Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preferences of Lay Persons and Dental Professionals Regarding the Recurring Esthetic Dental Proportion.

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the preferences of dental professionals and lay persons with respect to the Recurring Esthetic Dental (RED) Proportion, an objective mathematical tool used in treatment planning the "apparent" widths of maxillary anterior teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS Stock dentofacial and facial images of a prototypical smiling male and female were digitally altered to demonstrate five different RED proportion relationships (0.62, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, and 0.80). Four sets of the five altered images were presented to dental professionals and lay persons using a web-based survey site. The professional group included dentists and dental laboratory technicians. The lay group included anyone without previous dental education or experience. Study participants were asked to rank each series from most to least esthetic and their preferences were extracted from the data. RESULTS Preference data from the five RED proportion relationships was consolidated into two categories: a narrow group including 0.62, 0.65, and 0.70 and a broad group including 0.75 and 0.80. Analysis shows that the level of professional training or experience does not play a significant role in the RED proportion preferences of study participants. Only in the prototypical male facial views was there any significant difference between professional and lay groups. For that view, a greater percentage of the layperson group preferred the narrow RED proportions. However, for the male dentofacial views that difference disappeared and both participant groups showed a slight preference for the broad proportion category. This may be due to the traditional esthetic stereotype for males to have broader, more vigorous appearing anterior teeth. For the prototypical female images, all participants expressed a clear, statistically significant preference for the narrower RED proportions in both full face and close up views. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results above, dental professionals who are developing a treatment plan should attempt to utilize a RED proportion ≤ 0.70 for both male and female patients. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The RED proportion is an objective numeric tool for relating the apparent widths of maxillary anterior teeth. It may be used by dental professionals to help diagnose and develop an optimal esthetic treatment plan. This paper offers insight into whether there are specific RED proportions that are preferred, whether there is a difference in preference when considering the male or female smile and whether professional educational training changes those preferences.
The effect of micromachining process to the biocompatibility of 3C-SiC membranes

3C-Silicon Carbide (SiC) has been identified as a potential biomaterial for implantable devices. The prospect of 3C-SiC membrane as the working component for BioMEMS in in-vitro blood pressure sensing could be a new challenge for biomedical engineers. Although, 3C-SiC is known to be biocompatible, but the micromachining process normally used in semiconductor industry might alter the biocompatibility of 3C-SiC. In this study, we investigate the biocompatibility of 3C-SiC which had been subjected to Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) wet etching and reactive ion etching (RIE) using tetrafluoromethane (CF4). The Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells were directly cultured onto the prepared samples of 3C-SiC, Si and controls to investigate 3C-SiC biocompatibility. The cells were detached from the substrates and grown further in 6 well plates for another 24 hours at 37°C with 5% CO2 and 95% relative humidity for further testing. Cell viability percentage was determined by Trypan Blue exclusion technique which revealed the preference of the cells to grow and to proliferate on the treated SiC samples. However, the results could be inaccurate due to the nature of the testing which compromises the further ability of the cells to proliferate. Thus, a comparison was made by using Methylthiazolyldiphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, a typical cytotoxicity assay, and also PrestoBlue™ reagent (which is the state-of-the-art assay for biocompatibility determination) to confirm the cell viability on the treated and untreated SiC. Thus, the results showed that the cells proliferated better on surface of the 3C-SiC treated with halogenated plasma which indicate the enhancement of biocompatibility of the semiconductor material due to the RIE.
Effect of Midwifery-Based Counseling Support Program on Body Image of Breast Cancer Women Survivors

Background: Treatment for breast cancer can give rise to complications with important psychological impact. One change in patients regards body image. The aim of this research was to study the effect of a midwifery-based counseling support program on the body image of breast cancer survivors. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, the study population was constituted by 80 breast cancer patients referred to Tuba Clinic in Sari, north of Iran, randomly assigned to two groups. Inclusion criteria included breast cancer diagnosis, mastectomy experience, age of 30 to 60 years, primary school education or higher, being married, and receiving hormone therapy. The Body Image Scale and Beck Depression Inventory were completed by intervention and control groups prior to the intervention and again afterwards. This program was implemented to the intervention group (two groups each consisting of 20 patients) for six weekly sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. The collected data were analyzed suing SPSS through Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests. Results: The results showed that the average age of participants in the intervention and control groups were 46.8 ± 6.85 and 48.9 ± 5.86, respectively. Body image scores in the intervention and control groups before the support program were respectively 21.82 ± 1.66 and 21.7 ± 1.48, and after the support program they were 7.05± 2.70 and 22.92 ±1.49, respectively. Therefore, the results indicate that the support program was effective in improving body image. Conclusion: This study showed that the support program had a positive effect on the body image of patients. Therefore, it is suggested that it should be used as an effective method for all breast cancer survivors.
Docking-complex-independent alignment of Chlamydomonas outer dynein arms with 24-nm periodicity in vitro

