Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of three pulpotomy medicaments in primary teeth.

AIM To examine the success of the one-appointment pulpotomy technique with three different medicaments on primary molar teeth. METHODS The study was conducted on 104 primary molars in 104 children with an indication for pulpotomy treatment on at least one primary molar. Primary teeth were treated with either formocresol (FC) (34 teeth), calcium hydroxide (CA) (33 teeth) or ferric sulphate (FS) (37 teeth) using standardised criteria for the pulpotomy procedures. Teeth were clinically and radiographically evaluated during the examination period of 18 months. RESULTS The clinical success rate at 18 months for the FC and FS groups was 90.9% and 89.2%, respectively. The CA showed an overall clinical success rate of 82.3%, with no statistical difference compared with either the FC or FS groups. The overall radiographic success for each technique was: FC 84.8%, CA 76.5%, and FS 81.1%. The presence of a dentine bridge above the pulp amputation site was observed radiographically for CA (47%), and FS (40.5%) pulpotomies without any statistical difference. Radiographic examination did not reveal the presence of a dentine bridge for any of the teeth treated with FC pulpotomy. CONCLUSION Favourable clinical and radiographic success rates of ferric sulphate pulpotomy, comparable to formocresol were obtained. Therefore, ferric sulphate can be recommended as a pulpotomy medicament.
InformationTechnology 12-11-2016 On Usefulness in Mandatory Healthcare Settings

This paper explores usefulness in mandatory healthcare settings. Building on previous research and interviews with all categories of users of a Patient Data Management System (PDMS) designed to replace all paper documentation in an intensive care unit we suggest that it might be appropriate if questionnaire items concerning usefulness (a) not only measures benefits for the individual person and (b) are contextualized which would make it easier for staff to relate to the items.
Corporate social responsibility in tourism and hospitality

Abstract The past decade has seen significant growth in the tourism and hospitality literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR). Indeed, over 70% of the articles on this topic have been published in the past five years. Through the application of a stakeholder lens, this paper explores how CSR has developed within the extant literature, paying particular attention to current gaps and highlighting the contributions of the research in this special issue. This emerging research on CSR in the context of tourism and hospitality is pushing past the boundaries of early approaches to corporate sustainability by providing empirical evidence to support the importance of integrating a range of stakeholder perspectives and needs throughout the planning, implementation, and evaluation of CSR initiatives. We observe that while there is ample research on certain stakeholder groups such as management, employees, shareholders, and consumers, there is less emphasis on the role of communities and ecosystems as stakeholders and very little related to suppliers, NGOs, and government. Although tourism and hospitality firms may not be subject to the same pressures as other industries, there remain important opportunities to both document and engage these external stakeholders in the journey towards sustainability.
The Consequences of Political Interference in Bureaucratic Decision Making: Evidence from Nigeria

This paper investigates the consequences of granting politicians power over bureaucrats in the implementation of small-scale public infrastructure projects. While potentially bolstering the incentive for the executive to perform, increased legislative oversight may lead to distortions in the technocratic process for political gain. By assembling a nationally representative data set from Nigeria that tracks public projects from inception to audit, the paper finds evidence of a clear trade-off between political oversight and bureaucratic autonomy. Using an instrumental variables strategy in which early career choices of politicians are key determinants of legislative committee membership, the analysis finds that legislative influence increases the likelihood that a project is launched by 18 percent, but at the cost of reducing project quality by 15 percent and increasing the reported misuse of funds. The results highlight the fundamental tension between bureaucratic inaction and political corruption.
Elastic collision cross sections and Monte Carlo calculations of Kr+ ions drifting in gaseous krypton

