We introduce $\sf{CosmoBit}$, a module within the open-source $\sf{GAMBIT}$ software framework for exploring connections between cosmology and particle physics with joint global fits. $\sf{CosmoBit}$ provides flexible studying various scenarios beyond $\Lambda$CDM, such as models of inflation, modifications effective number relativistic degrees freedom, exotic energy injection from annihilating...

This study compared surface roughness and gloss produced by different finishing/polishing procedures for two resin composites, Clearfil AP-X (AP-X) and Estelite Sigma (ES). A total of 70 composite discs (n=35 for each resin composite) were prepared and divided at random into seven finishing/polishing groups (n=5): glass-pressed control; using a super-fine-grit diamond bur (SF); using CompoMaste...

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the responsiveness of generic and mapped preference-based measures based on the anchor of global change in health condition of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING A baseline sample of 333 Chinese CRC patients was recruited between September 2009 and July 2010 and was surveyed prospectively at 6-month follow-up. Preference-based indices were derive...

OBJECTIVE To compare equine synovial fluid (SF) from injured and control joints for cartilage boundary lubrication function; concentrations of the putative boundary lubricant molecules hyaluronan (HA), proteoglycan 4 (PRG4), and surface-active phospholipids (SAPLs); relationships between lubrication function and composition; and lubrication restoration by addition of HA. METHODS Equine SF fro...

Sulphoraphane (SF), a naturally occurring isothiocyanate, is a potent anticarcinogen in animal experiments. The mechanism of action of sulphoraphane includes induction of Phase 2 detoxification enzymes, inhibition of carcinogen-activating Phase 1 enzymes, induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and anti-inflammation. We have recently found that it was accumulated in mammalian cells by up ...

Aim. Health state utilities measures are preference-weighted patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments that facilitate comparative effectiveness research. One such measure, the SF-6D, is generated from the Short Form 36 (SF-36). This report describes a psychometric evaluation of the SF-6D in a cross-sectional population of lower extremity sarcoma patients. Methods. Patients with lower extremit...

Silk fibroin (SF) is a protein with bulky hydrophobic domains and can be easily purified as sericin-free silk-based biomaterial. Silk fibroin modified chitosan nanoparticle (SF-CSNP), a biocompatible material, has been widely used as a potential drug delivery system. Our current investigation studied the bio-effects of the SF-CSNP uptake by liver cells. In this experiment, the characterizations...

The relation between serum and synovial fluid (SF) C reactive protein (CRP) concentrations was investigated in a variety of arthritides, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and osteoarthritis. SF CRP levels were significantly reduced compared with serum levels in the inflammatory arthritides, but there was good correlation between serum and SF values. S...

The objective of this proof-of-concept study was to develop a platform for controlled drug delivery based on silk fibroin (SF) and to explore the feasibility of using SF in oral drug delivery. The SF-containing matrixes were prepared via spray-drying and film casting, and the release profile of the model drug naproxen sodium was evaluated. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared...