Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Immediate Dentin Sealing and Surface Conditioning on the Microtensile Bond Strength of Resin-Based Composite to Dentin.

This study evaluated the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of resin-based composite (RBC) to dentin after different immediate dentin sealing (IDS) strategies and surface-conditioning (SC) methods and on two water storage times. Human molars (n=48) were randomly divided into eight experimental groups involving four different IDS strategies-IDS-1L with one layer of adhesive, IDS-2L with two layers of adhesive, IDS-F with one layer of adhesive and one layer of flowable RBC, and DDS (delayed dentin sealing) with no layer of adhesive (control)-and two different SC methods-SC-P with pumice rubbing and SC-PC with pumice rubbing followed by tribochemical silica coating. The μTBS test was performed after one week and after six months of water storage, being recorded as the "immediate" and "aged" μTBS, respectively. Composite-adhesive-dentin microspecimens (0.9×0.9×8-9 mm) were stressed in tension until failure to determine the μTBS. Failure mode and location of failure were categorized. Two-way analysis of variance was applied to analyze the data for statistically significant differences between the experimental groups (p<0.05). Two-way analysis of variance revealed no significant differences between the one-week μTBS specimens for IDS strategy (p=0.087) and SC methods (p=0.806). However, the interaction of IDS strategy and SC methods appeared statistically significant (p=0.016). The six-month specimen evaluation showed no significant difference in μTBS for SC (p=0.297) and SC/IDS interaction (p=0.055), but the μTBS of the IDS strategies differed significantly among them (p=0.003). For tribochemical silica-coated IDS, no significant effect of aging on μTBS was recorded (p=0.465), but there was a highly significant difference in μTBS depending on the IDS strategy (p<0.001). In addition, the interaction of IDS and aging was borderline statistically significant (p=0.045). The specimens failed mainly at the adhesive-dentin interface for all experimental groups. Dentin exposure during clinical procedures for indirect restorations benefits from the application of IDS, which was shown to result in higher bond strength. No significant differences were found between cleaning with solely pumice or pumice followed by tribochemical silica coating.
Rituximab and dose-dense chemotherapy in primary testicular lymphoma.

BACKGROUND Treatment of primary testicular lymphoma (PTL) remains unsatisfactory even in patients with good prognosis, as < 30% of patients are alive at 3 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS We began a phase II study to assess efficacy and toxicity of a dose-dense cyclophosphamide/epirubicin/vincristine/prednisone (CEOP14) regimen with rituximab (CEOP14R) in 38 previously untreated patients with PTL with early-stage (I or II) and low-risk disease, followed by adjuvant radiation therapy and central nervous system prophylaxis. RESULTS Complete response was 86% (similar to historical controls), but improvement in outcome was observed; with actuarial curves at 5 years, event-free survival was 70%, and overall survival was 66%. Toxicity was mild, and the regimen was well tolerated. CONCLUSION The addition of rituximab to dose-dense chemotherapy improves outcome in this setting of patients who previously had been considered to have the poorest prognosis. It is important that these findings will be validated in multicentric, controlled clinical trials.
Bondholder Wealth Effects in Mergers and Acquisitions: New Evidence from the 1980s and 1990s

We examine the wealth effects of mergers and acquisitions on target and acquiring firm bondholders in the 1980s and 1990s. Consistent with a coinsurance effect, below investment grade target bonds earn significantly positive announcement period returns. By contrast, acquiring firm bonds earn negative announcement period returns. Additionally, target bonds have significantly larger returns when the target's rating is below the acquirer's, when the combination is anticipated to decrease target risk or leverage, and when the target's maturity is shorter than the acquirer's. Finally, we find that target and acquirer announcement period bond returns are significantly larger in the 1990s. Copyright 2004 by The American Finance Association.
A Noncooperative Theory of Legislative Coalitions

This noncooperative theory is based on a model that incorporates an institutional structure that reflects the sequential process of agenda formation and voting in a legislature that has the task of allocating particularistic benefits among legislative districts. The theory is intended to identify the incentives for the formation of proposal-coordinating coalitions as a function of characteristics of the political system and the rules that govern agenda formation. Coalition proposals allocate all the benefits to their districts, and whenever the coalition has discipline or controls the chair, it will be of minimal winning size when proposals are governed by a closed rule. When coalition discipline is absent and the chair is neutral, the coalition will be comprised of approximately 70% of the legislature. A legislative rule that allows amendments may result in larger coalitions. Coalition composition is also considered.
An ACD-ECOGARCH(1,1) Model