Differential and integral cross sections for elastic collisions of Kr<sup>+</sup> ions with Kr atoms are calculated, for center of mass collision energies from 1 meV to 10 eV, using the JWKB approximation. These cross sections are used in a detailed three- dimensional Monte Carlo model to calculate drift velocities and longitudinal and transverse diffusion coefficients for Kr<sup>+</sup> ions, in the <sup>2</sup>P<sub>3/2</sub> ground state and in the <sup>2</sup>P<sub>1/2</sub> metastable state, in gaseous Kr, at temperature T=293 K and reduced electric fields, E/N, in the 1 to 500 Td (1Td=10<sup>-17</sup> V cm<sup>2</sup>). The calculated results are compared with the scarce published experimental data.
Systemic Risk and the Interconnectedness between Banks and Insurers: An Econometric Analysis

This article uses daily market value data on credit default swap spreads and intraday stock prices to measure systemic risk in the insurance sector. Using the systemic risk measure, we examine the interconnectedness between banks and insurers with Granger causality tests. Based on linear and nonlinear causality tests, we find evidence of significant bidirectional causality between insurers and banks. However, after correcting for conditional heteroskedasticity, the impact of banks on insurers is stronger and of longer duration than the impact of insurers on banks. Stress tests confirm that banks create significant systemic risk for insurers but not vice versa.
Unintended Consequences of Minimum Annuity Laws: An Experimental Study

Abstract The need to ensure that people have adequate savings for retirement has prompted debate among regulators and academics. Certain countries have implemented or are considering implementing mandatory minimum annuity laws (e.g., Singapore and Israel), whereas others have repealed or are considering repealing such legislation (e.g., the U.K.). We investigate the introduction as well as the repeal of a regulatory change—specifically, a mandatory minimum annuity rule—using a laboratory experiment and two surveys. Our results indicate that imposing a mandatory minimum may create an anchoring effect to the threshold level. Furthermore, our results suggest that the mandatory requirement may have unintended consequences: Such laws may fail to provide an increase in the demand for annuities and may even reduce it for certain individuals. The outcome is sensitive to the relation between the level of the mandatory minimum and anticipated consumption (i.e., future financial need). Moreover, we provide novel evidence about the consequences of a repeal of mandatory minimum annuity laws and suggest that it may not restore the demand for annuities to the pre-law level.
Loss of α-Catenin Decreases the Strength of Single E-cadherin Bonds between Human Cancer Cells*

The progression of several human cancers correlates with the loss of cytoplasmic protein α-catenin from E-cadherin-rich intercellular junctions and loss of adhesion. However, the potential role of α-catenin in directly modulating the adhesive function of individual E-cadherin molecules in human cancer is unknown. Here we use single-molecule force spectroscopy to probe the tensile strength, unstressed bond lifetime, and interaction energy between E-cadherins expressed on the surface of live human parental breast cancer cells lacking α-catenin and these cells where α-catenin is re-expressed. We find that the tensile strength and the lifetime of single E-cadherin/E-cadherin bonds between parental cells are significantly lower over a wide range of loading rates. Statistical analysis of the force displacement spectra reveals that single cadherin bonds between cancer cells feature an exceedingly low energy barrier against tensile forces and low molecular stiffness. Disassembly of filamentous actin using latrunculin B has no significant effect on the strength of single intercellular E-cadherin bonds. The absence of α-catenin causes a dominant negative effect on both global cell-cell adhesion and single E-cadherin bond strength. These results suggest that the loss of α-catenin alone drastically reduces the adhesive force between individual cadherin pairs on adjoining cells, explain the global loss of cell adhesion in human breast cancer cells, and show that the forced expression of α-catenin in cancer cells can restore both higher intercellular avidity and intercellular E-cadherin bond strength.
Integrated Wide-Narrowband Antenna for Multi-Standard Radio

