Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of Nitrogen-Doped TiO2 Nanotube Arrays Using a Simple Annealing Process

Nitrogen-doped TiO2 nanotube arrays (N-TNAs) were successfully fabricated by a simple thermal annealing process in ambient N2 gas at 450 °C for 3 h. TNAs with modified morphologies were prepared by a two-step anodization using an aqueous NH4F/ethylene glycol solution. The N-doping concentration (0–9.47 at %) can be varied by controlling N2 gas flow rates between 0 and 500 cc/min during the annealing process. Photocatalytic performance of as-prepared TNAs and N-TNAs was studied by monitoring the methylene blue degradation under visible light (λ ≥ 400 nm) illumination at 120 mW·cm−2. N-TNAs exhibited appreciably enhanced photocatalytic activity as compared to TNAs. The reaction rate constant for N-TNAs (9.47 at % N) reached 0.26 h−1, which was a 125% improvement over that of TNAs (0.115 h−1). The significant enhanced photocatalytic activity of N-TNAs over TNAs is attributed to the synergistic effects of (1) a reduced band gap associated with the introduction of N-doping states to serve as carrier reservoir, and (2) a reduced electron‒hole recombination rate.
Technology assisted health care - an information based approach

We propose a model for health care, which assumes a flat hierarchy for professional interaction between all the sectors of the health care system. The model exploits technology to deliver the new service which uses a collaborative approach, creating integrated teams within primary care and between primary and secondary care. The most important feature of the model is the emphasis on an enhanced use of information for each stage of referral and decision taking. The model shows that acquiring the information in primary care could lead to a reduction of 75% in outpatient clinic appointments. The model has been implemented in a primary care practice in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire for dermatology, cardiology and peripheral vascular disease for over 2 years and its further effects are being investigated.
Characterization of Sicilian Honeys Pollen Profiles Using a Commercial E-Tongue and Melissopalynological Analysis for Rapid Screening: A Pilot Study

Honey is usually classified as “unifloral” or “multifloral”, depending on whether a dominating pollen grain, originating from only one particular plant, or no dominant pollen type in the sample is found. Unifloral honeys are usually more expensive and appreciated than multifloral honeys, which highlights the importance of honey authenticity. Melissopalynological analysis is used to identify the botanical origin of honey, counting down the number of pollens grains of a honey sample, and calculating the respective percentages of the nectariferous pollens. In addition, sensory properties are also very important for honey characterization, and electronic senses emerged as useful tools for honey authentication. In this work, a comparison of the results obtained from melissopalynological analysis with those provided by a potentiometric electronic tongue is given, resulting in a 100% match between the two techniques.
Neurovestibular Symptoms in Astronauts Immediately after Space Shuttle and International Space Station Missions

Objectives (1) To assess vestibular changes and related sensorimotor difficulties, especially instability of posture and gait, among astronauts immediately after they return from space and to compare the effects experienced after short- and long-duration space missions. (2) To determine whether any difficulties experienced were severe enough to impair the astronauts’ ability to leave the spacecraft in the event of an emergency. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Setting National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Kennedy Space Center and Johnson Space Center. Subjects and Methods Fourteen crewmembers of 3 Space Shuttle missions that lasted about 1 week and 18 crewmembers of 8 International Space Station missions that lasted about 6 months were given brief vestibular examinations 1 to 5 hours after landing. These examinations focused on the presence of vestibular and motor coordination difficulties, as well as motion sickness and motion sensations. Standardized tests included the observation of abnormal eye movements, finger-to-nose pointing, standing up from a seated position, postural stability, and tandem gait. Results Unsteady walking and postural instabilities were observed after short- and long-duration missions. Motion sickness symptoms were observed after long-duration missions but not after short-duration missions. The symptom most frequently reported by the astronauts was an exaggerated perceived motion associated with sudden head movements during reentry and after landing. Conclusion The severity of the observed abnormalities would limit the ability of crewmembers during the first 5 hours after landing and increase the time required to leave the spacecraft during this period.
Endocrown restorations for extensively damaged posterior teeth: clinical performance of three cases

The restoration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) with more than one cusp missing and thin remaining walls is challenging for the general practitioner. The use of posts combined with full coverage restorations is a well-established approach, yet not following the minimal invasive principles of adhesive dentistry. Endocrowns are indirect monoblock restorations that use the pulp chamber of the ETT for retention. In this study the fabrication of 4 endocrowns and their clinical performance will be discussed. Two clinical cases include computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing manufactured molar endocrowns (one feldspathic ceramic and one hybrid composite-ceramic restoration) and the other two are dental laboratory manufactured resin composite premolar endocrown restorations. The modified United States Public Health Service criteria were used to assess the clinical behavior of the restorations at different follow up periods. Endocrown restorations present a satisfactory clinical alternative, either by the use of resin composite or glass ceramic and hybrid materials. Specific guidelines with minimal alterations should be followed for an endocrown restoration to be successful. Due to limited evidence regarding the long term evaluation of this restorative technique, a careful selection of cases should be applied.
Influence of thickness and incisal extension of indirect veneers on the biomechanical behavior of maxillary canine teeth

