Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Total-etch versus self-etch adhesive: effect on postoperative sensitivity.

BACKGROUND Self-etching adhesives are believed to prevent postoperative sensitivity when used under posterior resin-based composite restorations. The authors tested a twofold hypothesis: a self-etch, or SE, adhesive would result in less postoperative sensitivity than a total-etch, or TE, adhesive; an SE adhesive would result in poorer enamel marginal integrity than a TE adhesive. METHODS Patients were selected on the basis of requiring Class I and II restorations in molars and premolars. The authors placed 30 restorations with the SE material (Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray America, New York) and 36 restorations with Prime & Bond NT (Dentsply Caulk, Milford, Del.), which uses 34 percent phosphoric acid to etch enamel and dentin simultaneously. Preparations were of standard design, with all margins in enamel without beveling. Upon rubber dam isolation, the authors conditioned the enamel and dentin walls with the self-etching primer (for Clearfil SE Bond) or etched with the proprietary 34 percent phosphoric acid (for Prime & Bond NT), followed by application of the corresponding dentin adhesive. Teeth were restored with the proprietary hybrid resin-based composite indicated for posterior restorations: Clearfil AP-X for Clearfil SE Bond or Esthet-X Micro Matrix Restorative for Prime & Bond NT. The restored teeth were evaluated preoperatively and at two weeks, eight weeks and six months postoperatively for sensitivity to cold (ice), air and masticatory forces, as well as for marginal discoloration. RESULTS Analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant differences in postoperative sensitivity between the SE and TE materials at any recall time. Marginal discoloration was rated as "absent" for all restorations at six months. Only one tooth displayed sensitivity to occlusal forces at six months. CONCLUSION The SE adhesive did not differ from the TE adhesive in regard to sensitivity and marginal discoloration. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Postoperative sensitivity may depend on the restorative technique rather than on the type of dentin adhesive used.
The Effect of 5 Minutes of Mindful Breathing to the Perception of Distress and Physiological Responses in Palliative Care Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND Palliative cancer patients suffer from high levels of distress. There are physiological changes in relation to the level of perceived distress. OBJECTIVE To study the efficacy of 5 minutes of mindful breathing (MB) for rapid reduction of distress in a palliative setting. Its effect to the physiological changes of the palliative cancer patients was also examined. METHODS This is a randomized controlled trial. Sixty palliative cancer patients were recruited. They were randomly assigned to either 5 minutes of MB or normal listening arms. The changes of perceived distress, blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate, galvanic skin response, and skin surface temperature of the patients were measured at baseline, after intervention, and 10 minutes post-intervention. RESULTS There was significant reduction of perceived distress, blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate, and galvanic skin response; also, significant increment of skin surface temperature in the 5-minute MB group. The changes in the 5-minute breathing group were significantly higher than the normal listening group. CONCLUSION Five-minute MB is a quick, easy to administer, and effective therapy for rapid reduction of distress in palliative setting. There is a need for future study to establish the long-term efficacy of the therapy.
Distinct Subdomains of Human TAFII130 Are Required for Interactions with Glutamine-Rich Transcriptional Activators

ABSTRACT TFIID is a multiprotein complex consisting of the TATA box binding protein and multiple tightly associated proteins (TAFIIs) that are required for transcription by selected activators. We previously reported cloning and partial characterization of human TAFII130 (hTAFII130). The central domain of hTAFII130 contains four glutamine-rich regions, designated Q1 to Q4, that are involved in interactions with the transcriptional activator Sp1. Mutational analysis has revealed specific regions within the glutamine-rich (Q1 to Q4) central region of hTAFII130 that are required for interaction with distinct activation domains. We tested amino- and carboxyl-terminal deletions of hTAFII130 for interaction with Sp1 activation domains A and B (Sp1A and Sp1B) and the N-terminal activation domain of CREB (CREB-N) by using the yeast two-hybrid system. Our results indicate that Sp1B interacts almost exclusively with the Q1 region of hTAFII130. In contrast, Sp1A makes multiple contacts with Q1 to Q4 of hTAFII130, while CREB-N interacts primarily with the Q1-Q2 hTAFII130 subdomain. Consistent with these interaction studies, overexpression of the Q1-to-Q4 region in HeLa cells inhibits Sp1- but not VP16-mediated transcriptional activation. These findings indicate that the Q1-to-Q4 region of hTAFII130 is required for Sp1-mediated transcriptional enhancement in mammalian cells and that different activation domains target distinct subdomains of hTAFII130.
Difficulties in Content and Language Integrated Learning: The Case of Math

