Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early osteogenic differential protein profile detected by proteomic analysis in human periodontal ligament cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Human periodontal ligament cells play a pivotal role in maintaining periodontal ligament space, contain progenitors that are able to differentiate into cementoblasts/osteoblasts and have a tremendous potential to regenerate periodontal tissue. However, the exact molecular mechanisms governing the differentiation mechanisms of progenitors in periodontal ligament cells remain largely unknown. This study was carried out to investigate the differentially expressed proteins involved in the osteogenic differentiation of progenitors presented in periodontal ligament cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and peptide mass fingerprinting, we analyzed the differential protein profiles of periodontal ligament cells undergoing mineralization. RESULTS Compared with undifferentiated periodontal ligament cells, 61 proteins in periodontal ligament cells undergoing differentiation showed at least a 1.5-fold change in intensity, of which 29 differentially expressed proteins were successfully identified by matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The expression of some of the identified proteins was further confirmed by western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. The identified proteins were cytoskeleton proteins and cytoskeleton-associated proteins, nuclear proteins and cell membrane-bound molecules. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the proteins identified in this study may be associated with the unique function of periodontal ligament cells in maintaining periodontal tissue homeostasis, thus providing a comprehensive reference for understanding and investigating in greater detail the molecular mechanisms of periodontal ligament cells involved in periodontal regeneration.
CXC and CC Chemokines as Angiogenic Modulators in Nonhaematological Tumors

Chemokines are a superfamily of structurally homologous heparin-binding proteins that includes potent inducers and inhibitors of angiogenesis. The imbalance between angiogenic and angiostatic chemokine activities can lead to abnormalities, such as chronic inflammation, dysplastic transformation, and even tumor development and spreading. In this review, we summarize the current literature regarding the role of chemokines as modulators of tumor angiogenesis and their potential role as therapeutic targets in patients with nonhaematological tumors.
Effects of Acupuncture on Alzheimer's Disease in Animal-Based Research

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and severe functional deficits in the brain. The pathogenesis and treatment of AD remain topics of investigation and significant global socioeconomic issues. The effect of complementary medicine has been investigated in managing AD. Acupuncture, a form of therapy practiced for more than 3000 years, has shown positive effects on several neurological disorders including AD. Animal studies have evaluated the specific utility and neuropathological mechanisms addressed by acupoint manipulation; however, no study has summarized the relationships among different acupoints and their therapeutic effects in the context of AD. Therefore, we reviewed the effects of acupuncture at different acupoints in animal models of AD. In general, acupuncture produced therapeutic benefits in rodent models of AD. Studies demonstrate the utility of GV20 as a valuable acupoint for electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture. GV20 stimulation suppresses Aβ generation, improves glucose metabolism, and attenuates neuropathological features in various disease models. However, a lack of sufficient evidence in preclinical and clinical studies makes these results controversial. Additional studies are required to confirm the exact utility of specific acupoints in clinically managing AD.
Post-quantum Key Exchange - A New Hope

At IEEE Security & Privacy 2015, Bos, Costello, Naehrig, and Stebila proposed an instantiation of Peik-ert’s ring-learning-with-errors–based (Ring-LWE) key-exchange protocol (PQCrypto 2014), together with an implementation integrated into OpenSSL, with the af-ﬁrmed goal of providing post-quantum security for TLS. In this work we revisit their instantiation and stand-alone implementation. Speciﬁcally, we propose new parameters and a better suited error distribution, analyze the scheme’s hardness against attacks by quantum computers in a conservative way, introduce a new and more efﬁ-cient error-reconciliation mechanism, and propose a defense against backdoors and all-for-the-price-of-one attacks. By these measures and for the same lattice dimen-sion, we more than double the security parameter, halve the communication overhead, and speed up computation by more than a factor of 8 in a portable C implementation and by more than a factor of 27 in an optimized implementation targeting current Intel CPUs. These speedups are achieved with comprehensive protection against timing attacks.
On polynomial phase signals with time-varying amplitudes

We address the parameter estimation problem for a class of nonstationary signals modeled as polynomial phase signals with time-varying amplitudes. Exponentially damped polynomial phase signals are treated as a special case and are analyzed in detail. High-order instantaneous moments provide the basic analytical tool, but links are shown to exist with either the usually employed FFT-based technique or the high-resolution Kumaresan-Tufts (1982), MUSIC, and matrix pencil methods. Asymptotic properties of the relevant estimators are established, Cramer-Rao lower bounds on the amplitude and phase parameter estimates are derived, and computer simulations are carried out to evaluate the performance of various schemes. We focus on parametric modeling of AM-FM signals, mainly because parametric techniques offer parsimony and allow for theoretically unlimited resolution.
V-shaped sampling based on Kendall-Distance to enhance optimization with ranks

