Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxicity of dental alloys, metals, and ceramics assessed by millipore filter, agar overlay, and MTT tests.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Biocompatibility of dental materials is dependent on the release of elements from the materials. In addition, the composition, pretreatment, and handling of the materials influence the element release. PURPOSE This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of dental alloys, metals, and ceramics, with specific emphasis on the effects of altering the composition and the pretreatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS By using cells from a mouse fibroblast cell line and the agar overlay test, Millipore filter test, and MTT test, cytotoxicity of various metals, metal alloys, and ceramics for dental restoration were studied. Effects of altering the composition of a high noble gold alloy and of pretreatment of a ceramic-bonding alloy were also studied. In addition, the release of elements into the cell culture medium by the materials studied was measured using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer. The results of the MTT test were analyzed statistically using ANOVA and Scheffé test at a significance level of P <. 05. RESULTS Specimens manufactured from materials intended for dental restorations and handled in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions were ranked from "noncytotoxic" to "mildly cytotoxic" according to the agar overlay and Millipore filter tests. For the MTT test, no significant differences were observed between these materials and controls, with the exception of JS C-gold and unalloyed titanium. The modified materials were ranked from "mildly cytotoxic" to "moderately cytotoxic" in the agar overlay and Millipore filter tests and from "noncytotoxic" to "moderately cytotoxic" in the MTT test. Thus, cytotoxicity was related to the alloy composition and treatment. The release of Cu and Zn seemed to be important for the cytotoxic effect. CONCLUSION Alterations in the composition and the pretreatment can greatly influence the cytotoxicity, and the results stress the importance of carefully following the manufacturers' instructions when handling dental materials.
Studies on Binding of Widely used Drugs with Human Serum Albumin at Different Temperatures and PHs

The study on the interaction of human serum albumin (HSA) with three widely used drugs (diclofenac sodium (DIC), furosemide (FUR) and dexamethasone phosphate (DEX)) was investigated by fluorescence method. Fluorescence emission spectra of HSA in presence of the studied drugs was recorded at excitation wavelength 278 nm and showed that the studied drugs act as quenchers. A decrease in fluorescence emission at 340 nm was attributed to changes in environment of the protein fluorophore caused due to presence of the ligand. The modified Stern–Volmer equation was used as a mathematical model to calculate the binding constants between the drug and HSA. The binding constants for the studied drugs with HSA were found inversely related with temperature. The thermodynamic parameters, the changes of standard Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy change (DH°) and entropy change (DS°) for the drug-HSA interaction were calculated according to van't Hoff equation. Among the thermodynamic parameters, the values of ΔG° were: -25.83, -25.29 and -25.09 kJ/mol for the drugs DIC, FUR and DEX, respectively, and the values of ΔH° and ΔS° were negative suggested that the hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces were the predominant intermolecular forces in stabilizing the drug-HSA complex formed. The effect of pH on the binding of the studied drugs to human serum albumin in phosphate buffer solutions (pH 6.0-8.0) has been investigated in this study. The results showed that the binding of each studied drug was decreased with pH studied and the results were attributed according to the ionic forms of both protein and drug in the pH range studied. Finally, the distances between the donor (HSA) and the acceptor (drug) were estimated to be 2.98, 3.52 and 5.30 nm for the drugs DIC, FUR and DEX, respectively, based on Forster’s resonance energy transfer theory (FRET).
Topology of splicing and snRNP biogenesis in dinoflagellate nuclei

Background information. Dinoflagellates are protists that are hypothesized to have experienced a secondary loss of histones. Amongst eukaryotes, they are unique in lacking these proteins. To date, information on the mechanisms involving remodelling, transcription and splicing of their chromatin is limited. Dinoflagellate genes lack TATA boxes and downstream polyadenylation sites and particular linear arrangements. They have an α‐amanitin‐sensitive RNA polymerase, specific transcription factors and regulators, and both transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Dinoflagellates produce either polycistronic or discrete mRNAs, and have conserved snRNAs (small nuclear RNAs), indicating that their genes are spliced.
Islet Lymphocytes Maintain a Stable Regulatory Phenotype Under Homeostatic Conditions and Metabolic Stress

