Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of different types of cricket batting pads on the running and turning speed in cricket batting

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare a batsman's running and turning speed during three runs while wearing either traditional batting pads or one of two models of newly designed cricket batting pads. Fifteen cricketers participated. The running and turning speeds were measured on three different days with players using the three pairs of batting pads for each trial in random order. The weights of the pads were 1.85 kg, 1.70 kg and 1.30 kg for P1, P2 and P3 respectively. Each player had to run three runs (3 × 17.68m), with the times recorded at the completion of each run, as well as the time to cover the distance from 5 m before and after the turn at the end of the first run. The fastest time from two trials for each pair of pads was retained for analysis. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was used to determine the differences between the mean times of the three trials. The results showed no significant differences between the types of batting pads and the time to complete the run‐three‐runs test (P1 = 10.67 ± 0.48 s; P2 = 10.67 ± 0.43; P3 = 10.69 ± 0.44 s), the turning time (P1 = 2.34 ± 0.18 s; P2 = 2.32 ± 0.18 s; P3 = 2.35 ± 0.19 s) and to complete the third run (P1 = 3.49 ± 0.44 s; P2 = 3.53 ± 0.34 s; P3 = 3.51 ± 0.36 s). Of the 45 trials of three runs used for analysis, P, recorded the fastest time on 16 trials (36%), P2 on 19 trials (42%) and P3 on 10 trials (22%). The results showed no significant differences in the running or turning speeds, although there may be some practical relevance to using the newly designed cricket batting pads.
Higher-functioning pervasive developmental disorders: rates and patterns of psychotropic drug use.

OBJECTIVE To explore the frequency, characteristics, and associated target symptoms of psychotropic drug use among subjects with higher-functioning pervasive developmental disorders (HFPDDs). METHOD A total of 109 children, adolescents, and adults (mean age = 13.9 years, SD = 6.9) consecutively seeking enrollment into the Yale Child Study Center's Project on Social Learning Disabilities were included in the study. Individuals in whom Asperger's disorder, autism, or pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified had been previously diagnosed and who had a documented Full Scale IQ > or = 70 completed surveys on demographic, clinical, and medication history information. To naturalistically evaluate medication use patterns in this population, each drug class was analyzed with respect to demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS In all, 55% of subjects were taking psychotropics, with 29.3% taking 2 or more medications simultaneously. Antidepressants were the most commonly used agents (32.1%), followed by stimulants (20.2%) and neuroleptics (16.5%). The clinical presentation of subjects taking psychotropic agents was heterogeneous, and most consistently included anxiety-related target symptoms (in 65% of medicated individuals). CONCLUSIONS Psychotropic medication use appears to be common among subjects with HFPDDs, yet not generally based on the results of empirical research. Clinical heterogeneity among treated subjects suggests that psychiatric comorbidity may be overlooked in this population.
The comparative evaluation of the translucency of crowns fabricated with three different all-ceramic materials: an in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION All-ceramic crowns with different core materials of different strength and aesthetics are available in recent years. The aesthetics of the crown depends mainly on the shade and translucency. Clinician should be aware of the quality and characteristics of these materials so that they will be able to opt for good material for successful clinical use. AIM AND OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the translucency of crowns fabricated with three different commercially available all-ceramic materials viz. Alumina - CAD-CAM Procera, Lithium disilicate - Pressable IPS e.max Press, Zirconia - CAD-CAM Lava. MATERIALS AND METHODS All-ceramic crowns (5 per each group and total of 15 samples) were made of Alumina - CAD-CAM Procera (Group I), Lithium disilicate - Pressable IPS e.max Press (Group II), Zirconia - CAD-CAM Lava (Group III) and veneered with their respective layering ceramic. Evaluation for the Translucency (CR=Yb/Yw) over the White (Yw) and Black (Yb) backgrounds at the Incisal, Middle, Cervical, Mesial and Distal thirds of each crown were done using the Spectrophotometer. The results obtained were statistically analyzed by Paired t-test (p<0.05) and Analysis of Variance (p<0.05) for the test of significance among the groups. RESULTS Significant differences in the contrast ratios were obtained among the three Groups (p<0.001). In this study, Group II Lithium disilicate-Pressable IPS e.max Press showed higher translucency (0.54). Group III Zirconia - CAD-CAM Lava showed the least translucency (0.75) and the translucency of Group I Alumina - CAD-CAM Procera (0.7) was in between both the groups. CONCLUSION Translucency of material gives fair idea to clinician for the choice of material in different zones during replacement and suitability for restoration in aesthetic zone. Selection of all ceramic system depends on the translucency needed for successful prosthesis of artificial tooth so that it mimics patient's natural dentition. The qualitative measurement of translucency will give the evidence for the clinicians during selection of high or low value translucent tooth for successful replacement. Lithium disilicate - Pressable IPS e.max Press is having better translucency in comparison with other two materials in our study.
The Role of Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Working Memory is Shaped by Functional Connectivity

