Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dental stem cells for tooth regeneration and repair

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) resident in bone marrow are one of the most studied and clinically important populations of adult stem cells. Cells with, similar properties to these MSCs have been described in several different tooth tissues and the potential ease with which these dental MSCs could be obtained from patients has prompted great interest in these cells as a source of MSCs for cell-based therapeutics. In this review we address the current state of knowledge regarding these cells, their properties, origins, locations, functions and potential uses in tooth tissue engineering and repair. We discuss some of the key controversies and outstanding issues, not least of which whether dental stem cells actually exist.
Measuring Women-Friendly Policy in the American States

Scholars and advocates frequently rank the American states in terms of the favorability of their policy positions on a range of issues, including “women-friendliness. ” We examine if this is an identifiable dimension among 32 policies selected by women's interest organizations as important “women-friendly” planks and adopted by 50 states. We identify 8 policies that cohere empirically in the adoption pattern of states. Our list suggests that if women-friendly policy has a coherent theoretical meaning, its focus is on women's self-determination, and not on family and children, or even equity in the workplace.
The humanization of healthcare: A value framework for qualitative research

Qualitative research, through its illumination of people's perspectives and experiences, has contributed a particular kind of useful evidence for caring practices. Until now however, it has found its location in healthcare without making the powerful impact on humanizing practice that is its key strength. Our paper develops a conceptual framework for humanizing care, and through examples illustrates an emerging agenda that moves qualitative research into its next and overdue phase: to enter policy-making; curricula in professional education; and to be meaningfully translated into practice in ways that place people as human beings at the centre of care. This paper provides eight philosophically informed dimensions of humanization, which together, form a framework that constitutes a comprehensive value base for considering both the potentially humanizing and dehumanizing elements in caring systems and interactions. In each case, we show, with reference to published studies, how qualitative research findings are already consistent with the humanizing focus articulated in our conceptual framework. We finally describe a reciprocal relationship in which the humanizing value framework guides a dedicated focus for qualitative research, and in which qualitative research in its turn, supports the humanising emphasis because of its intrinsic features.
Outcome of Expandable Prostheses in Children

Background: Expandable prostheses offer the advantages of limb-salvage and limb-length equality at skeletal maturity. However, what is the cost for achieving that goal, and in how many children this is achieved? Materials and Methods: We present 32 children (16 boys and 16 girls; mean age, 9 y) with bone sarcomas of the femur treated with limb salvage using expandable prostheses. The Kotz Growing prosthesis and the noninvasive Repiphysis and Stanmore expandable prostheses were used. The mean follow-up was 49 months. Survival analysis of the children and primary implants and functional evaluation were performed. Results: Survival of the children was 94% and 84% at 48 and 72 months. Survival of the primary prostheses was 78% and 66% at 48 and 72 months; survival was significantly higher only for the Kotz when compared with the Repiphysis prostheses (P=0.026). The rate of implant-related complications was 51.3%; 9 prostheses (23%) were revised because of aseptic loosening, infection, and breakage. A mean total lengthening of 28 mm (4 to 165 mm) was achieved by 84 procedures (2.6 procedures/patient). Three of the 9 children who reached skeletal maturity had limb-length equality and 6 discrepancy of 15 to 30 mm. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was excellent (79%) without a significant difference between the type of prostheses (P=0.934). Conclusions: The Kotz Growing prosthesis, although it requires an open lengthening procedure, has shown higher survival when compared with the noninvasive Repiphysis prosthesis. However, the total lengthening remains small, and the complications rates are high even with the noninvasive prostheses.
Using WebQLM to Enhance Performance in Argumentative Writing among Year 12 ESL Students

