Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro remineralization efficacy of NaF systems containing unique forms of calcium.

PURPOSE To determine the in vitro remineralization potential of a new calcium phosphate technology in a 1000 ppm F system. METHODS 3 mm diameter bovine enamel specimens were mounted, ground and polished, and softened in a carbopol-lactic acid solution (pH = 5.0) for 36 hours at 37 degrees C. Specimens were then measured for baseline Vickers microhardness and stratified (N = 10, mean VHN = 35) into the following groups: Group A: distilled water (negative control); Group B: MI Paste Plus (900 ppm F); Group C: Theramed SOS (1450 ppm F); Group D: "control" dentifrice (1000 ppm F); and, Group E: "test" dentifrice (1000 ppm F) admixed with a new functionalized calcium phosphate system. The groups were then cycled for 10 days in a pH cycling model consisting of four 2-minute treatment periods (diluted 1:3 with distilled water) and one 4-hour acid challenge (carbopol-lactic acid, pH = 5.0) per day. Between these events, specimens were immersed in artificial saliva (pH = 7.0). After 10 days of cycling, the specimens were measured for Vickers surface microhardness and were subsequently microdrilled, with the powder measured for fluoride content using a calibrated fluoride-sensitive electrode. RESULTS Significant differences resulted between the distilled water and fluoride-containing groups. Among the fluoride-containing groups, Group B demonstrated statistically low levels of enamel fluoride deposition and deltaVHN, while Group E statistically outperformed Group D. Among the groups with different calcium systems (Groups B, C, and E), Groups C and E were found to be statistically equivalent and superior to Group B with respect to both bioavailable fluoride and deltaVHN. Based on our results, these data demonstrated the combination of a new calcium phosphate technology plus 1000 ppm F, produced significantly greater remineralization relative to both the 1000 ppm F test dentifrice and MI Paste Plus, and was statistically equivalent to Theramed SOS.
Demographic, Socio-Economic and Cultural Factors Affecting Knowledge and Use of Contraception Differentials in Malda District, West Bengal

The demographic profile of India is characterized by one of the high levels of fertility, low ages at marriage and relatively low contraceptive prevalence. The present paper aims at analyzing the level of awareness and adoption of family welfare methods, assessing the source of information and ascertaining the reasons of non-acceptance. Our study was planned to know the contraceptive practices among females in the reproductive age groups in rural area of Malda, West Bengal. The study used data collected from 2587 married women (age 15 to 44) were selected through systematic random sampling techniques. Data were analyzed by simple percentage for easy understanding of the problem. The findings of the study Revealed that the level of knowledge of family planning were high, 98.69 per cent. However, the actual practice of family planning methods was found to be low where only 55.28 per cent were using any family planning method in their life span. The substantial variations in awareness as well as in adoption of contraceptive methods have been observed across the various societies, castes and religious groups in this study. On an average awareness level accounts for 78.18 per cent and adoption rate 68.73 per cent. The concerted effort is needed from Governmental, Non- governmental and Multimedia organizations for enhancing the awareness about the family welfare programme so that it could lead automatic enhancement in adoption rate. The behaviour related to reproduction is determined by cultural and religious values in some communities. No significant association of contraceptive usages was observed with age of marriage and literacy. A statistically significant association of contraceptive usage was seen with number of living children, religion and the age of female.
Purification, characterization, crystallisation and X-ray analysis of selenomethionine-labelled hydroxymethylbilane synthase from Escherichia coli.

Hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS) catalyses the conversion of porphobilinogen into hydroxymethylbilane, a linear tetrapyrrolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of haems, chlorophylls, vitamin B12 and related macrocycles. In the course of an investigation of the crystal structure of this enzyme, we intended to follow a new strategy to obtain the X-ray phase information, i.e. the collection of multiwavelength anomalous diffraction data from a crystal of a seleno-L-methionine (SeMet)-labelled variant of the protein. We have expressed and purified HMBS from Escherichia coli (34268 Da) in which all (six) methionine (Met) residues are replaced by SeMet. Complete replacement, as shown by amino acid composition analysis and by electrospray mass spectrometry, was achieved by growing the Met-requiring mutant E. coli PO1562 carrying the plasmid pPA410 in a medium containing 50 mg/l SeMet as the sole source of Met. [SeMet]HMBS exhibits full enzyme activity, as reflected by unchanged steady-state kinetic parameters relative to native enzyme. Rhombohedral crystals of [SeMet]HMBS could be grown at the pH optimum (7.4) of the enzyme (solutions containing 30 mg/ml protein, 0.4 mM EDTA, 20 mM dithiothreitol, 3 M NaCl and 15 mM Bristris-propane buffer were equilibrated by vapour diffusion at 20 degrees C against reservoirs of saturated NaCl). However, being very thin plates, these crystals were not suitable for X-ray analysis. Alternatively, rectangular crystals were obtained at pH 5.3 using conditions based on those reported for wild-type HMBS [sitting drops of 50 microliters containing 6-7 mg/ml protein, 0.3 mM EDTA, 15 mM dithiothreitol, 10% (mass/vol.) poly(ethylene glycol) 6000 and 0.01% NaN3 in 0.1 M sodium acetate were equilibrated by vapour diffusion at 20 degrees C against a reservoir of 10-20 mg solid dithiothreitol]. X-ray diffraction data of the crystals were complete to 93.8% at 0.21 nm resolution and showed that [SeMet]HMBS and native HMBS crystallise isomorphously. A difference Fourier map using FSeMet-Fnative and phases derived from the native structure, which has recently been determined independently by multiple isomorphous replacement, showed positive difference peaks centered at or close to where the sulphur atoms of the Met side chains appear in the native structure. In addition, paired positive/negative peaks in the difference map near the cofactor of HMBS indicate conformational differences in the active site, probably due to differences in the state of oxidation of the cofactor in the two crystalline samples.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Zen Meditation for Depression, Anxiety, Pain, and Psychological Distress

Mindfulness has been described as a practice of learning to focus attention on moment-bymoment experience with an attitude of curiosity, openness, and acceptance. Mindfulness practices have become increasingly popular as complementary therapeutic strategies for a variety of medical and psychiatric conditions. This paper provides an overview of three mindfulness interventions that have demonstrated effectiveness for psychiatric symptoms and/or pain. The goal of this review is to provide a synopsis that practicing clinicians can use as a clinical reference concerning Zen meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). All three approaches originated from Buddhist spiritual practices, but only Zen is an actual Buddhist tradition. MBSR and MBCT are secular, clinically based methods that employ manuals and standardized techniques. Studies indicate that MBSR and MBCT have broad-spectrum antidepressant and antianxiety effects and decrease general psychological distress. MBCT is strongly recommended as an adjunctive treatment for unipolar depression. The evidence suggests that both MBSR and MBCT have efficacy as adjunctive interventions for anxiety symptoms. MBSR is beneficial for general psychological health and stress management in those with medical and psychiatric illness as well as in healthy individuals. Finally, MBSR and Zen meditation have a role in pain management. (Journal of Psychiatric Practice 2012;18:233–252)
Testing the Weak Form Efficiency of Palestine Exchange

Although the Palestine Exchange (PEX) is an emerging market, it proved its excellence to many of the financial markets in the Middle East. Because of the importance of the market efficiency, it is necessary to be tested in order to be sure of equivalent chances. In this research, the Researcher tested the efficiency by using the daily prices at the period from January 1 st , 2007 to December 31 st , 2010. The research aims to test the efficiency of (PEX) to make sure that all investors have the same chances in profit taking, and to research the stationary and random walk of PEX Indices. It covered the daily prices of general index in addition to Al-Quds index, also to increase the accuracy of the results, the Researcher tested efficiency of the main sectors Indices of (PEX) is (industry, banking, insurance, services, and investment). The Researcher through statistical measures; Agument Dickey fuller (ADF), the Phillips Perron (PP), and the Kwiatkoowski-Phillips-Schmidt-Shin (KPSS) proved the inefficiency of the (PEX) in the weak level, which means the possibility of taking advantage of technical analysis to be able to predict future prices by extrapolating the past prices.
Smoking, Chronic Bronchitis, and Lung Cancer

