Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stereomicroscopic Dye Leakage Measurement of Six Different Root Canal Sealers.

INTRODUCTION Hermetic sealing of the root canal is the most desirable outcome of any root canal treatment, but almost always the filling of the root canal is defective, which is a multifactorial outcome. One such factor majorly influencing the obturation is the root canal sealer used. AIM The present study was done for evaluating microleakage in different root canal sealers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty extracted human single rooted teeeth were used in this in-vitro study. Sealers tested for microleakage in this study were zinc oxide eugenol based sealer, Sealapex, AH Plus, MTA Plus, EndoRez, Endosequence BC. All the specimens were examined under stereomicroscope for microleakage and the obtained data were statistically analysed using One-way ANOVA test and Tukey's multiple comparision tests using the software GraphPad Prism 7.02. RESULTS The Endosequence BC group showed the least dye leakage and the highest leakage was seen in Zinc oxide Eugenol based sealer. CONCLUSION Bio ceramic salers being hydrophilic show better sealing ability compared to resin based and eugenol based sealers.
Relationship between cytokine gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and symptom burden and quality of life in lung cancer survivors

Previous research has demonstrated that many lung cancer survivors report difficulties with symptom control and experience a poor quality of life (QOL). Although recent studies have suggested a relationship of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in several cytokine genes with cancer susceptibility and prognosis, associations with symptom burden and QOL have not been examined. The current study was conducted to identify SNPs related to symptom burden and QOL outcomes in lung cancer survivors.
The antecedents of customer satisfaction with online travel services: a conceptual model

Purpose – The purpose of this study is: to examine the travel web sites quality dimensions that ultimately influence customers' satisfaction; and to conduct content analyses on the five prominent travel web sites.Design/methodology/approach – A content analysis was conducted on the six prominent travel web sites as ranked by J.D. Power Consumer Report. A list of 53 attributes were selected, named, and categorized around the six web quality dimensions explored in this study.Findings – The findings of the content analysis provide evidence to suggest that online travel companies are underperforming in terms of providing web service quality attributes that enhance customer satisfaction.Research limitations/implications – The focus of this study was only on the six prominent travel sites. However, the results cannot be generalized to all travel services. Additionally, only 53 attributes were extracted from the six web quality dimensions. There is a possibility that this study did not cover all the attributes t.
The Influence of CEO Power on Compensation Contract Design

ABSTRACT: We investigate whether CEO power influences a firm's decision to change its compensation system in response to regulatory and public pressure. In particular, we assess whether CEO power influences the choice of performance measures as a form of camouflage to minimize the impact of these reforms on their wealth. We examine one component of CEO pay, namely, the use of performance-vested stock option (PVSO) plans, and find that firms with powerful CEOs attach less challenging targets in the initial PVSOs granted to their CEOs. Such firms also appear to adopt PVSO plans early, and are more likely to do so when faced with public outrage over executive compensation. Our results suggest that powerful CEOs attempt to appease public outrage by quickly adopting PVSOs, but that adopting PVSOs early does not appear to be an optimal strategy for increasing shareholder value. Regulators intended that implementation of PVSOs would be beneficial to shareholders by improving the link between CEO pay and firm per.
Functional Arterial and Venous Fate Is Determined by Graded VEGF Signaling and Notch Status During Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation

Objective—The aim of this work was to develop a mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell system addressing the early specification of the developing vasculature into functional arteries and veins. Methods and Results—ES cells were differentiated 4 days on collagen-type IV coated dishes to obtain Flk1+ endothelial precursors. Sub-culture of these precursors for additional 4 days robustly generated, in a VEGF dose-dependent manner, mature endothelial cells. Arterial marker genes were specifically expressed in cultures differentiated with high VEGF concentration whereas the venous marker gene COUP-TFII was upregulated in endothelial cells induced through low and intermediate VEGF concentrations. This VEGF-dependent arterialization could be blocked by inhibition of Notch resulting in an arterial to venous fate switch. Functional and morphological studies, ie, measurement of sprout length, pericyte recruitment, and interleukin-I-induced leukocyte adhesion, further confirmed their arterial and venous identity. Conclusions—We conclude that endothelial cells with distinct molecular, morphological, and functional characteristics of arteries and veins can be derived through in vitro differentiation of ES cells in a VEGF dose-dependent and Notch-regulated manner.
Antilithic Effects of Extracts from Urtica dentata Hand on Calcium Oxalate Urinary Stones in Rats *

