Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Niobium-Doped Hydroxyapatite Bioceramics: Synthesis, Characterization and In Vitro Cytocompatibility

Doping calcium phosphates with ionic species can play an important role in biological responses promoting alkaline phosphatase activity, and, therefore inducing the generation of new bone. Thus, in this study, the synthesis of niobium-doped hydroxyapatite (Nb-HA) nanosize particles obtained by the precipitation process in aqueous media followed by thermal treatment is presented. The bioceramics were extensively characterized by X-ray diffraction, wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and thermal analysis regarding their chemical composition, structure and morphology. The results showed that the precipitate dried at 110 °C was composed of amorphous calcium phosphate and HA, with polidisperse particles ranging from micro to nano dimensions. After the thermal treatment at 900 °C, the bioceramic system evolved predominantly to HA crystalline phase, with evident features of particle sintering and reduction of surface area. Moreover, the addition of 10 mol% of niobium salt precursor during the synthesis indicated the complete incorporation of the Nb(V) species in the HA crystals with detectable changes in the original lattice parameters. Furthermore, the incorporation of Nb ions caused a significant refinement on the average particle size of HA. Finally, the preliminary cytocompatibility response of the biomaterials was accessed by human osteoblast cell culture using MTT and resazurin assays, which demonstrated no cytotoxicity of the Nb-alloyed hydroxyapatite. Thus, these findings seem promising for developing innovative Nb-doped calcium phosphates as artificial biomaterials for potential use in bone replacements and repair.
Co-clustering based classification for out-of-domain documents

In many real world applications, labeled data are in short supply. It often happens that obtaining labeled data in a new domain is expensive and time consuming, while there may be plenty of labeled data from a related but different domain. Traditional machine learning is not able to cope well with learning across different domains. In this paper, we address this problem for a text-mining task, where the labeled data are under one distribution in one domain known as in-domain data, while the unlabeled data are under a related but different domain known as out-of-domain data. Our general goal is to learn from the in-domain and apply the learned knowledge to out-of-domain. We propose a co-clustering based classification (CoCC) algorithm to tackle this problem. Co-clustering is used as a bridge to propagate the class structure and knowledge from the in-domain to the out-of-domain. We present theoretical and empirical analysis to show that our algorithm is able to produce high quality classification results, even when the distributions between the two data are different. The experimental results show that our algorithm greatly improves the classification performance over the traditional learning algorithms.
Systematic review of the international literature on the epidemiology of mentally disordered offenders

There are about 100 patients in special hospitals per 3 million population, and there are four times as many men as women. The average age is in the 30's but there is a wide age range. About two thirds of patients are legally classified as mentally ill and a quarter as having a personality disorder. The number of patients with mental impairment is small and growing smaller. The average length of stay is 8 years with a rather longer length of stay for women.
Effects of Different Exercise Strategies and Intensities on Memory Performance and Neurogenesis

It is well established that physical exercise affects both hippocampal neurogenesis and memory functions. Until now, distinctive effects of controlled and voluntary training (VT) on behavior and neurogenesis as well as interactions between exercise intensity, neurogenesis and memory performance are still elusive. The present study tested the impact of moderate controlled and VT on memory formation and hippocampal neurogenesis and evaluated interactions between exercise performance, learning efficiency and proliferation of progenitor cells in the hippocampus. Our data show that both controlled and VT augmented spatial learning and promoted hippocampal neurogenesis. Regression analysis revealed a significant linear increase of the amount of new hippocampal neurons with increased exercise intensity. Regression analysis of exercise performance on retention memory performance revealed a quadratic, inverted u-shaped relationship between exercise performance and retention of spatial memory. No association was found between the amount of newborn neurons and memory performance. Our results demonstrate that controlled training (CT), if performed with an appropriate combination of speed and duration, improves memory performance and neurogenesis. Voluntary exercise elevates neurogenesis dose dependently to high levels. Best cognitive improvement was achieved with moderate exercise performance.
Learning the Tricks of the Trades: Women's Experiences Apprendre les ficelles des métiers : Les expériences des femmes

This study explored the experiences of 10 women in trades training programs. Using interpretive phenomenological analysis based on 4 focus groups, 9 themes emerged: previous exposure to trades-related tasks, confidence, passion for the work, support from others, the physical nature of the work, the predominantly male environment, proving oneself to others, the “controlled” environment, and job-site discrimination. The results suggest that there is a discrepancy between the social environments of community colleges where the training programs are held and construction job sites. Populations of potential candidates are revealed, and recommendations for practice and future research are discussed. resume
The Communication of Jealousy