Objectives To analyze the influence of thickness and incisal extension of indirect veneers on the stress and strain generated in maxillary canine teeth. Materials and Methods A 3-dimensional maxillary canine model was validated with an in vitro strain gauge and exported to computer-assisted engineering software. Materials were considered homogeneous, isotropic, and elastic. Each canine tooth was then subjected to a 0.3 and 0.8 mm reduction on the facial surface, in preparations with and without incisal covering, and restored with a lithium disilicate veneer. A 50 N load was applied at 45° to the long axis of the tooth, on the incisal third of the palatal surface of the crown. Results The results showed a mean of 218.16 µstrain of stress in the in vitro experiment, and 210.63 µstrain in finite element analysis (FEA). The stress concentration on prepared teeth was higher at the palatal root surface, with a mean value of 11.02 MPa and varying less than 3% between the preparation designs. The veneers concentrated higher stresses at the incisal third of the facial surface, with a mean of 3.88 MPa and a 40% increase in less-thick veneers. The incisal cover generated a new stress concentration area, with values over 48.18 MPa. Conclusions The mathematical model for a maxillary canine tooth was validated using FEA. The thickness (0.3 or 0.8 mm) and the incisal covering showed no difference for the tooth structure. However, the incisal covering was harmful for the veneer, of which the greatest thickness was beneficial.
The Effects of a Whole Language Approach to Reading Instruction on Reading Comprehension: A Meta-Analysis.

A meta-analysis used Glassian techniques to compare the effectiveness of the whole-language approach to the direct-skills approach. A total of 21 studies included sufficient information to calculate effect sizes and included whole language approach as the independent variables with dependent variables relating to reading improvement. Results indicated: (1) nearly every study analyzed showed a positive effect size in the direction of the whole language approach; (2) the overall effeA size demonstrated a significant difference between control and experimental group; and (3) studies employing random assignment had significantly larger effect sizes. However, the majority of the studies (85%) employed a quasi-experimental design which may severely limit the interpretation of the effectiveness of whole language. Further research should attempt to use random assignment and larger sample size to make the effectiveness of whole language more salient. (Contains 46 reference. An appendix of data is att-.hed.) (RS) ********************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** The Effects of a Whole Language Approach to Reading Instruction on Reading Comprehension: a Meta-analysis Eric J. Gee Utah State University "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY Lto52. _ TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educalfonai Research and Imorovef000t EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 12/This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy
Korean Journal for Food Science of Animal Resources

This study was conducted to investigate the dressing percentage and physicochemical characteristics, such as fatty acid composition, water holding capacity (WHC), shear force, meat color, cooking loss, and sensory evaluation, of experimental pork obtained from a total of 12 standard pigs and sows. The water content of tenderloin (73.38%) was the highest in standard pork (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference in crude protein content was shown between standard pork and sow pork (p<0.05). There were significant differences between standard pork and sow pork in shear forces of loin and tenderloin (p<0.01). There was a significant difference in WHC between standard pork and sow pork in loin, tenderloin, and hind legs (p<0.05). The CIE L* and CIE b* values of standard loin were significantly higher than those of sow loin (p<0.05). The CIE a* values of sow loin were significantly higher than those of standard loin (p<0.05). The contents of arachidonic acid for standard pork and sow pork were 0.33% and 0.84%, respectively (p<0.05). However, there was no difference in the total content of unsaturated fatty acid between the two groups. There were no significant differences between standard pork and sow pork after sensory evaluation, except for color and tenderness. The overall acceptability of standard pork was significantly higher than that of sow pork (p<0.05).
Is Annual Income a Predictor of Completion of Advance Directives (ADs) in Patients With Cancer

Context: Completion of advance directives (ADs) enhances the likelihood of receiving goal-concordant treatments near the end of life. Previous research on community samples have shown that completion of ADs is less common in lower socioeconomic status demographic group; there is a paucity of such research in patients with cancer. Objectives: To study the effect of income and education on the completion of ADs. Hypothesis: Patients with cancer having lower incomes and education levels would be less likely to report completing ADs. Methods: We conducted cross-sectional analyses of data provided by patients (n = 265) enrolled in the Values and Options in Cancer Care clinical trial. Patients with advanced cancer reported whether they had (1) completed a living will or (2) designated a health-care proxy. Response options for both questions were yes (scored 1), no (scored 0), and unsure (scored 0). We studied the association of lower household income (≤US$20 000) and education level (never attended college) with AD scores. Results: Patients with lower annual incomes had lower AD scores (estimate −0.44; confidence intervals [CI]: −0.71 to −0.16, P = .001); the association between higher educational attainment (some college or more) and completion of ADs was not statistically significant (estimate 0.04, CI: −0.16 to 0.24, P = .70). Conclusion: Interventions to promote completion of ADs among lower income patients with serious illnesses are needed.
The age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index as a predictor of survival in surgically treated vulvar cancer patients