The anterior cingulate (AC) cortex seems to be similarly engaged by attentional and memory processes. We tested the hypothesis that this common activation is best explained by changes in the regions interacting (functionally connected) with AC. Subjects were tested on two variants of a 2-back working memory task: a standard version with strong attentional demands, and a cued version that more strongly promoted memory retrieval. AC activation, measured with functional MRI, was found in both tasks, although more sustained in the standard condition. The regions functionally connected to the AC, and the relation of these activity patterns to memory performance, were completely different across tasks. In the standard task, the pattern related to a speed-accuracy tradeoff, whereas the connectivity pattern unique to the cued task related only to better accuracy. By virtue of these changing patterns of functional connectivity, the contribution of AC to attention-and memory-driven performance was similarly changed.
Two and a Half Years of Routine HIV Testing in Botswana

Background:Botswana was the first African country to introduce routine HIV testing (RHT). Objective:To report program data for the first 2.5 years of RHT. Methods:RHT was introduced in 2004. Rapid HIV tests were introduced later the same year and are widely available. The main criteria for RHT are symptoms of HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infection, and attendance for medical examination. Testing may also be self-initiated. Findings:There has been a rapid scale-up of RHT. A total of 60,846 persons were tested through RHT in 2004 versus 157,894 in 2005 and 88,218 in the first half of 2006. Testing rates in the population through RHT were 40 per 1000 persons, 93 per 1000 persons, and 104 per 1000 persons, respectively. In 2005, 89% of those offered testing accepted, with 69% of those tested being female and 31% male. The proportion of men who tested HIV-positive was 34% versus 30% for women. The main reasons for testing in 2005 were patient's wish (50%), pregnancy (25%), medical examination (7%), clinical suspicion (6%), and sexually transmitted infection (2%). Attendance at voluntary counseling and testing centers has increased parallel to the scale-up of RHT. Conclusions:RHT has been widely accepted by the population, and no adverse effects or instances have been reported. It has provided increased access to preventive services and earlier assessment for antiretroviral treatment. We believe the benefits of RHT clearly outweigh the risks.
Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis of Severe Epilepsy Syndromes of Early Childhood

The developing brain is particularly susceptible to seizures. Diffuse central nervous system pathology or injury in early infancy, when the brain is most vulnerable, may lead to catastrophic epilepsies such as Ohtahara's epileptic encephalopathy and early myoclonic epileptic encephalopathy. These epileptic encephalopathies are difficult to treat and have poor prognoses. As the brain undergoes programmed synaptogenesis, apoptosis, and myelination, the epilepsy phenotypes and electroencephalography (EEG) findings change, producing age-dependent epileptic encephalopathies. Specifically, as they grow older, 40% to 60% of infants with infantile spasms and a concomitant hypsarrhythmia on EEG will develop Lennox-Gastaut syndrome with tonic and atonic seizures, associated with a synchronous, generalized 1.5- to 2-Hz spike and slow wave discharges on EEG. In the context of age-dependent epileptic encephalopathies, as an epilepsy syndrome is evolving, it is often difficult to accurately diagnose the specific epilepsy syndrome in a young child who presents with seizures. It is the clinical evolution of the seizure types and the EEG that helps the clinician make an accurate diagnosis. As more is known about the underlying pathophysiology for the various epilepsy syndromes, not only the clinical picture and EEG but also a genetic blood test will be used to accurately diagnose a specific epilepsy syndrome. A case in point would be severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (classically known as Dravet syndrome) and severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy-borderland/ borderline, which are associated with specific mutations in the sodium ion channel gene SCN1A.
Crown heights in the permanent teeth of 47,XYY males