This book won the 2014 National Communication Association's Diamond Anniversary Book Award. This book received the 2014 Gerald R. Miller Outstanding Book Award from the "Interpersonal Communication Division of the National Communication Association" and the "National Communication Association - Communication and Social Cognition Division - 2013 Distinguished Book Award. " Informed by a wide variety of academic disciplines and offering a unique interpersonal communication approach to the study of jealousy, The Communication of Jealousy examines, integrates, and informs research on jealousy experience and expression. The book's integration and interpretation of academic jealousy research is through a jealousy expression lens, meaning that the focus will be particularly, but not exclusively, on jealousy research that includes a behavioral or communicative component that is drawn from a number of academic disciplines as diverse as communication, social and clinical psychology, sociology, criminology, forensic anthropology, and the biological sciences. To date, no academic book has considered jealousy primarily from an interpersonal communication perspective; in doing so, this book effectively connects jealousy research from related academic disciplines and develops a theory that advances the state of jealousy expression research.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study using Genz-644470 and sevelamer carbonate in hyperphosphatemic chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis

Background Genz-644470 is a new, nonabsorbed phosphate binding polymer. In an in vitro competitive phosphate binding assay, Genz-644470 bound significantly more phosphate per gram than sevelamer. As a consequence, this clinical study evaluated the ability of Genz-644470 to lower serum phosphorus in patients on hemodialysis and compared serum phosphorus lowering of Genz-644470 with sevelamer carbonate and placebo. Because three different fixed doses of Genz-644470 and sevelamer carbonate were used, phosphate-lowering dose-responses of each agent were also analyzed. Methods A randomized, double-blind, dose-ranging study was conducted. After a 2-week phosphate binder washout, 349 hyperphosphatemic (serum phosphorus >5.5 mg/dL) hemodialysis patients were randomized to one of seven fixed-dose groups: placebo, Genz-644470 2.4 g/day, Genz-644470 4.8 g/day, Genz-644470 7.2 g/day, sevelamer carbonate 2.4 g/day, sevelamer carbonate 4.8 g/day, or sevelamer carbonate 7.2 g/day. Indicated total daily doses were administered in fixed divided doses three times a day with meals for 3 weeks. The change in serum phosphorus during the treatment period and its dose-response patterns were assessed. Results Dose-dependent reductions in serum phosphorus were observed with both Genz-644470 and sevelamer carbonate. Serum phosphorus-lowering responses to fixed doses of sevelamer carbonate and Genz-644470 were enhanced in a roughly linear fashion with increasing doses over a threefold range after 3 weeks of treatment. Genz-644470 did not show any advantage in phosphorus lowering per gram of binder compared with sevelamer carbonate. Overall toler-ability was similar between active treatment groups. The tolerability of sevelamer carbonate was consistent with prior studies and with the established safety profile of sevelamer. Conclusion Both Genz-644470 and sevelamer carbonate effectively lowered serum phosphate levels in a dose-dependent fashion in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis. However, Genz-644470 did not provide any advantage over sevelamer carbonate in phosphate lowering in vivo, as had been demonstrated in vitro.
Non-Uniform Robust Network Design in Planar Graphs

Robust optimization is concerned with constructing solutions that remain feasible also when a limited number of resources is removed from the solution. Most studies of robust combinatorial optimization to date made the assumption that every resource is equally vulnerable, and that the set of scenarios is implicitly given by a single budget constraint. This paper studies a robustness model of a different kind. We focus on \textbf{bulk-robustness}, a model recently introduced~\cite{bulk} for addressing the need to model non-uniform failure patterns in systems. We significantly extend the techniques used in~\cite{bulk} to design approximation algorithm for bulk-robust network design problems in planar graphs. Our techniques use an augmentation framework, combined with linear programming (LP) rounding that depends on a planar embedding of the input graph. A connection to cut covering problems and the dominating set problem in circle graphs is established. Our methods use few of the specifics of bulk-robust optimization, hence it is conceivable that they can be adapted to solve other robust network design problems.
Increased sensitivity of a metastatic model of prostate cancer to a novel tetravalent platinum analog

DACH‐Ac‐Pt [(1R,2R‐diaminocyclohexane)‐(trans‐diacetato)‐(dichloro)‐platinumIV] is a novel cisplatin (CDDP) analog, and we have evaluated its potential activity in human prostate cancers.
cAMP-responsive Element Modulator α (CREMα) Contributes to Decreased Notch-1 Expression in T Cells from Patients with Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)*