The purpose of this research is to identify difficulty types encountered by Content and language Integrated Learning (CLIL) learners in foreign language setting as relevant to university students' ability to understand math lectures that are taught in English. Using a self-reported questionnaire as well as interviews, the current study presented evidence to support the identification and comparison of difficulty types perceptions held by students as drawn upon epistemological, personal, pedagogical and discourse sources. The analysis concluded that pedagogical difficulties influenced deeply and with varying degrees students' learning of mathematical CLIL. The analysis of results, in contrast, showed those students' perceptions on epistemological, personal, and discourse sources of difficulty types as infrequent. The findings of this study might be of pedagogical help and significance to textbook designers, researchers, tutors and those interested in communicative competence in general and ESP in particular. Keywords: (CLIL, difficulties, EFL setting, mathematics, pedagogy).
Combinatorial regulation by promoter and intron 1 regions of the metallothionein SpMTA gene in the sea urchin embryo

The SpMTA metallothionein gene of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus is regulated developmentally, histospecifically, and by heavy-metal induction. The sequenced 5' flank of the gene can be divided into proximal, middle, and distal regions, each containing a pair of metal response elements (MREs). Canonical 7-bp core sequences are present in all except the middle-region MREs c and d, which contain 1-bp mismatches. Metal-induced expression in transgenic blastulae was increased with each consecutive addition of the middle and distal regions to a chimeric reporter gene construct containing the proximal SpMTA promoter region. Reduced metal induction through point mutation of the distal MREs e and f indicated that the MREs themselves were largely responsible for the transcriptional increase. These activities were further enhanced by SpMTA intron 1, but not when a specific interior region of the intron had been deleted. The atypical MREs c and d did not support induction by themselves, i.e., when present alone with mutated proximal MREs a and b. However, in the presence of intron 1, they were able to substitute for the nullified MREs a and b in the promotion of metal-induced expression. This capability suggests, furthermore, that these atypical MREs, in addition to responding to an intron 1 region, participate cooperatively with the canonical proximal MREs.
Reconstructing Extensional Basin Architecture and Provenance in the Marrakech High Atlas of Morocco: Implications for Rift Basins and Inversion Tectonics

The Moroccan Atlas developed through a multiphase tectonic history including Permian‐Jurassic continental rifting and Cretaceous‐Cenozoic intracontinental shortening. New detrital zircon (DZ) U–Pb geochronologic results from the Ourika‐Zat region in the Marrakech High Atlas constrain the sediment provenance of prerift sediment sources and synrift and postrift basin fill. Prerift Precambrian‐Cambrian units contain Neoproterozoic DZ from the Pan‐African orogeny. Ordovician rocks contain diagnostic 0.95‐ to 1.28‐Ga DZ that are absent in the West African Craton, suggesting distal sediment sources. Permian rift basin fill contains Permian zircons that constrain maximum deposition age and diagnostic of northern Meseta domain sediment sources. New mapping and cross‐section construction demonstrate that Permian basin fill accumulated in a half‐graben above a southward dipping normal fault that likely guided subsequent inversion. Triassic rift basin fill thickens southward, above a likely northward dipping normal fault. The change in rift basin geometry was accompanied by catchment reorganization, the introduction of southern rift flank sediment sources, and subbasin integration. The southern catchment expanded to encompass Meso‐Archean rocks of the Reguibat Shield situated >800 km southward. Existing and new provenance results from postrift strata document onset of recycling of Atlas rift basin fill during the mid‐Cretaceous and before the onset of compressional inversion. These results highlight the interaction between deformation and sediment routing in an extensional basin and sediment dispersal patterns across continental margins during multiphase deformation. Stratigraphic, structural, and provenance characteristics reveal that the Atlas rift shares similarities with high‐angle and supradetachment basin models, emphasizing the diverse nature of extensional styles.
Being a ‘Purist’ in Hong Kong: To Use or Not to Use Mixed Code