ABSTRACT The docking complex is a molecular complex necessary for assembly of outer dynein arms (ODAs) on the axonemal doublet microtubules (DMTs) in cilia and flagella. The docking complex is hypothesized to be a 24-nm molecular ruler because ODAs align along the DMTs with 24-nm periodicity. In this study, we rigorously tested this hypothesis using structural and genetic methods. We found that the ODAs can bind to DMTs and porcine microtubules with 24-nm periodicities even in the absence of the docking complex in vitro. Using cryo-electron tomography and structural labeling, we observed that the docking complex took an unexpectedly flexible conformation and did not lie along the length of DMTs. In the absence of docking complex, ODAs were released from the DMT at relatively low ionic strength conditions, suggesting that the docking complex strengthens the electrostatic interactions between the ODA and DMT. Based on these results, we conclude that the docking complex serves as a flexible stabilizer of the ODA rather than as a molecular ruler. Summary: Axonemal outer dynein arms can form 24-nm repeats by themselves without docking complexes. The docking complex is likely to be a flexible scaffold rather than a molecular ruler.
Which Factors Influence Attitudes Towards Using Autonomous Vehicles?

In recent years, autonomous driving has emerged as an explicit technological objective of many players in the automobile market. How will these novel developments be accepted and which factors may determine their acceptance? In an exploratory study we investigated the impact of a number of possible predictors on the attitudes towards using one particular fully autonomous driving paradigm. In a survey with 70 participants we measured these attitudes using items from the "Car Technology Acceptance Model" (CTAM). Among other things we looked at driving experience, previous experience with in-car automation technology and attitudes towards driving violations (measured by the "Driver Attitude Questionnaire", DAQ). Subsequent regression analysis showed a high (DAQ) score (indicative of a less "by the rules" attitude) to be a significant predictor for a positive attitude towards autonomous vehicles as well as a non-significant tendency that women may be less accepting of the autonomous driving paradigm under scrutiny.
VARIATIONS IN THE NORMAL ELECTRO-OCULOGRAM * t

THE existence of an electrical potential in the vertebrate eye, with the cornea positive to the fundus, was demonstrated over a century ago (Du Bois-Reymond, 1849). This potential, the standing or corneo-fundal potential, is often described as a steady potential to distinguish it from the rapidly oscillating potential of the electroretinogram. It is not, however, a truly steady potential, but is constantly changing, and among the factors causing it to vary is a change in illumination. During studies to elucidate the nature of the light-induced change of the standing potential, it was found that in the dark the potential falls to reach a minimum level, the "dark trough level", and on subsequent re-illumination there is a rapid rise in potential to reach a maximum within 8 or 9 minutes, the "first light peak level". The height of the potential rise after darkness depends upon the time in the dark and the intensity of the subsequent re-illumination (Arden and Kelsey, 1962a). On the basis of these studies, a clinical test was devised as an objective measurement of retinal function, known as the electro-oculogram (EOG). The basis of the test is a comparison of the level of the dark trough with that of the first light peak and to express the result as a ratio (Arden, Barrada, and Kelsey, 1962):
Characterization of modulation of western equine encephalomyelitis virus by Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae) maintained at 32 degrees C following parenteral infection.

Two lines of Culex tarsalis Coquillett genetically selected for low or high western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE) virus production (low viral producer [LVP] or high viral producer [HVP], respectively) modulated WEE (i.e., decreased the concentration of virus to < 10(4) plaque-forming units after intrathoracic inoculation). The LVP line modulated WEE more than HVP, and modulation was most pronounced at 32 degrees C. At 15 degrees C, viral replication to high titers occurred in both lines. When infected LVP were transferred to 15 degrees C after 4 d extrinsic incubation at 32 degrees C, replication of WEE to high titers did not occur. Mosquitoes transferred from 15 degrees C after replication to high titers occurred; to 32 degrees C did significantly modulate WEE titer. Incubation at 32 degrees C prior to infection had no effect on the degree or timing of WEE modulation in both LVP and HVP lines. Most LVP infected following feeding on a high dose of WEE had salivary gland infection barriers. Viral modulation by Cx. tarsalis was an alphavirus phenomenon, and was not restricted to WEE.
WEC Technology Readiness and Performance Matrix – finding the best research technology development trajectory