An integration concept for multi-standard antennas is described. This technique is based on utilizing a relatively large antenna that is printed on the top side of a substrate, acting as a ground for a smaller antenna. The smaller antenna is printed onto the bottom side of the substrate. To validate this concept, an integrated wide-narrowband demonstrator antenna is presented. This antenna is composed of a shorted microstrip patch integrated with a coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed ultrawideband (UWB) antenna. A prototype of the integrated antenna was fabricated and its performance was verified. This arrangement is a promising candidate for applications where some level of reconfigurability is required. For this reason, a set of external tuning circuits were designed to demonstrate the potential of the proposed configuration for such applications. In order to improve the isolation between the wideband and narrowband ports several modified arrangements were presented and investigated.
Risk factors for prostate cancer incidence and progression in the health professionals follow‐up study

Risk factors for prostate cancer could differ for various sub‐groups, such as for “aggressive” and “non‐aggressive” cancers or by grade or stage. Determinants of mortality could differ from those for incidence. Using data from the Health Professionals Follow‐Up Study, we re‐examined 10 factors (cigarette smoking history, physical activity, BMI, family history of prostate cancer, race, height, total energy consumption, and intakes of calcium, tomato sauce and α‐linolenic acid) using multivariable Cox regression in relation to multiple subcategories for prostate cancer risk. These were factors that we previously found to be predictors of prostate cancer incidence or advanced prostate cancer in this cohort, and that have some support in the literature. In this analysis, only 4 factors had a clear statistically significant association with overall incident prostate cancer: African–American race, positive family history, higher tomato sauce intake (inversely) and α‐linolenic acid intake. In contrast, for fatal prostate cancer, recent smoking history, taller height, higher BMI, family history, and high intakes of total energy, calcium and α‐linolenic acid were associated with a statistically significant increased risk. Higher vigorous physical activity level was associated with lower risk. In relation to these risk factors, advanced stage at diagnosis was a good surrogate for fatal prostate cancer, but high‐grade (Gleason ≥ 7 or Gleason ≥ 8) was not. Only for high calcium intake was there a close correspondence for associations among high‐grade cancer, advanced and fatal prostate cancer. Tomato sauce (inversely) and α‐linolenic acid (positively) intakes were strong predictors of advanced cancer among those with low‐grade cancers at diagnosis. Although the proportion of advanced stage cancers was much lower after PSA screening began, risk factors for advanced stage prostate cancers were similar in the pre‐PSA and PSA era. The complexity of the clinical and pathologic manifestations of prostate cancer must be considered in the design and interpretation of studies. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Who uses running apps and sports watches? Determinants and consumer profiles of event runners’ usage of running-related smartphone applications and sports watches

Individual and unorganized sports with a health-related focus, such as recreational running, have grown extensively in the last decade. Consistent with this development, there has been an exponential increase in the availability and use of electronic monitoring devices such as smartphone applications (apps) and sports watches. These electronic devices could provide support and monitoring for unorganized runners, who have no access to professional trainers and coaches. The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the characteristics of event runners who use running-related apps and sports watches. This knowledge is useful from research, design, and marketing perspectives to adequately address unorganized runners’ needs, and to support them in healthy and sustainable running through personalized technology. Data used in this study are drawn from the standardized online Eindhoven Running Survey 2014 (ERS14). In total, 2,172 participants in the Half Marathon Eindhoven 2014 completed the questionnaire (a response rate of 40.0%). Binary logistic regressions were used to analyze the impact of socio-demographic variables, running-related variables, and psychographic characteristics on the use of running-related apps and sports watches. Next, consumer profiles were identified. The results indicate that the use of monitoring devices is affected by socio-demographics as well as sports-related and psychographic variables, and this relationship depends on the type of monitoring device. Therefore, distinctive consumer profiles have been developed to provide a tool for designers and manufacturers of electronic running-related devices to better target (unorganized) runners’ needs through personalized and differentiated approaches. Apps are more likely to be used by younger, less experienced and involved runners. Hence, apps have the potential to target this group of novice, less trained, and unorganized runners. In contrast, sports watches are more likely to be used by a different group of runners, older and more experienced runners with higher involvement. Although apps and sports watches may potentially promote and stimulate sports participation, these electronic devices do require a more differentiated approach to target specific needs of runners. Considerable efforts in terms of personalization and tailoring have to be made to develop the full potential of these electronic devices as drivers for healthy and sustainable sports participation.
Circadian changes in Drosophila motor terminals