This paper reports on my first‐hand experiences of being a ‘purist’ in Hong Kong, during which time I was not allowed to use mixed code, a common discursive practice among Hongkongers in Hong Kong. I shall discuss the difficulties in using ‘pure’ English and ‘pure’ Chinese in my daily life, as well as exploring the problems I encountered when I used ‘pure’ English in teaching English to a small group of ESL students at a primary school in Hong Kong. I argue that mixed code is very much characteristic of everyday language use by most Hongkongers and represents an important marker of their ethno‐linguistic identity. In relation to language teaching, I suggest that mixed code may be usefully adopted in teaching English in Hong Kong, rather than being shunned at all costs.
ClothCap

Designing and simulating realistic clothing is challenging. Previous methods addressing the capture of clothing from 3D scans have been limited to single garments and simple motions, lack detail, or require specialized texture patterns. Here we address the problem of capturing regular clothing on fully dressed people in motion. People typically wear multiple pieces of clothing at a time. To estimate the shape of such clothing, track it over time, and render it believably, each garment must be segmented from the others and the body. Our ClothCap approach uses a new multi-part 3D model of clothed bodies, automatically segments each piece of clothing, estimates the minimally clothed body shape and pose under the clothing, and tracks the 3D deformations of the clothing over time. We estimate the garments and their motion from 4D scans; that is, high-resolution 3D scans of the subject in motion at 60 fps. ClothCap is able to capture a clothed person in motion, extract their clothing, and retarget the clothing to new body shapes; this provides a step towards virtual try-on.
The Homeless in America: An Examination of Possessions and Consumption Behaviors

This research utilized an ethnographic approach to advace our understanding of the survival strategies employed by the homeless in our society. We examine the types of possessions consumed, how possessions are acquired through nontraditional employment and scavenging, and why some products are purchased while others are scavenged. We also look at the tools used to facilitate search, acquisition, storage, and consumption of these products. Finally, we consider the importance of community for protection of self and possessions and how community among the homeless affects consumption. Emergent themes that allow interpretation of the description are presented. Copyright 1990 by the University of Chicago.
Sympathetic Neural Activation in Nondiabetic Metabolic Syndrome and Its Further Augmentation by Hypertension

Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor in the metabolic syndrome (MS) in which the presence of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, abnormal lipoprotein metabolism, and central obesity all confer an increased risk. Because essential hypertension (EHT), insulinemia, and visceral fat are associated with sympathetic hyperactivity, which is itself known to increase cardiovascular risk, the aim of this study was to see if MS is a state of sympathetic nerve hyperactivity and if the additional presence of EHT intensifies this hyperactivity. In 69 closely matched subjects, comprising hypertensive MS (MS+EHT, 18), normotensive MS (MS-EHT, 17), hypertensives without MS (EHT, 16), and normotensive controls without MS (NC, 18), we measured resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) as assessed from multiunit discharges and from single units with defined vasoconstrictor properties (s-MSNA). The s-MSNA in MS+EHT (76±3.1 impulses/100 beats) was greater (at least P<0.01) than in MS-EHT (62±3.2 impulses/100 beats) and in EHT (60±2.3 impulses/100 beats), and all these were significantly greater (at least P<0.01) than in NC (46±2.7 impulse/100 beats). The multi-unit MSNA followed a similar trend. These findings suggest that MS is a state of sympathetic nerve hyperactivity and that the additional presence of hypertension further intensifies this hyperactivity. The degree of sympathetic hyperactivity seen in this study could be argued at least partly to contribute to the higher cardiovascular risk and metabolic abnormalities seen in MS+EHT patients.
Modification of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells Using Polyethylenimine Combined with Modified TAT Peptide to Enhance BMP-2 Production

