Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of denture cleanser on weight, surface roughness and tensile bond strength of two resilient denture liners.

AIM Evaluating effects of a denture cleanser on weight, surface roughness and tensile bond strength on two resilient lining materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS Specimens of heat cure acrylic resin were prepared to verify weight change, surface roughness and tensile bond strength. Specimens were divided into four groups: Relined with resilient liner Visco-gel, soft liner immersed in Clinsodent denture cleanser and water and evaluated immediately, 24 hours, 7 and 15 days. Weight changes, roughness and tensile bond strength were determined and data submitted to statistical analysis. RESULTS Visco-gel specimens immersed in water (group 1) have shown significant increased surface roughness than those immersed in Clinsodent (group 3) during 24 hours, 7 and 15 days. The soft liner specimens immersed in water (group 2) have shown increased surface roughness than those immersed in Clinsodent (group 4) during 24 hours and 7 days. Visco-gel specimens immersed in water have shown significant increased tensile bond strength during 7 and 15 days than those immersed in Clinsodent. The soft liner specimens immersed in water have shown increased tensile bond strength than those immersed in Clinsodent during immediately, 24 hours and 7 days. CONCLUSION Within limitations of this study, specimens immersed in Clinsodent demonstrated increased weight changes compared with water. Specimens immersed in water demonstrated lesser surface roughness and tensile bond strength compared with specimens immersed in Clinsodent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Resilient denture liners and denture cleansers are most commonly used materials in prosthodontics. Caution should be taken while selecting the materials which cause the detrimental changes on properties of the materials.
E‐folio and teacher candidate development

Abstract Scores on professional licensure exams and transcript grades, used to evaluate the competencies of entry‐level teachers, fail to reflect the wide range of complex knowledge, skills, and dispositions that quality professional educators possess. As the demand for authentic, standards‐based assessment of teacher performance continues to grow, teacher educators need to develop new tools to record and organize evidence of successful teaching. Electronic portfolios that document professional growth, reflective practice, and demonstrated competencies on set standards or principles can be just such a tool. Electronic portfolios are constructive instruments for authentic assessment that promote connections between teaching, learning, reflection, and evaluation.
Opting for Growth: Gender Dimensions of Choosing Enterprise Development

Abstract This study documents how owners of small businesses arrive at growth objectives for their firms. The decision to pursue (or not) a growth objective involves trade-offs among both financial and non-financial factors. Owners' growth decisions appear to be shaped by attitudes towards owners' perceived outcomes of growth and the opinions (about growth) of important others in the owners' lives. Male and female owners exhibit strong similarities in how they arrive at growth decisions. However, female business owners appear to accord relatively more weight to their needs for a supportive managerial and spousal setting and to be discouraged to a relatively greater degree by the growth-related stress associated with personal demands made on their time and family. Resume Cette etude documente la facon dont les proprietaires de petites entreprises formulent des objectifs d'expansion pour leur firme. La decision de suivre (ou de ne pas suivre) un plan donne comprend des facteurs financiers et non-financiers. Les decisions d'expansion que prennent les proprietaires semblent dictees par les attitudes et la perception qu'ils ont au sujet de la croissance de leur propre entreprise. Elles sont aussi dictees par les opinions des personnes que les proprietaires ont en estime. Il existe de grandes similarites entre la facon dont les hommes proprietaires d'entreprise et les femmes proprietaires d'entreprise arrivent aux decisions concernant la croissance de leur entreprise. Mais, les proprietaires femmes semblent avoir relativement plus besoin d'une situation directoriale et familiale stimulante et sont decouragees a un niveau relativement plus eleve par le stress lie a la croissance et les exigences faites sur leur temps et leur famille.
A 90-day intravenous administration toxicity study of CaO-SiO2-P2O5-B2O3 glass-ceramics (BGS-7) in rat

