Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Orthodontic forces and periodontal compression

A new method for measuring the width of the periodontal ligament (PDL) in orthodontically treated rats has been presented. For the present experiment the first upper molar in twelve young adult Spraque-Dawley rats were moved buccally with forces up to 700 mN. The appliance used was modified according to Kvam (13) and Rygh (32). After 24 h the rats were sacrified and the sculls were embedded in carboxymethylcellulose and frozen. In a predetermined area the surfaces of the specimens were stained with silver-nitrate and photographed. Some sections were also collected on tape and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.The width of the PDL decreased with increasing forces following a logarithmic function. When the PDL was compressed more than 30% on the buccal side and 40% on the palatal side, red areas indicating extravasated blood were found in the pressure zones. Bending of the buccal alveolar plate was associated with strong orthodontic forces. The contralaterals to the orthodontically treated teeth were also .
Occupational performance and information processing in adults with agitation following traumatic brain injury

Purpose: Agitation following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is perceived to limit the achievement of rehabilitation goals. The aims of this study were: (1) To examine the nature and incidence of agitation during TBI rehabilitation in an Australian sample; and (2) To explore the relationship between agitation and functional outcomes after TBI. Method: Retrospective medical record review of 80 participants admitted for rehabilitation following TBI. Outcome data collected at discharge, 6 and 24 months post-discharge, included length of stay, duration of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), community integration, functional independence and life satisfaction. Results: Seventy per cent of patients demonstrated agitation during rehabilitation for an average of 32 days. Agitated patients experienced longer PTA duration, increased length of stay and reduced functional independence, specifically cognitive function, at discharge. These differences between agitated and non-agitated participants did not appear to persist and were not evident at follow-up 6 and 24 months post-discharge. Longer duration of agitation was associated with delayed PTA emergence, longer rehabilitation stay and reduced functional independence at discharge and follow-up. Conclusions: A large proportion of patients with TBI experience agitation. Presence of agitation seems to limit rehabilitation gains at discharge. Longer duration of agitation is associated with persisting limitations to functional independence.
Whole Fruits and Fruit Fiber Emerging Health Effects

Less than 10% of most Western populations consume adequate levels of whole fruits and dietary fiber with typical intake being about half of the recommended levels. Evidence of the beneficial health effects of consuming adequate levels of whole fruits has been steadily growing, especially regarding their bioactive fiber prebiotic effects and role in improved weight control, wellness and healthy aging. The primary aim of this narrative review article is to examine the increasing number of health benefits which are associated with the adequate intake of whole fruits, especially fruit fiber, throughout the human lifecycle. These potential health benefits include: protecting colonic gastrointestinal health (e.g., constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, and diverticular disease); promoting long-term weight management; reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome; defending against colorectal and lung cancers; improving odds of successful aging; reducing the severity of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; enhancing psychological well-being and lowering the risk of depression; contributing to higher bone mineral density in children and adults; reducing risk of seborrheic dermatitis; and helping to attenuate autism spectrum disorder severity. Low whole fruit intake represents a potentially more serious global population health threat than previously recognized, especially in light of the emerging research on whole fruit and fruit fiber health benefits.
Ikalanga Phonetics and Phonology: A Synchronic and Diachronic Study

List of figures List of tables Preface Abbreviations 1. Introduction 2. Segment inventory, phonotactics, and selected aspects of morphology 3. Effects of the close vowels 4. Palatalization 5. Velarization 6. Aspiration and its effects 7. Depressor consonants and tone 8. Conclusion and summary References Appendix A. Ikalanga reflexes of Proto-Bantu Appendix B. Ikalanga verb paradigms Appendix C. Ikalanga-English lexicon.
esys-Escript User’s Guide: Solving Partial Differential Equations with Escript and Finley Release - 3.2.1 (r3613)

esys.escript is a python-based environment for implementing mathematical models, in particular those based on coupled, non-linear, time-dependent partial differential equations. It consists of four major components • esys.escript core library • finite element solver esys.finley (which uses fast vendor-supplied solvers or our paso linear solver library) • the meshing interface esys.pycad • a model library. The current version supports parallelization through both MPI for distributed memory and OpenMP for distributed shared memory. Please see Chapter 2 for changes to the way to launch esys.escript scripts. For more info on this and other changes from previous releases see Appendix B. If you use this software in your research, then we would appreciate (but do not require) a citation. Some relevant references can be found in Appendix D.
A precipitation gradient drives change in macroinvertebrate composition and interactions within bromeliads

