Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genotypic Diversity and Virulence Traits of Streptococcus mutans Isolated from Carious Dentin after Partial Caries Removal and Sealing

The aim of this study was to compare the genotypic diversity and virulence traits of Streptococcus mutans isolated from carious dentin before and after partial dentin caries removal (PDR) and sealing. Carious dentin samples were obtained three months before and after the PDR and cavity sealing. Up to seven isolates of each morphological type of S. mutans were selected and strain identity was confirmed using gtfB primer. Genotyping was performed by arbitrary primer-PCR (AP-PCR). Acidogenesis and acidurance of the genotypes were evaluated as virulence traits. A paired t-test and a Wilcoxon test were used to compare the virulence of genotypes. A total of 48 representative S. mutans isolates were genotyped (31 before and 17 after the sealing). At least one of the genotypes found before the sealing was also found on dentin after the sealing. The number of genotypes found before the sealing ranged from 2 to 3 and after the sealing from 1 to 2 genotypes. No difference was observed in the acidogenesis and acidurance between genotypes isolated before and after the sealing. In conclusion, genotypic diversity of S. mutans decreased after the PDR and sealing, but the virulence traits of S. mutans remained unchangeable.
Effects of Medium and Temperature on Cellular Responses in the Superficial Zone of Hypo-Osmotically Challenged Articular Cartilage

Osmotic loading of articular cartilage has been used to study cell-tissue interactions and mechanisms in chondrocyte volume regulation in situ. Since cell volume changes are likely to affect cell’s mechanotransduction, it is important to understand how environmental factors, such as composition of the immersion medium and temperature affect cell volume changes in situ in osmotically challenged articular cartilage. In this study, chondrocytes were imaged in situ with a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) through cartilage surface before and 3 min and 120 min after a hypo-osmotic challenge. Samples were measured either in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, without glucose and Ca2+) or in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM, with glucose and Ca2+), and at 21 °C or at 37 °C. In all groups, cell volumes increased shortly after the hypotonic challenge and then recovered back to the original volumes. At both observation time points, cell volume changes as a result of the osmotic challenge were similar in PBS and DMEM in both temperatures. Our results indicate that the initial chondrocyte swelling and volume recovery as a result of the hypo-osmotic challenge of cartilage are not dependent on commonly used immersion media or temperature.
Bone Health

Mechanical loading is a crucial factor for maintaining skeletal health. Physical activities, exercise, and sports provide a wealth and variety of mechanical loads to bones, through muscle forces, ground reaction forces, and other contact or impact forces. Weightbearing activities can be effective exercises to enhance bone health—particularly, those that involve jumping and impact loads (with greater strain magnitudes, rates, and frequencies). Physical activity appears to be acutely beneficial for enhancing bone health in the early pubertal period and in older age, such as in postmenopausal women. In preparing this article, PubMed, Web of Science, and relevant edited books (English language) were reviewed from 1961 to present.
A simple nonlinear PID control for finite-time regulation of robot manipulators

A simple nonlinear proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is proposed to solve the finite-time regulation of uncertain robot manipulators. The semiglobal finite-time stabilization is shown by using Lyapunov theory and finite-time stability theory. The proposed control algorithm does not involve the modeling information in the control law formulation and the control gains can be explicitly determined based on some well-known bounds extracted from the robot dynamics, and thus permits easy implementation. Simulations preformed on a two degrees-of-freedom (DOF) manipulator demonstrate the expected properties of the proposed approach.
ATLASGAL — towards a complete sample of massive star forming clumps ⋆

By matching infrared-selected, massive young stellar objects (MYSOs) and compact HII regions in the RMS survey to massive clumps found in the submillimetre ATLASGAL survey, we have identified ∼1000 embedded young massive stars between 280 ◦ <l< 350 ◦ and 10 ◦ <l< 60 ◦ with| b|< 1.5 ◦ . Combined with an existing sample of radio-selected methanol masers and compact HII regions, the result is a catalogue of∼1700 massive stars embedded within∼1300 clumps located across the inner Galaxy, containing three observationally distinct subsamples, methanol-maser, MYSO and HII-region associations, covering the most important tracers of massive star formation, thought to represent key stages of evolution. We find that massive star formation is strongly correlated with the regions of highest column density in spherical, centrally condensed clumps. We find no sig nificant di fferences between the three samples in clump structure or the relative location of the embedded stars, which suggests that the structure of a clump is set before the onset of s tar formation, and changes little as the embedded object evolves towards the main sequence. There is a strong linear correlation between clump mass and bolometric luminosity, with the most massive stars forming in the most massive clumps. We find that the MYSO and HII-regio n subsamples are likely to cover a similar range of evolutionary stages and that the majority are near the end of their main accretion phase. We find few infrared-bright MYSOs asso ciated with the most massive clumps, probably due to very short pre-main sequence lifetimes in the most luminous sources.
Updating digital elevation models via change detection and fusion of human and remote sensor data in urban environments