CaO-SiO2-P2O5-B2O3 glass ceramics directly bond to bone and have potential use as a bone substitute material. The present study evaluated the toxicity from subchronic intravenous administration of CaO-SiO2-P2O5-B2O3 glass ceramics to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were divided into four groups, each consisting of 10 male and 10 female rats, and administered different amounts of CaO-SiO2-P2O5-B2O3 glass ceramics (aqueous extract 5, 2.5, and 1.25 mL/kg body weight/day and saline) 7 days per week for 90 consecutive days. During the experiment, no deaths were observed in any groups, and there were no remarkable changes in clinical signs, body weight, food and water intake, hematological and serum biochemical parameters, organ weight, and histopathological findings between the control and treated groups. The results show no adverse toxic effects of CaO-SiO2-P2O5-B2O3 glass ceramics (aqueous extract 5 mL/kg body weight/day) to rats of either sex.
Organic agriculture and globalization : A Maya associative corporation in Chiapas, Mexico

Indigenas de la Sierra Madre de Motozintla (ISMAM), the world's foremost producer of organic gourmet coffee, is a prominent example of an associative corporation, an organizational form combining aspects of traditional Indian social organization and modern capitalist enterprises. The development of ISMAM's organic strategy is analyzed as acheiving multiple goals, including improving soils and improving marketing conditions by permitting greater value-added to growers through direct access to high-value markets. The role of external brokers and the impact of organic marketing on organizational structure are analyzed. Though not typical, ISMAM is an encouraging example of a viable small-farmer strategy for meeting the economic and political challenge of globalization.
Reinserção familiar de adolescentes: processos malsucedidos

Este estudio investiga el proceso relativo al fracaso en la reinsercion familiar y la subsecuente reinstitucionalizacion de dos adolescentes. Fueron llevados a cabo estudios de caso, por entrevistas con las adolescentes y entrevistas informales con tecnicos del abrigo y monitores. Los datos apuntaron semejanzas en los procesos de reinsercion, como falta de una evaluacion previa de la situacion, llevando en cuenta la motivacion y preparacion de la familia de las jovenes para el proceso, bien como la falta de un acompanamiento sistematico durante el periodo de reinsercion. Se sugieren politicas publicas de atencion a este proceso para evitar nuevas rupturas de vinculos, y para que el derecho a la convivencia familiar y comunitaria de jovenes institucionalizados pueda ser efectuado.
The significance of IgG subclasses and mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) for susceptibility to infection in apparently healthy adults with IgA deficiency

The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of IgG subclasses and MBL for susceptibility to infection in association with IgA deficiency. The study population consisted of 139 apparently healthy adult blood donors with IgA deficiency and normal serum levels of IgG and IgM, and an increased susceptibility to infection demonstrated at a population level. Additionally, 216 controls matched for age and sex were investigated. IgG4 deficiency was more common and the mean level of IgG4 lower in persons with IgA deficiency than in the controls. No significant associations could be demonstrated between overt IgG subclass deficiencies and increased susceptibility to infection. However, when the mean concentrations of IgG subclasses were analysed with regard to medical history, that of IgG1 was lower in persons who reported recurrent viral respiratory infections, that of IgG3 in persons who had episodes of severe infection in their history, and that of IgG4 in persons who had recurrent mild respiratory infections, compared with those who had no particular history of infections. In contrast, MBL deficiency—alone or combined with that of the IgG subclass—was not associated with increased susceptibility to infection in persons with IgA deficiency. The results indicate that the proneness to infections observed in a population of otherwise healthy persons with IgA deficiency can only for a small part be accounted for by concomitant deficiencies of IgG subclasses. Contrary to expectations, no synergism between the deficiencies of IgA and MBL could be demonstrated.
Correlates of osteoprotegerin and association with aortic pulse wave velocity in patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a cytokine that regulates bone resorption, has been implicated in the process of vascular calcification and stiffness. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Serum OPG was measured in 351 participants with chronic kidney disease (CKD) from one site of the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study. Cortical bone mineral content (BMC) was measured by quantitative computed tomography in the tibia. Multivariable linear regression was used to test the association between serum OPG and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, measures of abnormal bone and mineral metabolism, and pulse wave velocity. RESULTS Higher serum OPG levels were associated with older age, female gender, greater systolic BP, lower estimated GFR, and lower serum albumin. OPG was not associated with measures of abnormal bone or mineral metabolism including serum phosphorus, albumin-corrected serum calcium, intact parathyroid hormone, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, or cortical BMC. Among 226 participants with concurrent aortic pulse wave velocity measurements, increasing tertiles of serum OPG were associated with higher aortic pulse wave velocity after adjustment for demographics, traditional vascular risk factors, and nontraditional risk factors such as estimated GFR, albuminuria, serum phosphate, corrected serum calcium, presence of secondary hyperparathyroidism, serum albumin, and C-reactive protein or after additional adjustment for cortical BMC in a subset (n = 161). CONCLUSIONS These data support a strong relationship between serum OPG and arterial stiffness independent of many potential confounders including traditional cardiovascular risk factors, abnormal bone and mineral metabolism, and inflammation.
Assessing nonlinear properties of heart rate variability from short-term recordings: are these measurements reliable?