In this paper we introduce an ACD-ECOGARCH(1,1) model. An exponential autoregressive conditional duration model is used to describe the dependence structure in durations of ultra-high-frequency financial data. The innovation process of the ACD model then defines the interarrival times of a compound Poisson process. We use this compound Poisson process as the background driving Levy process of an exponential continuous time GARCH(1,1) process. The dynamics of the random time transformed log-price process are then described by the latter process. To estimate its parameters we construct a quasi maximum likelihood estimator under the assumption that all jumps of the log-price process are observable. Finally, the model is fitted for illustrative purpose to General Motors tick-by-tick data of the New York Stock Exchange. Copyright The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oupjournals.org, Oxford University Press.
Screening and Assessment Tools for Measuring Adolescent Client Needs and Functioning in Substance Abuse Treatment

The purpose of this study is to establish the psychometric properties of a noncommercial, publicly available, modular screening and assessment system for adolescents in substance abuse treatment. Data were collected in 2011–2012 from 1,189 adolescents admitted to eight residential treatment programs in urban and rural locations in the United States. Results from three sets of analyses documented the instruments to be reliable. Females reported more problems than males, and younger adolescents reported more problems than older youth. Implications and limitations are discussed, and suggestions for future research are provided.
Structure of South Central Agricultural Production

Abstract Using a dual economic specification of a multiproduct technology, the structure of agricultural production was tested for five South Central states (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana). A comprehensive set of output supplies and input demands comprised the estimation equations in each state. Evidence of nonjoint production in a subset of commodities was detected in four of the five states. Several commodities also satisfied sufficient conditions for consistent aggregation. However, the specific outputs satisfying each structural property varied by state. Sufficient conditions for consistent geographic aggregation across the states were not satisfied. These results provide empirical guidance and important cautions for legitimately simplifying state-level model specifications of southern agricultural production.
Scanning electron microscopy and histomorphology of the epiglottis in dromedaries: A study revealing unusual structure with the probable functional role

While epiglottis is essentially a mammalian structure, studying its microstructure in any placental model will add an important information to the field of comparative anatomy and the related branches of biology. The aim of this study was to describe the structure of the epiglottis in dromedary camels using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with reference to the possible functions. A total of 11 epiglottis cartilages from 11 larynges were used. The study revealed unusual, deeply situated glands just beneath the cartilage plate. They have unusually, wide surface‐openings, while their ducts were partly located within the cartilage. This is presumed to be an adaptation to the need for rapid and efficient mucosal surface hydration in the arid conditions. The possible secretion transport mechanisms in these glands were also discussed. Furthermore, the SEM revealed for the first time, the presence of taste buds in camel epiglottis. However, in histological sections, visibility of taste buds was dependent upon the staining techniques. The taste buds were not seen with standard H& E stain, as they blended imperceptibly with the surrounding epithelium. Conversely, Mallory's trichrome showed contrasting colors, and taste buds were visible. In conclusion, camel epiglottis has an unusual structure, which may be correlated to environmental adaptation and important for the general health of upper respiratory tract in this species.
Exchange rate and inflation risk premia in the EMU

This paper tests the effects of exchange rate and inflation risk factors on asset pricing in the European Union (EU) stock markets. This investigation was motivated by the results of Vassalou [J. Int. Money Finance, 2000, 19, 433–470] showing that both exchange rate and foreign inflation are generally priced in equity returns, and it studies the opportunity of evaluating the causality between these sources of risk after the elimination of the EU currency risks because of the adoption of the single currency. Our results show that both exchange rate and inflation risks are significantly priced in the pre- and post-euro periods. Moreover, the sizes of exchange rate and inflation risk premiums are economically significant in the pre- and post-euro periods. Futhermore, the UK and excluding-UK inflation risk premiums explain, in part, our evidence concerning a large EUR/GBP exchange rate risk premium and the existence of an economically significant domestic non-diversifiable risk after euro adoption. Hence overlooking inflation risk factors can produce an under/overestimation of the currency premiums and a miscalculation of the degree of integration of stock markets.
The Roles of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Treatment in Experimental Diabetic Neuropathy