T cells and B cells have been identified in human and murine islets, but the phenotype and role of islet lymphocytes is unknown. Resident immune populations set the stage for responses to inflammation in the islets during homeostasis and diabetes. Thus, we sought to identify the phenotype and effector function of islet lymphocytes to better understand their role in normal islets and in islets under metabolic stress. Lymphocytes were located in the islet parenchyma, and were comprised of a mix of naïve, activated, and memory T cell and B cell subsets, with an enrichment for regulatory B cell subsets. Use of a Nur77 reporter indicated that CD8 T cells and B cells both received local antigen stimulus, indicating that they responded to antigens present in the islets. Analysis of effector function showed that islet T cells and B cells produced the regulatory cytokine IL-10. The regulatory phenotype of islet T cells and B cells and their response to local antigenic stimuli remained stable under conditions of metabolic stress in the diet induced obesity (DIO) model. T cells present in human islets retained a similar activated and memory phenotype in non-diabetic and T2D donors. Under steady-state conditions, islet T cells and B cells have a regulatory phenotype, and thus may play a protective role in maintaining tissue homeostasis.
Effect of dietary α-lipoic acid on the mRNA expression of genes involved in drug metabolism and antioxidation system in rat liver

In the present study, the mRNA levels of hepatic proteins involved in the drug metabolism of rats fed α-lipoic acid were evaluated by DNA microarray and real-time PCR analyses. Experimental diets containing 0, 0·1, 0·25 and 0·5 % (w/w) α-lipoic acid were fed to four groups of rats consisting of seven animals each for 21 d. DNA microarray analysis revealed that the diet containing 0·5 % α-lipoic acid significantly (P< 0·05) increased the mRNA levels of various phase I drug-metabolising enzymes up to 15-fold and phase II enzymes up to 52-fold in an isoenzyme-specific manner. α-Lipoic acid also up-regulated the mRNA levels of some members of the ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily, presumed to be involved in the exportation of xenobiotics, up to 6·6-fold. In addition, we observed that α-lipoic acid increased the mRNA levels of many proteins involved in antioxidation, such as members of the thiol redox system (up to 5·5-fold), metallothioneins (up to 12-fold) and haeme oxygenase 1 (1·5-fold). These results were confirmed using real-time PCR analysis, and α-lipoic acid dose dependently increased the mRNA levels of various proteins involved in drug metabolism and antioxidation. Consistent with these observations, α-lipoic acid dose dependently increased the hepatic concentration of glutathione and the activities of glutathione reductase and glutathione transferase measured using 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene as substrates, but decreased the hepatic and serum concentrations of malondialdehyde. In conclusion, the present study unequivocally demonstrated that α-lipoic acid increases the mRNA expression of proteins involved in drug metabolism and antioxidation in the liver.
INGUINAL BLADDER HERNIA: MULTI‐PLANAR REFORMATION AND 3‐D RECONSTRUCTION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGES USEFUL FOR DIAGNOSIS

We present a case of inguinal bladder hernia that was preoperatively diagnosed with the aid of multi-planar reformation (MPR) and 3-D reconstruction computed tomography (CT) (Figs 1,2) and confirmed with surgery. While CT is a useful tool, reported CT findings are not consistently observed. To make the diagnosis with certainty, an oblique sagittal MPR CT image which is reconstructed along the inguinal canal by volume data (1 mm slice thickness) was completed and shows clear visualization of the continuity from the bladder to the hernia (arrow). 3-D reconstruction CT imaging by volume rendering shows the herniated bladder situated lateral to the inferior epigastric artery (arrow). This is useful in demonstrating its exact location and its relationship with the surrounding structures such as the inferior epigastric vessels, as shown in our case.
GERENCIAMENTO DE RESULTADOS POR DECISÕES OPERACIONAIS PARA SUSTENTAR DESEMPENHO NAS EMPRESAS NÃO-FINANCEIRAS DO IBOVESPA

Um dos principais incentivos para gerenciar resultados consiste na manutencao do desempenho recente da companhia. O presente trabalho busca verificar se as empresas nao financeiras do Ibovespa que possuem mais incentivos para sustentar o desempenho recente, medido atraves do indice Market-to-book (MTB), gerenciam mais intensamente os resultados por manipulacao de vendas, reducao de despesas discricionarias e aumento da producao. A amostra e composta de 51 empresas nao financeiras para os anos de 2010 a 2014. Os resultados demonstram que para separacao entre MTB maior ou menor que um, nao e possivel afirmar que o nivel de gerenciamento de resultados difere significativamente entre os grupos. Quando considerada a analise em funcao de clusters por K-media do MTB, constatou-se que as empresas com valores de mercado bem acima da media, e, portanto, com os maiores incentivos para gerenciar o resultado, possuem maiores niveis de manipulacao de vendas e diminuicao de despesas de vendas, gerais e administrativas.
Aerolysin and pertussis toxin share a common receptor‐binding domain

