Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Osseointegration of zirconia implants with different surface characteristics: an evaluation in rabbits.

PURPOSE Zirconia ceramics are a viable alternative to titanium for use as dental implants. However, the smooth surface of zirconia means that longer healing periods are needed to accomplish osseointegration compared to roughened titanium surfaces. Surface modifications can be used to increase the roughness of zirconia. The aim of this study was to assess histologically and compare the degree of early bone apposition around zirconia dental implants with sandblasted, sintered, or laser-modified surfaces to that seen around surface-modified titanium implants. Removal torque was also measured and compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-six implants--24 each of four types (sintered zirconia, laser-modified zirconia, sandblasted zirconia, and acid-etched titanium)--were placed in 48 New Zealand White female rabbits. One implant was inserted in each distal femur. Half of the specimens were harvested at 6 or 12 weeks and processed for light microscopic analysis; the area of bone-to-implant contact was measured morphometrically. The other half were evaluated for removal torque at 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS No statistically significant differences existed in bone apposition between the different surfaces at either time point. Differences in removal torque were significantly different between titanium and sandblasted zirconia and between sintered zirconia and sandblasted zirconia, with the first mentioned demonstrating a higher torque value at 6 weeks. At 12 weeks, the only significant difference in removal torque was between titanium and sandblasted zirconia, with titanium demonstrating the higher value. CONCLUSION Comparable rates of bone apposition in the zirconia and titanium implant surfaces at 6 and 12 weeks of healing were observed. Removal torque values were similar for all implants with a roughened surface.
Characterization of the Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) in Spermatogenesis through the Evaluation of Trail Gene-Deficient Mice

TRAIL (TNFSF10/Apo2L) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily of proteins and is expressed in human and rodent testis. Although the functional role of TRAIL in spermatogenesis is not known, TRAIL is recognized to induce apoptosis via binding to its cognate receptors; DR4 (TRAIL-R1/TNFRSF10A) and DR5 (TRAIL-R2/TNFRSF10B). Here, we utilize Trail gene-deficient (Trail −/−) mice to evaluate the role of TRAIL in spermatogenesis by measuring testis weight, germ cell apoptosis, and spermatid head count at postnatal day (PND) 28 (pubertal) and PND 56 (adult). Trail−/− mice have significantly reduced testis to body weight ratios as compared to wild-type C57BL/6J at both ages. Also, Trail −/− mice (PND 28) show a dramatic increase in basal germ cell apoptotic index (AI, 16.77) as compared to C57BL/6J (3.5). In the testis of adult C57BL/6J mice, the AI was lower than in PND 28 C57BL/6J mice (2.2). However, in adult Trail −/− mice, the AI was still higher than that of controls (9.0); indicating a relative high incidence of germ cell apoptosis. Expression of cleaved caspase-8 (CC8) and cleaved caspase-9 (CC9) (markers of the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathway, respectively) revealed a two-fold increase in the activity of both pathways in adult Trail −/− mice compared to C57BL/6J. Spermatid head counts in adult Trail −/− mice were dramatically reduced by 54% compared to C57BL/6J, indicating these animals suffer a marked decline in the production of mature spermatozoa. Taken together, these findings indicate that TRAIL is an important signaling molecule for maintaining germ cell homeostasis and functional spermatogenesis in the testis.
Smoking and the Risk of LADA: Results From a Swedish Population-Based Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVE Smoking is an established risk factor for type 2 diabetes. In contrast, it has been proposed that smoking may reduce the risk of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), but studies are scarce. We aimed to study the impact of smoking on LADA and type 2 diabetes risks. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used data from a Swedish case-control study including incident case patients with LADA (GAD antibody [GADA] positive, n = 377) and type 2 diabetes (GADA negative, n = 1,188) and control subjects randomly selected from the population (n = 1,472). We calculated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs by logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, family history of diabetes, and alcohol consumption. RESULTS There was no indication of reduced risk of LADA in smokers; instead, heavy smoking was associated with an increased risk of LADA (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.02–1.84). Heavy smokers had higher levels of HOMA of insulin resistance (9.89 vs. 4.38, P = 0.0479) and HOMA of β-cell function (55.7 vs. 42.5, P = 0.0204), but lower levels of GADA (75 vs. 250, P = 0.0445), compared with never smokers. Smokers also displayed an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (OR in ever smokers 1.53, 95% CI 1.25–1.88). CONCLUSIONS In this large population of LADA patients, we did not observe a protective effect of smoking on autoimmunity and the risk of LADA. A protective effect could possibly be masked by a smoking-induced aggravation of insulin resistance, akin to the diabetogenic effect seen in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
The Past, Present, and Future of an Identity Theory*