Oxidative stress is present in the diabetic state. Our work has focused on its presence in peripheral nerves. Antioxidant enzymes are reduced in peripheral nerves and are further reduced in diabetic nerves. That lipid peroxidation will cause neuropathy is supported by evidence of the development of neuropathy de novo when normal nerves are rendered α-tocopherol deficient and by the augmentation of the conduction deficit in diabetic nerves subjected to this insult. Oxidative stress appears to be primarily due to the processes of nerve ischemia and hyperglycemia auto-oxidation. The indexes of oxidative stress include an increase in nerve, dorsal root, and sympathetic ganglia lipid hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes. The most reliable and sensitive index, however, is a reduction in reduced glutathione. Experimental diabetic neuropathy results in myelinopathy of dorsal roots and a vacuolar neuropathy of dorsal root ganglion. The vacuoles are mitochondrial; we posit that lipid peroxidation causes mitochondrial DNA mutations that increase reduced oxygen species, causing further damage to mitochondrial respiratory chain and function and resulting in a sensory neuropathy, α-lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant that prevents lipid peroxidation in vitro and in vivo. We evaluated the efficacy of the drug in doses of 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally in preventing the biochemical, electrophysiological, and nerve blood flow deficits in the peripheral nerves of experimental diabetic neuropathy, α-lipoic acid dose- and time-dependently prevented the deficits in nerve conduction and nerve blood flow and biochemical abnormalities (reductions in reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation). The nerve blood flow deficit was 50% (P < 0.001). Supplementation dose-dependently prevented the deficit; at the highest concentration, nerve blood flow was not different from that of control nerves. Digital nerve conduction underwent a dose-dependent improvement at 1 month (P < 0.05). By 3 months, all treated groups had lost their deficit. The antioxidant drug is potentially efficacious for human diabetic sensory neuropathy.
IMPACT OF NATIONAL FADAMA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT II ON SMALL- SCALE FARMERS' INCOME IN OGUN STATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL FINANCING IN NIGERIA

Inadequacy and frequent dearth of credits for financing agriculture have been major constraints to agriculture and rural development in most developing countries. Recognizing credit as a critical factor in agricultural development, governments in developing countries keep implementing various projects and programs as important policy instruments for the rural poor. The impact of the Fadama Development Project Phase II on farmers income, as well as the problems and constraints to efficient production and productivity in the Fadama endowed Communities in Obafemi-Owode local government area of Ogun State, Southwest, Nigeria was studied using multi-stage stratified random sampling technique to select three villages each for both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries from the area. Systematic random sampling of respondents was conducted for 90 respondents, with an average age of 46.3 years and 43.6 years, respectively, with a majority of the farmers’ age between 40 and 59 years. A majority of the respondents had no formal education, large household sizes (an average of 10 members/household), and the vast experience of the respondents in farming (an average of 12.5 years) has been a facilitating factor in productivity improvement in the localities. Some of the problems discovered on the operation of farms in the communities are inadequate infrastructural and storage facilities, inadequate capital for the farm operations, insufficient access to micro-credit facilities and other support services by members of the Fadama endowed communities. Better performance, resource use efficiency, and participation of the farmers could be enhanced if relevant policies are formulated and geared towards support for agricultural sectors. This would enhance the
Immunomodulatory effect of a plasmid expressing CD40 ligand on DNA vaccination against human immunodeficiency virus type‐1

CD40 ligand is a costimulatory molecule which acts a potent immunomodulator. We found the mice inoculated with human CD40 ligand expression plasmid (pMEhCD40L) combined with human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1) DNA vaccine exhibited both humoral and cellular antigen‐specific immunological enhancement. The expression of hCD40L induced predominantly antigen‐specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response while it failed to induce mucosal IgA response. Delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity were induced in a dose‐dependent manner. Examination of the relative levels of the two IgG subclasses showed that co‐injection of pMEhCD40L enhanced IgG2a response without suppressing IgG1 response. Similarly, the expression of pMEhCD40L enhanced not only T helper 1 (Th1)‐ but also Th2‐type cytokine production. In conclusion, co‐inoculation of pMEhCD40L with DNA vaccine was shown to be a useful way to enhance CTL responses without suppressing the humoral immune response in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients.
The Agricultural and Food Trade in the First Globalization: Spanish Table Wine Exports 1871 to 1935 – A Case Study*

Abstract The objective of the present study is to analyze the overall trajectory of Spanish table wine exports during the period 1871–1935 and provide convincing explanations of the pattern. Thus, we employ an approach that takes all of the possible explanatory factors into account, instead of adopting a narrower approach which focuses on a single principal factor. The methodology employed consists of using a gravity model to explain trade flows in Spanish table wine. Our results highlight the key role of trade policies in the determination of export possibilities and the difficulties derived from the export of products which are characterized by the low or non-existent change in demand when income changes. These results may shed a little more light on the determinants of trade in the first phase of globalization. (JEL Classification: F14, N73, N74, Q17)
Acculturation of Russian immigrants and emigrants