OpenStreetMap (OSM) currently represents the most popular project of Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI): geodata are collected by common people and made available for public use. Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) enables the acquisition of high-resolution digital elevation models that are used for many applications. This study combines the advantages of both ALS and OSM, offering a promising new approach that enhances data quality and allows change detection: the mainly up-to-date 2D data of OSM can be combined with the high-resolution – but rarely updated – elevation information provided by ALS. This case study investigates building objects of OSM and ALS data of the city of Bregenz, Austria. Data quality of OSM is discerned by the comparison of building footprints using different true positive definitions (e.g. overlapping area). High quality of OSM data is revealed, yet also limitations of each method with respect to heterogeneous regions and building outlines are identified. For the first time, an up-to-date Digital Surface Model (DSM) combining 2D OSM and ALS data is achieved. A multitude of applications such as flood simulations and solar potential assessments can directly benefit from this data combination, since their value and reliability strongly depend on an up-to-date DSM.
Biological Activities of Various Extracts and Chemical Composition of Trigonella monantha C. A. Mey. subsp. monantha Grown in Iran

The objective of this research was to study the biological activities of various extracts and the chemical composition of the essential oil Trigonella monantha C. A. Mey. subsp. monantha by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), from the compounds derived from the aerial parts. The overall results of T. monantha tests allow us to conclude various extracts [hexane extract (HE), methanol extract (ME) and chloroform extract (CE)] of the test total phenolic, ABTS and DPPH while also testing β-carotene largest property antioxidant. The property antioxidant shows the extracts of both mechanisms of electron transfer and the hydrogen transfer it has gone through. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts of both samples was determined against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The strongest activity exhibited by the T. monantha of ME was determined to be 49.58 μg/mL and was exhibited by ME.
Computer supported interaction analysis of group problem solving

Collaboration is widely regarded as beneficial for learning. Collaboration is the mutual engagement of participants in a coordinated effort to solve a problem together. It has been conclusively argued that a focus on the process of collaboration is necessary in order to understand the value of working together with peers for learning.In accordance with the approach of open distributed learning environments (ODLEs), we have developed a framework system for computer-supported cooperative learning and working. This distributed shared workspace system is well suited for monitoring and assessing group interaction in co-located and distant scenarios. It provides adaptable mechanisms for the automated micro-analysis of processes of collaboration as well as for visualization and feedback.The system has been used in determining conflicts in focus setting as well as initiative shifts in aggregation and revision phases during a sample of collaborative sessions on puzzle problem solving.
Automated Generation of Reduced Stochastic Weather Models I: Simultaneous Dimension and Model Reduction for Time Series Analysis

We present a method for simultaneous dimension reduction, model fitting, and metastability analysis of high-dimensional time series. The approach is based on the combination of hidden Markov models (HMMs) with localized principal component analysis (PCA) (which is used to identify the essential dimensions in the form of empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) for each of the hidden states) and fitting of multidimensional stochastic differential equations (SDEs). This means that the analyzed data is clustered according to differences in essential dimensions and SDE models specific to each of the hidden states. We derive explicit estimators for PCA-SDE model parameters in the case of fixed sequences of HMM states and employ the expectation-maximization algorithm for numerical optimization of HMM-PCA-SDE parameters. We demonstrate the performance of the method by application to historical temperature data in Europe during 1976–2002. In a comparison with the standard SARMA (seasonal autoregressive moving averag.
Goal Setting and Self-Efficacy During Self-Regulated Learning

This article focuses on the self-regulated learning processes of goal setting and perceived self-efficacy. Students enter learning activities with goals and self-efficacy for goal attainment. As learners work on tasks, they observe their own performances and evaluate their own goal progress. Self-efficacy and goal setting are affected by self-observation, self-judgment, and self-reaction. When students perceive satisfactory goal progress, they feel capable of improving their skills; goal attainment, coupled with high self-efficacy, leads students to set new challenging goals. Research is reviewed on goal properties (specificity, proximity, difficulty), self-set goals, progress feedback, contracts and conferences, and conceptions of ability. Ways of teaching students to set realistic goals and evaluate progress include establishing upper and lower goal limits and employing games, contracts, and conferences. Future research might clarify the relation of goal setting and self-efficacy to transfer, goal orien.
Lattice Ciphertext Policy Attribute-based Encryption in the Standard Model