With the emerging role of umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSC) for bone regeneration and delivery of therapeutic proteins, there is an increasing need for effective gene delivery systems to modify such cells. mTAT, a TAT peptide sequence bearing histidine and cysteine residues, has been successfully used for intracellular gene delivery. Using a gWiz-GFP plasmid, we demonstrated that polyethylenimine combined with mTAT (mTAT/PEI) displayed good transfection efficacy in hUCB-MSC. hUCB-MSC transfected with mTAT/PEI were shown to express more BMP-2 protein and mRNA, indicating the feasibility of using the cells as a BMP-2 delivery system. Importantly, compared to PEI25, a “gold standard” nonviral transfection polymer, mTAT/PEI had limited toxicity to the cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated enhanced osteogenic activity in vitro for BMP-2 expressing hUCB-MSC. These results provide encouraging evidence for the potential use of mTAT/PEI to genetically modify hUCB-MSC as an approach to enhance tissue regeneration.
Women and Traditionally Male Blue-Collar Jobs

This article focuses on female employment preferences and summarizes the results of a questionnaire distributed to a sample of nonmetropolitan men and women. Although differences in men's and women's employment preferences do exist, a sizable percentage of nonmetropolitan women indicate an interest in traditionally male, blue-collar jobs. In addition, women who hold or have held traditionally male jobs generally have positive comments about their experience.
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Receptor Shedding Controls Thresholds of Innate Immune Activation That Balance Opposing TNF Functions in Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a potent cytokine exerting critical functions in the activation and regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. Due to its pleiotropic activities, the amplitude and duration of TNF function must be tightly regulated. One of the mechanisms that may have evolved to modulate TNF function is the proteolytic cleavage of its cell surface receptors. In humans, mutations affecting shedding of the p55TNF receptor (R) have been linked with the development of the TNFR-associated periodic syndromes, disorders characterized by recurrent fever attacks and localized inflammation. Here we show that knock-in mice expressing a mutated nonsheddable p55TNFR develop Toll-like receptor–dependent innate immune hyperreactivity, which renders their immune system more efficient at controlling intracellular bacterial infections. Notably, gain of function for antibacterial host defenses ensues at the cost of disbalanced inflammatory reactions that lead to pathology. Mutant mice exhibit spontaneous hepatitis, enhanced susceptibility to endotoxic shock, exacerbated TNF-dependent arthritis, and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. These results introduce a new concept for receptor shedding as a mechanism setting up thresholds of cytokine function to balance resistance and susceptibility to disease. Assessment of p55TNFR shedding may thus be of prognostic value in infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases.
How good is an avatar ’ s smile ? : Effects of facial expression in video-and avatar-based computer-mediated communication

The goal of this study is to explore collaborative behavior and rapport in different modes of computer-mediated communication (CMC). We tested whether the positive effects of smile described in literature are present in video and 3D avatar-based CMC. A between-subjects laboratory experiment compared the effects of smiles shown in prerecorded and rendered video sequences of a human and avatar, respectively, displayed during an iterated version of Prisoner’s Dilemma game. Selfreported and behavioral measures included collaborative behavior of the participant, likability, trust and rapport. Our results showed that human game partners were perceived as more likable compared to avatars. While smile of the game partner predicted likability and rapport, it was not an indicator for collaboration. Importantly, this effect was significant for only male participants. Other effects of gender were observed: Females reported higher likability for both types of game partners and smiled for a longer time. Furthermore, males were more collaborative with human game partners compared to their avatar equivalents. Implications for future research are discussed.
Recommendations for biomechanics in the physical education teacher education curriculum

