Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Light augments tooth whitening with peroxide.

BACKGROUND The authors tested the adjunctive use of light with a 15 percent peroxide gel as a single-visit, in-office tooth whitening system. METHODS Subject (N = 87) with stained (> shade D4, Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) anterior teeth were randomly assigned to test (peroxide and light), peroxide control (peroxide gel) or light control (placebo gel and light) groups and were treated for one hour. The researchers evaluated tooth shade, color and subject response at baseline and posttreatment and at three and six months posttreatment. RESULTS The initial shade unit reduction of combined light and peroxide treatment (8.4) was greatest compared with that of peroxide alone (5.9) and of light alone (4.9). Approximately 88 percent of these effects persisted for six months. Lightness was increased and yellowness decreased to a significantly greater extent in the test group than in either control. These findings were corroborated by subject evaluation. One week after treatment, moderate to greatly increased tooth sensitivity occurred in 20 percent of test subjects, 21.7 percent of peroxide control subjects and none of the light control subjects. Neither tooth sensitivity nor gingival redness was present at the three- and six-month visits. CONCLUSIONS Peroxide and light treatment significantly lightened the color of teeth to a greater extent than did peroxide or light alone, with a low and transient incidence of tooth sensitivity. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Light can increase the tooth-whitening effect of peroxide, thereby increasing the effectiveness of tooth-whitening procedures.
Potential clinical relevance of the ‘little brain’ on the mammalian heart

It is hypothetized that the heart possesses a nervous system intrinsic to it that represents the final relay station for the co‐ordination of regional cardiac indices. This ‘little brain’ on the heart is comprised of spatially distributed sensory (afferent), interconnecting (local circuit) and motor (adrenergic and cholinergic efferent) neurones that communicate with others in intrathoracic extracardiac ganglia, all under the tonic influence of central neuronal command and circulating catecholamines. Neurones residing from the level of the heart to the insular cortex form temporally dependent reflexes that control overlapping, spatially determined cardiac indices. The emergent properties that most of its components display depend primarily on sensory transduction of the cardiovascular milieu. It is further hypothesized that the stochastic nature of such neuronal interactions represents a stabilizing feature that matches cardiac output to normal corporal blood flow demands. Thus, with regard to cardiac disease states, one must consider not only cardiac myocyte dysfunction but also the fact that components within this neuroaxis may interact abnormally to alter myocyte function. This review emphasizes the stochastic behaviour displayed by most peripheral cardiac neurones, which appears to be a consequence of their predominant cardiac chemosensory inputs, as well as their complex functional interconnectivity. Despite our limited understanding of the whole, current data indicate that the emergent properties displayed by most neurones comprising the cardiac neuroaxis will have to be taken into consideration when contemplating the targeting of its individual components if predictable, long‐term therapeutic benefits are to accrue.
The Effect of Social Support on Exercise Behavior in Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to test the relationship among social supports related to exercise (family, friends, and expert support), self-efficacy expectations, outcome expectations, and exercise behavior in a sample of older adults living in a continuing care retirement community. The sample included 74 older adults with a mean age of 85.6±5.5. Path analysis using Amos 4.0 was done. The model fit the data (chi-square = 4.6, df = 3, p = .21, normed fit index of .99, relative fit index of .98, and root mean square error of approximation of .08) and explained 53% of the variance in exercise behavior. Five of the seven hypothesized paths in the model were statistically significant. Friend support indirectly influenced exercise through self-efficacy and outcome expectations. This suggests interventions to improve exercise behavior in older adults should incorporate social supports to strengthen self-efficacy and outcome expectations related to exercise.
Competitive and Facilitative Evolutionary Diversification

Abstract A central goal of evolutionary ecology is to understand the role of different ecological processes in producing patterns of macroevolutionary diversification. Theory and empirical evidence have shown that competition between existing species can promote evolutionary diversification through ecological character displacement and, more recently, that competition may play a role both in producing species and in driving their subsequent evolutionary divergence. However, recent theory and experiments suggest that other ecological interactions, such as facilitation, may also be important in the evolutionary diversification of some taxa. Future research in this area will be invaluable in dissecting the relative roles of different ecological processes in producing and maintaining biodiversity.
99m-Technetium phosphate compound joint scintigraphy in the management of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral condyles

The known sensitivity of joint scintigraphy in following the course of fracture healing caused the authors to believe that this radiologic technique might be valuable in the management of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Accordingly, 99mTc-diphosphonate joint scintigraphy was used on 18 patients with OCD of the knee. The average age was 13½ years. The scintigrams were repeated at 6-week intervals until healing had occurred. When the diagnosis of OCD was established by stan dard roentgenograms and joint scintigraphy, the pa tients were placed on an activity restriction program, attempting to reach a symptom-free level. The patients were followed for an average of 18 months. Ninety-five scans were categorized according to their level of scin tigraphic activity. This led to a discrete four-part scinti graphic classification that is indicative of the extent of healing or progression of this condition, and precedes changes seen on standard x-rays by months. Joint scintigraphy also rules out anomalies of ossification in the diagnosis of OCD since an anomaly should have a normal scintigraphic appearance. We have concluded that joint scintigraphy is valuable in the management of OCD because of its superior sensitivity to changes in the activity of the lesion. As experience is gained with this technique, those cases that should be prophylact ically surgically stabilized may be indicated.
Renal sarcoidosis: epidemiological and follow-up data in a cohort of 27 patients.

