Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro comparison of the bond strength to the enamel of conventional and self-etching dental fissure sealants.

AIM Dental caries in pits and fissures of molars is still very common in young people, despite a gradual reduction in their incidence and prevalence. Prevention with the aid of dental fissure sealants can help to reduce the onset of decay. In vitro tests were conducted to compare the bond strength to enamel of self-etching sealants versus those applied using the conventional procedure. METHODS The lingual surface of 40 extracted, caries-free, mandibular third molars was milled to make them flat. The prepared teeth were randomly divided into two groups of 20 teeth each: those in Group A were treated with Clinpro (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA); those in Group B with Quick Seal (BJM Laboratories Ltd, Or-Yehuda, Israel). Cylinders of sealant were attached to the enamel of the flat surfaces of the samples using a polymerisation process treating the surfaces involved according to the type of material. All samples underwent load testing by means of a universal test machine. RESULTS The results of the load testing, measured in MPa, were analysed using the Student's t-test for independent samples and the differences proved significant, indicating that the traditionally- applied sealant (mean strength 21.06 MPa) assured a significantly stronger bond (p <.05) than the self-etching sealant (mean strength 10.43 MPa) under our experimental conditions. CONCLUSION Conventional sealants generally provide a considerably higher bond strength than self-etching sealants.
Subspace analysis of spatial time-frequency distribution matrices

Spatial time-frequency distributions (STFDs) have been previously introduced as the natural means to deal with source signals that are localizable in the time-frequency domain. Previous work in the area has not provided the eigenanalysis of STFD matrices, which is key to understanding their role in solving direction finding and blind source separation problems in multisensor array receivers. The aim of this paper is to examine the eigenstructure of the STFD matrices. We develop the analysis and statistical properties of the subspace estimates based on STFDs for frequency modulated (FM) sources. It is shown that improved estimates are achieved by constructing the subspaces from the time-frequency signatures of the signal arrivals rather than from the data covariance matrices, which are commonly used in conventional subspace estimation methods. This improvement is evident in a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) environment and in the cases of closely spaced sources. The paper considers the MUSIC technique to demonstrate the advantages of STFDs and uses it as grounds for comparison between time-frequency and conventional subspace estimates.
Toward a Model of the Interaction of Centering with Global Discourse Structure

Centering was formulated as a model of the relationship between attentional state, the form of referring expressions, and the coherence of an utterance within a discourse segment. In this paper, I argue that the restriction of centering to operating within a discourse segment should be abandoned in order to integrate centering with a model of global discourse structure. The within-segment restriction causes three problems. The first problem is that centers are often continued over discourse segment boundaries with pronominal referring expressions whose form is identical to those that occur within a discourse segment. The
Transforming Outermost into Context-Sensitive Rewriting

We define two transformations from term rewriting systems (TRSs) to context-sensitive TRSs in such a way that termination of the target system implies outermost termination of the original system. In the transformation based on 'context extension', each outermost rewrite step is modeled by exactly one step in the transformed system. This transformation turns out to be complete for the class of left-linear TRSs. The second transformation is called `dynamic labeling' and results in smaller sized context-sensitive TRSs. Here each modeled step is adjoined with a small number of auxiliary steps. As a result state-of-the-art termination methods for context-sensitive rewriting become available for proving termination of outermost rewriting. Both transformations have been implemented in Jambox, making it the most successful tool in the category of outermost rewriting of the last edition of the annual termination competition.
Therapeutic enhancement of S-1 with CPT-11 through down-regulation of thymidylate synthase in bladder cancer

Thymidylate synthase (TS), a target enzyme of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), is significantly associated with prognosis in various cancers. Recently, it has been reported that S‐1, a novel 5‐FU‐based agent has an effect on bladder cancer. However, in cells with high TS level, S‐1 did not have significant effects. Therefore, we examined whether down‐regulation of TS enhanced effects of S‐1 in them. First, we measured TS level in an aggressive bladder cancer cell line, KU‐19‐19 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and evaluated its sensitivity to 5‐FU using a small interfering RNA (siRNA) for TS. Next, we measured TS mRNA after exposure to various agents. Finally, we evaluated enhancement of cytotoxicity of S‐1 by CPT‐11 (7‐ethyl‐10‐[4‐(1‐piperidino)‐1‐piperidino]carbonyloxycamptothecin) which down‐regulated TS in in vivo study. The median TS and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) level was 53.3 ng/mg and 80.3 ng/mg in KU‐19‐19 cells, respectively. The 5‐FU treatment in KU‐19‐19 cells transfected with siRNA for TS gene (TYMS) inhibited cell growth more significantly than that for nontargeting control. Down‐regulation of TS was observed after exposure to SN‐38 (7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin) in a dose‐dependent manner. The combination treatment of 5‐FU and SN‐38 significantly inhibited cell growth, as compared to the single treatment. Meanwhile, in cells transfected with siRNA for TYMS, neither an additive nor a synergistic effect was observed. Also, combined S‐1 and CPT‐11 dramatically inhibited tumor growth, compared to S‐1 or CPT‐11 alone in in vivo study. In conclusion, CPT‐11 down‐regulated TS level and enhanced the effect of S‐1. Thus, the combination therapy with S‐1 and CPT‐11 might be a novel modality for bladder cancer, even with high TS level.
Union for International Cancer Control International Session: Healthcare Economics: The significance of the UN summit non‐communicable diseases political declaration in Asia