Ecological communities change across spatial and environmental gradients due to (i) changes in species composition, (ii) changes in the frequency or strength of interactions or (iii) changes in the presence of the interactions. Here we use the communities of aquatic invertebrates inhabiting clusters of bromeliad phytotelms along the Brazilian coast as a model system for examining variation in multi-trophic communities. We first document the variation in the species pools of sites across a geographical climate gradient. Using the same sites, we also explored the geographic variation in species interaction strength using a Markov network approach. We found that community composition differed along a gradient of water volume within bromeliads due to the spatial turnover of some species. From the Markov network analysis, we found that the interactions of certain predators differed due to differences in bromeliad water volume. Overall, this study illustrates how a multi-trophic community can change across an environmental gradient through changes in both species and their interactions.
General structure of adaptive algorithms: adaptation and tracking

Mechanisms for adapting models, filters, decisions, regulators and soon to changing properties of a system or a signal are of fundamental importance in many modern signal processing and control algorithms. In this chapter we give an overview of some basic set-ups and algorithms that are used for this. We pay special attention to the rationale behind the different algorithms, thus distinguishing between "optimal" algorithms and "ad hoc" algorithms. We also give an outline of the basic approaches to performance analysis of adaptive algorithms.
THE EFFECTS OF THERAPEUTIC HYPOTHERMIA ON CYTOCHROME P450-MEDIATED METABOLISM: STUDIES IN TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

Therapeutic hypothermia decreases neurological damage in patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (CA). In addition to hypothermia, critically ill patients are treated with an extensive pharmacotherapeutic regimen. The majority of these medications are hepatically eliminated via the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system. Changes in drug clearance could limit the putative benefit of hypothermic therapy. With the increased use of therapeutic hypothermia and the fact that critically ill patients receive multiple medications, it is crucial to understand the effects of hypothermia on the disposition and metabolism of drugs used in this population. Thus, it was the overall aim of this research to investigate the effects of therapeutic hypothermia on CYP450-mediated metabolism in an animal model of CA, in human liver microsomes, and in normal healthy subjects. Specifically, hypothermia produced a ~2 fold decrease in the systemic clearance (CLS) of intravenous chlorzoxazone, a specific CYP2E1 probe substrate, in a CA rat model when compared to CA rats treated under normothermic temperatures. The mechanism behind this decrease in CLS was a hypothermia-mediated decrease in the affinity of CYP2E1 for chlorzoxazone. We extended the experimental period to investigate the effects of hypothermia after re-warming, on CYP2E1 and CYP3A2 activity and expression. Our results indicate that rats with CA treated under normothermic temperatures demonstrated a significant decrease in the activities of CYP2E1 and CYP3A2, 24 hrs after injury compared to control. Furthermore, CA significantly decreased the expression of CYP3A2, but not the expression of CYP2E1. CA also produced a ~ 10-fold increase in plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) compared to Control. The CA-mediated reduction in CYP3A2 and CYP2E1 activity, mRNA, and the increase in IL-6 plasma concentrations was attenuated by hypothermia. We also investigated the effects of mild and moderate hypothermia on CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 enzyme kinetics in human liver microsomes. Both mild and moderate hypothermia significantly decreased the Vmax of CYP2E1 and CYP3A4. However, hypothermia increased the Km of CYP2E1 but not CYP3A4. These data demonstrate that mild and moderate hypothermia may produce isoform specific alterations of human CYP450-mediated metabolism. Lastly, in a pilot analysis, we showed that mild hypothermia may potentially alter the ClS and the volume of distribution (Vss) of midazolam in mildly hypothermic normal healthy volunteers.Collectively, this work provides evidence that therapeutic hypothermia alters CYP450-mediated metabolism both during cooling and after re-warming. Based on the magnitude of these changes it is clear that intensivists should be cognizant of these alterations and monitor drug levels and outcomes in their patients when possible. In addition to increased clinical attention, future research efforts are essential to delineate precise dosing guidelines and mechanisms of the effects of hypothermia on drug disposition, metabolism, and response.
A Study of Determinant Factors Towards the Quality Teaching Among Teachers at Primary School in Bentong District