Recommendations for Biomechanics in the Physical Education Teacher Education Curriculum Susan M. Ross The purpose of this study was to determine the critical biomechanics competencies physical educators need to learn, and delineate learning environments and instructional methods for delivering core biomechanics competencies within the physical education teacher education curriculum. An initial list of theoretical and applied biomechanics competencies was constructed using the knowledge and skills recommended by the Guidelines and Standards for Undergraduate Biomechanics and three textbook sources. A two-round, modified Delphi procedure involved the repeated circulation of a survey to a small panel of content experts. The study sample included biomechanics specialists, physical education teacher educators, and K-12 physical education teachers. The Delphi panel members rated each survey item in terms of theoretical importance and pedagogical relevance using a five-point Likert scale. The data collected during the second round of questioning provided a final measure of consensus regarding the critical strength of each biomechanics competency. An item had to receive a mean rating of at least four or higher in the areas of importance and relevance by at least 75% of all individual ratings in order to be considered essential in the preparation of prospective physical educators. An open response question was incorporated into the second Delphi round asking panel members to recommend three learning environments and instructional methods for delivering core biomechanical knowledge into the physical education teacher education curriculum. The results of the study provided a conceptual framework upon which physical education teacher educators can make future curricular decisions in the area of biomechanics.
Post-antifungal Effect and Effects of Sub-MIC Concentrations on Previously Treated Candida Spp.: Influence of Exposure Time and Concentration

This study evaluates the influence of exposure time and concentration on the post-antifungal effect (PAFE) and the effect of sub-MIC concentrations (1/4 × MIC) on Candida albicans and C. glabrata in the PAFE stage (PAFSE). This stage was induced by pretreatment for 1.5, 3 or 12 h with 1 × , 4 × or 8 × MIC of 4 antifungal agents fundamental to modern candidiasis therapy. The length of the 2 effects studied was dependent on the concentration of the antifungal agent applied during pretreatment, as well as on the exposure time. An increase in the dose and/or longer pretreatment prolonged the duration of the PAFE and PAFSE in both species and with all the antifungal agents. Significant PAFEs were always observed for amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine (0.8-13 h and 0.6-10.8 h, respectively). These values were increased (by 2.3-8.7 h and 1.5-7.8 h, respectively) by posterior exposure to 1/4 × MIC of the respective antifungal agent. Neither ketoconazole nor fluconazole were able to induce significant PAFEs, even with exposures of up to 12 h duration and a dose of 8 × MIC. However, treatment with 1/4 × MIC of each of the 2 azoles led to significant PAFSEs in both yeast species, of up to 6.5 h duration with ketoconazole and 1.7 h with fluconazole, if the concentrations and/or exposure times were sufficiently high.
Loss of PINK1 causes mitochondrial functional defects and increased sensitivity to oxidative stress

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder thought to be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Loss of function mutations in the putative mitochondrial protein PINK1 (PTEN-induced kinase 1) have been linked to familial forms of PD, but the relation of PINK1 to mammalian mitochondrial function remains unclear. Here, we report that germline deletion of the PINK1 gene in mice significantly impairs mitochondrial functions. Quantitative electron microscopic studies of the striatum in PINK1−/− mice at 3–4 and 24 months revealed no gross changes in the ultrastructure or the total number of mitochondria, although the number of larger mitochondria is selectively increased. Functional assays showed impaired mitochondrial respiration in the striatum but not in the cerebral cortex at 3–4 months of age, suggesting specificity of this defect for dopaminergic circuitry. Aconitase activity associated with the Krebs cycle is also reduced in the striatum of PINK1−/− mice. Interestingly, mitochondrial respiration activities in the cerebral cortex are decreased in PINK1−/− mice at 2 years compared with control mice, indicating that aging can exacerbate mitochondrial dysfunction in these mice. Furthermore, mitochondrial respiration defects can be induced in the cerebral cortex of PINK1−/− mice by cellular stress, such as exposure to H2O2 or mild heat shock. Together, our findings demonstrate that mammalian PINK1 is important for mitochondrial function and provides critical protection against both intrinsic and environmental stress, suggesting a pathogenic mechanism by which loss of PINK1 may lead to nigrostriatal degeneration in PD.