The Japan National Committee for the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and UICC‐Asia Regional Office (ARO) organized an international session as part of the official program of the 71st Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association to discuss the topic “Healthcare Economics: The Significance of the UN Summit non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) Political Declaration in Asia. ” The presenters and participants discussed the growing cost of cancer in the Asian region and the challenges that are faced by the countries of Asia, all of which face budgetary and other systemic constraints in tackling and controlling cancer in the region. The session benefited from the participation of various stakeholders, including cancer researchers and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry. They discussed the significance of the UN Political Declaration on the prevention and control of NCDs (2011) as a means of boosting awareness of cancer in the Asian region and also addressed the ways in which stakeholders can cooperate to improve cancer control and treatment. Other issues that were covered included challenges relating to pharmaceutical trials in Asia and how to link knowledge and research outcomes. The session concluded with the recognition that with the onset of a super‐aged society in most countries in Asia and an increasing focus on quality of life rather than quantity of life, it is more important than ever for all stakeholders to continue to share information and promote policy dialogue on cancer control and treatment.
Immunoglobulin class switching appears to be regulated by B‐cell antigen receptor‐specific T‐cell action

Antigen affinity is commonly viewed as the driving force behind the selection for dominant clonotypes that can occur during the T‐cell‐dependent processes of class switch recombination (CSR) and immune maturation. To test this view, we analyzed the variable gene repertoires of natural monoclonal antibodies to the hapten 2‐phenyloxazolone (phOx) as well as those generated after phOx protein carrier‐induced thymus‐dependent or Ficoll‐induced thymus‐independent antigen stimulation. In contrast to expectations, the extent of IgM heterogeneity proved similar and many IgM from these three populations exhibited similar or even greater affinities than the classic Ox1 clonotype that dominates only after CSR among primary and memory IgG. The population of clones that were selected during CSR exhibited a reduced VH/VL repertoire that was enriched for variable domains with shorter and more uniform CDR‐H3 lengths and almost completely stripped of variable domains encoded by the large VH1 family. Thus, contrary to the current paradigm, T‐cell‐dependent clonal selection during CSR appeared to select for VH family and CDR‐H3 loop content even when the affinity provided by alternative clones exhibited similar to increased affinity for antigen.
Prospective study of serum cholesterol levels and large-bowel cancer.

Based on previous reports, it is uncertain whether serum cholesterol levels are inversely related to colon cancer risk. In this study, serum cholesterol levels were measured in 7926 Japanese-American men who were followed for over 20 years. Two hundred thirty-one incident cases of colon cancer and 97 cases of rectal cancer were identified. An increase in serum cholesterol levels was associated with a decrease in risk for colon cancer (P value for trend = .01) but not for rectal cancer. This association appeared stronger as the site of cancer moved from the sigmoid colon to the cecum. The data were further analyzed by interval from examination to diagnosis. The inverse association was present for colon cancer cases diagnosed within 10 years of examination (P value for trend less than .01), especially for cecum-ascending colon cancer cases (P less than .01). A similar inverse pattern was found for cecum-ascending colon cancer cases diagnosed after 10 years, but the association was not statistically significant. The results suggest that the preclinical effects of undiagnosed colon cancer contributed to the inverse association, but these effects do not entirely explain why the relationship with hypocholesterolemia was stronger in men who were subsequently diagnosed with right-sided colon cancer.
Prophylactic Use of Sustained‐Release Doxycycline Blocks Tick‐Transmitted Infection by Anaplasma phagocytophilum in a Murine Model

Abstract: A sustained‐release formulation of doxycycline hyclate was tested for its ability to block Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in mice. Mice treated with sustained‐release doxycycline showed no splenomegaly and their blood samples were negative by PCR on days 7, 14, and 21. Control mice treated with either oral doxycycline or water had significant splenomegaly and were PCR positive at multiple time points. The sustained‐release doxycycline formulation was shown to be efficacious for preventing tick‐transmitted A. phagocytophilum infection in a mouse model.
Assessing member expertise in groups