This study investigated the impact of a designed web-based learning module on Year 12 students’ learning of argumentative writing. The module known as WebQuest Learning Module or WebQLM comprises four units of learning. The subjects were 68 Year 12 Arts Stream students in an urban school in Penang. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of WebQLM on students’ performance in argumentative writing as well as students’ responses towards the integration of this web technology in the ESL classroom. The paired-samples T-Test revealed significant improvement in students’ argumentative writing performance. Findings from the questionnaire and group interviews showed students generally responded positively towards the use of WebQLM in argumentative writing instruction. This study has brought to light the importance of integrating web-based learning tasks in the classroom. The credibility of the teacher in web-based instruction depends very much on the roles he or she plays in designing, scaffolding, facilitating and aspiring students towards a better learning culture. Implications on the teaching and learning of writing in an ESL context, especially for learners in the contemporary digital culture, can be drawn from the findings.
Epigenetic Disregulation in Oral Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral region (OSCC) is one of the most common and highly aggressive malignancies worldwide, despite the fact that significant results have been achieved during the last decades in its detection, prevention and treatment. Although many efforts have been made to define the molecular signatures that identify the clinical outcome of oral cancers, OSCC still lacks reliable prognostic molecular markers. Scientific evidence indicates that transition from normal epithelium to pre-malignancy, and finally to oral carcinoma, depends on the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in a multistep process. Unlike genetic alterations, epigenetic changes are heritable and potentially reversible. The most common examples of such changes are DNA methylation, histone modification, and small non-coding RNAs. Although several epigenetic changes have been currently linked to OSCC initiation and progression, they have been only partially characterized. Over the last decade, it has been demonstrated that especially aberrant DNA methylation plays a critical role in oral cancer. The major goal of the present paper is to review the recent literature about the epigenetic modifications contribution in early and later phases of OSCC malignant transformation; in particular we point out the current evidence of epigenetic marks as novel markers for early diagnosis and prognosis as well as potential therapeutic targets in oral cancer.
The Zalcman conjecture and related problems

At the end of 1960's, Lawrence Zalcman posed a conjecture that the coefficients of univalent functions $f(z) = z + \sum\limits_2^\infty a_n z^n$ on the unit disk satisfy the sharp inequality $|a_n^2 - a_{2n-1}| \le (n-1)^2$, with equality only for the Koebe function. This remarkable conjecture implies the Bieberbach conjecture, investigated by many mathematicians, and still remains a very difficult open problem for all n > 3; it was proved only in certain special cases. We provide a proof of Zalcman's conjecture based on results concerning the plurisubharmonic functionals and metrics on the universal Teichm\"uller space. As a corollary, this implies a new proof of the Bieberbach conjecture. Our method gives also other new sharp estimates for large coefficients.
Systems biology integration of proteomic data in rodent models of depression reveals involvement of the immune response and glutamatergic signaling

The pathophysiological basis of major depression is incompletely understood. Recently, numerous proteomic studies have been performed in rodent models of depression to investigate the molecular underpinnings of depressive‐like behaviours with an unbiased approach. The objective of the study is to integrate the results of these proteomic studies in depression models to shed light on the most relevant molecular pathways involved in the disease.
The parallax, mass and age of the PSR J2145-0750 binary system

We present results of high-precision timing measurements of the binary millisecond pulsar PSR J2145 0750. Combining 10 yrs of radio timing data obtained with the Effelsberg 100-m radio telescope and the Lovell 76-m radio telescope we measure a significant timing parallax of 2.0(6)mas placing the system at 500 pc distance to the solar system. The detected secular change of the projected semi-major axis of the orbit u x = 1.8(6) × 10 −14 lt-s s −1 , where x = (ap sin i)/c, is caused by the proper motion of the system. With this mea- surement we can constrain the orbital inclination angle to i < 61 ◦ , with a median likelihood value of 46 ◦ which is consistent with results from polarimetric studies of the pulsar magnetosphere. This constraint together with the non-detection of Shapiro delay rules out certain combinations of the companion mass, m2, and the inclination, i. For typical neutron star masses and using optical observations of the carbon/oxygen-core white dwarf we derive a mass range for the companion of 0.7 M⊙ � m2 � 1.0 M⊙. We apply evolutionary white dwarf cooling models to revisit the cooling age of the companion. Our analysis reveals that the companion has an effective temperature of Teff = 5750 ± 600 K and a cooling age of τcool = 3.6(2) Gyr, which is roughly a factor of three lower than the pulsar's characteristic age of 10.4 Gyr. The cooling age implies an initial spin period of P0 = 13.0(5) ms, which is very close to the current period.
Social Networks, the Tertius Iungens Orientation, and Involvement in Innovation

This study examines the microprocesses in the social networks of those involved in organizational innovation and their strategic behavioral orientation toward connecting people in their social network by either introducing disconnected individuals or facilitating new coordination between connected individuals. This tertius iungens (or “third who joins”) strategic orientation, contrasts with the tertius gaudens orientation emphasized in structural holes theory, which concerns the advantage of a broker who can play people off against one another for his or her own benefit. Results of a multimethod study of networks and innovation in an engineering division of an automotive manufacturer show that a tertius iungens orientation, dense social networks, and diverse social knowledge predict involvement in innovation. Implications of the study for innovation and social networks, as well as for social skill and agency within firms are presented.
Anti RNP in systemic lupus erythematosus.