Background: T cells from SLE patients display multiple signaling aberrations, many of which are attributed to increased presence of transcription factor CREMα. Results: Notch-1 expression is significantly reduced in T cells from active SLE patients. Both epigenetic and transcriptional effects mediated through CREMα contribute to dysregulated Notch-1 expression in SLE T cells. Conclusion: Notch-1 levels inversely correlate with SLE disease activity. Significance: Boosting endogenous Notch-1 levels may redirect T cell function in SLE patients. Notch signaling constitutes an evolutionarily conserved pathway that transduces signals between neighboring cells and determines major decisions in cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Notch signaling has been shown to play a pivotal role during T cell lineage determination. T lymphocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) display a severely altered phenotype with several molecular and functional aberrations, including defective capacities to up-regulate Notch-1 receptor expression upon T cell receptor activation. Here, we demonstrate that basal Notch-1 expression is decreased in T cells from active SLE patients at the mRNA and protein levels in various T cell subpopulations. Notch-1 transcript numbers inversely correlate with disease activity in SLE patients. We provide evidence that both enhanced histone H3 methylation and CpG DNA methylation of the human Notch-1 promoter contribute to decreased Notch-1 expression in SLE T cells. Previous data from our group identified cAMP-responsive element modulator α (CREMα), which is up-regulated in SLE T cells, as a key regulator of epigenetic patterns and gene transcription, e.g. that of IL2 and IL17 genes. In this study, we observed increased CREMα binding to the Notch-1 promoter, which eventually resulted in significantly reduced Notch-1 promoter activity and gene transcription. Notably, decreased Notch-1 levels were associated with elevated IL-17A levels. Our data suggest a role for Notch-1 in SLE immunopathogenesis, and for the first time, we present molecular mechanisms that mediate dysregulated Notch-1 expression in SLE T cells.
Genetic Variation Associated with Hypersensitivity to Mercury

Objectives: Very little is known about mechanisms of idiosyncratic sensitivity to the damaging effects of mercury (Hg); however, there is likely a genetic component. The aim of the present study was to search for genetic variation in genes thought to be involved in Hg metabolism and transport in a group of individuals identified as having elevated Hg sensitivity compared to a normal control group. Materials and Methods: Survivors of pink disease (PD; infantile acrodynia) are a population of clinically identifiable individuals who are Hg sensitive. In the present study, single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes thought to be involved in Hg transport and metabolism were compared across two groups: (i) PD survivors (n = 25); and (ii) age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 25). Results: Analyses revealed significant differences between groups in genotype frequencies for rs662 in the gene encoding paraoxanase 1 (PON1) and rs1801131 in the gene encoding methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Conclusions: We have identified two genetic polymorphisms associated with increased sensitivity to Hg. Genetic variation in MTHFR and PON1 significantly differentiated a group formerly diagnosed with PD (a condition of Hg hypersensitivity) with age- and gender-matched healthy controls.
Perceived Stress, Thinking Style, and Paranormal Belief

Paranormal beliefs often become stronger in times of stress. Such beliefs have also been found to vary in accordance with thinking style, whereby stronger beliefs are often observed in experiential thinkers. Little research, however, has explored the interaction between perceived stress and thinking style. Eighty-two males and females aged 18 to 62 years (M = 29.96 ± 12.53 years) completed measures of perceived stress, thinking style (rational and experiential), and paranormal belief. The results revealed stronger beliefs in experiential thinkers, compared with those with a rational thinking style. Perceived stress alone was not a prominent predictor of belief, but the combination of stress and thinking style, specifically high-perceived stress with a rational thinking style, significantly predicted greater global paranormal belief, belief in superstition, traditional religious belief, and belief in psi. High-perceived stress appeared to facilitate belief in rational thinkers as conversely belief was lowest in rational thinkers under conditions of low-perceived stress. These findings suggest that stress may lower the propensity for rational thinking and consequently encourage belief in scientifically unsubstantiated phenomena. This interaction may have implications for coping during stressful situations.
To reduce or abstain? Substance use goals in the treatment of veterans with substance use disorders and comorbid PTSD.

BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) frequently co-occur. Previous research demonstrates the utility of goals in attaining improved SUD outcomes, however, no previous studies have examined goal choices in the context of integrated treatment for comorbid PTSD and SUD. OBJECTIVES The present study investigated correlates of treatment entry goals to either reduce or abstain from substance use. METHODS Participants (N = 60) were treatment-seeking veterans with current PTSD and SUD. Participants completed self-report and clinician-rated measures of substance use, PTSD, and affective symptoms as part of a larger randomized controlled trial. RESULTS Half (30/60) of participants endorsed a treatment entry goal to reduce substance use (reducers). Compared to participants who endorsed a treatment entry goal of abstinence (abstainers), reducers were significantly younger, more likely to be employed, more likely to have served in recent military conflicts (Operations Enduring/Iraqi Freedom), and endorsed significantly fewer symptoms of alcohol dependence. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE The findings demonstrate clinically relevant differences based on treatment entry goals, suggesting that individuals are often able to choose conceivably appropriate treatment goals based, most notably, on the severity of their SUD. Collaboratively engaging patients in establishing treatment goals that are consistent with their beliefs and desires in conjunction with empirical findings is particularly relevant in the context of treatment for SUD and PTSD where many patients are ambivalent about treatment and attrition is common.
A randomized controlled trial of single point acupuncture in primary dysmenorrhea.