Among the many traditions of research on "identity," two somewhat different yet strongly related strands of identity theory have developed. The first, reflected in the work of Stryker and colleagues, focuses on the linkages of social structures with identities. The second, reflected in the work of Burke and colleagues, focuses on the internal process of self-verification. In the present paper we review each of these strands and then discuss ways in which the two relate to and complement one another Each provides a context for the other: the relation of social structures to identities influences the process of self-verification, while the process of self-verification creates and sustains social structures. The paper concludes with examples of potentially useful applications of identity theory to other arenas of social psychology, and with a discussion of challenges that identity theory must meet to provide a clear understanding of the relation between self and society. The language of "identity" is ubiquitous in contemporary social science, cutting across psychoanalysis, psychology, political science, sociology, and history. The common usage of the term identity, however, belies the considerable variability in both its conceptual meanings and its theoretical role. Even when consideration is restricted to sociology and social psychology, variation is still considerable. '
Initial Conditions and the Private Debt Renegotiation Process

I investigate whether and how initial conditions around loan origination influence private debt renegotiation process. I model the renegotiation likelihood, and the conditional probability of multiple renegotiation rounds or multiple amended terms using a sequential logit model. I use a large sample of 15,000 loans on the European credit market. I find that contractual (covenants and collateral) and organizational (lenders pool size, reputation and relationship) mechanisms mitigating adverse selection and moral hazard risks have the largest and positive economic impacts. Lenders financial conditions (capitalization and credit portfolio exposure) and institutional arrangement aiming at creditors protection significantly impact the renegotiation process.
THE EFFECT OF GOAL DISTANCE ON GOAL VALUE AND ESCALATION OF COMMITMENT

Title of Document: THE EFFECT OF GOAL DISTANCE ON GOAL VALUE AND ESCALATION OF COMMITMENT Hsuchi Ting, Doctor of Philosophy, 2009 Directed By: Dr. Thomas S. Wallsten, Department of Psychology Escalation of commitment describes individuals’ tendencies to persist in a chose n course of action. The traditional account of escalation of commitment assumes that sunk cos t is the primary antecedent for this behavior. However, it has been noted that high sunk costs are confounded with progress made toward a goal and hidden payoff information. Thus, the apparent escalation tendency may be a consequence of goal proximity and information search rather than of sunk costs. Experiments 1 and 2 show that individuals’ tendencies to escalate reflect the classical goal-gradient effe c a t r controlling for the sunk costs. Moreover, Experiment 1 also shows that controlling for progress toward the goal, increased sunk costs decreases escalation. In addition, Experiment 2 shows tha t individuals attribute more value to the goal as they get closer to it, thus providing a n alternative explanation for escalation of commitment. Experiments 3a and 3b demonstrate that individuals committed to a course also devalue other course of actions not chosen. These results suggest a new interpretation for escalation of commit ment and new approaches to guiding people to avoid it. THE EFFECT OF GOAL DISTANCE ON GOAL VALUE AND ESCALATION OF COMMITMENT
Radiation-Induced Material and Performance Degradation of Electrochemical Systems

Lithium Ion Batteries (LIBs) are widely used in research, industry and households, especially in autonomous systems, thanks to their large capacity, sustainability and good cycling ability. Research on LIBs materials and performance has been done through recent decades. Many kinds of cathode, electrolyte and anode materials have been discovered and several configurations (for instance coin cells, cylinder cells, and prismatic cells with varying sizes) have been developed for different operating conditions. Devices equipped with LIBs may operate under extreme conditions with radiation, moisture or high temperature. The performance of LIBs in these environments is crucial to sustained operations of these systems. While LIBs are usually commercially packed to avoid moisture exposure, the other two factors cannot be easily addressed because of penetrating effects. While temperature effects have been explored thoroughly, in this study, we are targeting material and performance degradation and reliability of a LIB when operating in radiation environments. These scenarios include powering instruments and equipments in hot cells, performing rescue or sampling missions at post-nuclear accidents. The overarching goal of this study is to provide a potential design for LIBs operating in extreme conditions. Battery performance with irradiated components was first
MafA Is a Key Regulator of Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion

ABSTRACT MafA is a transcription factor that binds to the promoter in the insulin gene and has been postulated to regulate insulin transcription in response to serum glucose levels, but there is no current in vivo evidence to support this hypothesis. To analyze the role of MafA in insulin transcription and glucose homeostasis in vivo, we generated MafA-deficient mice. Here we report that MafA mutant mice display intolerance to glucose and develop diabetes mellitus. Detailed analyses revealed that glucose-, arginine-, or KCl-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells is severely impaired, although insulin content per se is not significantly affected. MafA-deficient mice also display age-dependent pancreatic islet abnormalities. Further analysis revealed that insulin 1, insulin 2, Pdx1, Beta2, and Glut-2 transcripts are diminished in MafA-deficient mice. These results show that MafA is a key regulator of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in vivo.
Cytological Evidence that Both RNA and DNA May Form a Complex with the Same Protein