In contemporary organizations, the knowledge needed to perform work is frequently housed within groups. In order to effectively leverage this knowledge, however, groups must identify relative member expertise. Unfortunately, assessments of expertise in groups can be error-prone, given the human tendency to rely on efficient but noisy schemas and heuristics. The purpose of this paper is to consider the factors that lead to more mindful and, ultimately, more useful expertise attributions in task groups. We begin with the observation that mindful expertise attribution can be modeled as a motivation problem using expectancy theory. In order for group members to move beyond superficial expertise attributions, they must see value in doing so (valence) and they must feel that exerting that effort will be both possible (expectancy) and beneficial (instrumentality). We build on this basic observation to propose an “expertise dependence theory” of mindful attributions in task groups.
Acceleration of murine AA amyloid deposition by bovine amyloid fibrils and tissue homogenates

Acceleration of amyloid deposition by administration of amyloid fibrils and transmissibility of disease have been reported for several types of amyloidosis. Reactive amyloidosis (AA) occurs in a wide variety of domestic animal species and is characterized by amyloid deposition mainly in spleen, liver, and kidneys. Because the visceral organs of domestic animals have traditionally been used in Asian cuisines, it is important to examine whether dietary ingestion of the organs themselves (rather than purified amyloid fibrils) accelerates AA amyloid deposition. Herein, we show that murine AA amyloidosis develops rapidly after intraperitoneal or oral administration of purified amyloid fibrils or homogenates of amyloid-laden bovine liver. The amyloidosis development in mice was dependent on the concentration of amyloid fibrils or amyloidotic liver homogenates. We found that experimental murine AA amyloidosis was accelerated by dietary ingestion of both purified amyloid fibrils and tissue homogenates that contain amyloid fibrils. We also investigated livers of beef cattle and food chickens to examine whether they contain amyloid-enhancing factor activity. By microscopic examination of hematoxylin and eosin- and Congo red-stained sections, no amyloid deposition was detected in these livers, and no effective activity for experimental induction of AA amyloidosis in mice was detected in homogenates of these livers.
Assessment of ADP-induced platelet aggregation with light transmission aggregometry and multiple electrode platelet aggregometry before and after clopidogrel treatment

Summary The level of platelet aggregation, measured with light transmission aggregometry (LTA) in platelet rich plasma (PRP), has been shown to predict outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, measuring parameters of platelet function with LTA is time consuming and weakly standardized. Thus, a fast and standardized method to assess platelet function after clopidogrel treatment would be of great value for clinical practice. A new method, multiple electrode platelet aggregometry (MEA), to rapidly measure platelet aggregation in whole blood has recently been developed. The aim of this study was to assess parameters of platelet function with MEA and LTA before and after administration of 600 mg clopidogrel. Blood samples from 149 patients scheduled for coronary angiography were taken after clopidogrel treatment; in addition, in 60 of the patients samples were available before clopidogrel treatment. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was measured with LTA and simultaneously in whole blood with MEA on the Multiplate analyzer. Platelet aggregation measured with MEA decreased significantly after clopidogrel treatment (P<0.0001). ADP-induced platelet aggregation assessed with MEA and LTA correlated significantly (Spearman rank correlation coefficient=0.71; P<0.0001). The results of MEA, a fast and standardized method to assess the platelet response to ADP prior to and after clopidogrel treatment, correlate well with LTA.
TRANSPARANSI DAN AKUNTABILITAS PEMERINTAH DESA DALAM PENGELOLAAN ANGGARAN PENDAPATAN DAN BELANJA DESA (APBDES)

This research is meant to find out how far the implementation of transparency and accountability principles of village chief in managing the Village Budget (APDes) at the village of Sidogedungbatu Sub-District of Sangkapura District of Gresik in the Village Allocation Fund (ADD) through the activities i.e.: the planning, the implementation, the reporting, and the responsibility. The descriptive which is done by using the qualitative approach is used as the research method. The informants of this research are the village chief, the management team of Village Allocation Fund of Sidogedungbatu village, Vice Chairman of Village Consultative Agency (BPD) and Community Representatives.The data collection technique has been done by conducting interview, observation, and documentation analysis. The data analysis technique has been done by organizing the data, simplifying of data, data analysis process and the result of interpretation.The result of the research shows that the village chief of Sidogedungbatu village Sub-District of Sangkapura District of Gresik has carried out the transparency and accountability principles to the management of Village Budget (APBDes) in 2013 budget’s year. Generally, the transparency and accountability principles at the village of Sidogedungbatu Sub-District of Sangkapura District of Gresik has been running well, even though there are some weaknesses which need to be improved. suitable with the existing provisions. Keywords: Village Budget (APBDes), Village Allocation Fund, Transparency and Accountability.
Special article: gait measures indicate underlying focal gray matter atrophy in the brain of older adults.