Several parameters assessing nonlinear properties of heart rate variability (HRV) from short-term (<10 min) laboratory recordings have been proposed so far, but their reliability is unknown. In this study, we addressed this issue analysing a comprehensive set of these indices. In 42 healthy subjects (mean age (min–max): 38 (26–56) years, 21 men) we recorded 5 min of supine ECG in two consecutive days. From RR intervals we computed 11 nonlinear HRV indices, representative of symbolic dynamics, entropy, fractality, predictability, empirical mode decomposition and Poincaré plot families. Absolute reliability was assessed by the 95% limits of random variation and relative reliability was assessed computing the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). We found marked differences in the reliability of short-term nonlinear indices of HRV. In the majority of indices, changes in test–retest measurements ranged between about −30% and +50%, indicating good absolute reliability while in the others the change was <−60% and >140%. Relative reliability was substantial (0.6 < ICC < 0.8) in half of the indices, moderate in one and poor in the remaining. Compared to classical linear indices, nonlinear HRV parameters seem more suitable for individual test–retest evaluations but, due to a reduced ICC, they need increased sample size in comparative studies involving two groups of subjects.
Label-free optical lymphangiography: development of an automatic segmentation method applied to optical coherence tomography to visualize lymphatic vessels using Hessian filters

Abstract. Lymphatic vessels are a part of the circulatory system that collect plasma and other substances that have leaked from the capillaries into interstitial fluid (lymph) and transport lymph back to the circulatory system. Since lymph is transparent, lymphatic vessels appear as dark hallow vessel-like regions in optical coherence tomography (OCT) cross sectional images. We propose an automatic method to segment lymphatic vessel lumen from OCT structural cross sections using eigenvalues of Hessian filters. Compared to the existing method based on intensity threshold, Hessian filters are more selective on vessel shape and less sensitive to intensity variations and noise. Using this segmentation technique along with optical micro-angiography allows label-free noninvasive simultaneous visualization of blood and lymphatic vessels in vivo. Lymphatic vessels play an important role in cancer, immune system response, inflammatory disease, wound healing and tissue regeneration. Development of imaging techniques and visualization tools for lymphatic vessels is valuable in understanding the mechanisms and studying therapeutic methods in related disease and tissue response.
Epithelial Human Leukocyte Antigen-DR Expression Predicts Reduced Recurrence Rates and Prolonged Survival in Rectal Cancer Patients