A follow-up was carried out on 21,579 male mass radiography volunteers aged at least 40 who had been the subject of an earlier investigation in which their smoking habits and sputum production were recorded and the prevalence of lung cancer was determined after chest x-ray examination. During the follow-up period, which was a minimum of 36 months and a maximum of 56 months, 64 new cases of lung cancer were identified by cross checking records with the registers of the regional cancer registration bureau. A significantly higher incidence of lung cancer was found in those with chronic bronchitis than in those without this disease. In the smoking categories, cigarette smokers with chronic bronchitis had a higher incidence than those without it, and this relationship was maintained irrespective of age and amount smoked. It is concluded that persons who smoke run a higher risk of chronic bronchitis than non-smokers and those who develop bronchitis run a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
GIANT MELANOACANTHOMA MIMICKING MALIGNANT MELANOMA

Melanoacanthoma denotes a rare variant of pigmented seborrheic keratosis. A 65-year-old male farmer had pigmented, verrucous, itchy, highly painful, progressively growing irregularly oval plaque on left side of lower back for the past five years. The indurated lesion, measuring maximum diameter 10 cm × 5 cm, had no discharge, bleeding, ulceration, or associated lymphadenopathy. Dermoscopy showed regular pigmentary network and cribiform pattern of ridges without any feature of malignant melanoma. Histopathology showed well-defined islands of basaloid cells interspersed with large and richly dendritic melanocytes. The lesion was totally excised followed by skin grafting. Our patient was unique in its massive size and clinical resemblance with malignant melanoma. The diagnosis was confirmed by dermoscopy and skin biopsy.
A Prospective Evaluation of Pancreatic Exocrine Function in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis: Correlation with Extent of Necrosis and Pancreatic Endocrine Insufficiency

Aims: The aim of this prospective study was to assess pancreatic exocrine function in patients recovering from a first attack of acute pancreatitis, and to evaluate its relationship to severity of attack, extent of pancreatic necrosis and severity of pancreatic endocrine insufficiency. Methods: Between December 2000 and November 2001, 23 patients were prospectively evaluated. Pancreatic exocrine function was measured by the faecal elastase-1 test and insufficiency was classified as moderately impaired or severely impaired. Pancreatic necrosis was determined by contrast-enhanced CT scan, and its extent was categorised according to Balthazar’s classification. The severity of pancreatic endocrine insufficiency was categorised according to insulin dependence. Attacks were classified as mild (n = 16) or severe (n = 7) according to the Atlanta criteria. Results: Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency was significantly more frequent in patients recovering from severe attacks than mild (n = 6, 86% vs. n = 2, 13%; p = 0.002), and in those who developed pancreatic necrosis or pseudocyst than those who did not (6 of 7 patients vs. 2 of 16 patients, and 5 of 5 patients vs. 3 of 18 patients respectively; p = 0.002). The development of exocrine insufficiency correlated strongly with the extent of pancreatic necrosis (r = –0.754, p < 0.001), and the severity of pancreatic endocrine insufficiency (n = 4, r = –0.453, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is a common occurrence in patients recovering from severe acute pancreatitis, and its severity correlates with the extent of pancreatic necrosis and the severity of concomitant pancreatic endocrine insufficiency.
Outcomes of Depression in Black Single Mothers

