up echo. Results were compared with heart rate–matched controls and between DCM subgroups based on an acute or insidious presentation. The association between S:D ratio and death or need for transplant was analyzed. All analyses were adjusted for repeated measures per patient. We studied 200 serial echocardiograms of 48 children with DCM (7.0±6.0 years) and 25 controls. Adjusted for repeated measures through a compound symmetry covariance structure, the S:D ratio was higher in DCM patients (−0.425 [0.072]; P<0.001) because of shortened diastole. A S:D ratio >1.2 at presentation and on serial evaluation was associated with a hazard ratio of 10.5 (95% confidence interval, 3.9–27.8; P<0.001) for death or transplant. In combined multivariable analysis, a S:D ratio >1.2 remained significantly associated with hazard of death/transplant (hazard ratio, 9.1; P=0.04) after adjustment for ejection fraction (hazard ratio: 2.2 per −10%; P<0.001). Conclusions—A high S:D ratio is associated with increased risk for death or need for transplant in children with DCM across the spectrum of heart rates and may be a useful prognostic index for serial evaluation of children with DCM.
Adaptive quantization parameter cascading for hierarchical video coding

Quantization parameter (QP) cascaded hierarchical prediction structures have been proved as efficient techniques in hybrid video coding. However, the current QP cascading method is empirical and not adaptive. The reason for the higher coding efficiency of this method has not been fully explored so far. In this paper, the rate-distortion performance of QP cascaded hierarchical video coding is first analyzed with dependent rate-distortion function. Then the optimal offset in linear QP cascading scheme is derived theoretically. It is shown that the widely accepted empirical QP cascading method is actually an approximation to the theoretical solution in fast movement environment. For slow sequences, an average gain of 0.43 dB can be achieved by the combination of two proposed adaptive algorithms.
Endurance capacity and high-intensity exercise performance responses to a high fat diet.

The effects of adaptation to a high-fat diet on endurance performance are equivocal, and there is little data regarding the effects on high-intensity exercise performance. This study examined the effects of a high-fat/moderate protein diet on submaximal, maximal, and supramaximal performance. Twenty non-highly trained men were assigned to either a high-fat/moderate protein (HFMP; 61% fat diet) (n = 12) or a control (C; 25% fat) group (n = 8). A maximal oxygen consumption test, two 30-s Wingate anaerobic tests, and a 45-min timed ride were performed before and after 6 weeks of diet and training. Body mass decreased significantly (-2.2 kg; p < or = .05) in HFMP subjects. Maximal oxygen consumption significantly decreased in the HFMP group (3.5 +/- 0.14 to 3.27 +/- 0.09 L x min(-1)) but was unaffected when corrected for body mass. Perceived exertion was significantly higher during this test in the HFMP group. Main time effects indicated that peak and mean power decreased significantly during bout 1 of the Wingate sprints in the HFMP (-10 and -20%, respectively) group but not the C (-8 and -16%, respectively) group. Only peak power was lower during bout 1 in the HFMP group when corrected for body mass. Despite significantly reduced RER values in the HFMP group during the 45-min cycling bout, work output was significantly decreased (-18%). Adaptation to a 6-week HFMP diet in non-highly trained men resulted in increased fat oxidation during exercise and small decrements in peak power output and endurance performance. These deleterious effects on exercise performance may be accounted for in part by a reduction in body mass and/or increased ratings of perceived exertion.
Comparative Mitogenomics of the Genus Odontobutis (Perciformes: Gobioidei: Odontobutidae) Revealed Conserved Gene Rearrangement and High Sequence Variations

To understand the molecular evolution of mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) in the genus Odontobutis, the mitogenome of Odontobutis yaluensis was sequenced and compared with those of another four Odontobutis species. Our results displayed similar mitogenome features among species in genome organization, base composition, codon usage, and gene rearrangement. The identical gene rearrangement of trnS-trnL-trnH tRNA cluster observed in mitogenomes of these five closely related freshwater sleepers suggests that this unique gene order is conserved within Odontobutis. Additionally, the present gene order and the positions of associated intergenic spacers of these Odontobutis mitogenomes indicate that this unusual gene rearrangement results from tandem duplication and random loss of large-scale gene regions. Moreover, these mitogenomes exhibit a high level of sequence variation, mainly due to the differences of corresponding intergenic sequences in gene rearrangement regions and the heterogeneity of tandem repeats in the control regions. Phylogenetic analyses support Odontobutis species with shared gene rearrangement forming a monophyletic group, and the interspecific phylogenetic relationships are associated with structural differences among their mitogenomes. The present study contributes to understanding the evolutionary patterns of Odontobutidae species.
Effects of Intracoronary CD34+ Stem Cell Transplantation in Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy Patients: 5-Year Follow-Up