Abstract Objective: The results in human sex chromosome aneuploidies had shown that the extra Y chromosome increases permanent and deciduous tooth crown sizes in the mesiodistal and labiolingual directions. The hypothesis of the study was that the additional Y chromosome increases the permanent tooth crown growth in a vertical dimension. We also aimed to observe possible sex difference in the permanent tooth crown height. Material and methods: Data on 15 47,XYY males or males with an extra Y chromosome, nine male relatives (five brothers and four fathers) and 45 male and 48 female population controls had been gathered previously for Professor Lassi Alvesalo’s KVANTTI Research Project. The measurements from panoramic radiographs were performed of all the applicable teeth, except the third molars on both sides of the jaws with a sliding digital calliper. Results: All the mean tooth crown heights in the 47,XYY males were larger than in the male population controls and the differences were statistically significant in six teeth in the maxilla and 10 teeth in the mandible. Apart from few teeth, the crown heights in the 47,XYY males were larger than in their male relatives, but the difference between these groups was significant only in one tooth. The differences between sexes were statistically significant in eight teeth in the maxilla. Conclusions: Based on previous investigations and this work, it is evident that the impact of the extra Y chromosome during tooth crown development is holistic, increasing permanent tooth sizes in three dimensions in a balanced manner.
Trans-dichloro-cis-bis(3,6-dimethylcarbazolyl)-cis-bis(tetrahydrofuran)zirconium(IV) benzene sesquisolvate.

In the title compound, [ZrCl(2)(C(14)H(12)N)(2)(C(4)H(8)O)(2)]. 1.5C(6)H(6), the Zr atom is pseudo-octahedral, with two Cl atoms in trans positions and two tetrahydrofuran molecules in cis positions. The two 3,6-dimethylcarbazolyl ligands are in cis positions and are canted with respect to one another. The two Zr-N distances are 2.1148 (18) and 2.1236 (18) A, and the N-Zr-N angle is 95.08 (7)degrees. The title compound crystallizes as the benzene solvate, with one of the benzene molecules positioned on an inversion center.
Enhanced Oxygen Supply Improves Islet Viability in a New Bioartificial Pancreas

The current epidemic of diabetes with its overwhelming burden on our healthcare system requires better therapeutic strategies. Here we present a promising novel approach for a curative strategy that may be accessible for all insulin-dependent diabetes patients. We designed a subcutaneous implantable bioartificial pancreas (BAP)—the “β-Air”—that is able to overcome critical challenges in current clinical islet transplantation protocols: adequate oxygen supply to the graft and protection of donor islets against the host immune system. The system consists of islets of Langerhans immobilized in an alginate hydrogel, a gas chamber, a gas permeable membrane, an external membrane, and a mechanical support. The minimally invasive implantable device, refueled with oxygen via subdermally implanted access ports, completely normalized diabetic indicators of glycemic control (blood glucose intravenous glucose tolerance test and HbA1c) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for periods up to 6 months. The functionality of the device was dependent on oxygen supply to the device as the grafts failed when oxygen supply was ceased. In addition, we showed that the device is immunoprotective as it allowed for survival of not only isografts but also of allografts. Histological examination of the explanted devices demonstrated morphologically and functionally intact islets; the surrounding tissue was without signs of inflammation and showed visual evidence of vasculature at the site of implantation. Further increase in islets loading density will justify the translation of the system to clinical trials, opening up the potential for a novel approach in diabetes therapy.
Driving factors of a vegetation shift from Scots pine to pubescent oak in dry Alpine forests

