Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mandibular Morphology and Spatial Position in Patients with Clefts: Intrinsic or Iatrogenic?

Lateral cephalometric films of operated (Op) and non-operated (Nop) patients with cleft lip and alveolus, cleft lip and palate or cleft palate only, were compared to determine whether the shape or position of the mandible is affected by lip and/or palate surgery. The sample included 204 adult cleft patients, Caucasians of both sexes with one of the following three cleft types: complete unilateral lip and alveolus (n = 50), complete unilateral lip and palate (n = 68), and isolated palate (n = 86). The comparison involved 113 cleft patients operated at the conventional timing and 91 cleft patients who had received no surgical or orthodontic treatment. Comparison was done in order to ascertain if the surgery performed had had any influence upon mandibular growth. The results indicated that, In all three cleft types, the surgery did not induce significant changes in the mandibular growth.
Does a Wander Garden Influence Inappropriate Behaviors in Dementia Residents?

Background: The effect on resident behaviors of adding a wander garden to an existing dementia facility was investigated. Methods: 34 male residents were observed for 12 months before and after opening the garden. Behaviors were assessed using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory Short Form (CMAI), incident reports, as needed medications (pro re nata [PRN]), and surveys of staff and residents' family members as indices of affect. Results: Final CMAI scores and total PRNs employed were lower than baseline values with a trend for residents who used the garden more often to have less agitated behavior. Verbal inappropriate behaviors did not change significantly whereas physical incidents increased. Staff and family members felt that the wander garden decreased inappropriate behaviors and improved mood and quality of life of the dementia residents. Conclusions: Study design characteristics and garden management may have affected behaviors both positively and negatively. Additional studies are needed to explore the benefits of wander gardens for dementia residents.
Impaired circulating glucagon‐like peptide‐1 response to oral glucose in women with previous gestational diabetes

Background and objective Women with previous gestational diabetes (pGDM) are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) potentiates the insulin response to oral glucose, and its secretion is diminished in Type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study was to see if decreased GLP‐1 secretion might be an early abnormality in the progression to Type 2 diabetes and would therefore be diminished in women with pGDM.
Polyvalent Envelope Glycoprotein Vaccine Elicits a Broader Neutralizing Antibody Response but Is Unable To Provide Sterilizing Protection against Heterologous Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Pigtailed Macaques

ABSTRACT The great difficulty in eliciting broadly cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates has been attributed to several intrinsic properties of their viral envelope glycoprotein, including its complex quaternary structure, extensive glycosylation, and marked genetic variability. Most previously evaluated vaccine candidates have utilized envelope glycoprotein from a single virus isolate. Here we compare the breadth of NAb and protective immune response following vaccination of pigtailed macaques with envelope protein(s) derived from either single or multiple viral isolates. Animals were challenged with Simian/human immunodeficiency virus strain DH12 (SHIVDH12) following priming with recombinant vaccinia virus(es) expressing gp160(s) and boosting with gp120 protein(s) from (i) LAI, RF, 89.6, AD8, and Bal (Polyvalent); (ii) LAI, RF, 89.6, AD8, Bal, and DH12 (Polyvalent-DH12); (iii) 89.6 (Monovalent-89.6); and (iv) DH12 (Monovalent-DH12). Animals in the two polyvalent vaccine groups developed NAbs against more HIV-1 isolates than those in the two monovalent vaccine groups (P = 0.0054). However, the increased breadth of response was directed almost entirely against the vaccine strains. Resistance to SHIVDH12 strongly correlated with the level of NAbs directed against the virus on the day of challenge (P = 0.0008). Accordingly, the animals in the Monovalent-DH12 and Polyvalent-DH12 vaccine groups were more resistant to the SHIVDH12 challenge than the macaques immunized with preparations lacking a DH12 component (viz. Polyvalent and Monovalent-89.6) (P = 0.039). Despite the absence of any detectable NAb, animals in the Polyvalent vaccine group, but not those immunized with Monovalent-89.6, exhibited markedly lower levels of plasma virus than those in the control group, suggesting a superior cell-mediated immune response induced by the polyvalent vaccine.
Characterization of the FKBP.rapamycin.FRB ternary complex.