A lattice ciphertext policy attribute based encryption (CP-ABE) scheme is presented, in which the ciphertext policy achieved is the AND-gates on multi-valued attributes. The previous construction with AND-gates on multi-valued attributes as ciphertext policy is based on bilinear paring technology. In this paper, inspired by the recent progress of lattice identity based encryption scheme, we achieve this access structure from lattice technology. There are two constructions given, and both of them can be viewed as an extension and generalization of the lattice identity based encryption schemes proposed by Agrawal et al., respectively. In addition, our constructions are shown to be secure under the learning with errors assumption in the standard model.
Basic fibroblast and epidermal growth factors stimulate survival in adult porcine photoreceptor cell cultures.

PURPOSE To investigate the effects of basic fibroblast and epidermal growth factor (FGF2 and EGF, respectively) on the survival and phenotypic expression of photoreceptors isolated from adult mammalian retinas. METHODS Primary cultures highly enriched in photoreceptors were prepared from adult domestic pig retinas and maintained in chemically defined medium. Cell culture composition was characterized through the use of specific antibody markers of retinal neurons, and neuronal survival was quantified through viability assays as a function of time in the presence or absence of different doses of FGF2 and EGF. Western blot analysis of phosphotyrosine residues was used to monitor activation of FGF2 and EGF signaling pathways. RESULTS Reproducible survival of adult pig rod and cone photoreceptors was obtained for approximately 2 weeks in vitro, with the continued expression of rod opsin, recoverin, S-antigen, cone arrestin, and neuron-specific enolase. Purity of cultures was routinely more than 95% photoreceptors, with a rod-cone ratio of 2:3.1. Photoreceptor survival was stable for the initial week, decreasing slowly during the second, with rapid cell loss occurring thereafter. In the presence of FGF2 (20 ng/mL), the percentage of photoreceptor survival during the second week in culture was statistically significantly different, at least two times higher than in control experiments. Photoreceptor survival correlated directly with increasing concentrations of FGF2, and also of EGF. Combined treatment with FGF2 and EGF did not induce higher survival than either factor alone. There was no detectable selective loss of rods or cones in the experimental model. Phosphotyrosine immunoblots after stimulation of cultures with FGF2 and EGF revealed time-dependent appearance of multiple immunoreactive bands. CONCLUSIONS The adult pig photoreceptor culture in the current study exhibits reproducible neuronal survival in vitro and represents a useful novel experimental system for the study of potential neuroprotective effects and signaling pathways of neurotrophic factors such as FGF2 and EGF in fully adult higher mammalian retina.
When Investors Care about Politics: A Meta-Synthesis of Political Divestiture Studies on the Capital Flight from South Africa during Apartheid

In the wake of historical and political events, stakeholder pressure can trigger shareholders to divest from politically incorrect markets. Political divestiture is the investment withdrawal from socially irresponsible markets following the goal of accomplishing socio-political change. One of the most prominent political divestiture cases is the foreign capital flight from South Africa during Apartheid. In the emerging literature on Socially Responsible Investment (SRI), scarce are comparative studies of the impact of political divestiture on corporate market values. Six studies of political divestiture from Apartheid South Africa were meta-synthesized to find a pattern of stakeholder pressure, political divestiture and corporate endeavors. The results varied – some studies suggest a positive, others a negative impact and even no relation of political divestiture and corporate value was reported. The instringent findings are attributed to stem from methodological specificities of event studies. The internal validity of event study designs is limited by confounding and contaminating occurrences and sample selection biases. Insider trading information leakage and industry-specificities imply additional drawbacks. The external validity is challenged by geographically-limited and time-targeted foci as well as non-typical samples that lower the results’ replicability and generalizability. Future research may compare divesting corporations’ performance with those operating in politically incorrect markets. Concurrently improving the event study measurement will help advancing the idea of financial social responsibility as a means of global governance.
A Dyad Model of Calling Behaviour with Tie Strength Dynamics