Rationale: CD34+ transplantation in dilated cardiomyopathy was associated with short-term improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction and exercise tolerance. Objective: We investigated long-term effects of intracoronary CD34+ cell transplantation in dilated cardiomyopathy and the relationship between intramyocardial cell homing and clinical response. Methods and Results: Of 110 dilated cardiomyopathy patients, 55 were randomized to receive CD34+ stem cell transplantation (SC group) and 55 received no cell therapy (controls). In the SC group, CD34+ cells were mobilized by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and collected via apheresis. Patients underwent myocardial scintigraphy and cells were injected in the artery supplying segments with the greatest perfusion defect. At baseline, 2 groups did not differ in age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction, or N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide levels. At 5 years, stem cell therapy was associated with increased left ventricular ejection fraction (from 24.3 ± 6.5% to 30.0 ± 5.1%; P=0.02), increased 6-minute walk distance (from 344 ± 90 m to 477 ± 130 m; P<0.001), and decreased N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (from 2322 ± 1234 pg/mL to 1011 ± 893 pg/mL; P<0.01). Left ventricular ejection fraction improvement was more significant in patients with higher myocardial homing of injected cells. During follow-up, 27 (25%) patients died and 9 (8%) underwent heart transplantation. Of the 27 deaths, 13 were attributed to pump failure and 14 were attributed to sudden cardiac death. Total mortality was lower in the SC group (14%) than in controls (35%; P=0.01). The same was true of pump failure (5% vs 18%; P=0.03), but not of sudden cardiac death (9% vs 16%; P=0.39). Conclusions: Intracoronary stem cell transplantation may be associated with improved ventricular function, exercise tolerance, and long-term survival in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Higher intramyocardial homing is associated with better stem cell therapy response.
Thermal thresholds predict painfulness of diabetic neuropathies.

OBJECTIVE Pathophysiology explaining pain in diabetic neuropathy (DN) is still unknown. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Thirty patients with peripheral DN (17 men and 13 women; mean age 52.4 +/- 2.5 years) were investigated. Fifteen patients had neuropathic pain, and 15 patients were free of pain. Patients were followed over 2 years and examined at the beginning and thereafter every 6 months. Clinical severity and painfulness of the DN were assessed by the neuropathy impairment score and visual analog scales (VASs). Cold and warm perception thresholds as well as heat pain thresholds were obtained for evaluation of Adelta- and C-fibers. Nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) and vibratory thresholds were recorded for analysis of thickly myelinated fibers. Moreover, for assessment of cardiac vagal function, heart rate variability (HRV) was evaluated. In order to reduce day-to-day variability of pain, mean values of the five time points over 2 years were calculated and used for further analysis. Data were compared with an age- and sex-matched control group of healthy volunteers. RESULTS There were significant differences regarding electrophysiological studies, HRV and quantitative sensory testing (QST) between patients and healthy control subjects (P < 0.001). Generally, patients with neuropathic pain were indistinguishable from pain-free patients. In the pain group, however, VAS pain ratings were correlated to the impairment of small-fiber function (cold detection thresholds, P = 0.02; warm detection thresholds, P = 0.056). CONCLUSIONS Intensity of pain in painful DN seems to depend on small nerve fiber damage and deafferentation.
Peripheral heme substituents control the hydrogen-atom abstraction chemistry in cytochromes P450