Ming XIANG (向 明) , Shasha ZHANG (张莎莎) , Jingli LU (鲁憬莉), Lulu LI (李璐璐), Wenrui HOU (侯文睿), Mingxing XIE (谢明星), Ying ZENG (曾 莹) Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resources Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China Department of Ultrasonography, Department of Pharmaceutics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
DNA Double-strand Breaks Lead to Activation of Hypermethylated in Cancer 1 (HIC1) by SUMOylation to Regulate DNA Repair*

Background: The tumor suppressor gene HIC1 (hypermethylated in cancer 1) encodes a transcriptional repressor SUMOylated at Lys-314. Results: DNA damage favors SUMOylation of HIC1 and its interaction with MTA1 to regulate the DNA repair process. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that HIC1 is implicated in the DNA damage response. Significance: Our work could help explain a mechanism whereby HIC1 loss contributes to tumorigenesis. HIC1 (hypermethylated in cancer 1) is a tumor suppressor gene frequently epigenetically silenced in human cancers. HIC1 encodes a transcriptional repressor involved in the regulation of growth control and DNA damage response. We previously demonstrated that HIC1 can be either acetylated or SUMOylated on lysine 314. This deacetylation/SUMOylation switch is governed by an unusual complex made up of SIRT1 and HDAC4 which deacetylates and thereby favors SUMOylation of HIC1 by a mechanism not yet fully deciphered. This switch regulates the interaction of HIC1 with MTA1, a component of the NuRD complex and potentiates the repressor activity of HIC1. Here, we show that HIC1 silencing in human fibroblasts impacts the repair of DNA double-strand breaks whereas ectopic expression of wild-type HIC1, but not of nonsumoylatable mutants, leads to a reduced number of γH2AX foci induced by etoposide treatment. In this way, we demonstrate that DNA damage leads to (i) an enhanced HDAC4/Ubc9 interaction, (ii) the activation of SIRT1 by SUMOylation (Lys-734), and (iii) the SUMO-dependent recruitment of HDAC4 by SIRT1 which permits the deacetylation/SUMOylation switch of HIC1. Finally, we show that this increase of HIC1 SUMOylation favors the HIC1/MTA1 interaction, thus demonstrating that HIC1 regulates DNA repair in a SUMO-dependent way. Therefore, epigenetic HIC1 inactivation, which is an early step in tumorigenesis, could contribute to the accumulation of DNA mutations through impaired DNA repair and thus favor tumorigenesis.
Acceptable noise level (ANL) with Danish and non-semantic speech materials in adult hearing-aid users