In Drosophila melanogaster, as in most other higher organisms, a circadian clock controls the rhythmic distribution of rest/sleep and locomotor activity. Here we report that the morphology of Drosophila flight neuromuscular terminals changes between day and night, with a rhythm in synaptic bouton size that continues in constant darkness, but is abolished during aging. Furthermore, arrhythmic mutations in the clock genes timeless and period also disrupt this circadian rhythm. Finally, these clock mutants also have an opposing effect on the nonrhythmic phenotype of neuronal branching, with tim mutants showing a dramatic hyperbranching morphology and per mutants having fewer branches than wild‐type flies. These unexpected results reveal further circadian as well as nonclock related pleiotropic effects for these classic behavioral mutants. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007.
Recent advances in atomic‐scale spin‐polarized scanning tunneling microscopy

The Mn3N2 (010) surface has been studied using spin‐polarized scanning tunneling microscopy at the atomic scale. The principle objective of this work is to elucidate the properties and potential of this technique to measure atomic‐scale magnetic structures. The experimental approach involves the use of a combined molecular beam epitaxy/scanning tunneling microscopy system that allows the study of atomically clean magnetic surfaces. Several key findings have been obtained. First, both magnetic and non‐magnetic atomic‐scale information has been obtained in a single spin‐polarized image. Magnetic modulation of the height profile having an antiferromagnetic super‐period of c = 12.14 Å (6 atomic rows) together with a non‐magnetic superstructure having a period of c/2 = 6.07 Å (3 atomic rows) was observed. Methods of separation of magnetic and non‐magnetic profiles are presented. Second, bias voltage‐dependent spin‐polarized images show a reversal of the magnetic modulation at a particular voltage. This reversal is clearly due to a change in the sign of the magnetic term in the tunnel current. Since this term depends on both the tip's as well as the sample's magnetic local density of states, the reversal can be caused by either the sample or the tip. Third, the shape of the line profile was found to vary with the bias voltage, which is related to the energy‐dependent spin contribution from the 2 chemically inequivalent Mn sites on the surface. Overall, the results shown here expand the application of the method of spin‐polarized scanning tunneling microscopy to measure atomic‐scale magnetic structures. Microsc. Res. Tech. 66:72–84, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of delta-sarcoglycan gene polymorphism on the occurrence of coronary spastic angina in Japanese patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) frequently complain of angina-like symptoms in the absence of organic coronary stenoses. Coronary spasm might cause myocardial ischemia in HCM patients. Delta-sarcoglycan plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of HCM and coronary spasm in a mouse model. METHODS AND RESULTS This is a retrospective, single-center study with a small sample size. Seventy patients with HCM underwent coronary angiography and received acetylcholine provocation test. Coronary risk factors and 5'-untranslated region (UTR) G to C polymorphism on delta-sarcoglycan gene (n=64) were evaluated in the HCM patients. In 31 (44.3%) of 70 HCM patients, coronary spasm was induced by the provocation. None of the coronary risk factors was significantly different between the coronary spasm group and the non-coronary spasm group. The 5'-UTR gene polymorphism was associated with the occurrence of coronary spasm with an additive effect on the coexistence (p=0.025). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the C allele of 5'-UTR polymorphism was a significant risk factor for coronary spasm in patients with HCM (odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 9.5; p=0.045) that was independent of traditional coronary risk factors. CONCLUSIONS The 5'-UTR polymorphism on delta-sarcoglycan gene was associated with coronary spasm in Japanese patients with HCM.
Role of the NiFe Hydrogenase Hya in Oxidative Stress Defense in Geobacter sulfurreducens