We elucidate the hydroxylation of camphor by cytochrome P450 with the use of density functional and mixed quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics methods. Our results reveal that the enzyme catalyzes the hydrogen-atom abstraction step with a remarkably low free-energy barrier. This result provides a satisfactory explanation for the experimental failure to trap the proposed catalytically competent high-valent heme Fe(IV) oxo (oxyferryl) species responsible for this hydroxylation chemistry. The primary and previously unappreciated contribution to stabilization of the transition state is the interaction of positively charged residues in the active-site cavity with carboxylate groups on the heme periphery. A similar stabilization found in dioxygen binding to hemerythrin, albeit with reversed polarity, suggests that this mechanism for controlling the relative energetics of redox-active intermediates and transition states in metalloproteins may be widespread in nature.
Absence of human herpesvirus 6 and 7 from spinal fluid and serum of multiple sclerosis patients

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and HHV-7 are closely related DNA viruses, sharing biologic and antigenic properties and an overlapping genome organization.1,2 Primary infections with HHV-6 and, in some cases, with HHV-7 cause exanthem subitum or fever, with or without rash.1,2 Major pathologies include reactivation in immunocompromised individuals. An association between active HHV-6 infection and MS was proposed based on detection of viral DNA and antigen in oligodendrocytes surrounding MS plaques,3 viral sequences in sera,4 and circulating anti-HHV-6 immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies.4 These findings were not replicated by other laboratories.5 Our goal was to conduct a carefully controlled study on the presence of HHV-6 and -7 sequences in selected MS patients, to increase the probability of detecting active viral replication by analysis of paired CSF and serum samples, and to investigate the association between HHV-7 and MS. Paired samples from 32 Italian drug-free patients (mean age 36.8 years; range 19 to 57) with clinically definite, relapsing-remitting MS6 were obtained within …
Just-in-Time Teaching in biology: creating an active learner classroom using the Internet.

Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT) is a teaching and learning approach that combines the best features of traditional in-class instruction with the communication and resource potential available via the Web. We describe here how JiTT can be used to teach biology to undergraduate and graduate level students, both science majors as well as nonscience majors. A key characteristic of JiTT is the creation of a feedback loop between the classroom and the Web using Internet “Warm Up” assignments that are due prior to class time. By examining student responses to Warm Up exercises before class, faculty members can determine the level of understanding, prior knowledge, and misconceptions that students bring to class. Classroom time can then be spent addressing these misconceptions while discussing course content. In class Cooperative Learning exercises reinforce course content in an informal group setting. Other features of JiTT, such as“ What is Biology Good For,” make clear the relevance of specific concepts in biology in society and increase student motivation. Assessment results have been positive, including decreased attrition rates, increases in student attitudes, interactivity, study habits, and cognitive gains in classrooms using JiTT.
Flight force measurements for a micromechanical flying insect

Key to the success of the micromechanical flying insect (MFI) project is the development sensors for flight force measurement. At the lowest level of MFI control is the wing control system which relies on wing and thorax mounted force sensors. These sensors have a dual function of stroke by stroke force characterization and system identification as well as the use in feedback control for all levels. There are two methods for force sensing on a flying robotic insect: measurements directly on the thorax, and body force measurement with a trade-off in design between sensor bandwidth and sensitivity.
Effects of TMS over the right prefrontal cortex on latency of saccades and convergence.

PURPOSE The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is known to inhibit unwanted saccades through its connections to the superior colliculus (SC). Indeed, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the PFC decreases saccade latency by increasing the rate of express saccades. This study examined whether a similar phenomenon exists for vergence. METHODS In a gap paradigm, six healthy subjects were asked to look at LEDs placed in a horizontal plane and to make lateral saccades, pure convergence along the median plane, and combined eye movements. Eye movements were recorded binocularly. TMS was applied over the right (r)PFC synchronously with the onset of the target. In a control condition, TMS was applied over the motor cortex (MC). RESULTS TMS over the MC had no effect on the latency of any type of eye movements. In contrast, TMS over the rPFC (1) decreased significantly (P = 0.00367) the latency of contralateral pure saccades, (2) had no effect on the latency of pure convergence, (3) and caused a mild decrease in the latency of both the saccadic and the convergence components of combined eye movements, and the effect was bilateral. Decreased latencies were mainly due to an increase of the rate of express movements. CONCLUSIONS The inhibition exerted by PFC over SC and preventing express movements from occurring is presumably a saccade-specific mechanism. When the saccade is combined with convergence, the express triggering can be transferred to a certain extent to the convergence.