Abstract Objective: The acceptable noise level (ANL) test is used for quantification of the amount of background noise subjects accept when listening to speech. This study investigates Danish hearing-aid users’ ANL performance using Danish and non-semantic speech signals, the repeatability of ANL, and the association between ANL and outcome of the international outcome inventory for hearing aids (IOI-HA). Design: ANL was measured in three conditions in both ears at two test sessions. Subjects completed the IOI-HA and the ANL questionnaire. Study sample: Sixty-three Danish hearing-aid users; fifty-seven subjects were full time users and 6 were part time/non users of hearing aids according to the ANL questionnaire. Results: ANLs were similar to results with American English speech material. The coefficient of repeatability (CR) was 6.5–8.8 dB. IOI-HA scores were not associated to ANL. Conclusions: Danish and non-semantic ANL versions yield results similar to the American English version. The magnitude of the CR indicates that ANL with Danish and non-semantic speech materials is not suitable for prediction of individual patterns of future hearing-aid use or evaluation of individual benefit from hearing-aid features. The ANL with Danish and non-semantic speech materials is not related to IOI-HA outcome.
Effects of a mouthwash containing potassium nitrate, sodium fluoride, and cetylpyridinium chloride on dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Purpose We evaluated the efficacy of a mouthwash containing potassium nitrate (KNO3) as its main component, along with sodium fluoride (NaF) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). The primary endpoint was the relief of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) against the cold stimuli. The effects on other DH tests and periodontal inflammation were also evaluated. Methods We used a single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized design. A total of 82 patients with DH (40 in the test group, 42 placebo controls) were analyzed using visual analog scales (VASs) for a cold test, a tactile test, a compressive air test, and self-reported pain during daily activities, as well as clinical parameters including plaque index, gingival index, modified sulcular bleeding index (mSBI), gingival recession, and probing depth, which were collected at baseline and after four and six weeks of mouthwash use. Results VAS scores for cold sensations, tactile sensations, the compressive air test, and self-reported pain significantly decreased from baseline during the six weeks in both groups (P<0.01), and no significant differences between the groups were found. In male patients (10 in the test group and 7 in the control group), both groups showed significant reductions in VAS scores for the cold test over the six weeks, and greater reductions were found in the test group than in the control group between four and six weeks (P=0.01) and between baseline and six weeks (P<0.01). In addition, the mSBI in the test group significantly decreased from baseline during the six weeks (P<0.01), and the changes at four and six weeks from baseline were significantly greater in the test group compared to the control group (P=0.03 and P=0.02, respectively). Conclusions A mouthwash containing a mixture of KNO3, NaF, and CPC reduced DH and gingival inflammation, however, the efficacy was comparable to the control group.
Trafficking of a Ligand-Receptor Complex on the Growth Cones as an Essential Step for the Uptake of Nerve Growth Factor at the Distal End of the Axon: A Single-Molecule Analysis

The behavior of single molecules of neurotrophins on growth cones was observed by the use of the fluorescent conjugate of nerve growth factor (NGF), Cy3-NGF. After the application of 0.4 nm Cy3-NGF, chick dorsal root ganglion growth cones responded within 1 min of adding the stimulus by expanding their lamellipodia. Only 40 molecules of Cy3-NGF, which occupied <5% of the estimated total binding sites on a single growth cone, were required to initiate the motile responses. After binding to the high-affinity receptor, Cy3-NGF displayed lateral diffusion on the membrane of the growth cones with a diffusion constant of 0.3 μm2 s-1. The behavior of Cy3-NGF was shifted to a one-directional rearward movement toward the central region of the growth cone. The one-directional movement of Cy3-NGF displayed the same rate as the rearward flow of actin, ∼4 μm/min. This movement could be stopped by the application of the potent inhibitor of actin polymerization, latrunculin B. Molecules of Cy3-NGF were suggested to be internalized in the vicinity of the central region of the growth cone during this rearward trafficking, because Cy3-NGF remained in the growth cone after the growth cones had been exposed to an acidic surrounding medium: acidic medium causes the complete dissociation of Cy3-NGF from the receptors on the surface of growth cones. These results suggested that actin-driven trafficking of the NGF receptor complex is an essential step for the accumulation and endocytosis of NGF at the growth cone and for the retrograde transport of NGF toward the cell body.
Securities Laws, Control of Corruption, and Corporate Liquidity: International Evidence