In the area of discrete optimization via simulation (DOvS), optimization over rank values has been of concern in computer science and, more recently, in multi-fidelity simulation optimization. Specifically, Chen et al. (2015) proposes the concept of Ordinal Transformation to translate multi-dimensional discrete optimization problems into single-dimensional problems which are simpler, and the transformed solution space is referred as ordinal space. In this paper, we build on the idea of ordinal transformation and its properties in order to derive an efficient sampling algorithm for identifying the solution with the best rank in the setting of multi-fidelity optimization. We refer to this algorithm as V-shaped and we use the concept of Kendall distance adopted in the machine learning theory, in order to characterize solutions in the OT space. The algorithm is presented for the first time and preliminary performance results are provided comparing the algorithm with the sampling proposed in Chen et al. (2015).
A Theoretical Feasibility Study of a Source Stirring Reverberation Chamber

A novel theoretical feasibility study to reverberate a large metallic chamber is proposed. The method is based on the displacement of a radiating antenna inside the chamber, and the reverberating effect is obtained by coupling the antenna current in different ways with the cavity modes. This technique eliminates mechanical rotating paddles inside the chamber and offers the advantage of a continuous-wave operation compared with the frequency stirring method. The reverberating characteristics of the proposed technique are evaluated by calculating the field statistics. The analyzed situation concerns a real antenna, and its radiation into the reverberation chamber is modeled using Green's function of cavity. The numerical problem is solved by the method of moment. The model has been tested and is able to rigorously characterize the reverberating environment for the design and optimization of antenna configurations to be addressed in future studies.
Physiological, neurochemical and morphological properties of a subgroup of GABAergic spinal lamina II neurones identified by expression of green fluorescent protein in mice

The processing of sensory, including nociceptive, information in spinal dorsal horn is critically modulated by spinal GABAergic neurones. For example, blockade of spinal GABAA receptors leads to pain evoked by normally innocuous tactile stimulation (tactile allodynia) in rats. GABAergic dorsal horn neurones have been classified neurochemically and morphologically, but little is known about their physiological properties. We used a transgenic mouse strain coexpressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and the GABA‐synthesizing enzyme GAD67 to investigate the properties of a subgroup of GABAergic neurones. Immunohistochemistry showed that EGFP‐expressing neurones accounted for about one‐third of the GABAergic neurones in lamina II of the spinal dorsal horn. They constituted a neurochemically rather heterogeneous group where 27% of the neurones coexpressed glycine, 23% coexpressed parvalbumin and 14% coexpressed neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). We found almost no expression of protein kinase Cγ (PKCγ) in EGFP‐labelled neurones but a high costaining with PKCβII (78%). The whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique was used to intracellularly label and physiologically characterize EGFP‐ and non‐EGFP‐expressing lamina II neurones in spinal cord slices. Sixty‐two per cent of the EGFP‐labelled neurones were islet cells while the morphology of non‐EGFP‐labelled neurones was more variable. When stimulated by rectangular current injections, EGFP‐expressing neurones typically exhibited an initial bursting firing pattern while non‐EGFP‐expressing neurones were either of the gap or the delayed firing type. EGFP‐expressing neurones received a greater proportion of monosynaptic input from the dorsal root, especially from primary afferent C‐fibres. In conclusion, EGFP expression defined a substantial but, with respect to the measured parameters, rather inhomogeneous subgroup of GABAergic neurones in spinal lamina II. These results provide a base to elucidate the functional roles of this subgroup of GABAergic lamina II neurones, e.g. for nociception.
Sensitivity of an Immunomagnetic-Separation-Based Test for Detecting Escherichia coli O26 in Bovine Feces