The quality of teaching among the teachers is important in order to improve the students’ achievement as well as improving the quality of education to students. In order to do that, teachers need to look deeper into ways to transform old classrooms and teaching styles into 21st century teaching and learning environments.Furthermore, teachers who teach in the classroom need to be creative in order to attract the student participation in class. This paper is written to determine the relationship between quality learners, quality of learning environment and quality teaching process on quality of teaching. In order to do so, a study has been done for a total of 165 respondents which is the teachers at primary school in Bentong district. Then, a set of questionnaires were distributed to the identified teachers in the area of Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia.The result of thisstudy eventually revealed that there were relationship between quality learner and quality teaching process with quality teaching among the teachers at primary schoolin Bentong district.Thus, the result of this research will help the schools, education department and decisionmakers to better understand the quality of teachings among teachers. It also can give new phenomenaon exploring new strategies to improve student’s performance. Keywords-Quality teaching, quality learner, quality learning environment, quality teaching process.
Vrille is required for larval moulting and metamorphosis of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Vrille (Vri), a basic leucine zipper transcription factor, plays important roles in insect circadian clock regulation, tracheal development, proliferation, flight and metamorphosis. Here, Helicoverpa armigera was used as a model to investigate the role of Vri in larval moulting and metamorphosis. Sequence analysis results revealed that H. armigera Vri (HaVri) shares a high amino acid identity with other Lepidoptera Vri homologues. Spatial–temporal expression pattern data showed that HaVri expression was highly abundant in larval moulting and metamorphosis stages and was mainly expressed in the midgut and Malpighian tubule during metamorphosis. HaVri knockdown by RNA interference in the fourth‐instar larvae prevented larval moulting, and HaVri knockdown in the fifth‐instar larvae suppressed midgut remodelling and delayed or blocked metamorphosis. Further studies confirmed that 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) activated HaVri expression via its heterodimer receptors, ecdysone receptor (EcRB1) and ultraspiracle protein (USP1), whereas methoprene [juvenile hormone analogue (JHA)] promoted HaVri expression via its intracellular receptor methoprene‐tolerant (Met1). However, 20E and JHA can counteract each other in the activation of HaVri expression. Together, the present results suggested that HaVri was involved in larval moulting and metamorphosis and was regulated by 20E and JHA in H. armigera.
Uncoupling a unique couple by chopping off one of its tails: insights into the KATP channels of the heart and pancreas

All K+ channels dampen electrical signalling and ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are no different. When they are activated they tend to turn electrical signalling off. When they are inhibited they tend to allow electrical signalling, typically resulting in contraction or secretion depending on cell type. Where KATP channels are unique is that they have a huge obligatory regulatory subunit, the sulphonyl urea receptor (SUR), which tightly couples to only K+ ion pore-forming subunits of the Kir6.x subfamily, one of many K+ subfamilies. This unique marriage of subunits in KATP channels brings along with it a number of different adenine nucleotide binding sites, which are extensively coupled to each other to orchestrate whether KATP channels are inhibited to allow, or activated to shut down, cell excitement in our bodies. For example, in the setting of elevated metabolism, inhibited KATP channels in the pancreas (Ashcroft et al. 1984; Cook & Hales, 1984) turn on electrical signalling for insulin secretion. In the setting of severely low metabolism, activated KATP channels in the heart (Noma, 1983) turn off electrical signalling for cardioprotection. In this issue of The Journal of Physiology, Vedovato et al. (2018) help explain why KATP channels are unique among all K+ channels and provide incisive insights into how these critical and opposite electrical switching events occur by studying the biophysical and molecular basis of the differential MgADP regulation of KATP channels of the heart and pancreas (Dunne & Petersen, 1986; Kakei et al. 1986, Misler et al. 1986).
Identification of specific sequence motif of YopN of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis required for systemic infection

ABSTRACT Type III secretion systems (T3SSs) are tightly regulated key virulence mechanisms shared by many Gram-negative pathogens. YopN, one of the substrates, is also crucial in regulation of expression, secretion and activation of the T3SS of pathogenic Yersinia species. Interestingly, YopN itself is also targeted into host cells but so far no activity or direct role for YopN inside host cells has been described. Recently, we were able show that the central region of YopN is required for efficient translocation of YopH and YopE into host cells. This was also shown to impact the ability of Yersinia to block phagocytosis. One difficulty in studying YopN is to generate mutants that are not impaired in regulation of the T3SS. In this study we extended our previous work and were able to generate specific mutants within the central region of YopN. These mutants were predicted to be crucial for formation of a putative coiled-coil domain (CCD). Similar to the previously described deletion mutant of the central region, these mutants were all impaired in translocation of YopE and YopH. Interestingly, these YopN variants were not translocated into host cells. Importantly, when these mutants were introduced in cis on the virulence plasmid, they retained full regulatory function of T3SS expression and secretion. This allowed us to evaluate one of the mutants, yopNGAGA, in the systemic mouse infection model. Using in vivo imaging technology we could verify that the mutant was also attenuated in vivo and highly impaired to establish systemic infection.
Birth Weight and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Disease, and Hypertension in Adults: A Meta‐Analysis of 7 646 267 Participants From 135 Studies