The paper identifies and discusses the need for techno-economic performance improvements at early stages of the wave energy converter (WEC) technology development process. Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) for wave energy projects provide a valuable metric of technology readiness and deliver useful guidance for the development process. This paper describes the complementary metric of Technology Performance Levels (TPLs) characterised by a set of quantified performance criteria aimed at identifying and classifying the techno-economic performance of wave energy technology. These TPLs are broadly inversely related to cost of energy (CoE) and provide a combined measure for capital expenditure (CapEx), lifecycle operational expenditure (OpEx), energy conversion efficiency and technology availability. Less quantifiable performance aspects such as acceptability and safety are also considered in the definition of the TPLs. A 2-dimensional representation of technology readiness and performance levels is introduced. This TRL–TPL–Matrix visualisation provides a useful means for the evaluation, comparison and discussion of different research technology development trajectories over the technology readiness and performance levels plane. The paper identifies the need for technology performance trajectories with high technology performance levels at low readiness levels and gives valuable advice on the development strategy and tools required to achieve successful WEC technology development outcome at reduced development time, total development cost and encountered risk.
Does Pairs trading work on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange

In this study it was examined whether Pairs trading is a potentially profitable trading strategy on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Pairs trading is a quantitative based trading strategy, in which shares are paired up based on a historic price relationship and traded accordingly, in a contrarian manner, when they diverge from said historical relationship. The essence of Pairs trading is to take advantage of perceived market inefficiencies, which is a direct contradiction of the Efficient Markets Hypothesis (even in its weak form). This study tested Pairs trading on both an unrestricted (any two shares can be paired), as well as a sector-restricted (only pairs within the RESI and the FINDI sectors could be paired), sample of shares (the JSE Top80 – based on market capitalization). Furthermore, a number of different signals (which are based on standard deviations) to open and close pairs were tested, on both the unrestricted and sector-restricted samples. The aim of using different samples of shares, as well as different trading signals, was to determine whether or not different strategies could serve to bolster the performance of a Pairs trading strategy. It was concluded that all tested strategies outperformed the ALSI in terms of cumulative before-fee returns. However, the high frequency of trading required to execute a Pairs trading strategy substantially eroded before-fee returns. Despite the high transaction costs incurred by Pairs trading, with the exception of one strategy, all of the strategies tested outperformed the ALSI on a net of brokerage fee returns basis. It, however, remains to be tested whether the strategy continues to outperform when scrip borrow costs, as well as higher levels of brokerage, are included. In addition to the more significant beforeand after-fee returns yielded by Pairs trading (in comparison to the ALSI), Pairs Trading also resulted in lower standard deviations than the ALSI. Therefore engaging in a Pairs trading strategy appears to carry less risk than investing in the ALSI. Furthermore, it was concluded that applying sector The copyright of this thesis vests in the author. No quotation from it or information derived from it is to be published without full acknowledgement of the source. The thesis is to be used for private study or noncommercial research purposes only. Published by the University of Cape Town (UCT) in terms of the non-exclusive license granted to UCT by the author. Un ive rsi ty f C ap e T ow n
Beyond shape and weight: exploring the relationship between nonbody determinants of self-esteem and eating disorder symptoms in adolescent females.

OBJECTIVE Recent research using the Shape and Weight-Based Self-Esteem (SAWBS) Inventory has shown that basing self-esteem on shape and weight is related to eating disorder and psychiatric symptoms. This study examined the relationship between other determinants of self-esteem assessed in the SAWBS Inventory (e.g., friendships, intimate relationships, school/work competence) and eating disorder and psychological health variables. METHOD Female high school adolescents (N = 235) participated in this study. The relative contribution of the self-esteem dimensions to eating disorder and self-esteem was examined. RESULTS In addition to shape and weight, basing self-esteem on intimate relationships was also related to higher eating disorder symptoms and lower body and global self-esteem. The only protective factors to emerge in this study were basing self-esteem on competence at school and other activities. DISCUSSION Basing self-esteem on intimate relationships was associated with similar physical and health problems to basing self-esteem on shape and weight. The implications of these findings with regard to healthy adolescent development are addressed.
‘Becoming a species by becoming a pest’ or how two maize pests of the genus Ostrinia possibly evolved through parallel ecological speciation events