ABSTRACT The sensitivity of a test for cattle shedding Escherichia coli serogroup O26 was estimated using several fecal pats artificially inoculated at a range of concentrations with different E. coli O26 strains. The test involves the enrichment of fecal microflora in buffered peptone water, the selective concentration of E. coli O26 using antibody-coated immunomagnetic-separation beads, the identification of E. coli colonies on Chromocult tryptone bile X-glucuronide agar, and confirmation of the serogroup with E. coli serogroup O26-specific antisera using slide agglutination. The effective dose of E. coli O26 for an 80% test sensitivity (ED80) was 1.0 × 104 CFU g−1 feces (95% confidence interval, 4.7 × 103 to 2.4 × 104). Differences in test sensitivity between different E. coli O26 strains and fecal pats were also observed. Individual estimates of ED80 for each strain and fecal pat combination ranged from 4.2 × 102 to 4.8 × 105 CFU g−1. These results suggest that the test is useful for identifying individuals shedding a large number of E. coli O26 organisms or, if an appropriate number of individuals in a herd are sampled, for identifying affected herds. The study also provides a benchmark estimate of sensitivity that can be used to compare alternative tests for E. coli O26 and a methodological approach that can be applied to tests for other pathogenic members of the Enterobacteriaceae and other sample types.
Enhanced recovery following liver surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes aim to improve postoperative outcomes. They are being utilized increasingly in hepatic surgery. This review aims to evaluate the impact of ERAS programmes on outcomes following liver surgery. METHODS EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and the Cochrane Database were searched for trials comparing outcomes in patients undergoing liver surgery utilizing ERAS principles with those in patients receiving conventional care. The primary outcome was occurrence of postoperative complications within 30 days. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LoS), functional recovery and adherence to ERAS protocols. RESULTS Nine articles were included in the review, of which two were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Overall complication rates were 25.0% (range: 11.5-46.4%) in ERAS patients, and 31.0% (range: 11.8-46.2%) in conventional care patients. Significantly reduced overall complication rates following ERAS care were demonstrated by a meta-analysis of the data reported in the two RCTs (odds ratio: 0.49, 95% confidence interval 0.28-0.84; P = 0.01) The median LoS reported by the studies was 5.0 days (range: 2.5-7.0 days) in ERAS patients, and 7.5 days (range: 3.0-11.0 days) in non-ERAS patients. Recovery milestones, when reported, were improved following ERAS care. CONCLUSIONS The adoption of ERAS protocols improves morbidity and LoS following liver surgery. Future ERAS programmes should accommodate the unique requirements of liver surgery in order to optimize postoperative outcomes.
Functional and spatial changes of souks in Morocco’s imperial cities in the context of tourism development

Abstract Souks have undergone functional and spatial changes in the Moroccan medinas since colonial times due to the tourist activities. The rate of the changes increased at the end of the 20th century because of the expansion of tourism projects. However, there are no publications on the evolution of Moroccan souks in the context of tourism development. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to determine the types of transformations the souks underwent as a result of the dynamic development in this sector of economy. The research focused on two imperial cities: Marrakech and Rabat. Data for analysis was obtained through observations and field interviews in 2014 and by bibliographic query. A retrospective study was carried out which included identification of mechanisms affecting the contemporary organization and physiognomy of the commercial streets. The authors’ work allowed for an identification of development phases of the Moroccan souks under the influence of tourism.
Transience in cascading paraglacial systems

Two main ways in which the progress of deglaciation in mountains can be identified and monitored are through (a) meltwater loss over time as glaciers and permafrost melt and (b) enhanced sediment yield over time as loose sediments are released downslope. Conceptually, both these outcomes of glacier retreat can be considered through their relationship to models of paraglacial landscape evolution, which describe how volume fluxes of meltwater and sediments change over time in mountains that are becoming deglacierized, and the different landforms that exist during different stages of landscape evolution. This paper critically reconsiders paraglacial landscape evolution models with respect to the separate timings and magnitudes of meltwater and sediment fluxes, drawing from examples from past and present deglacierizing mountains worldwide. This analysis shows that constructions of paraglacial systems simply as sediment cascades cannot be uncritically supported and that paraglacial systems can be best considered as reflecting transient stages of evolution in which meltwater and sediment fluxes vary over time and space. These transient properties of paraglacial systems have important implications for the ways in which the dynamics of these systems are conceptualized and modelled, with respect to the paraglacial evolution of mountain landscapes and mountain geohazards, especially under conditions of global warming and glacier recession.
Improved transfection in human mesenchymal stem cells: effective intracellular release of pDNA by magnetic polyplexes.