ABSTRACT Geobacter sulfurreducens, an Fe(III)-reducing deltaproteobacterium found in anoxic subsurface environments, contains 4 NiFe hydrogenases. Hyb, a periplasmically oriented membrane-bound NiFe hydrogenase, is essential for hydrogen-dependent growth. The functions of the three other hydrogenases are unknown. We show here that the other periplasmically oriented membrane-bound NiFe hydrogenase, Hya, is necessary for growth after exposure to oxidative stress when hydrogen or a highly limiting concentration of acetate is the electron source. The beneficial impact of Hya on growth was dependent on the presence of H2 in the atmosphere. Moreover, the Hya-deficient strain was more sensitive to the presence of superoxide or hydrogen peroxide. Hya was also required to safeguard Hyb hydrogen oxidation activity after exposure to O2. Overexpression studies demonstrated that Hya was more resistant to oxidative stress than Hyb. Overexpression of Hya also resulted in the creation of a recombinant strain better fitted for exposure to oxidative stress than wild-type G. sulfurreducens. These results demonstrate that one of the physiological roles of the O2-resistant Hya is to participate in the oxidative stress defense of G. sulfurreducens.
A DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitor and All-trans Retinoic Acid Reduce Oral Cavity Carcinogenesis Induced by the Carcinogen 4-Nitroquinoline 1-Oxide

The transcriptional silencing of some cell cycle inhibitors and tumor suppressors, such as p16 and retinoic acid receptor β2, by DNA hypermethylation at CpG islands is commonly found in human oral squamous carcinoma cells. We examined the effects of the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza; 0.25 mg/kg body weight), all-trans retinoic acid (RA; given at 100 μg/kg body weight and 1 mg/kg body weight), and the combination of 5-Aza and the low-dose RA on murine oral cavity carcinogenesis induced by the carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) in a mouse model. All the drug treatments were done for 15 weeks after a 10-week 4-NQO treatment. Mice in all drug treatment groups showed decreases in the average numbers of neoplastic tongue lesions. The combination of 5-Aza and RA effectively attenuated tongue lesion severity. Although all drug treatments limited the increase in the percentage of proliferating cell nuclear antigen–positive cells and the decrease in the percentage of p16-positive cells caused by the 4-NQO treatment in mouse tongue epithelial regions without visible lesions and in the neoplastic tongue lesions, the combination of 5-Aza and RA was the most effective. Collectively, our results show that the combination of a DNA demethylating drug and RA has potential as a strategy to reduce oral cavity cancer in this 4-NQO model.
Discrimination between ricin and sulphur mustard toxicity in vitro using Raman spectroscopy

A Raman spectroscopy cell-based biosensor has been proposed for rapid detection of toxic agents, identification of the type of toxin and prediction of the concentration used. This technology allows the monitoring of the biochemical properties of living cells over long periods of time by measuring the Raman spectra of the cells non-invasively, rapidly and without use of labels (Notingher et al. 2004 doi:10.1016/j.bios.2004.04.008). Here we show that this technology can be used to distinguish between changes induced in A549 lung cells by the toxin ricin and the chemical warfare agent sulphur mustard. A multivariate model based on principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used for the analysis of the Raman spectra of the cells. The leave-one-out cross-validation of the PCA-LDA model showed that the damaged cells can be detected with high sensitivity (98.9%) and high specificity (87.7%). High accuracy in identifying the toxic agent was also found: 88.6% for sulphur mustard and 71.4% for ricin. The prediction errors were observed mostly for the ricin treated cells and the cells exposed to the lower concentration of sulphur mustard, as they induced similar biochemical changes, as indicated by cytotoxicity assays. The concentrations of sulphur mustard used were also identified with high accuracy: 93% for 200 μM and 500 μM, and 100% for 1000 μM. Thus, biological Raman microspectroscopy and PCA-LDA analysis not only distinguishes between viable and damaged cells, but can also discriminate between toxic challenges based on the cellular biochemical and structural changes induced by these agents and the eventual mode of cell death.