We have discovered that the bacterial toxins aerolysin and pertussis toxin share a common domain. This is surprising because the two toxins affect cells in very different ways. The common domain, which we call the APT domain, consists of two three‐stranded antiparallel β‐sheets that come together and wrap around a central pair of helices. The APT domain shares a common fold with the C‐type lectins and Link modules, and there appears to be a divergent relationship among the three families. One surface region of the APT domain is highly conserved, raising the possibility that the domains have a common function in both proteins. Mutation of one of the conserved surface residues in aerolysin, Tyr61, results in reduced receptor binding and activity, thus providing evidence that the APT domain may be involved in interaction with the toxin's receptor. Structural and biochemical evidence suggests that the APT domain contains a carbohydrate‐binding site that can direct the toxins to their target cells.
Waiting Narratives of Lung Transplant Candidates

Before 2005, time accrued on the lung transplant waiting list counted towards who was next in line for a donor lung. Then in 2005 the lung allocation scoring system was implemented, which meant the higher the illness severity scores, the higher the priority on the transplant list. Little is known of the lung transplant candidates who were listed before 2005 and were caught in the transition when the lung allocation scoring system was implemented. A narrative analysis was conducted to explore the illness narratives of seven lung transplant candidates between 2006 and 2007. Arthur Kleinman's concept of illness narratives was used as a conceptual framework for this study to give voice to the illness narratives of lung transplant candidates. Results of this study illustrate that lung transplant candidates expressed a need to tell their personal story of waiting and to be heard. Recommendation from this study calls for healthcare providers to create the time to enable illness narratives of the suffering of waiting to be told. Narrative skills of listening to stories of emotional suffering would enhance how healthcare providers could attend to patients' stories and hear what is most meaningful in their lives.
Local Heating of Pyrolyzed Polymer Heaters for Further Carbonization at Higher Temperature

This paper proposes a breakthrough in application of pyrolyzed polymer in MEMS field. It is one of drawbacks of pyrolyzed polymer that high temperature pyrolysis promoting further carbonization is difficult to be combined with MEMS process. Available temperature used to be restricted below 1000 ° C. Our key strategy is to use a conductive pyrolyzed polymer structure prepared at low temperature as a heater for finishing pyrolysis at high temperature. The local heating of pyrolyzed polymer heaters allows further carbonization at higher temperature. The obtained material by our strategy shows similar feature to commercialized glassy carbon prepared beyond above restriction.
Evaluation of an Emotional Support Service for the Visually Impaired

Purpose To evaluate the impact of a facilitated peer group emotional support service on visual quality of life (VQoL). Methods Consecutive participants in an emotional support service delivered to groups of up to six and facilitated by trained counselors were recruited (n = 29). The VCM1 (Vision Quality-of-life Core Measure) instrument was administered to participants at the start of the service, at the end of the service, and 6 months after completion of the service. Results For the group as a whole, VQoL significantly improved between the beginning of the service and the end (F1,23 = 16.43, p = 0.000) but was no better than at the start 6 months later (F1,23 = 3.60, p = 0.07). However, those with poorer initial VQoL showed significantly greater improvements after 6 months (1.74 ± 2.21 logits) than those with higher initial VQoL (−0.12 ± 0.71 logits) (t23 = 2.89, p = 0.008). The effect size of the intervention for those with poor initial VQoL was 1.10 at the end of service and 0.92 after 6 months. The items that became and remained easier were “feeling lonely or isolated due to eyesight,” “feeling sad or low due to eyesight,” and “feeling worried about general safety outside the home. ” Conclusions This facilitated peer group emotional support service significantly improves VQoL as assessed with the VCM1 over at least 6 months for those with poorer initial VQoL. Different interventions may be needed for those with initially good VQoL and to improve other aspects of QoL not influenced by the service.
Four decades of Service, 1951-1991

The author traces the society's development decade by decade, highlighting the systems, technology, and professional interests that guided the society's growth in membership and services. He begins with the society's roots in the activities of committees formed in the mid-forties by the American Institute of Electrical Engineers and the Institute of Radio Engineers, but sets the official start date in 1951, when the IRE created the Professional Group on Electronic Computers. >
Advances in Plant Senescence

Senescence is an integral component of a plant’s lifecycle, which refers to changes that take place as the plant matures. A general distinction between plant senescence and animal senescence is the events observed in the animal kingdom typically steer growth while plant senescence orchestrates a massive shutdown or coordinated cell death in response to various stimuli designed to facilitate survival of the plant itself or the plant species.
Progress towards gene therapy for cystic fibrosis