OBJECTIVE Our objective was to identify the spatial distribution of focal atrophy within mobility-related brain regions in relationship with quantitative gait characteristics. METHODS Gray matter volume was obtained from 220 older adults (78.0 years old, 63% women, 77% white) for brain regions of five domains: motor (motor, sensorimotor and supplementary areas, basal ganglia, cerebellum), visuospatial attention (inferior and superior posterior parietal lobules), cognitive processing speed/executive control function (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), memory (hippocampus), and motor imagery (parahippocampus, posterior cingulated cortex) domains. Spatial (step width, step length) and temporal (double support time) gait characteristics were measured using the GaitMat II instrumented walking surface. Multivariable linear regression models were adjusted for demographics, total brain volume, and peripheral (body mass index, ankle-arm index, arthritis, vibratory sensation) and central (markers of diffuse brain structural abnormalities and of brain function) risk factors for gait impairment. RESULTS Shorter steps and longer double support times were associated with smaller sensorimotor regions and also with smaller frontoparietal regions within the motor, visuospatial, and cognitive processing speed domains. The associations between wider step and smaller pallidum and inferior parietal lobule were less robust. None of the gait measures were associated with the cerebellum or with regions of the memory or motor imagery domains. CONCLUSIONS Spatial and temporal characteristics of gait are associated with distinct brain networks in older adults. Addressing focal neuronal losses in these networks may represent an important strategy to prevent mobility disability.
Which Foreigners are Worth Wooing? A Meta-Analysis of Vertical Spillovers from FDI

The principal argument for subsidizing foreign investment, especially in developing and transition economies, is the assumed spillover of technology to local firms. Yet researchers report mixed results on spillovers. To examine the phenomenon in a systematic way, we collected 3,626 estimates from 57 empirical studies on between-sector spillovers and reviewed the literature quantitatively. Our results indicate that model misspecifications reduce the reported estimates, but that journals select relatively large estimates for publication. The underlying spillover to suppliers is positive and economically significant, whereas the spillover to buyers is insignificant. Greater spillovers are generated by investors that come from distant countries and that have only slight technological advantages over local firms. In addition, greater spillovers are received by countries that have underdeveloped financial systems and that are open to international trade.
Necrotizing fasciitis: Classification, diagnosis, and management

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), a life-threatening rare infection of the soft tissues, is a medical and surgical emergency. It is characterized by subtle, rapid onset of spreading inflammation and necrosis starting from the fascia, muscles, and subcutaneous fat, with subsequent necrosis of the overlying skin. Once suspected, immediate and extensive radical debridement of necrotic tissues is mandatory. Appropriate antibiotics and intensive general support avoid massive systemic diffusion of the infective process and are the key for successful treatment. However, early diagnosis is missed or delayed in 85% to 100% of cases in large published series: because of the lack of specific clinical features in the initial stage of the disease, it is often underestimated or confused with cellulitis or abscess. Mortality rates are still high and have shown no tendency to decrease in the last 100 years. Unfortunately, the prevalence of the disease is such that physicians rarely become sufficiently confident with NF to be able to proceed with rapid diagnosis and management. This review covers the literature published in MEDLINE in the period 1970 to December 31, 2010. Particular attention is given to the clinical and laboratory elements to be considered for diagnosis. A wide variety of diagnostic tools have been described to facilitate and hasten the diagnosis of NF, but the most important tool for early diagnosis still remains a high index of clinical suspicion.
Impact of health education on lifestyles in central Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of health education on diet, smoking, and physical activity among patients visiting the primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Al-Qassim province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODS We conducted an uncontrolled experimental study from January to October 2009 to evaluate the impact of health education on smoking, diet, and physical activity among attendees of PHCCs in Al-Qassim province, KSA. We trained the PHCC staff in health education skills and introduced health education seminars organized by the medical students. Baseline (n=1,254) and follow-up (n=1,011) sample surveys were conducted to measure the prevalence of risk factors in target population before and after intervention. We used logistic regression analysis to control for the effects of possible confounding variables. RESULTS After the intervention, consumption of kabsa, bakery items, and dates decreased, and that of fish and fresh vegetables increased (p < 0.001). Compared to the baseline, male respondents in the follow-up survey were less likely to smoke and more likely to do regular exercise. These improvements persisted after controlling for gender, age, marital status, education, and presence, or family history of hypertension and/or diabetes. CONCLUSION We conclude that enhancing the quality and scope of health education to patients visiting the PHCCs would improve the awareness and practice of healthy behaviors.