To the Editor, Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous disease; the analysis of the autoantibodies profile in a SLE patient may help to predict the clinical manifestations. Anti-RNP presence have been associated to Raynaud’s phenomenon, myositis, esophageal dysmotility and absence of nephritis in studies with a mixed population comprising both SLE and mixed connective tissue disease patients. Anti-RNP together with anti-Sm are directed against spliceosome proteins, providing the appearance of an ANA with speckled patMarina Melek1, Melissa F. Erdmann1,Paulo Henrique R. Negreiros1, Thelma L Skare1
Methodologies from Machine Learning in Data Analysis and Software

In the last few decades the rise of computing and telecommunications has flooded the worlds of government, business, medicine and engineering with unprecedented volumes of stored data. These databases provide the raw material for information supply but have been largely impenetrable as potential sources of expert knowledge. Computer-oriented techniques can now be used, however, in integration with established methods from classical statistics to generate rulestructured classifiers which not only make a better job of classifying new data sampled from the same source but also possess the quality of clear explanatory structure. New developments in the computer induction of decision rules have contributed to two areas, multivariate data analysis and computer assisted software engineering. Practical connections between the two are thereby coming to light. This paper reviews some of the more significant of these developments.
Peripheral chemokine levels in women with recurrent major depression with suicidal ideation.

OBJECTIVE To compare serum levels of MCP-1/CCL2, RANTES/CCL5, and Eotaxin/CCL11 between female patients with recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls, verifying if there is a difference in the levels of these mediators between those with or without current suicidal ideation. METHODS Thirty female outpatients with recurrent MDD were divided in two groups accordingly the presence or absence of suicidal ideation. These groups were compared with 16 healthy controls. Serum levels of MCP-1/CCL2, RANTES/CCL5, and Eotaxin/CCL11 were determined. Depression severity was evaluated by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Suicidal ideation was assessed by SCID-I and BDI. RESULTS Patients with recurrent MDD and healthy controls did not differ in age, socioeconomic status, and education. All patients reported high scores of BDI (mean, SD, n; 29.75, 10.55, 28). Multivariable analysis of covariance adjusted for age and BMI showed that MDD patients with suicidal ideation presented lower levels of MCP-1/ CCL2 and RANTES/CCL5 (p < 0.001) and higher levels of Eotaxin/CCL11 (p = 0.04) compared to healthy controls. These differences remained significant after adjusting for depression severity. CONCLUSION The findings of this study indicated that the presence of recurrent MDD with suicidal ideation is associated with differences in inflammatory chemokines when compared to those without suicidal ideation.
Molecular determinants of the axonal mRNA transcriptome

Axonal protein synthesis has been shown to play a role in developmental and regenerative growth, as well as in cell body responses to axotomy. Recent studies have begun to identify the protein products that contribute to these autonomous responses of axons. In the peripheral nervous system, intra‐axonal protein synthesis has been implicated in the localized in vivo responses to neuropathic stimuli, and there is emerging evidence for protein synthesis in CNS axons in vivo. Despite that hundreds of mRNAs have now been shown to localize into the axonal compartment, knowledge of what RNA binding proteins are responsible for this is quite limited. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of RNA transport mechanisms and highlight recently uncovered mechanisms for dynamically altering the axonal transcriptome. Both changes in the levels or activities of components of the RNA transport apparatus and alterations in transcription of transported mRNAs can effectively shift the axonal mRNA population. Consistent with this, the axonal RNA population shifts with development, with changes in growth state, and in response to extracellular stimulation. Each of these events must impact the transcriptional and transport apparatuses of the neuron, thus directly and indirectly modifying the axonal transcriptome. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 218–232, 2014
Developing Bayesian adaptive methods for estimating sensitivity thresholds (d′) in Yes-No and forced-choice tasks

Motivated by Signal Detection Theory (SDT), we developed a family of novel adaptive methods that estimate the sensitivity threshold—the signal intensity corresponding to a pre-defined sensitivity level (d′ = 1)—in Yes-No (YN) and Forced-Choice (FC) detection tasks. Rather than focus stimulus sampling to estimate a single level of %Yes or %Correct, the current methods sample psychometric functions more broadly, to concurrently estimate sensitivity and decision factors, and thereby estimate thresholds that are independent of decision confounds. Developed for four tasks—(1) simple YN detection, (2) cued YN detection, which cues the observer's response state before each trial, (3) rated YN detection, which incorporates a Not Sure response, and (4) FC detection—the qYN and qFC methods yield sensitivity thresholds that are independent of the task's decision structure (YN or FC) and/or the observer's subjective response state. Results from simulation and psychophysics suggest that 25 trials (and sometimes less) are sufficient to estimate YN thresholds with reasonable precision (s.d. = 0.10–0.15 decimal log units), but more trials are needed for FC thresholds. When the same subjects were tested across tasks of simple, cued, rated, and FC detection, adaptive threshold estimates exhibited excellent agreement with the method of constant stimuli (MCS), and with each other. These YN adaptive methods deliver criterion-free thresholds that have previously been exclusive to FC methods.
A New Islamic Populism and the Contradictions of Development