New agricultural pest species attacking introduced crops may evolve from pre‐existing local herbivores by ecological speciation, thereby becoming a species by becoming a pest. We compare the evolutionary pathways by which two maize pests (the Asian and the European corn borers, ACB and ECB) in the genus Ostrinia (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) probably diverged from an ancestral species close to the current Adzuki bean borer (ABB). We typed larval Ostrinia populations collected on maize and dicotyledons across China and eastern Siberia, at microsatellite and mitochondrial loci. We found only two clusters: one on maize (as expected) and a single one on dicotyledons despite differences in male mid‐tibia morphology, suggesting that all individuals from dicotyledons belonged to the ABB. We found evidence for migrants and hybrids on both host plant types. Hybrids suggest that field reproductive isolation is incomplete between ACB and ABB. Interestingly, a few individuals with an ‘ABB‐like’ microsatellite profile collected on dicotyledons had ‘ACB’ mtDNA rather than ‘ABB‐like’ mtDNA, whereas the reverse was never found on maize. This suggests asymmetrical gene flow directed from the ACB towards the ABB. Hybrids and backcrosses in all directions were obtained in no‐choice tests. In laboratory conditions, they survived as well as parental strain individuals. In Xinjiang, we found ACB and ECB in sympatry, but no hybrids. Altogether, our results suggest that reproductive isolation between ACB and ABB is incomplete and mostly prezygotic. This points to ecological speciation as a possible evolutionary scenario, as previously found for ECB and ABB in Europe.
Further Evidence that Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa Mediates Platelet Spreading on Subendothelium

Summary In order to explore further the mechanism by which glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa promotes platelet vessel wall interaction, platelet adhesion to subendothelium was studied in an annular chamber in which subendothelium from rabbit aorta was exposed at a shear rate of 2,600 s−1 to blood from patients with thrombasthenia. Perfusions were conducted for each of 5 exposure times (1 ,2,3, 5 and 10 min), and the percent surface coverage of the vessel segment with platelets in the contact (C) and spread (S) stage was determined. Increased values of platelet contact (C) were obtained in thrombasthenia at all exposure times; this finding is consistent with a defect in platelet spreadirg, based on a previously described kinetic model of platelet attachment to subendothelium. According to this model of attachment, increased values of platelet contact (C) at a single exposure time may be indicative of either a defect in spreading (S) or initial contact (C), but multiple exposures will result in increased contact only for defects which are related to defectiye platelet spreading (s). The results obtained over a broad range of exposure times provide more conclusive evidence that GPIIb-IIIa mediates platelet spreading than those previously obtained at single exposure times.
Laparoscopic-assisted versus open surgery for colorectal cancer: short- and long-term outcomes comparison.

BACKGROUND Despite the theoretical advantages of laparoscopic surgery, it is still not considered the standard treatment for colorectal cancer patients because of criticism concerning oncologic stability. This study aimed at examining the short- and long-term follow-up results of laparoscopic surgery versus open surgery for colorectal cancer and at investigating clinical outcomes, oncologic safety, and any potential advantages of laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed a database containing the information about patients who underwent surgery for stage I-III colorectal cancer from January 2004 to January 2012 at our institution. RESULTS The patients who underwent the laparoscopic-assisted procedure showed a significantly faster recovery than those who underwent open surgery, namely, less time to first passing flatus (P=.041), time of first bowel motion (P=.04), time to resume normal diet (P=.043), and time to walk independently (P=.031). Laparoscopic colorectal surgery caused less pain for patients, leading to lower need of analgesic (P=.002) and less hospital recovery time (P=.034), compared with patients who underwent open surgery. No differences were found in 3- and 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that the laparoscopic approach was as safe as the open alternative. Laparoscopic-assisted surgery has been shown to be a favorable surgical option with better short-term outcomes and similar long-term oncological control compared with open resection.
Perceived Discrimination and Medication Adherence in Black Hypertensive Patients: The Role of Stress and Depression

Objective To examine the relationship between perceived discrimination and medication adherence among black people with hypertension and the role of stress and depressive symptoms in this relationship. Perceived racial discrimination has been associated with poor health outcomes in blacks; its relationship to medication adherence among hypertensive patients remains untested. Methods We measured perceived racial discrimination at baseline, stress and depressive symptoms at 6 months, and medication adherence at 12 months among patients enrolled in a 30-site cluster-randomized controlled trial testing a patient and physician-targeted intervention to improve blood pressure. A mediational method with bootstrapping (stratified by site) confidence intervals was used to estimate the indirect association between perceived discrimination and medication adherence through stress and depression. Results Of 1056 patients from 30 sites enrolled in the trial, 463 had complete data on all four measures at 6 and 12 months and were included in the analyses. Adjusting for clustering, perceived discrimination was associated with poor medication adherence (B = 0.138, p = .011) at 12 months, and with stress (B = 2.24, p = .001) and depression (B = 1.47, p = .001) at 6 months. When stress and depression were included in the model, there was a 65% reduction in the total association of perceived discrimination with medication adherence, and the relationship was no longer significant (B = 0.049, p = .35). Conclusions Perceived discrimination is associated with poor medication adherence among hypertensive blacks, and stress and depressive symptoms may account for this relationship. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00233220.