Despite suggestions in the literature that depression has serious consequences, few studies have examined specific health and psychosocial outcomes of depression in Black single mothers. The purpose of this study was to estimate paths in a just-identified theoretical model of outcomes of depression for Black single mothers based on theoretical propositions and empirical findings. The model included the variables, depressive cognitions, depressive symptomatology, perceived social support, and positive health practices. Five direct and two indirect hypothesized relationships were estimated using structural equation modeling. A nonprobability sample of convenience of 159 Black single mothers aged 18 to 45 years was recruited for the study. This study used a cross-sectional correlational design. The participants responded in person or via the U.S. mail to the Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression scale, the Depressive Cognition Scale, the Personal Resource Questionnaire 85–Part 2, and the Personal Lifestyle Questionnaire. Beta and Gamma path coefficients were statistically significant for four out of five hypothesized direct relationships within the model (p < .01). The direct path between depressive cognitions and positive health practices was not supported (Gamma = −.11, p > .05). The two indirect paths were weak but statistically significant (p < .01). Depressive symptoms and perceived social support were outcomes of depressive cognitions. Positive health practices was not a direct outcome of depressive cognitions. Perceived social support and positive health practices were outcomes of depressive symptoms.
Compounds affecting Streptococcus agalactiae growth in milk.

Abstract Sulfur-containing compounds were growth stimulators of Streptococcus agalactiae in mixtures of pasteurized and steamed milk in the order L-cystine > L-cysteine > DL-homocystine > reduced glutathione > DL-homocysteine > dithiothreitol > sodium sulfide > sodium thioglycollate based on the concentration required to produce approximately . 5 maximum stimulation. DL+ allocystathionine did not stimulate at highest concentration (1 μ M/ml) but did stimulate at lower concentrations. The most active growth inhibitors of S. agalactiae in pasteurized and steamed milk were L-asparagine, L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-methionine, L-valine, and α -keto- β -methyl-N-valeric acid. Growth inhibition by L-isoleucine, the most active inhibitor, was unaffected by the addition of L-cystine, the most active growth stimulator. Growth inhibition did not involve neutralization of stimulatory substances normally in milk.
LUPUS I OBSERVATIONS FROM THE 2010 FLIGHT OF THE BALLOON-BORNE LARGE APERTURE SUBMILLIMETER TELESCOPE FOR POLARIMETRY

The Balloon-borne Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope for Polarimetry (BLASTPol) was created by adding polarimetric capability to the BLAST experiment that was flown in 2003, 2005, and 2006. BLASTPol inherited BLAST's 1.8 m primary and its Herschel/SPIRE heritage focal plane that allows simultaneous observation at 250, 350, and 500 μm. We flew BLASTPol in 2010 and again in 2012. Both were long duration Antarctic flights. Here we present polarimetry of the nearby filamentary dark cloud Lupus I obtained during the 2010 flight. Despite limitations imposed by the effects of a damaged optical component, we were able to clearly detect submillimeter polarization on degree scales. We compare the resulting BLASTPol magnetic field map with a similar map made via optical polarimetry. (The optical data were published in 1998 by J. Rizzo and collaborators.) The two maps partially overlap and are reasonably consistent with one another. We compare these magnetic field maps to the orientations of filaments in Lupus I, and we find that the dominant filament in the cloud is approximately perpendicular to the large-scale field, while secondary filaments appear to run parallel to the magnetic fields in their vicinities. This is similar to what is observed in Serpens South via near-IR polarimetry, and consistent with what is seen in MHD simulations by F. Nakamura and Z. Li.
Electric and hydraulic process connection in hydraulic and pumped storage hydroelectric power stations

The power supply system and HPS (PSHPS) model is developed in which the electric power system is presented by a powerful adjustable synchronous machine, the HPS (PSHPS) hydroelectric power plant - by the adjustable turbine and electric machine of smaller power and sluggishness and the HPS (PSHPS) hydraulic part is described. Modifications of synchronous and asynchronous machine systems are considered and the operation of regulators is taken into account. The analysis of power and hydraulic subsystem processes at power changes hydroblow is presented.
Dynamic cortical involvement in implicit and explicit motor sequence learning. A PET study.