Abstract A new form of Islamic populism has evolved in many parts of the Muslim world. Its emergence is part of the more universal phenomenon of populist responses to the contradictions of globalised capitalism. It is also a consequence of the outcomes of Cold War-era social conflicts and of social-structural transformations in Muslim societies over the last half-century. Specifically, it articulates the rising ambitions and growing frustrations of urban middle classes across the Muslim world, the anxieties of growing urban poor populations and relatively peripheralised sections of the bourgeoisie. Thus representing cross-class coalitions, the New Islamic Populism aims to provide access to power and tangible resources to an ummah conceived to be both downtrodden and homogeneous, though in actuality, increasingly differentiated. This is demonstrated through a discussion of Indonesia, Egypt and Turkey. The article is intended to provide an alternative to analyses that have tended to dominate discussions of Islamic politics over the last decade. These include analyses that emphasise radical ideas transmitted by shadowy transnational networks that threaten the global secular order and those that posit a strong relationship between political moderation and democratic practice but tend to overlook the structural underpinnings of Islamic politics.
Tourist Assessment of Archaeological Sites: The Case of The Archaeological Complex of Itálica (Seville, Spain)

ABSTRACT Few studies have examined visitors’ assessments of their stay at archaeological complexes. This study analyzed this issue, focusing on Itálica (Seville, Spain). The results show that three factors are important in assessing a visit: quality of service, perceived sacrifice and satisfaction. With regard to these three factors, significant differences were found depending on whether the visitor had previously been to Itálica and where he or she came from. From these results, the authors have identified possible ways of improving the services provided, and, consequently, visitor satisfaction.
‘Work’ and ‘Heat’: on a road towards thermodynamics

This paper describes qualitative research into difficulties university freshmen displayed when ‘forced’ to use thermodynamic ‘concepts’, or rather ‘words’, in a thermodynamic context which was, at that time, not (yet) their own context. The research also aims at the identification and the naming of students’ proto‐thermodynamic context(s), focused on their concepts of work and heat, and taking a thermodynamic basic context of work and heat, previously described as an objective of education, as a frame of reference. Three ‘rounds’ of research were performed in three successive years, each elaborating on the preceding one. The first ‘round’ concentrated mainly on students' general problems with the thermodynamic concept of heat in a thermodynamic context. The second and the third concentrated mainly on the way a ‘transition’ from a commonplace concept of work in an ordinary life context to a scientific concept of work is suggested in a much used Dutch secondary school method of physics education. Our first .
MUSIC ENHANCES THE EFFECT OF POSITIVE EMOTIONAL STATES ON SALIVARYIgA

This study examines the effects of music and positive emotional states on autonomic and immune functions in normal, healthy individuals. Autonomic activity was assessed using power spectral density analysis of heart rate variability, and salivary IgA was used as a marker of immunity. The effects of rock, new age and designer music were examined alone, and in conjunction with a self-induced positive emotional state. The results indicate that only the designer music and the self-induced state of appreciation produced a significant increase in autonomic activity and salivary IgA (S-IgA). In addition, the combination of the designer music and the self-induced appreciation produced a much greater immunoenhancement than either of these two conditions alone. We conclude that music can be designed to enhance the beneficial effects of positive emotional states on immunity, and that this effect may be mediated by the autonomic nervous system. These data raise the tantalizing possibility that music and emotional self-management may have significant health benefits in a variety of clinical situations in which there is immunosuppression and autonomic imbalance.
Sex Offender Placement and Neighborhood Social Integration: The Making of a Scarlet Letter Community

Based on data from 147 randomly selected households and commercial enterprises located in a low income neighborhood of a mid‐size Midwestern city, this exploratory study examines how the process of sex offender community notification (Megan’s Law) affects the factors of social integration and fear of crime, especially that involving the anticipated sexual victimization of young children. It is hypothesized that social integration, defined as formal and informal social interaction that engenders a sense of belonging, is negatively associated with variations of fear, which is magnified by the publicized residential placement of a convicted sex offender. Using standard measures of social integration, the findings reveal that those people who maintained or even strengthened social ties to their neighborhood experienced no reduction in the fear that neighborhood children would be victimized. An analysis of the data suggests that social integration dissipates rather quickly when fear for the safety of neighborhood children is increased by the sudden disclosure of the resident sex offender.