Rapamycin is an important immunosuppressant, a possible anticancer therapeutic, and a widely used research tool. Essential to its various functions is its ability to bind simultaneously to two different proteins, FKBP and mTOR. Despite its widespread use, a thorough analysis of the interactions between FKBP, rapamycin, and the rapamycin-binding domain of mTOR, FRB, is lacking. To probe the affinities involved in the formation of the FKBP.rapamycin. FRB complex, we used fluorescence polarization, surface plasmon resonance, and NMR spectroscopy. Analysis of the data shows that rapamycin binds to FRB with moderate affinity (K(d) = 26 +/- 0.8 microM). The FKBP12.rapamycin complex, however, binds to FRB 2000-fold more tightly (K(d) = 12 +/- 0.8 nM) than rapamycin alone. No interaction between FKBP and FRB was detected in the absence of rapamycin. These studies suggest that rapamycin's ability to bind to FRB, and by extension to mTOR, in the absence of FKBP is of little consequence under physiological conditions. Furthermore, protein-protein interactions at the FKBP12-FRB interface play a role in the stability of the ternary complex.
Analysis of meanings of the concept of sustainability

The ambiguity and polysemy of the concept of sustainability is a problem often faced by researchers. The existence of definitions that are not operative, diverse and sometimes contradictory represents a difficulty for the election of a suitable concept of sustainability. Even most of the research works whose title includes the term sustainability do not define what it is, which eventually, constitutes a methodological error. This leads the researchers to avoid defining sustainability, or to study it indirectly through the study of social and ecological variables of certain systems. The present work analysed the meanings conveyed by the concept of sustainability according to researchers. The uses that researchers make of the term sustainability were employed to reveal such meanings. Four uses were identified, which allowed the identification of four meanings of the concept of sustainability. This concluded that the meanings of the concept of sustainability are neither many nor as ambiguous as other authors point out, and that this classification of uses and meanings could be employed to avoid frequent errors made by researchers.
Neighborhood Environment and Urban Schoolchildren's Risk for Being Overweight

Purpose. Child and adolescent obesity is increasingly prevalent and predisposes risk for poor physical and psychosocial health. Physical and social factors in the environment, such as neighborhood disorder, may be associated with childhood obesity. This study examines the association between living in a disordered neighborhood and being overweight among a sample of urban schoolchildren. Design. Baseline interview data, including height, weight, and hip circumference, were obtained from 313 elementary school–aged participants in a community-based epidemiologic study. Setting. The setting was Baltimore, Maryland, a large metropolitan city. Subjects. Subjects were elementary school students ages 8 to 12 years. Measures. To assess neighborhood characteristics, independent evaluators conducted objective environmental assessments using the Neighborhood Inventory for Environmental Typology instrument on the block faces (defined as one side of a city block between two intersections) where the children resided. Analysis. Logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to examine the association between neighborhood disorder and children being overweight. Results. Neighborhood disorder showed a trend toward a statistically significant association with being overweight during childhood (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; confidence interval [CI], .99–1.07; p = .07) in the unadjusted model. Gender was significantly associated with being overweight, with female gender increasing the odds of being overweight by 50% in the sample (OR, 1.50; CI, 1.18–1.92; p < .01). After controlling for race, age, and comparative time spent on a sport, multivariable analyses revealed that gender (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.42; CI, 1.63–3.59; p < .01) and neighborhood disorder (AOR, 1.09; CI, 1.03–1.15; p < .01) were associated with being overweight. Further, an examination of interactions revealed girls (AOR, 2.40; CI, 1.65–3.49; p < .01) were more likely to be overweight compared with boys (AOR, 2.20; CI, 1.57–3.11; p < .01) living in neighborhoods with the same level of neighborhood disorder. Conclusion. Results suggest neighborhood hazards warrant additional consideration for their potential as obesogenic elements affecting gender-based disparities in weight among urban schoolchildren. Future studies in this area should include longitudinal examinations.
Reduction of the pH-values of whole saliva after the intake of apple juice containing beverages in children and adults.

PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to compare changes in salivary pH after intake of apple juice and its various dilutions with mineral water, in children and adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS 15 children (mean age 4.4+/-0.9 years), and 15 adults (mean age 30+/-2.4 years) participated in this study. Carbonated mineral water, apple juice and its various dilutions with carbonated mineral water were tested. The pH-value of unstimulated whole saliva was measured at the same time of day. The pH-value was measured again immediately after intake of a beverage, and 5, 10, 15 and 25 min later. The flow rate and buffering capacity of stimulated saliva, and the buffering capacity, calcium and phosphorus contents of the beverages were measured. The statistical evaluation of the data was performed employing the Wilcoxon test for paired samples. RESULTS The mean base value of the pH of whole saliva was 7.0+/-0.2 (children), and 6.8+/-0.3 (adults). The differences in the flow rates of stimulated saliva in children and adults were statistically significant (p = 0.0003). The intake of mineral water led to a statistically significant rise in the salivary pH-value (p < 0.05). Undiluted and diluted apple juice caused a reduction in the salivary pH-values. Within the first 10 min the changes of pH in saliva only differed significantly between mineral water and the other beverages (p < 0.01). In the pH range of 5.8 - 7.0, mineral water had a weak buffering capacity, while undiluted apple juice had a high buffering capacity. CONCLUSIONS With regard to dental and general health, only mineral water can be recommended for children.
Inheritance Taxation in a Model with Intergenerational Time Transfers

Abstract We consider a two-period overlapping generation model with rational altruism à la Barro, where time transfers and bequests are available to parents. Starting from a steady state where public spending is financed through taxation on capital income and labor income, we analyze a tax reform that consists in a shift of the tax burden from capital income tax toward inheritance tax. In the standard Barro model with no time transfer and inelastic labor supply, such a policy decreases steady-state welfare. In our setting, inheritance tax modifies parents’ trade-off between time transfers and bequests. We identify situations where the tax reform increases welfare for all generations. Welfare improvement mainly depends on the magnitude of the effect of higher time transfers on the labor supply of the young.
Raising the Floor – How a Universal Basic Income Can Renew our Economy and Rebuild the American Dream Andy Stern, with, Lee Kravitz New York: PublicAffairs, 2016

Do you tend to always bring at least two books on vacation that you need to read for your research? Do you bring them everywhere, open them often, but the amount of pages read remains desperately low? Raising the Floor – How a Universal Basic Income Can Renew our Economy and Rebuild the American Dream by Andy Stern might be the solution to your conundrum. It will enrich your research, raise multiple risk regulation questions that you will want to answer as soon as you get back to your desk and be a pleasant vacation book. But let me say more. First I need to say a few words on the author, as his background is key to understanding the case he makes in favour of adopting a universal basic income. As we learn in the first chapter, Andy Stern was the head of the most influential American union, the Service Employees International Union. He then became a member of the Simpson-Bowles Commission on fiscal responsibility and reform gathered by President Obama and is now the Ronald O Perlman Senior Fellow at Columbia University. In other words, throughout his career, he has collected a vast amount of knowledge on the evolution of the job market, labour issues and unions. He has also developed connections with key actors from whom even more insight can be gathered on the matter. In this book, which is useful for both experts and lay persons, Stern analyses why the job market has been characterised by a steady decrease in the number of jobs available. The main suspects behind this trend which, according to Stern, will only get stronger, are “the fundamental restructuring of the economy and the emerging disruptive technology that threaten secure jobs and income” (book summary). In light of this evolution, Stern explains both why and how a universal basic income offers the best solution to avoid social upheaval. So what is the connection between this book and risk regulation? The theme might seem disconnected, but not upon closer examination. Risk regulation is, in many ways, an attempt to build institutionalised foresight. But when the risk comes from technology, regulation primarily focuses on preventing physical threats – ie to the environment or to health – while in reality the shock wave can reach much further, for example to jobs and well-being. Reading Stern’s book is an opportunity to adopt a more holistic assessment of the risks associated with novel technology (AI, robots, etc): an assessment which covers societal disruptions as well as physical risks. Stern’s granular analysis goes beyond the obvious
Infusion of Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide Toxin in Rats Produces an Early and Severe Impairment of Baroreflex Function in Absence of Blood Pressure Changes