Objective To evaluate the impact of age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) in predicting disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) among surgically treated patients with vulvar carcinoma. The secondary aim is to evaluate its impact as a predictor of the pattern of recurrence. Methods We retrospectively evaluated data of patients that underwent surgical treatment for vulvar cancer from 1998 to 2016. ACCI at the time of primary surgery was evaluated and patients were classified as low (ACCI 0–1), intermediate (ACCI 2–3), and high risk (>3). DFS, OS and CSS were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meir and the Cox proportional hazard models. Logistic regression model was used to assess predictors of distant and local recurrence. Results Seventy-eight patients were included in the study. Twelve were classified as low, 36 as intermediate, and 30 as high risk according to their ACCI. Using multivariate analysis, ACCI class was an independent predictor of worse DFS (hazard ratio [HR]=3.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.54–5.99; p<0.001), OS (HR=5.25; 95% CI=1.63–16.89; p=0.005) and CSS (HR=3.79; 95% CI=1.13–12.78; p=0.03). Positive nodal status (odds ratio=8.46; 95% CI=2.13–33.58; p=0.002) was the only parameter correlated with distant recurrence at logistic regression. Conclusion ACCI could be a useful tool in predicting prognosis in surgically treated vulvar cancer patients. Prospective multicenter trials assessing the role of ACCI in vulvar cancer patients are warranted.
TEKNIK PEER-CORRECTIONUNTUK MENINGKATKAN KUALITAS PROSES DAN HASIL PEMBELAJARAN MENULIS KARYA ILMIAH SISWA SEKOLAH MENENGAH ATAS

Abstrak: Tujuan penelitian ini adalah: (1) untuk meningkatkan kualitas proses pembelajaran menulis karya ilmiah, dan (2) untuk meningkatkan hasil pembelajaran menulis karya ilmiah dengan teknik peer-correction. Subyek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas kelas XI Bahasa di SMA Negeri 2 Sukoharjo tahun ajaran 2011/2012. Data yang digunakan berupa data kualitatif berupa observasi dan wawancara serta data kuantitatif berupa hasil tes menulis karya ilmiah. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis statistik deskriptif dan komparatif analisis kritis dengan membandingkan data dari satu siklus ke siklus berikutnya. Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa teknik peer-correction. dapat meningkatkan kualitas hasil dan proses penulisan karya ilmiah belajar. Di sisi lain, penelitian ini juga menunjukkan bahwa penerapan teknik peer-correction harus disesuaikan dengan karakter peserta didik peserta, peserta didik latar belakang pengetahuan, dan jumlah peserta didik di dalam kelas. Katakunci: peer-correction, kualitas proses pembelajaran, menulis, karya ilmiah
Cerebrovascular reactivity to hypercapnia during sevoflurane or desflurane anesthesia in rats

Background Hypercapnia causes dilation of cerebral vessels and increases cerebral blood flow, resulting in increased intracranial pressure. Sevoflurane is reported to preserve cerebrovascular carbon dioxide reactivity. However, the contribution of inhaled anesthetics to vasodilatory responses to hypercapnia has not been clarified. Moreover, the cerebrovascular response to desflurane under hypercapnia has not been reported. We examined the effects of sevoflurane and desflurane on vasodilatory responses to hypercapnia in rats. Methods A closed cranial window preparation was used to measure the changes in pial vessel diameters. To evaluate the cerebrovascular response to hypercapnia and/or inhaled anesthetics, the pial vessel diameters were measured in the following states: without inhaled anesthetics at normocapnia (control values) and hypercapnia, with inhaled end-tidal minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of 0.5 or 1.0 of either sevoflurane or desflurane at normocapnia, and an MAC of 1.0 of sevoflurane or desflurane at hypercapnia. Results Under normocapnia, 1.0 MAC, but not 0.5 MAC, of sevoflurane or desflurane dilated the pial arterioles and venules. In addition, under both 1.0 MAC of sevoflurane and 1.0 MAC of desflurane, hypercapnia significantly dilated the pial arterioles and venules in comparison to their diameters without inhaled anesthetics. The degrees of vasodilation were similar for desflurane and sevoflurane under both normocapnia and hypercapnia. Conclusions Desflurane induces cerebrovascular responses similar to those of sevoflurane. Desflurane can be used as safely as sevoflurane in neurosurgical anesthesia.
Effects of Kisspeptin-10 on Hypothalamic Neuropeptides and Neurotransmitters Involved in Appetite Control