BACKGROUND Renal sarcoidosis (RS) is a possible manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis. The clinical presentation can range from asymptomatic individuals up to acute renal failure with the necessity of renal replacement therapy. The definite diagnosis must be established by renal biopsy. OBJECTIVES Demonstration of clinical characteristics and effectiveness of steroid treatment. METHODS We present a single center study of 27 patients with histologically proven RS. Firstly, we elaborate on descriptive features such as extra-renal organ involvement, calcium levels, renal function, proteinuria and histological subtypes and provide an histological assessment of renal damage. Secondly, we present follow-up data over a period of 2 years or more. RESULTS Non-granulomatous tubulointerstitial nephritis (ngIN) was the most common histological entity (44%), followed by granulomatous IN (GIN, 30%), IgA-GN (26%) and nephrocalcinosis (11%). Under treatment with oral prednisone mean eGFR significantly improved from 38 ± 21 ml/min to 57 ± 26 ml/min and proteinuria decreased from 981 ± 304 mg/24 hrs to 176 ± 77 mg/24 hrs at the end of follow-up. In total, 62.5% of patients responded to therapy. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that GIN is more often associated with advanced stages of renal insufficiency than any other histological manifestation of RS. Furthermore, prednisone therapy is effective in improving eGFR and in reducing total urinary protein secretion. We suggest that the key prognostic factor for renal survival in RS is the early response to treatment.
Demographic and Genetic Evidence for Cyclical Changes in Queen Number in a Neotropical Wasp, Polybia emaciata

Cyclical oligogyny appears to be the best hypothesis for the maintenance of high levels of relatedness among colony members in epiponine wasps, a tribe of Neotropical social wasps characterized by many queens per colony and reproduction by swarms that contain many queens and workers. The cyclical oligogyny hypothesis predicts that queen number declines as colonies age, so colonies about to fission have very few queens, which results in high relatedness among future queens. We investigate key features of this hypothesis by analyzing demographic characteristics of colonies and relatedness in a Venezuelan population of Polybia emaciata. These colonies averaged 30 queens, 276 workers, and 26 males. Relatedness among workers from the same colony of P. emaciata was 0.24 (SE = 0.076). This value can be reconciled with the high numbers of queens only if queens are highly related, as expected under cyclical oligogyny. We found substantial demographic evidence supporting the cyclical oligogyny hypothesis from an examination of numbers of queens, their ages, and eggs per queen. By contrast, we found no support for the hypotheses that relatedness is elevated in epiponine wasps because of inbreeding (f = 0.07) or because of reproductive dominance among queens.
Evolution and Human B Kin selection and male androphilia in Samoan fa ’ afafine B

The Kin Selection Hypothesis for male androphilia posits that genes for male androphilia can be maintained in the population if the fitness costs of not reproducing directly are offset by enhancing inclusive fitness. In theory, androphilic males can increase their inclusive fitness by directing altruistic behavior toward kin, which, in turn, allows kin to increase their reproductive success. Previous research conducted in Western countries has failed to find any support for this hypothesis. The current study tests this basic prediction of the Kin Selection Hypothesis for male androphilia by comparing the altruistic tendencies of androphilic and gynephilic males in the Polynesian nation of Independent Samoa. In Independent Samoa, androphilic males are known locally as fa’afafine. Altruistic tendencies were assessed using a Kin Selection Questionnaire. Comparisons of the altruistic tendencies of fa’afafine and gynephilic men revealed that these two groups did not differ in terms of their overall generosity and allocation of financial resources toward kin, nor did they differ in terms of general neediness or financial resources obtained from kin. Fa’afafine did, however, report greater avuncular tendencies than gynephilic men. Although the greater avuncular tendencies of fa’afafine support the basic prediction of the Kin Selection Hypothesis for male androphilia, further research is needed before one can conclude that these elevated tendencies represent a specially designed adaptation for promoting the fitness of kin. We discuss a number of sociocultural factors that might promote the expression of avuncular tendencies by androphilic males in Independent Samoa. Our results underscore the importance of testing functional hypotheses in evolutionarily appropriate environments. D 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Depressive Symptomatology in Three Latino Groups