ABSTRACT The assessment of baroreflex function since the first appearance of endotoxemia is important because the arterial baroreflex should exert a protective role during sepsis. Nevertheless, contrasting results were previously reported. This could be due to the hemodynamic instability characterizing this condition that may per se interfere with reflex cardiovascular adjustments. The aim of our study was therefore to study the baroreflex function (a) since the very beginning of infusion of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) toxin and (b) in absence of the unloading effect produced by a decrease in blood pressure. Lipopolysaccharide was infused in 10 rats for 20 min at the infusion rate of 0.05 mg · kg−1 · min−1. Blood pressure was continuously measured before, during, and after infusion, and the baroreflex function was evaluated analyzing spontaneous fluctuations of systolic blood pressure and pulse interval by the sequence and transfer-function techniques. Plasma concentrations of inflammatory (interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor &agr;) and anti-inflammatory (interleukin 10) cytokines were measured in other eight rats, similarly instrumented, four of which receiving the same LPS infusion. We found that blood pressure levels did not change with the infusion of LPS, whereas inflammatory cytokines increased significantly. The baroreflex sensitivity was significantly reduced 10 min after the beginning of LPS infusion, reached values about half those at baseline within 15 min after the start of infusion, and remained significantly low after the end of infusion. In conclusion, we documented that septic shock inducing LPS infusion is responsible for a very rapid impairment of the baroreflex function, independent from the level of blood pressure.
Reconstruction and the radiated breast: is there a role for implants?

The use of breast implants in irradiated patients is controversial. Recently, 39 irradiated implants were compared with 338 nonirradiated implants in 297 patients between January of 1975 and October of 1994 at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Tissue expanders and follow-up time of less than 6 months excluded patients from the study. Five groups of patients were identified. Group 1 consisted of 7 patients and 7 implants who received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy after implant placement. Group 2 consisted of 5 patients and 7 implants who received preoperative adjuvant radiotherapy prior to implant placement. Groups 3 and 4 consisted of 2 and 12 patients (2 and 19 implants) placed beneath latissimus dorsi flaps who had postoperative and preoperative adjuvant radiotherapy, respectively. Group 5 contained 4 patients with 4 implants placed beneath a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap who had preoperative radiotherapy. All implants were placed submuscularly or beneath autogenous flaps. The average irradiated breast received 50 Gy. For statistical purposes, two categories were identified. Capsular contracture (Baker III or greater), pain, exposure, and implant removal in 6 of 14 implants that received radiotherapy were compared with similar complications in 33 of 266 implants without irradiation (p = 0.001). The second category contained 10 complications in 25 implants placed beneath autogenous reconstructions with radiotherapy compared with 6 of 72 similar complications in implants placed beneath autogenous reconstructions without radiotherapy (p = 0.000). Results showed that irradiation has significant negative effects on the reconstructive outcome with implants. Autogenous reconstruction did not appear to offer a protective role when placed over implants. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
What are the Trends in Women’s Labour Force Participation in Turkey?