Purpose: The development of local and distant recurrences is a major problem in the treatment of rectal cancer patients. In this study, we investigated whether epithelial human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) expression allowed discrimination between high and low tumor recurrence rates, and analyzed the mechanism behind its expression. Experimental Design: The role of IFNγ in HLA-DR expression was studied in rectal cancer cell lines and tumors by promoter-specific analyses of class II transactivator (CIITA). The predictive value of epithelial HLA-DR expression was investigated by immunohistochemical evaluation of 1,016 rectal tumors, obtained from a large prospective trial. Associations with recurrences and survival were determined by univariate and multivariate log-rank testing. Results: HLA-DR was induced by IFNγ in rectal cancer cell lines. Activity of the IFNγ-inducible pIV-CIITA promoter correlated with epithelial HLA-DR expression in rectal tumors. Patients with HLA-DR–positive tumors developed less frequent local and distant recurrences [1.6% versus 9.1% (P = 0.0015) and 15.3% versus 29.9% (P < 0.0001), respectively, after 5 years of follow-up] and had better survival (78.6% versus 61.3%; P < 0.0001) than patients with HLA-DR–negative tumors. Epithelial HLA-DR was more often found in lower tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages. Next to TNM and circumferential resection margin, HLA-DR expression was independently associated with lower distant recurrence rates and prolonged survival. Conclusions: Epithelial HLA-DR expression can be used as a marker to discriminate patients with high or low risk of developing recurrences. The possible involvement of IFNγ, the relationship with lower TNM stages, and the independent effect on recurrence development together suggest that the host immune response plays an important role in controlling tumor cells.
Integrating Suicidology into Abnormal Psychology Classes: The Revised Facts on Suicide Quiz

Although most abnormal psychology textbooks and instructors give extensive coverage to topics such as depression, they cover suicide less consistently. This article describes a class activity using the Revised Facts on Suicide Quiz (RFOS) that focuses on myths and misinformation students may have about suicide. The activity can take 55 to 75 mm or can be modified for shorter or longer coverage. Suggestions for incorporating the RFOS in class discussion and references supporting correct quiz answers are provided.
Does Age at Onset of First Major Depressive Episode Indicate the Subtype of Major Depressive Disorder?: The Clinical Research Center for Depression Study

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of age at onset of the first major depressive episode on the clinical features of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) in a large cohort of Korean depressed patients. Materials and Methods We recruited 419 MDD patients of age over 18 years from the Clinical Research Center for Depression study in South Korea. At the start of the study, the onset age of the first major depressive episode was self-reported by the subjects. The subjects were divided into four age-at-onset subgroups: childhood and adolescent onset (ages <18), early adult onset (ages 18-44), middle adult onset (ages 45-59), and late onset (ages 60+). Using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and ordinal logistic regression analysis with adjusting the effect of age, the relationships between clinical features and age at onset of MDD were evaluated. Results There was an apparent, but inconsistent correlation between clinical features and age at onset. Earlier onset MDD was significantly associated with higher proportion of female gender [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.570, p=0.022], more previous suicide attempts (AOR=0.635, p=0.038), greater number of previous depressive episodes (F=3.475, p=0.016) and higher scores on the brief psychiatric rating scale (F=3.254, p=0.022), its negative symptom subscale (F=6.082, p<0.0001), and the alcohol use disorder identification test (F=7.061, p<0.0001). Conclusion Early age at onset may increase the likelihood of distinguishable MDD subtype, and age at onset of the first major depressive episode is a promising clinical indicator for the clinical presentation, course, and outcome of MDD.
The Math Problem

This study used the Students’ Attitudes toward Statistics Scale (STATS) to measure attitude toward statistics among a national sample of advertising students. A factor analysis revealed four underlying factors make up the attitude toward statistics construct—Interest & Future Applicability, Confidence, Statistical Tools, and Initiative. Advertising students’ attitudes toward statistics were shown to be more positive than negative. Students in this study were most positive about the use of Statistical Tools and displayed attitudes well above neutral on Interest & Future Applicability and Initiative. Confidence received the lowest evaluation. Advertising students who were drawn to the major because of its creative aspects had significantly weaker attitudes toward statistics than did those who came to study advertising because of the business aspects. Strategies for improving negative attitudes toward statistics in advertising courses are discussed.
SoTL and Students’ Experiences of their Degree-Level Programs: An Empirical Investigation