Manuscript Type: Empirical. Research Question/Issue: Previous studies have reported the relationship between corporate governance and corporate liquidity (cash holdings). Factors affecting corporate governance, such as securities laws and control of corruption, should have bearing on corporate liquidity and its value. This study focuses on national-level predictors of cash holdings such as securities laws and control of corruption and examines their impact on corporate liquidity, as well as its value from the agency perspective. Research Findings/Insights: Using comprehensive data on 47 countries from 1996-2007, this study demonstrates that when benchmark variables are controlled, corporate liquidity is lower in countries with more effective securities laws or higher control of corruption. In addition, cash can increase firm value. This positive relation is more pronounced in countries with effective securities laws or high control of corruption. Furthermore, excess cash can reduce firm value in countries with ineffective securities laws or low control of corruption as opposed to other countries; however, this value-reducing effect can be mitigated or reversed when control of corruption or securities laws improve. Theoretical/Academic Implications: This study establishes that securities laws and control of corruption, in addition to the traditional cash determinants, play important roles in determining corporate liquidity and its value, and should therefore not be ignored in future liquidity studies. In addition, securities laws and control of corruption reinforce each other in the reduction of internal agency problems. Furthermore, this study provides empirical support for agency theory to explain corporate cash holdings. Practitioner/Policy Implications: Multinational firms should consider the potential impact of different securities laws and control of corruption of foreign countries in deciding the amount of cash to hold. Results suggest that firms should decrease target cash level in countries with more effective securities laws or higher control of corruption because investor protection is stronger, and the agency problem is less severe. In addition, excess cash should not be held in countries with ineffective securities laws or low control of corruption because these circumstances can reduce firm value, unless these countries substantially improve their control of corruption or securities laws. As for policy makers, caution has to be exercised when improving securities laws or repressing corruption; the concurrent improvement of both is more effective for stronger investor protection and better corporate governance.
Scientific Research in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Potential for Excellence and Indicators of Underdevelopment.

This study analyzes the status of scientific research and development efforts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and then sheds lights on the potential for excellence in this area in terms of organization and structure, financing and partnership, and human resources. Accordingly, the study reviews both achievements and indicators of underdevelopment in the subject mentioned above.
Preparing athletes and teams for the Olympic Games: Experiences and lessons learned from the world's best sport psychologists

As part of an increased effort to understand the most effective ways to psychologically prepare athletes and teams for Olympic competition, a number of sport psychology consultants have offered best-practice insights into working in this context. These individual reports have typically comprised anecdotal reflections of working with particular sports or countries; therefore, a more holistic approach is needed so that developing practitioners can have access to—and utilise—a comprehensive evidence-base. The purpose of this paper is to provide a panel-type article, which offers lessons and advice for the next generation of aspiring practitioners on preparing athletes and teams for the Olympic Games from some of the world's most recognised and experienced sport psychologists. The sample comprised 15 sport psychology practitioners who, collectively, have accumulated over 200 years of first-hand experience preparing athletes and/or teams from a range of nations for six summer and five winter Olympic Games. Interviews with the participants revealed 28 main themes and 5 categories: Olympic stressors, success and failure lessons, top tips for neophyte practitioners, differences within one's own consulting work, and multidisciplinary consulting. It is hoped that the findings of this study can help the next generation of sport psychologists better face the realities of Olympic consultancy and plan their own professional development so that, ultimately, their aspirations to be the world's best can become a reality.
Specific T cell unresponsiveness in human filariasis: diversity in underlying mechanisms

In an attempt to overcome T cell unresponsiveness to filarial antigens, 65 individuals belonging to the three clinical groups of elephantiasis patients, microfilaraemics, and asymptomatic amicrofilaraemics who exhibited unresponsiveness to Brugia malayi adult worm antigen (BmA) were studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were co‐cultured with antigen and one of the following reagents that have been reported to be effective in reconstituting T cell proliferation: interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), interleukin‐7 (IL‐7), anti‐interleukin‐4, anti‐interleukin‐10, anti‐CD2, anti‐CD27, anti‐CD28, indomethacin, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), or calcium ionophore (A23I87). We were able to overcome antigen‐specific unresponsiveness in only a minority of the individuals studied. Co‐culture with IL‐2, IL‐7, indomethacin and PMA were the only conditions which resulted in enhanced proliferation to BmA in these individuals. In general, unresponsiveness in elephantiasis patients was easier to reverse than in other clinical groups: in 50% of elephantiasis patients, in 12.5% of microfilaraemics and in 20% of asymptomatic amicrofilaraemics. The results indicate that more than one distinct immunological mechanism may account for the antigen‐specific unresponsiveness in individuals exposed to and infected with brugian filariasis.
Hotel development and tourism impacts in Mauritius: Hoteliers' perspectives on sustainable tourism