An increasing number of studies have reported on forest declines and vegetation shifts triggered by drought. In the Swiss Rhone valley (Valais), one of the driest inner‐Alpine regions, the species composition in low elevation forests is changing: The sub‐boreal Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) dominating the dry forests is showing high mortality rates. Concurrently the sub‐Mediterranean pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens Willd.) has locally increased in abundance. However, it remains unclear whether this local change in species composition is part of a larger‐scale vegetation shift. To study variability in mortality and regeneration in these dry forests we analysed data from the Swiss national forest inventory (NFI) on a regular grid between 1983 and 2003, and combined it with annual mortality data from a monitoring site. Pine mortality was found to be highest at low elevation (below 1000 m a.s.l.). Annual variation in pine mortality was correlated with a drought index computed for the summer months prior to observed tree death. A generalized linear mixed‐effects model indicated for the NFI data increased pine mortality on dryer sites with high stand competition, particularly for small‐diameter trees. Pine regeneration was low in comparison to its occurrence in the overstorey, whereas oak regeneration was comparably abundant. Although both species regenerated well at dry sites, pine regeneration was favoured at cooler sites at higher altitude and oak regeneration was more frequent at warmer sites, indicating a higher adaptation potential of oaks under future warming. Our results thus suggest that an extended shift in species composition is actually occurring in the pine forests in the Valais. The main driving factors are found to be climatic variability, particularly drought, and variability in stand structure and topography. Thus, pine forests at low elevations are developing into oak forests with unknown consequences for these ecosystems and their goods and services.
The midbrain periaqueductal gray in the rat, cat, and monkey: A Nissl, Weil, and Golgi analysis

Anatomical staining methods including Nissl, Weil, Golgi, and horseradish peroxidase stain have been used to elucidate the cyto‐ and myeloarchitectural organization of the periaqueductal gray in monkey, cat, and rat. From these various staining methods it appears that the periaqueductal gray is composed of a tightly packed group of cells, which show a slight increase in soma size, dendritic diameter, and degree of myelinization from central to peripheral borders. This central gray region contains a wide variety of cell types including multipolar, fusiform, stellate, and pyramidal neurons. Clearly delineated subnuclei, distinguished on the basis of soma size, dendritic arborizations, pigmentation, or evidence of cytological individuality could not be discerned in this study. Together with the immunohistochemical and connectivity studies the present data suggest that the neuronal organization of the PAG could be described as a mosaic of clusters of functional related neurons rather than as three distinct subnuclei, each with its own unique cytoarchitecture and connectivity.
Surfactant protein D inhibits early airway response in Aspergillus fumigatus‐sensitized mice

Background The surfactant protein SP‐D has been reported to reduce bronchial hyper‐responsiveness, blood eosinophilia, and T‐helper type 2 cytokines in models of allergic asthma. However, little is known about the functional effect of SP‐D on the early airway response upon allergen inhalation, which is an important feature of this disease.
Regulation of gene expression in adult rat hepatocytes cultured on a basement membrane matrix