We examined the dynamic involvement of different brain regions in implicit and explicit motor sequence learning using PET. In a serial reaction time task, subjects pressed each of four buttons with a different finger of the right hand in response to a visually presented number. Test sessions consisted of 10 cycles of the same 10-item sequence. The effects of explicit and implicit learning were assessed separately using a different behavioural parameter for each type of learning: correct recall of the test sequence for explicit learning and improvement of reaction time before the successful recall of any component of the test sequence for implicit learning. Regional cerebral blood flow was measured repeatedly during the task, and a parametric analysis was performed to identify brain regions in which activity was significantly correlated with subjects' performances: i.e. with correct recall of the test sequence or with reaction time. Explicit learning, shown as a positive correlation with the correct recall of the sequence, was associated with increased activity in the posterior parietal cortex, precuneus and premotor cortex bilaterally, also in the supplementary motor area (SMA) predominantly in the left anterior part, left thalamus, and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. In contrast, the reaction time showed a different pattern of correlation during different learning phases. During the implicit learning phase, when the subjects were not aware of the sequence, improvement of the reaction time was associated with increased activity in the contralateral primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1). During the explicit learning phase, the reaction time was significantly correlated with activity in a part of the frontoparietal network. During the post-learning phase, when the subjects achieved all components of the sequence explicitly, the reaction time was correlated with the activity in the ipsilateral SM1 and posterior part of the SMA. These results show that different sets of cortical regions are dynamically involved in implicit and explicit motor sequence learning.
Disrupting the Supplementary Motor Area Makes Physical Effort Appear Less Effortful

The perception of physical effort is relatively unaffected by the suppression of sensory afferences, indicating that this function relies mostly on the processing of the central motor command. Neural signals in the supplementary motor area (SMA) correlate with the intensity of effort, suggesting that the motor signal involved in effort perception could originate from this area, but experimental evidence supporting this view is still lacking. Here, we tested this hypothesis by disrupting neural activity in SMA, in primary motor cortex (M1), or in a control site by means of continuous theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation, while measuring effort perception during grip forces of different intensities. After each grip force exertion, participants had the opportunity to either accept or refuse to replicate the same effort for varying amounts of reward. In addition to the subjective rating of perceived exertion, effort perception was estimated on the basis of the acceptance rate, the effort replication accuracy, the influence of the effort exerted in trial t on trial t+1, and pupil dilation. We found that disruption of SMA activity, but not of M1, led to a consistent decrease in effort perception, whatever the measure used to assess it. Accordingly, we modeled effort perception in a structural equation model and found that only SMA disruption led to a significant alteration of effort perception. These findings indicate that effort perception relies on the processing of a signal originating from motor-related neural circuits upstream of M1 and that SMA is a key node of this network.
Audiovisual fusion and cochlear implant proficiency.

PURPOSE Recent studies suggest that cochlear implant (CI) users have a typical, and perhaps improved, ability to fuse congruent multisensory information. The ability to fuse incongruent auditory and visual inputs, however, remains to be fully investigated. METHODS Here, performance on a classical audiovisual task (the McGurk effect) was assessed in seventeen cochlear-implanted, postlingually deaf individuals with varied degrees of auditory competency. RESULTS In line with previous studies, our results revealed audiovisual fusion abilities that were within normal limits in CI users compared to normally-hearing (NH) participants. A different pattern of response emerged, however, when participants' responses were analyzed according to the degree of auditory proficiency with the CI. Although proficient CI users (pCI) and NH participants favoured auditory input when multisensory signals were not fused, only the non-proficient CI users (npCI) relied predominantly on visual cues to resolve audiovisual conflict. This pattern was found despite a similar percentage of fused percepts between pCI users, npCI users and NH participants. CONCLUSION These data show a remarkable level of similarity between pCI users and NH individuals in the perception of incongruent audiovisual information, suggesting that optimal auditory performance with the CI is associated with normal fusion of conflicting audiovisual input.