AIM Magnetically guided transfection has been shown as a promising approach for the genetic modification of cells. We observed that polyethylenimine (PEI)-condensed pDNA, combined with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) via biotin-streptavidin interactions could provide higher transfection efficiency than pDNA/PEI alone, even without the application of a magnetic force. Therefore, we intended to investigate the beneficial properties of MNP-based transfection. MATERIALS & METHODS We performed three-color fluorescent labeling of magnetic transfection complexes and traced them inside human mesenchymal stem cells over time using confocal microscopy in order to study pDNA release kinetics by colocalization studies. RESULTS We demonstrated that MNP-combined pDNA/PEI complexes provide more rapid and efficient release of pDNA than pDNA/PEI alone, which could be explained by the retention of PEI on the surface of the MNPs due to strong biotin-streptavidin interactions. CONCLUSION The process of pDNA liberation may significantly influence the efficiency of the transfection vector. Therefore, it should be carefully considered when creating novel gene delivery agents.
Geochemistry and elemental composition of some black soils, red and red laterite soils in semi-arid tropical region of Tamil Nadu

The study was carried out in the three new research stations of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University with varied soil types viz., red soils, red laterite soils and black soils to study the variation in elemental composition of soils. The silica content in red soil pedons was varied from 55.73 to 64.08 per cent in surface horizons, whereas in subsurface horizons it was ranged from 50.99 to 56.20 per cent where as in black soils, silica content was varied from 62.6 to 66.6 per cent in surface and 60.1 to 65.6 in subsurface horizons. The silica content varied from 53.3 per cent to 58.0 per cent in surface horizons whereas in subsurface horizons ranged from 49.6 per cent to 59.2 percent in red laterite soil pedons. The chemical composition of soils exhibited the siliceous nature with broad and large silica/sesquioxides and silica/alumina ratios. The wider ratios of SiO2/R2O3 and SiO2/Al2O3 was found in the black soils followed by red soils where montmorillonite and illite as dominant clay minerals and narrow ratio was found in red laterite soils where Kaolinite was dominant clay mineral.
Why and How Physical Activity Promotes Experience-Induced Brain Plasticity

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is an unusual case of brain plasticity, since new neurons (and not just neurites and synapses) are added to the network in an activity-dependent way. At the behavioral level the plasticity-inducing stimuli include both physical and cognitive activity. In reductionistic animal studies these types of activity can be studied separately in paradigms like voluntary wheel running and environmental enrichment. In both of these, adult neurogenesis is increased but the net effect is primarily due to different mechanisms at the cellular level. Locomotion appears to stimulate the precursor cells, from which adult neurogenesis originates, to increased proliferation and maintenance over time, whereas environmental enrichment, as well as learning, predominantly promotes survival of immature neurons, that is the progeny of the proliferating precursor cells. Surprisingly, these effects are additive: boosting the potential for adult neurogenesis by physical activity increases the recruitment of cells following cognitive stimulation in an enriched environment. Why is that? We argue that locomotion actually serves as an intrinsic feedback mechanism, signaling to the brain, including its neural precursor cells, increasing the likelihood of cognitive challenges. In the wild (other than in front of a TV), no separation of physical and cognitive activity occurs. Physical activity might thus be much more than a generally healthy garnish to leading “an active life” but an evolutionarily fundamental aspect of “activity,” which is needed to provide the brain and its systems of plastic adaptation with the appropriate regulatory input and feedback.
Mandibular First Premolar with Three Roots: A Case Report

Anatomy of the root canal system always effects endodontic treatment outcome. Mandibular premolar teeth show extreme variations in root canal morphology. First premolars usually exhibit basic one root and one canal anatomy. The occurrence of three roots in mandibular first premolar has not been commonly reported in literature. This article reports a case of successful nonsurgical endodontic management of mandibular first premolar with three canals and three different apical foramina.
Streptococcus pneumoniae induces exocytosis of Weibel‐Palade bodies in pulmonary endothelial cells

Invasive pneumococcal infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae lead to inflammatory infiltration of leucocytes into lung alveolus, meninges and to septic dissemination within the vascular system. The lung microvasculature is covered by pulmonary endothelial cells containing Weibel‐Palade bodies (WPB) releasing procoagulant von Willebrand factor (vWF) and other proteins in response to inflammatory stimuli. The influence of pathogenic pneumococci on secretion of WPB proteins is unknown. Here, we report that adherence of S. pneumoniae to primary human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC) stimulates the WPB exocytosis and the secretion of vWF and interleukin 8 (IL‐8). Moreover, infection analyses performed with pneumococcal mutants deficient in the expression of cytotoxic pneumolysin demonstrated that, in addition to direct bacterial adherence, sublytic concentrations of pneumolysin stimulated vWF secretion. The release of vWF was induced after infection with pneumococci from both the apical and the basal cell surfaces, which implies a stimulation of WPB exocytosis in both directions: from inside the vasculature and also following invasive pneumococcal transmigration from pulmonary tissue into the bloodstream. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the most relevant pulmonary pathogen S. pneumoniae induces release of proinflammatory and procoagulative components directly contributing to pathophysiological processes leading to fatal tissue injury during course of infection.