Sustainable tourism development is crucial to small island developing states, given that tourism is often the main pillar of their economy. Stakeholders therefore need to embrace principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability for continued success. This study assessed hoteliers' perceptions of the tourism impacts of hotel development. Existing attitudinal scales on tourism impacts were applied to the Mauritian context and measured among top and middle management of hotels. The findings, based on 90 questionnaires, indicated 11 underlying dimensions. Hoteliers on average agreed that hotel development should contribute to environmental sustainability, and have positive economic, social and cultural impacts. They were not entirely convinced that there were negative cultural and economic impacts, and they disagreed that there were negative social impacts. The paper suggests implications for tourism policy, hotel development and management of tourism impacts.
Induction of pulmonary hypertensive changes by extracellular vesicles from monocrotaline-treated mice.

AIMS Circulating endothelium-derived extracellular vesicles (EV) levels are altered in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) but whether they are biomarkers of cellular injury or participants in disease pathogenesis is unknown. Previously, we found that lung-derived EVs (LEVs) induce bone marrow-derived progenitor cells to express lung-specific mRNA and protein. In this study, we sought to determine whether LEV or plasma-derived EV (PEV) alter pulmonary vascular endothelial or marrow progenitor cell phenotype to induce pulmonary vascular remodelling. METHODS AND RESULTS LEV, PEV isolated from monocrotaline (MCT-EV)- or vehicle-treated mice (vehicle-EV) were injected into healthy mice. Right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy and pulmonary vascular remodelling were assessed by RV-to-body weight (RV/BW) and blood vessel wall thickness-to-diameter (WT/D) ratios. RV/BW, WT/D ratios were elevated in MCT- vs. vehicle-injected mice (1.99 ± 0.09 vs. 1.04 ± 0.09 mg/g; 0.159 ± 0.002 vs. 0.062 ± 0.009%). RV/BW, WT/D ratios were higher in mice injected with MCT-EV vs. mice injected with vehicle-EV (1.63 ± 0.09 vs. 1.08 ± 0.09 mg/g; 0.113 ± 0.02 vs. 0.056 ± 0.01%). Lineage-depleted bone marrow cells incubated with MCT-EV and marrow cells isolated from mice infused with MCT-EV had greater expression of endothelial progenitor cell mRNAs and mRNAs abnormally expressed in PAH than cells incubated with vehicle-EV or isolated from vehicle-EV infused mice. MCT-EV induced an apoptosis-resistant phenotype in murine pulmonary endothelial cells and lineage-depleted bone marrow cells incubated with MCT-EV induced pulmonary hypertension when injected into healthy mice. CONCLUSIONS EV from MCT-injured mice contribute to the development of MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension. This effect may be mediated directly by EV on the pulmonary vasculature or by differentiation of bone marrow cells to endothelial progenitor cells that induce pulmonary vascular remodelling.
Estimates of Regional and Global Life Expectancy, 1800–2001

Historians and demographers have gone to considerable trouble to reconstruct life expectancy in the past in individual countries. This overview collects information from a large body of that work and links estimates for historical populations to those provided by the United Nations, the World Bank, and other sources for 1950-2001. The result is a picture of regional and global life expectancy at birth for selected years from 1800 to 2001. The bibliography of more than 700 sources is published separately on the web. Copyright 2005 The Population Council, Inc.