Background Low birth weight has been associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, but the risk at high birth weight levels remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to clarify the shape of associations between birth weight and aforementioned diseases in adults and assessed sex‐specific risks. Methods and Results We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for studies published between 1980 and October 2016. Studies of birth weight and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and hypertension were included. Random‐effects models were used to derive the summary relative risks and corresponding 95% confidence intervals.We identified 49 studies with 4 053 367 participants assessing the association between birth weight and T2DM, 33 studies with 5 949 477 participants for CVD, and 53 studies with 4 335 149 participants for hypertension and high blood pressure. Sex‐specific binary analyses showed that only females had an increased risk of T2DM and CVD at the upper tail of the birth weight distribution. While categorical analyses of 6 birth weight groups and dose‐response analyses showed J‐shaped associations of birth weight with T2DM and CVD, the association was inverse with hypertension. The lowest risks for T2DM, CVD, and hypertension were observed at 3.5 to 4.0, 4.0 to 4.5, and 4.0 to 4.5 kg, respectively. Conclusions These findings indicate that birth weight is associated with risk of T2DM and CVD in a J‐shaped manner and that this is more pronounced among females.
Alston Virus, a Novel Paramyxovirus Isolated from Bats Causes Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Experimentally Challenged Ferrets

Multiple viruses with zoonotic potential have been isolated from bats globally. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of a novel paramyxovirus, Alston virus (AlsPV), isolated from urine collected from an Australian pteropid bat colony in Alstonville, New South Wales. Characterization of AlsPV by whole-genome sequencing and analyzing antigenic relatedness revealed it is a rubulavirus that is closely related to parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5). Intranasal exposure of mice to AlsPV resulted in no clinical signs of disease, although viral RNA was detected in the olfactory bulbs of two mice at 21 days post exposure. Oronasal challenge of ferrets resulted in subclinical upper respiratory tract infection, viral shedding in respiratory secretions, and detection of viral antigen in the olfactory bulb of the brain. These results imply that AlsPV may be similar to PIV5 in its ability to infect multiple mammalian host species. This isolation of a novel paramyxovirus with the potential to transmit from bats to other mammalian species reinforces the importance of continued surveillance of bats as a source of emerging viruses.
Acute effect of soy and soy products on serum uric acid concentration among healthy Chinese men.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Soy products are essential to the daily life of the Chinese population. However, the association between soy products and serum uric acid remains unclear. Better understanding of their relationship could provide food choice information for patients with gout. This study assessed the acute effects of soy and soy products on serum uric acid. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN Sixty healthy adult male volunteers were recruited and randomly assigned to six groups. Ten participants in each group randomly ingested one of six foods: water, soy, and four different soy products. A blood test was conducted after 3 h to examine uric acid concentration. RESULTS The serum uric acid concentration significantly increased by 21.4±23.4 μmol/L at 1 h and 16.3±19.4 μmol/L at 2 h following ingestion of whole soybeans. These changes also applied to the soy powder group. The serum uric acid concentration rapidly increased by 38.1±20.5 μmol/L at 1 h, 34.4±18.2 μmol/L at 2 h, and 24.1±24.2 μmol/L at 3 h after the ingestion of soybean milk. The maximum concentration of serum uric acid was observed at 1 h after intake of soybeans and soy products, and then gradually decreased during the subsequent 2-h period. No significant uric acid changes from ingesting bean curd cake and dried bean curd stick were detected. CONCLUSIONS Ingesting different soy products resulted in different concentrations of serum uric acid, with soybeans, soybean milk, and soy powder considerably increasing serum uric acid.
Audio-tactile proximity feedback for enhancing 3D manipulation

In presence of conflicting or ambiguous visual cues in complex scenes, performing 3D selection and manipulation tasks can be challenging. To improve motor planning and coordination, we explore audio-tactile cues to inform the user about the presence of objects in hand proximity, e.g., to avoid unwanted object penetrations. We do so through a novel glove-based tactile interface, enhanced by audio cues. Through two user studies, we illustrate that proximity guidance cues improve spatial awareness, hand motions, and collision avoidance behaviors, and show how proximity cues in combination with collision and friction cues can significantly improve performance.
Models as Mediators: Perspectives on Natural and Social Science

Models as Mediators discusses the ways in which models function in modern science, particularly in the fields of physics and economics. Models play a variety of roles in the sciences: they are used in the development, exploration and application of theories and in measurement methods. They also provide instruments for using scientific concepts and principles to intervene in the world. The editors provide a framework which covers the construction and function of scientific models, and explore the ways in which they enable us to learn about both theories and the world. The contributors to the volume offer their own individual theoretical perspectives to cover a wide range of examples of modelling, from physics, economics and chemistry. These papers provide ideal case-study material for understanding both the concepts and typical elements of modelling, using analytical approaches from the philosophy and history of science.