Deoxyribonucleic acid can be added back to protein sites from which the original nucleic acid, ribo- or deoxyribo-, is removed. If sections of frozen-substituted ovarian follicle cells of a leafhopper are first extracted by hot trichloracetic acid to remove nucleic acids and then immersed in a solution of a commerical preparation of deoxyribonucleic acid, the nucleic acid becomes attached to nuclear and cytoplasmic sites and can be rendered visible by the Feulgen reaction. The addition occurs in certain other tissues as well. The results are discussed in relation to biochemical and other cytochemical investigations of the nucleoprotein complex.
Biochemistry and clinical pharmacology of new anticoagulant agents

New anticoagulants have been designed using advances in the biotechnology and the biochemistry of the clotting factors. They are classified according to their target or their mechanism of action (AT-dependent or AT-independent). Antithrombotic activity after oral administration is another important property. This abstract is restricted to the synthetic pentasaccharide and the ximelagatran/melagatran. Fondaparinux (Arixtra) is a chemically synthesized methoxy derivative of the natural pentasaccharide (MW=1728 Da). Fondaparinux has nearly complete bioavailabity after subcutaneous injection. The elimination half-life is about 17 hours. Fondaparinux is cleared from the kidneys. In contrast to heparin, fondaparinux does not interact with plasma proteins other than antithrombin and it does not cross-react in vitro with heparin induced thrombocytopenia antibodies. Fondaparinux inhibits specifically FXa, although some other targets are suspected (FIXa and FVIIa). Endogenous levels of AT are the rate limiting factor for its anti-Xa activity. Fondaparinux, in contrast to direct FXa inhibitors (i.e. DX-9065a) inhibits free FXa but not the FXa bound to prothrombinase, and it does not prolong PT and aPTT. Fondaparinux inhibits thrombin generation in human plasma. We have shown that the inhibition of thrombin generation by fondaparinux is inversely correlated with thromboplastin concentration. This original observation may explain the absence of any effect of fondaparinux on PT. Melagatran dipeptide (MW=430 Da) is a specific, reversible direct thrombin inhibitor. It inhibits free and clot bound thrombin. Its half-life is 1.7-2.5 hours after i.v. or s.c. administration. Ximelagatran (Exantas), is a pro-drug with a hydroxyamidino instead of amidino-group and an esterified carboxyl-group. It is the first clinically used direct orally acting thrombin inhibitor. Ximelagatran after intestinal absorption is metabolized to melagatran. Melagatran is not metabolized and is cleared through the kidney. Among the specific FXa inhibitors the synthetic pentasaccharide (Fondaparinux-Arixtra) has been approved by FDA and several European health organizations for the prophylaxis of VTE in major orthopedic surgery. No specific antidote has been described for the new antithrombotics. Encouraging results have been obtained from our group on the possible use of rFVIIa (Novoseven). The general opinion is that there is no need for laboratory monitoring of the new antithrombotic agents. Conclusion. The research for safer and more effective anticoagulants has been successful by targeting specific steps in coagulation. These single-targeted agents are challenging multi-targeted drugs (heparins and vitamin-K antagonists). Other drugs including orally active FXa direct inhibitors will probably enrich the armentarium of antithrombotic drugs.
A Differential Evolution-Based Algorithm to Schedule Flexible Assembly Lines

Scheduling is key towards improving the performance of a Flexible Assembly Line (FAL). In this paper, a Bilevel Differential Evolution (BiDE) algorithm to solve a FAL scheduling problem is proposed. The BiDE algorithm optimizes the performance of the FAL with respect to two criteria: the weighted sum of Earliness/Tardiness (E/T) penalties and the balance of the FAL. The performance of BiDE is evaluated using the data sets available in the literature and an evolutionary heuristic algorithm published earlier called BiGA. The experimental results show that the BiDE algorithm can solve the FAL scheduling problem effectively and exhibits a superior performance over BiGA.Note to Practitioners-This paper was motivated by the problem of allocating time and equipment resources efficiently in a flexible assembly line to improve its performance. Among the different methods to solve this problem, heuristic search techniques are becoming more popular. Current work in literature have proposed a heuristic search algorithm to solve this problem. However, there is ambiguity in the model. This paper aims to clarify the ambiguity in the proposed flexible assembly line model, as well as applying a different heuristic search algorithm for comparison purposes. Experimental results show that the proposed technique can solve the problem effectively.
Tracking the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein in a Highly Ordered Neuronal RiboNucleoParticles Population: A Link between Stalled Polyribosomes and RNA Granules