Freshly isolated adult rat hepatocytes, when cultured on type I collagen (commercially available as Vitrogen), assume a polygonal shape, form a stable monolayer within 24 hours, but lose the capacity to express some liver‐specific functions over time in culture. We incubated hepatocytes in a serum‐free medium on a reconstituted basement membrane gel, “matrigel” (prepared from an extract of extracellular matrix of the murine Engelbreth‐Holm‐Swarm sarcoma), and observed that the cells adhered firmly, remained rounded as single cells or clusters, and maintained liver‐specific gene expression for more than 1 week in vitro. Hepatocytes on matrigel secreted substantially higher amounts of albumin, transferrin, haptoglobin, and hemopexin, contained higher amounts of glutathione peroxidase, and, as judged by Northern blot analyses of extracted cellular RNA, expressed increased amounts of mRNA for the liver‐specific protein albumin (as compared with cells on vitrogen). In cultures treated with phenobarbital, cytochrome P‐450b, and cytochrome P‐450e, mRNAs and proteins were barely detectable in cells on Vitrogen but were induced to levels similar to those in the liver in vivo in matrigel cultures. Likewise, the use of matrigel greatly enhanced the induction of mRNA and protein for P‐450c by 3‐methylcholanthrene and for P‐450p by steroidal and nonsteroidal inducers. However, neither substratum permitted induction of P‐450d by 3‐methylcholanthrene, suggesting that the effects of matrigel are selective even for expression in liver of members of the superfamily of cytochrome P‐450 genes. Within 5 days in cultures on Vitrogen, hepatocytes expressed detectable amounts of fetal liver aldolase activity and also mRNA for vimentin and type I collagen, each considered a phenotypic change reflecting hepatocyte “dedifferentiation. ” None of these was present in cells on matrigel. Responsiveness to mitogenic stimuli, as judged by incorporation of 3H‐thymidine into DNA, was also decreased in hepatocytes cultured on matrigel. Finally, there was a remarkable increase in the levels of mRNAs for the cytoskeleton proteins actin and tubulin in hepatocytes on both matrices during the first 2 days in culture. However, the continuously flattening hepatocytes on Vitrogen maintained substantially higher levels of cytoskeleton mRNA over time in culture than did the rounded cells on matrigel. We conclude that hepatocytes cultured on matrigel, as opposed to the standard collagen, exhibit remarkably enhanced expression of many liver‐specific functions.
Strain differentiation of Neisseria meningitidis by small‐fragment restriction endonuclease analysis (SF‐REA)

Following an outbreak involving 3 cases of serogroup B meningococcal disease in a rural part of Western Norway, 2 clinical and 99 carrier isolates of Neisseria meningitidis were examined by small‐fragment restriction endonuclease analysis (SF‐REA) using EcoRI, to determine its potential for strain differentiation. SF‐REA characterized all isolates and provided reproducible results with acceptable inter‐clonal differentiation. The results of SF‐REA correlated well with those of serological typing and were used to determine clonal diversity and prevalence of invasive strains among the carrier isolates. SF‐REA was also useful in demonstrating acquisition of a new carrier strain after eradication of the initial strain by ofloxacin. Thirty‐one different restriction patterns/pattern complexes were recognized among the 101 isolates. The two clinical isolates had identical restriction patterns and showed 5:90% similarity to those of six carrier isolates. In three out of six apparent treatment failures, successful eradication of the original strain by ofloxacin was demonstrated by SF‐REA. SF‐REA proved valuable in strain differentiation of Neisseria meningitidis, complemented serology, and characterized all isolates which could not be typified by serology.
Transmembrane Domain 9 of Presenilin Determines the Dynamic Conformation of the Catalytic Site of γ-Secretase*

One of the most prominent drug targets for the treatment of Alzheimer disease is γ-secretase, a multi-protein complex responsible for the generation of the amyloid-β peptide. The catalytic core of the complex lies on presenilin, a multi-spanning membrane protease, the activity of which depends on two aspartate residues located in transmembrane domains 6 and 7. We have recently shown by cysteine-scanning mutagenesis that these aspartates are facing a water-filled cavity in the lipid bilayer, demonstrating how proteolytic cleavage of the substrates can be taking place within the membrane. Here, we demonstrate that transmembrane domain 9 and hydrophobic domain VII in the large cytoplasmic loop of presenilin are dynamic structural parts of this cavity. Hydrophobic domain VII is associated with transmembrane domain 7 in the membrane, probably facilitating the entrance of water molecules in the catalytic site. Transmembrane domain 9, on the other hand, exhibits a highly flexible structure, potentially involved in the transport of substrates to the catalytic site, as well as in the binding of γ-secretase inhibitors. The conserved proline-alanine-leucine motif at the cytoplasmic part of this domain is extremely close to the catalytic Asp257 and is crucial for conformational changes leading to the activation of the catalytic site. We, also, identify a unique mutant in this domain (I437C) that specifically blocks amyloid-β peptide production without affecting the processing of the physiologically indispensable Notch substrate. Our data are finally combined to propose a model for the architectural organization and activation of the catalytic site of presenilin.