Besides its role as key regulator in gonadotropin releasing hormone secretion, reproductive function, and puberty onset, kisspeptin has been proposed to act as a bridge between energy homeostasis and reproduction. In the present study, to characterize the role of hypothalamic kisspeptin as metabolic regulator, we evaluated the effects of kisspeptin-10 on neuropeptide Y (NPY) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression and the extracellular dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-hydroxytriptamine, 5-HT), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIIA) concentrations in rat hypothalamic (Hypo-E22) cells. Our study showed that kisspeptin-10 in the concentration range 1 nM–10 μM was well tolerated by the Hypo-E22 cell line. Moreover, kisspeptin-10 (100 nM–10 μM) concentration independently increased the gene expression of NPY while BDNF was inhibited only at the concentration of 10 μM. Finally, kisspeptin-10 decreased 5-HT and DA, leaving unaffected NE levels. The inhibitory effect on DA and 5-HT is consistent with the increased peptide-induced DOPAC/DA and 5-HIIA/5-HT ratios. In conclusion, our current findings suggesting the increased NPY together with decreased BDNF and 5-HT activity following kisspeptin-10 would be consistent with a possible orexigenic effect induced by the peptide.
The Effect of Fearful Expressions on Multiple Face Tracking

How does the visual system realize dynamic tracking? This topic has become popular within cognitive science in recent years. The classical theory argues that multiple object tracking is accomplished via pre-attention visual indexes as part of a cognitively impenetrable low-level visual system. The present research aimed to investigate whether and how tracking processes are influenced by facial expressions that convey abundant social information about one’s mental state and situated environment. The results showed that participants tracked fearful faces more effectively than neutral faces. However, this advantage was only present under the low-attentional load condition, and distractor face emotion did not impact tracking performance. These findings imply that visual tracking is not driven entirely by low-level vision and encapsulated by high-level representations; rather, that facial expressions, a kind of social information, are able to influence dynamic tracking. Furthermore, the effect of fearful expressions on multiple face tracking is mediated by the availability of attentional resources.
Prevalence of O-serogroups, virulence genes, and F18 antigenic variants in Escherichia coli isolated from weaned piglets with diarrhea in Korea during 2008–2016

To diagnose colibacillosis, detection of O-serogroups and virulence genes has been recommended worldwide. The prevalence of virulence factors can fluctuate over time. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of O-serogroups, virulence genes, and F18 subtypes among pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from weaned piglets with diarrhea in Korea. Between 2008 and 2016, 362 E. coli were isolated from weaned piglets with diarrhea. Hemolysis was determined in blood agar, and O-serogroups were identified using the slide agglutination technique. The genes for the toxins and fimbriae were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Real-time PCR was conducted to discriminate between F18 subtypes. Although the most prevalent serogroup was O149 (11.3%) in the last 9 years, O139 (19.1%) became the most prevalent in recent years (2015–2016). The most predominant pathotype was enterotoxigenic E. coli (61.3%). The frequencies of Shiga-like toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) (23.4%), O139 (19.1%), Stx2e (35.1%), and F18ab (48.7%) increased over the most recent years. Although enterotoxigenic E. coli was the most predominant pathotype, the frequencies of O139, Stx2e, STEC, and F18ab have increased in recent years. These results demonstrate that there have been temporal changes in the predominant O-serogroups and virulence genes over the last decade in Korea. These findings can be practicable for use in epidemiology and control measures for enteric colibacillosis in Korean piggeries.
Home dampness, fungi and house dust mites, and respiratory symptoms in children

textabstractDamp houses are common in the Netherlands. A study conducted in 1985 at the request of the Ministry of Housing, Physical Planning and Environment, among housing corporations that managed 1.6 million houses (almost one third of the total housing stock in the Netherlands at that time) showed that approximately 18% of these houses were affected by dampness to at least some degree (Tannnes et aI. 1985). More recently, the prevalence of home dampness in the Netherlands was investigated in a representative sample of the total housing stock (approximately 6 million houses) within the framework of the 'Qualitative Housing Registration 1989-1991' (Ministry of Housing, Physical Planning and Environment 1993). Approximately 20% of the total housing stock was affected by home dampness. The bighest rate of home dampness reported for rented houses was in the private sector (26.3%), with slightly fewer (21.7%) in public sector housing, and 16.8% of private houses. Home dampness was more common in older houses (bnild before 1946) than in relatively new houses (build after 1968). Damp houses are not only common in the Netherlands, but are also found in other countries with a temperate climate. For example, in the UK it has been estimated that 2.5 million houses are seriously affected by dampness (Flannigan et aI. 1991). In the Netherlands as well as in several other countries, it has been recognized that energy saving progrannnes involving insulation and sealing of homes, have reduced the exchange of air between the indoors and outdoors, which has led to 'trapping' of moisture and air pollutants generated indoors.