Local translation at the synapse plays key roles in neuron development and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. mRNAs are translocated from the neuronal soma to the distant synapses as compacted ribonucleoparticles referred to as RNA granules. These contain many RNA-binding proteins, including the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), the absence of which results in Fragile X Syndrome, the most common inherited form of intellectual disability and the leading genetic cause of autism. Using FMRP as a tracer, we purified a specific population of RNA granules from mouse brain homogenates. Protein composition analyses revealed a strong relationship between polyribosomes and RNA granules. However, the latter have distinct architectural and structural properties, since they are detected as close compact structures as observed by electron microscopy, and converging evidence point to the possibility that these structures emerge from stalled polyribosomes. Time-lapse video microscopy indicated that single granules merge to form cargoes that are transported from the soma to distal locations. Transcriptomic analyses showed that a subset of mRNAs involved in cytoskeleton remodelling and neural development is selectively enriched in RNA granules. One third of the putative mRNA targets described for FMRP appear to be transported in granules and FMRP is more abundant in granules than in polyribosomes. This observation supports a primary role for FMRP in granules biology. Our findings open new avenues for the study of RNA granule dysfunctions in animal models of nervous system disorders, such as Fragile X syndrome.
A coincidence of disturbed morphology and blue UV colour: minor-merger-driven star formation in early-type galaxies at z ~ 0.6

We exploit multiwavelength photometry of early-type galaxies (ETGs) in the Cosmological Evolution Survey (COSMOS) to demonstrate that the low-level star formation activity in the ETG population at intermediate redshift is likely to be driven by minor mergers. Splitting the ETGs into galaxies that show disturbed morphologies indicative of recent merging and those that appear relaxed, we find that ~32 per cent of the ETG population appears to be morphologically disturbed. While the relaxed objects are almost entirely contained within the UV red sequence, their morphologically disturbed counterparts dominate the scatter to blue UV colours, regardless of luminosity. Empirically and theoretically determined major-merger rates in the redshift range z < 1 are several times too lowto account for the fraction of disturbed ETGs in our sample, suggesting that minor mergers represent the principal mechanism driving the observed star formation activity in our sample. The young stellar components forming in these events have ages between 0.03 and 0.3 Myr and typically contribute ≤ 10 per cent of the stellar mass of the remnant. Together with recent work which demonstrates that the structural evolution of nearby ETGs is consistent with one or more minor mergers, our results indicate that the overall evolution of massive ETGs may be heavily influenced by minor merging at late epochs and highlights the need to systematically study this process in future observational surveys.
Studies of the Atomic and Crystalline Characteristics of Ceramic Oxide Nano Powders after Bio field Treatment

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) have been known for their extraordinary electrical and magnetic properties. In the present study, some transition metal oxides (Zinc oxide, iron oxide and copper oxide) which are widely used in the fabrication of electronic devices were selected and subjected to biofield treatment. The atomic and crystal structures of TMOs were carefully studied by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. XRD analysis reveals that biofield treatment significantly changed the lattice strain in unit cells, crystallite sizes and densities in ceramics oxide powders. The computed molecular weight of the treated samples exhibited significant variation. FT-IR spectra indicated that biofield treatment has altered the metal-oxygen bond strength. Since biofield treatment significantly altered the crystallite size, lattice strain and bond strength, we postulate that electrical and magnetic properties in TMOs (transition metal oxides) can be modulated by biofield treatment.
Word Recognition Variability With Cochlear Implants: The Degradation of Phonemic Sensitivity

Objective: Cochlear implants (CIs) do not automatically restore speech recognition for postlingually deafened adults. Average word recognition remains at 60%, and enormous variability exists. Understanding speech requires knowledge of phonemic codes, the basic sound units of language. Hearing loss may result in degeneration of these long-term mental representations (i.e., “phonemic sensitivity”), and CI use may not adequately restore those representations. This investigation examined whether phonemic sensitivity is degraded for CI users, and whether this degradation results in poorer word recognition. Study Design: Thirty adults with CIs and 20 normal-hearing controls underwent testing. Methods: Participants were assessed for word recognition in quiet, along with tasks of phonemic sensitivity using an audiovisual format to maximize recognition: initial consonant choice (ICC), in which they selected the word with the same starting sound as a target word, final consonant choice (FCC), in which they selected the word with the same ending sound, and backwards words, in which they repeated phonemes comprising words in backwards order. Results: Phonemic sensitivity was poorer for CI users than for normal-hearing controls for ICC and FCC. For CI users, ICC and FCC predicted 25% and 40% of variance in word recognition, respectively. Longer duration of CI use did not lead to greater restoration in phonemic sensitivity. Conclusion: Even for adults who presumably had developed refined phonemic representations, hearing loss can degrade those representations, which results in poorer word recognition. Cochlear implants do not adequately restore those representations. Findings suggest the need for rehabilitative efforts to improve CI users’ phonemic sensitivity.