This paper investigates the dynamic relation between callers' social ties and their wireless phone service consumption. We construct a large pair-level panel dataset with information on the number of each pair's common contacts, calling activities, prices, and each caller's characteristics over a one-year time period. We estimate a dynamic model that encapsulates the evolving relationship between each pair of consumers. We find the amount of communications between a pair of consumers increases with the strength of their tie, which is higher when these two consumers share more common contacts. Our results support the reciprocity rule in telephone calls, i.e., when individual A initiates more (less) phone calls to individual B in one month, their social tie will be strengthened (weakened) and individual B will make more (less) calls to individual A in the subsequent months. We demonstrate the implications of our results in evaluating the return of temporary price promotions and designing price plans. Our results underscore the importance of incorporating social network characteristics in the study of telecommunications markets.
Combining temporal interpolation and DCNN for faster recognition of micro-expressions in video sequences

Micro-expressions are the hidden human emotions that are short lived and are very hard to detect them in real time conversations. Micro-expressions recognition has proven to be an important behavior source for lie detection during crime interrogation. SMIC and CASME II are the two widely used, spontaneous micro-expressions datasets which are available publicly with baseline results that uses LBP-TOP for feature extraction. Estimation of correct parameters is the key factor for feature extraction using LBP-TOP, which results in long computation time. In this paper, the video sequences are interpolated using temporal interpolation(TIM) and then the facial features are extracted using deep convolutional neural network(DCNN) on CUDA enabled General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit(GPGPU) system. Results show that the proposed combination of DCNN and TIM can achieve better performance than the results published in baseline publications. The feature extraction time is reduced due to the usage of GPU enabled systems.
Calcium sensor regulation of the CaV2.1 Ca2+ channel contributes to short-term synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons

Significance Information processing in the brain is mediated through synaptic connections between neurons, where neurotransmitter molecules released from presynaptic nerve terminals stimulate postsynaptic cells. Strength of synaptic transmission is increased transiently by short-term synaptic facilitation in response to repeated stimulation of nerve fibers. Synaptic transmission is initiated by calcium influx through calcium channels in presynaptic nerve terminals, which are regulated by calcium sensor proteins. We found that genetically modified mice in which we introduced a mutation in the binding site for calcium sensor proteins in presynaptic calcium channels have substantially altered facilitation in hippocampal synapses in response to pairs or trains of repetitive high-frequency stimuli. Our results show that disruption of calcium channel regulation by calcium sensor proteins impairs short-term facilitation in native synapses. Short-term synaptic plasticity is induced by calcium (Ca2+) accumulating in presynaptic nerve terminals during repetitive action potentials. Regulation of voltage-gated CaV2.1 Ca2+ channels by Ca2+ sensor proteins induces facilitation of Ca2+ currents and synaptic facilitation in cultured neurons expressing exogenous CaV2.1 channels. However, it is unknown whether this mechanism contributes to facilitation in native synapses. We introduced the IM-AA mutation into the IQ-like motif (IM) of the Ca2+ sensor binding site. This mutation does not alter voltage dependence or kinetics of CaV2.1 currents, or frequency or amplitude of spontaneous miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs); however, synaptic facilitation is completely blocked in excitatory glutamatergic synapses in hippocampal autaptic cultures. In acutely prepared hippocampal slices, frequency and amplitude of mEPSCs and amplitudes of evoked EPSCs are unaltered. In contrast, short-term synaptic facilitation in response to paired stimuli is reduced by ∼50%. In the presence of EGTA-AM to prevent global increases in free Ca2+, the IM-AA mutation completely blocks short-term synaptic facilitation, indicating that synaptic facilitation by brief, local increases in Ca2+ is dependent upon regulation of CaV2.1 channels by Ca2+ sensor proteins. In response to trains of action potentials, synaptic facilitation is reduced in IM-AA synapses in initial stimuli, consistent with results of paired-pulse experiments; however, synaptic depression is also delayed, resulting in sustained increases in amplitudes of later EPSCs during trains of 10 stimuli at 10–20 Hz. Evidently, regulation of CaV2.1 channels by CaS proteins is required for normal short-term plasticity and normal encoding of information in native hippocampal synapses.
Nubian identity in the Bronze Age Patterns of cultural and biological variation

Th is study uses a bioarchaeological approach to examine the cultural and biological relation- ships between two groups who lived in ancient Nubia during the Bronze Age, C-Group and Kerma. While archaeological evidence indicates that these groups show many cultural similarities, refl ections of behaviors such as pottery use and mortuary practices suggest that C-Group and Kerma displayed their ethnic diff erences in specifi c situations within a multi-ethnic context. Biological affi nities assessed using cranial measurements suggest a common ancestry with few shape diff erences between the populations. Overall, the Kerma crania are larger than the C-Group crania, which could be accounted for by environmental and/or social variation. With the combination of data used in this research, a more nuanced understanding of these two contemporaneous Nubian populations is achieved.