The purpose of this study was to examine depressive symptomatology in three Latino groups: Mexicans living in Mexico City, Latino immigrants living in the South Bay area of San Francisco, and Puerto Ricans living on the island of Puerto Rico. The Spanish version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used as part of a larger study on stress and coping. The levels of depressive symptomatology in all three Latino groups were significantly higher than those reported in other Latino samples and in White Americans. Mexican immigrants reported the highest levels of depressive symptomatology.
A time series interaction analysis method for building predictive models of learners using log data

As courses become bigger, move online, and are deployed to the general public at low cost (e.g. through Massive Open Online Courses, MOOCs), new methods of predicting student achievement are needed to support the learning process. This paper presents a novel method for converting educational log data into features suitable for building predictive models of student success. Unlike cognitive modelling or content analysis approaches, these models are built from interactions between learners and resources, an approach that requires no input from instructional or domain experts and can be applied across courses or learning environments.
Impaired Pattern of Endothelial Derived Microparticles in Heart Failure Patients

Chronic heart failure (CHF) remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide that is characterized pandemic features. Metabolic diseases, neurohumoral state, and systemic inflammatory response are considered the origin of microvascular endothelial cell inflammation that leads to development of CHF and supporting cardiac remodelling and vascular dysfunction. Endothelial-derived microparticles (EMPs) are considered a novel biological marker of endothelial injury and vascular tone disorders. Biological effect of EMPs realizes through supporting of cell-to-cell cross-talking mediated by transport microRNA, active molecules, hormones, peptides, regulator proteins, etc. EMPs derived from activated endothelial cells may play a pivotal role in the vascular remodelling and endothelial reparation. In opposite, EMPs originated from apoptotic endothelial cells are considered a direct trigger of vascular injury. The review is addressed to discussion of one of possible mechanism of effect realizing of endothelial-derived microparticles different origin in heart failure affected endogenous reparation and tissue injury.
Regionalism as industrial policy in developing countries ∗

This paper empirically explores whether trade preferences can be used as a substitute for industrial policy and help countries achieve their industrialization objectives, at the expense of other regional members. It illustrates the heterogeneity that may exist in terms of reaching industrialization objectives with the help of preferential trade between small and large members of these trade agreements. The focus is on Brazil’s regional preferences within MERCOSUR. Results show that MERCOSUR preferences obtained by Brazilian exporters have led to an increase in exports of relatively sophisticated products where Brazil does not enjoys a global comparative advantage, whereas the smaller members of MERCOSUR are more likely to export within the region products in which they have a strong comparative advantage and with relatively low levels of sophistication. Thus, MERCOSUR has helped large members achieve their industrialization objectives. JEL classification numbers: F10, F11, F13
Heritability Estimates for Growth Traits in the Nigerian Local Chicken

F1 pedigreed chicks from a like by like mating of normal feathered (NF), frizzled feathered (FF) and naked neck (Na) Nigerian local chickens were monitored for growth characteristics from hatch to 20 weeks of age. Similarly, heritability estimates from sire variance components were computed 4weekly to 20 weeks of age of the birds. Heritability estimate ranged from 0.17±0.07 to 0.26±0.19; 0.28±0.16 to 0.40±0.14; 0.42±0.21 to 0.53±0.23; 0.34±0.25 to 0.65±0.16 and 0.52±0.07 to 0.54±0.26 for 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age respectively in the genetic groups. Heritability estimate for body weights from the 8 th week of age were moderate to high. Thus, appreciable genetic progress for body weight gain can be achieved in the Nigerian local chicken through concerted selection.
Rehabilitation of verbal working memory after left hemisphere stroke

Primary objective: To assess a rehabilitation programme of working memory Research design: Single case multiple-baseline-across-behaviour design in a patient with chronic stroke suffering from a specific impairment of working memory. Methods: Rehabilitation included training of storage and processing components of verbal working memory. Outcome was assessed with specific working memory tests, non-specific tasks requiring working memory, non-target tasks not requiring working memory and questionnaires addressing daily-life functioning. This assessment was performed twice before the experimental therapy and once after. Results: Cognitive measures were stable before therapy. A statistically significant improvement was found for target measures and for daily-life skills. In contrast, no change was found on non-target tasks. Conclusion: Improvement was not apparently related to spontaneous recovery, since performance was stable before therapy. This study suggests that specific cognitive training may improve working memory in patients with brain injury.
Effect of the chemopreventive agents piroxicam and D,L-alpha-difluoromethylornithine on intermediate biomarkers of colon carcinogenesis.