A decade ago it was widely anticipated that cystic fibrosis would be one of the first diseases to be treated by gene therapy. The difficult hurdle of cloning the responsible gene had been accomplished, its function was established and the lung appeared readily accessible for gene replacement. Since the first clinical trials for cystic fibrosis lung disease in the early 1990s it has become increasingly apparent that successful lung-directed gene therapy is significantly more complex than was first envisioned. Numerous obstacles including vector toxicity, inefficient transgene expression and limited vector production have delayed progress. An increased understanding of vector biology and host interaction has led to the development of novel strategies to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of gene delivery to the lung. Although significant challenges remain, there is now a realistic prospect of a clinically effective treatment in the next 10years.
Native Ethics and Rules of Behaviour

Psychiatrists assessing Native children and adolescents often find them passive, difficult to assess and not forthcoming. This behaviour, which actually reflects the influence of Native culture, is often misinterpreted by clinicians unfamiliar with that culture as evidence of psychopathology. Patterns of conflict suppression, conflict projection and the humiliating superego are described and placed in their historical and cultural perspective, where they originated as techniques of ensuring the group unity and cohesion essential for survival in a hostile environment. Failure to recognize and understand such cultural influences can lead to errors in diagnosis and treatment that can turn what was intended as a helpful encounter into a destructive one.
Design optimization of an 8 W, microscale, axial-flux, permanent-magnet generator

This paper presents the design optimization and characterization of a microscale, permanent-magnet (PM) generator, capable of supplying 8 W of dc power to a resistive load at a rotational speed of 305 000 rpm. The generator is a three-phase, axial-flux, PM machine, consisting of a stator with Cu surface windings and a multi-pole SmCo PM rotor. Optimization of the machine geometries has enabled a 30% improvement in power density (for the same rotational speed) over a previously reported machine. Furthermore, these design improvements, in combination with higher rotational speeds, have enabled a >7× improvement in total output power and a net power density of 59 W cm−3.
Competing Perspectives on the Link Between Strategic Information Technology Alignment and Organizational Agility: Insights from a Mediation Model

Strategic information technology alignment remains a top priority for business and IT executives. Yet with a recent rise in environmental volatility, firms are asking how to be more agile in identifying and responding to market-based threats and opportunities. Whether alignment helps or hurts agility is an unresolved issue. This paper presents a variety of arguments from the literature that alternately predict a positive or negative relationship between alignment and agility. This relationship is then tested using a model in which agility mediates the link between alignment and firm performance under varying conditions of IT infrastructure flexibility and environmental volatility. Using data from a matched survey of IT and business executives in 241 firms, we uncover a positive and significant link between alignment and agility and between agility and firm performance. We also show that the effect of alignment on performance is fully mediated by agility, that environmental volatility positively moderates the link between agility and firm performance, and that agility has a greater impact on firm performance in more volatile markets. While IT infrastructure flexibility does not moderate the link between alignment and agility, except in a volatile environment, we reveal that IT infrastructure flexibility has a positive and significant main effect on agility. In fact, the effect of IT infrastructure flexibility on agility is as strong as the effect of alignment on agility. This research extends and integrates the literature on strategic IT alignment and organizational agility at a time when both alignment and agility are recognized as critical and concurrent organizational goals.
Detection of mycobacterial antigens in leprosy serum immune complex

The antigens from immune complexes of sera from patients with mycobacterial diseases were released by sodium dodecyl sulfate. The antigenic activity of the released proteins was tested by agar gel diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. This simple method provided direct evidence for the presence of mycobacterial antigens in the immune complexes of sera from patients with leprosy and tuberculosis.
Transfer of genes into embryonal carcinoma cells by retrovirus infection: efficient expression from an internal promoter.

The expression of retroviral genomes after infection of embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells is usually restricted. We have constructed a retroviral vector which has the potential to express efficiently in EC cells an inserted sequence, the selectable neomycin (neo) gene, from an internal thymidine kinase promoter. A second retrovirus vector contained in addition a v‐myc oncogene, which in NIH 3T3 cells could be expressed from the viral long terminal repeat (LTR) through a subgenomic mRNA. 10‐100% of the EC cells infected with recombinant virus gave rise to neo‐resistant colonies following drug selection. The neo gene was expressed in both the non‐permissive EC and the permissive NIH 3T3 cells at similar levels, and transcription of neo‐specific RNA was initiated at the proper site in the thymidine kinase promoter. In contrast, v‐myc mRNA was produced only in the NIH 3T3 cells and not in EC cells, even after induction of differentiation. Thus, genes inserted into retrovirus constructs can easily be introduced into EC cells by virus infection, even without drug selection, and they can be efficiently expressed when transcribed from promoters other than the viral LTRs.