Labour force participation (LFP) by women is an important driving force of the economic growth and sustainable development. However, one of the salient characteristics of Turkish labour market is the distinctly lower female labour force participation rate (FLFPR). In 1955, the FLFPR was 72%, which decreased to 32.5 % in 2016. Further, it is very low as per the EU–28 (52%) and OECD (51.9%) standards. The reasons of low FLFPR in Turkey are multidimensional. On the one hand, it could relate, to some extent, to the deep-rooted traditional gender roles (socio-cultural), and on the other hand, to the economic barriers. The process of urbanization and agricultural shedding are the two driving forces contributing to this decreasing trend. Thus, FLFPR in Turkey need to be improved through sustaining investment on education and creating job opportunities for the women. Government regulations should aim at promoting formal employment for undereducated women and increasing the quality of jobs. Many women could be encouraged to work by offering affordable childcare. Sustaining investment on the education of girls and women would also improve FLFPR and access to higher education would increase the LFP of women in Turkey. Keywords: female labour force participation rate, labour market, Turkey
Core Formation and the Acquisition of Fusion Competence are Linked During Secretory Granule Maturation in Tetrahymena

The formation of dense core secretory granules is a multistage process beginning in the trans Golgi network and continuing during a period of granule maturation. Direct interactions between proteins in the membrane and those in the forming dense core may be important for sorting during this process, as well as for organizing membrane proteins in mature granules. We have isolated two mutants in dense core granule formation in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila, an organism in which this pathway is genetically accessible. The mutants lie in two distinct genes but have similar phenotypes, marked by accumulation of a set of granule cargo markers in intracellular vesicles resembling immature secretory granules. Sorting to these vesicles appears specific, since they do not contain detectable levels of an extraneous secretory marker. The mutants were initially identified on the basis of aberrant proprotein processing, but also showed defects in the docking of the immature granules. These defects, in core assembly and docking, were similarly conditional with respect to growth conditions, and therefore are likely to be tightly linked. In starved cells, the processing defect was less severe, and the immature granules could dock but still did not undergo stimulated exocytosis. We identified a lumenal protein that localizes to the docking‐competent end of wildtype granules, but which is delocalized in the mutants. Our results suggest that dense cores have functionally distinct domains that may be important for organizing membrane proteins involved in docking and fusion.
Dynorphins Modulate DNA Synthesis in Fetal Brain Cell Aggregates

Abstract: Previously, opioid peptide analogues, β‐endorphin, and synthetic opiates were found to inhibit DNA synthesis in 7‐day fetal rat brain cell aggregates via κ‐and μ‐opioid receptors. Here dynorphins and other endogenous opioid peptides were investigated for their effect on DNA synthesis in rat and guinea pig brain cell aggregates. At 1 µM, all dynorphins tested and β‐endorphin inhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA by 20–38% in 7‐day rat brain cell aggregates. The putative ε‐antagonist β‐endorphin (1–27) did not prevent the effect of β‐endorphin, suggesting that the ε‐receptor is not involved in opioid inhibition of DNA synthesis. The κ‐selective antagonist norbinaltorphimine blocked dynorphin A or B inhibition of DNA synthesis, implicating a κ‐opioid receptor. In dose‐dependency studies, dynorphin B was three orders of magnitude more potent than dynorphin A in the attenuation of thymidine incorporation, indicative of the mediation of its action by a discrete κ‐receptor subtype. The IC50 value of 0.1 nM estimated for dynorphin B is in the physiological range for dynorphins in developing brain. In guinea pig brain cell aggregates, the κ‐receptor agonists U50488, U69593, and dynorphin B reduced thymidine incorporation by 40%. When 21‐day aggregates were treated with dynorphins, a 33–86% enhancement of thymidine incorporation was observed. Because both 7‐ and 21‐day aggregates correspond to stages in development when glial cell proliferation is prevalent and glia preferentially express κ‐receptors in rat brain, these findings support the hypothesis that dynorphins modulate glial DNA synthesis during brain ontogeny.