This study is the first to address processes of psychological acculturation by exchange students in Russia. Using a sample of 168 exchange students in Moscow from China, North Korea, and countries in sub-Saharan Africa and in the former Soviet Union, the hypothesis was confirmed that a larger perceived cultural distance between mainstream and immigrant culture is associated with less psychological and sociocultural adaptation. The Chinese and North-Korean group reported to experience the largest perceived cultural distance and the lowest levels of adjustment, while the groups from the former USSR and (to a slightly lesser extent) Africa reported the smallest perceived cultural distance and the highest levels of adjustment. The results of a stepwise regression analysis showed that antecedent variables (perceived cultural distance, home and host domain resources, and personality) showed somewhat stronger associations with outcome variables (self-esteem, stress, and behavior in the home and the host domain) than did intervening variables (acculturation attitudes and coping). ~ Acculturation among exchange students in Russia. Irina Galchenko Bc Fons J. R. van de Vijver (2005). The paper has been accepted for publication in the International.lourna! of Intercultural Relations. 24 ~ Acculturation of Russian Immigrants and Emigrants
Stress and affective disorders in humans.

A consistent body of findings published over 30 years shows raised rates of life events before onset of clinical unipolar depression. A range of threatening events is implicated, with only limited specificity, although a somewhat closer relationship to interpersonal losses. Social support both buffers effects of life events and its absence also has some independent stressful effects. Life stress also affects outcome. Effects extend across the age range, but are weaker or absent in recurrent disorder, particularly when this is severe or melancholic. They are also weaker in bipolar disorder, where social rhythm disruption may have a particular effect. The causative contribution of life stress is of moderate size overall but does not exclude many other factors. Causative chains are complex and life stress itself is not fully independent, because available social support is shaped by personal capacity to form relationships, and occurrence of life events has some genetic elements and is predicted by disturbance in childhood.
In Vitro Activity of Doripenem against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia Isolates from both Cystic Fibrosis and Non-Cystic Fibrosis Patients

ABSTRACT The in vitro activities of doripenem, imipenem, levofloxacin, piperacillin, ceftazidime, aztreonam, tobramycin, and cefepime were determined for 160 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (82 from cystic fibrosis [CF] patients) and 34 isolates of Burkholderia cepacia. Doripenem MIC90s were lower than those of all other comparative agents against all isolates combined and against all P. aeruginosa isolates. Doripenem was as active as levofloxacin and 2- to 32-fold more active than the other comparative agents against B. cepacia.
The Henry Tax Review, Cartel Parties and the Reform Capacity of the Australian State

The Henry Tax Review is a work in progress, but it has already advanced sufficiently to constitute an important case study of state capacity in Australia. Using the Henry Tax Review as a case study, this paper sheds light on the question of whether the national political system is capable of devising and implementing long-term reforms. Whilst specific policy failures inevitably have a contingent dimension in the form of poor strategy and leadership or unfavourable economic conditions, the paper discusses the erosion of institutional and relational structures which, arguably, has diminished systemic political capacity. This is tantamount to a structural weakening of state capacity in Australia, a development which has the potential to erode the potential of any government to enact significant strategic policy change.
Part-Time Work During Post-Compulsory Education and Examination Performance: Help or Hindrance?

This paper examines the effects on examination performance of having a part-time job whilst in full-time post-sixteen education, using new data on young people in Northern Ireland. Around 35% engaged in part time employment during their education spell, compared to over 60% found by recent GB studies. This may be related to Northern Ireland's comparatively slack youth labour market and might reflect part-time employment levels in other peripheral regions. Our estimations suggest working part-time per se is not detrimental to examination performance, although working long hours is. Policy makers might improve educational performance by reducing incentives to work long hours. Copyright 2002 by Scottish Economic Society.
Graphene-based ultra-sensitive gas sensors

In the present work, we report the performance of grapheme-based gas sensors. Monolayer quality graphene was synthesized using thermal chemical vapor deposition. Graphene was characterized using Raman spectroscopy and Transmission electron microscopy. In addition, Hall Effect experiments were conducted to study the electronic properties of graphene layers. These graphene layers were tested to sense NO2, NH3, and Ethanol at room temperature. The responses of the grapheme-based gas sensor are highly reproducible.