In the global higher education sector, government accountability initiatives are increasingly focused on degree-level competencies that may be expected from university graduates. The purpose of this paper was to examine the extent to which SoTL reflects this increased interest in student learning across the degree program. Articles (N=136) published in three international SoTL journals, over the past three years, were systematically reviewed using a framework that concentrated on the extent to which they reflected a focus of (a) teaching-emphasis versus learning-emphasis and (b) unit-level (subject, course) versus degree-/program-level. Our analysis indicated that the majority of SoTL publications (47%) were focused at the level of a single unit with an emphasis on teaching practice; in contrast, only a small minority of SoTL publications (9%) were focused at the level of the overall degree with an emphasis on learning processes. Drawing on our review, we highlight SoTL publications that exemplify the inquiry into student learning at the level of the degree program and offer questions to guide future SoTL inquiries.
The psychological consequences of learning a diagnosis of dementia: Three case examples

The question of disclosure of dementia diagnosis has become of greater significance in recent years, probably in part due to people presenting at earlier stages of the disorder and the necessity for patients to be able to consent to drug treatments for Alzheimer's disease and greater public awareness of the condition. This paper describes the effects on three people of learning their diagnosis, and a psychological intervention used with them. The methodological problems of research in this area are discussed, and the related question of what types of intervention may be useful to maintain self-esteem, social functioning and cognitive abilities following diagnosis.
Sorting, Selection, and Routing on the Array with Reconfigurable Optical Buses

In this paper, we present efficient algorithms for sorting, selection, and packet routing on the AROB (Array with Reconfigurable Optical Buses) model. One of our sorting algorithms sorts n general keys in O(1) time on an AROB of size n/sup /spl epsiv///spl times/n for any constant /spl epsiv/>0. We also show that selection from out of n elements can be done in randomized O(1) time employing n processors. Our routing algorithm can route any h-relation in randomized O(h) time. All these algorithms are clearly optimal.
REPRODUCTION OF TOTAL TEST SCORE THROUGH THE USE OF SEQUENTIAL PROGRAMMED TESTS1

Current testing strategies, although of relatively recent origin, are characterized by a certain lack of flexibility. Each year, for example, thousands of college applicants file into testing centers across the nation. They grid their answers to well over 100 multiple-choice questions designed to measure verbal and quantitative abilities. The range of ability among the examinees is already large and can be expected to increase yearly, as each level of education becomes more accessible to larger numbers of students.
Differences in Knowledge Acquisition among Readers of the Paper and Online Versions of a National Newspaper

Relative to traditional newspapers, Internet-based papers provide fewer cues about news story importance and give readers more control over story selection. As a result, readers of an online paper may acquire less information about national, international, and political events than would print paper readers. This article reports the results of a multi-day experiment which compared the differential effects of exposure to print and online versions of the New York Times. Online readers of the Times appear to have read fewer national, international, and political news stories and were less likely to recognize and recall events that occurred during the exposure period.
Hot spots become cold spots: coevolution in variable temperature environments

Antagonistic coevolution between hosts and parasites is a key process in the genesis and maintenance of biological diversity. Whereas coevolutionary dynamics show distinct patterns under favourable environmental conditions, the effects of more realistic, variable conditions are largely unknown. We investigated the impact of a fluctuating environment on antagonistic coevolution in experimental microcosms of Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 and lytic phage SBWΦ2. High‐frequency temperature fluctuations caused no deviations from typical coevolutionary arms race dynamics. However, coevolution was stalled during periods of high temperature under intermediate‐ and low‐frequency fluctuations, generating temporary coevolutionary cold spots. Temperature variation affected population density, providing evidence that eco‐evolutionary feedbacks act through variable bacteria–phage encounter rates. Our study shows that environmental fluctuations can drive antagonistic species interactions into and out of coevolutionary cold and hot spots. Whether coevolution persists or stalls depends on the frequency of change and the environmental optima of both interacting players.