Our previous studies have shown that dietary piroxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and D,L-alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) inhibitor, act as potential chemopreventive agents in inhibiting azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon carcinogenesis in male F344 rats. The present study was designed to determine the effect of these chemopreventive agents on intermediate biomarkers, namely colonic epithelial cell proliferation and levels of prostaglandins, which can be used as effective predictors of colon cancer. Starting at 6 weeks of age, groups of animals were fed the control diet and experimental diets containing piroxicam or DFMO. At 7 weeks of age, all animals, except the vehicle controls, were injected s.c. with AOM at a dose level of 15 mg/kg body wt/week for 4 weeks. Vehicle controls received an equal volume of normal saline. Groups of animals were then killed at the end of last AOM or saline injection (baseline) and at week 4, 16, 24 and 32 following the last AOM or saline treatment. Animals intended for cell proliferation study were injected with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) at a dose level of 20 mg/kg body wt 1 h prior to being killed. The rate of colonic cell proliferation at all time points was assessed immunohistochemically using anti-BrdU. The levels of colonic mucosal prostaglandins were estimated by radioimmunoassay. The results indicate that carcinogen treatment increased the colonic cell proliferation measured as the crypt labeling index in proximal and distal colons and the concentrations of colonic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 6-keto PGF1 alpha. The data demonstrate that DFMO significantly inhibited the AOM-induced labeling index in the distal and proximal colon at all time points, whereas piroxicam slightly decreased the labeling index. On the other hand, piroxicam exerted a pronounced inhibitory effect on the levels of both PGE2 and 6-keto PGF1 alpha. DFMO suppressed the colonic PGE2 levels to a lesser degree than piroxicam. The results demonstrate that DFMO, an inhibitor of ODC, suppresses cell proliferation, whereas piroxicam, a NSAID, inhibits prostaglandins, and emphasize the need to develop agent-dependent intermediate biomarker(s) to validate the efficacy of chemopreventive agent(s) in colon carcinogenesis.
Coherent structure in the turbulent planar jet. Part 2. Structural topology via POD eigenmode projection

The topology of the large-scale structure in the similarity region of a turbulent planar jet is investigated experimentally. The large-scale structure is reconstructed in physical space by projection of measured proper orthogonal decomposition eigenmodes onto instantaneous flow-field realizations. The instantaneous flow-field realizations are obtained by a spanwise aligned triple X-wire rake arrangement which is used in conjunction with the linear stochastic estimation technique. Instantaneous realizations are also acquired via a second triple rake arrangement which provides an assessment of the effect of spatial aliasing on the resulting structural topology. Results indicate that the self-similar large-scale structure in the planar jet consists of a dominant planar component consisting of two lines of large-scale spanwise vortices arranged approximately asymmetrically with respect to the jet centreline. This planar component of the structure resembles the classic Kármán vortex street. There is a strong interaction between structures on opposite sides of the jet in the form of nearly two-dimensional lateral streaming motions that extend well across the flow. In addition, results indicate that the effect of the nonplanar spanwise modes is to both tilt and bend the primary spanwise vortex tubes and thereby redistribute large-scale vorticity. The bending occurs primarily in the streamwise direction. The degree to which the spanwise vortices are distorted varies greatly; in some cases they are nearly streamwise oriented and in others only slight distortion of a spanwise vortex is noted. Based upon the experimental results, prospects for low-order modelling of the jet large-scale structure are discussed.
Magnetism and mineralogy of Almahata Sitta polymict ureilite (= asteroid 2008 TC3): Implications for the ureilite parent body magnetic field

Abstract– The Almahata Sitta meteorite is the first case of recovered extraterrestrial material originating from an asteroid that was detected in near Earth space shortly before entering and exploding in the high atmosphere. The aims of our project within the 2008 TC3 consortium were investigating Almahata Sitta’s (AS) magnetic signature, phase composition and mineralogy, focussing on the opaque minerals, and gaining new insights into the magnetism of the ureilite parent body (UPB). We report on the general magnetic properties and behavior of Almahata Sitta and try to place the results in context with the existing data set on ureilites and ureilite parent body models. The magnetic signature of AS is dominated by a set of low‐Ni kamacites with large grain sizes. Additional contributions come from micron‐sized kamacites, suessite, (Cr) troilite, and daubreelite, mainly found in the olivine grains adjacent to carbon‐rich veins. Our results show that the paleomagnetic signal is of extraterrestrial origin as can be seen by comparing with laboratory produced magnetic records (IRM). Four types of kamacite (I–IV) have been recognized in the sample. The elemental composition of the ureilite vein metal Kamacite I (particularly Co) clearly differs from the other kamacites (II‐IV), which are considered to be indigenous. Element ratios of kamacite I indicate that it was introduced into the UPB by an impactor, supporting the conclusions of Gabriel and Pack (2009) .
Stressors and Remediation Techniques for Special Educators

Special educator stressors within the realm of administrative remediation are identified and organized under the topics of roles, resources, and relationships. Problems such as lack of role clarity, lack of time, lack of material resources, and insufficient recognition and reinforcement are examined. Practical remediation strategies to reduce special educator stress and ward off burnout and eventual resignation are identified and discussed.