BACKGROUND Acupuncture is often used for primary dysmenorrhea. But there is no convincing evidence due to low methodological quality. We aim to assess immediate effect of acupuncture at specific acupoint compared with unrelated acupoint and nonacupoint on primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS The Acupuncture Analgesia Effect in Primary Dysmenorrhoea-II is a multicenter controlled trial conducted in six large hospitals of China. Patients who met inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to classic acupoint (N = 167), unrelated acupoint (N = 167), or non-acupoint (N = 167) group on a 1:1:1 basis. They received three sessions with electro-acupuncture at a classic acupoint (Sanyinjiao, SP6), or an unrelated acupoint (Xuanzhong, GB39), or nonacupoint location, respectively. The primary outcome was subjective pain as measured by a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). Measurements were obtained at 0, 5, 10, 30, and 60 minutes following the first intervention. In addition, patients scored changes of general complaints using Cox retrospective symptom scales (RSS-Cox) and 7-point verbal rating scale (VRS) during three menstrual cycles. Secondary outcomes included VAS score for average pain, pain total time, additional in-bed time, and proportion of participants using analgesics during three menstrual cycles. FINDINGS Five hundred and one people underwent random assignment. The primary comparison of VAS scores following the first intervention demonstrated that classic acupoint group was more effective both than unrelated acupoint (-4.0 mm, 95% CI -7.1 to -0.9, P = 0.010) and nonacupoint (-4.0 mm, 95% CI -7.0 to -0.9, P = 0.012) groups. However, no significant differences were detected among the three acupuncture groups for RSS-Cox or VRS outcomes. The per-protocol analysis showed similar pattern. No serious adverse events were noted. CONCLUSION Specific acupoint acupuncture produced a statistically, but not clinically, significant effect compared with unrelated acupoint and nonacupoint acupuncture in primary dysmenorrhea patients. Future studies should focus on effects of multiple points acupuncture on primary dysmenorrhea.
An Examination of the Divergent General, Specific, and Other Criminogenic Risk/Needs Across Neuropathic and Psychopathic Pathways to Homicide

The social learning theory underlying Andrews and Bonta’s Psychology of Criminal Conduct model has generally been seen as guiding risk assessment, with good relevance to mentally ill as well as non–mentally ill offenders. The current study reports a novel approach to qualitative assessment of 26 murderers found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI), divided into two groups—neuropathic offenders characterised by frontal lobe deficits and psychosis and psychopathic murderers characterised by high scores on psychopathy and an absence of neuropathic factors. The findings of the present research support the notion that the two pathways are embedded in two diverging theoretical frameworks of psychopathology and social learning theory, with each corresponding to the neuropathic and psychopathic pathways, respectively. Models of social learning theory may have limited utility to the total mentally disordered offender population overall as they apply more specifically to offenders within special offender groups or perhaps more specifically to offenders with psychopathic characteristics. However, the significantly greater association of the other social, physical, and mental health risk/needs with the neuropathic pathway suggests that pathological models are important for understanding the neuropathic pathway in relation to homicide offence and risk of future violence in NGRI samples.
Testing for panel cointegration in an error-correction framework with an application to the Fisher hypothesis

ABSTRACT In this article, three innovative panel error-correction model (PECM) tests are proposed. These tests are based on the multivariate versions of the Wald (W), likelihood ratio (LR), and Lagrange multiplier (LM) tests. Using Monte Carlo simulations, the size and power of the tests are investigated when the error terms exhibit both cross-sectional dependence and independence. We find that the LM test is the best option when the error terms follow independent white-noise processes. However, in the more empirically relevant case of cross-sectional dependence, we conclude that the W test is the optimal choice. In contrast to previous studies, our method is general and does not rely on the strict assumption that a common factor causes the cross-sectional dependency. In an empirical application, our method is also demonstrated in terms of the Fisher effect—a hypothesis about the existence of which there is still no clear consensus. Based on our sample of the five Nordic countries we utilize our powerful test and discover evidence which, in contrast to most previous research, confirms the Fisher effect.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing: A Primer for Clinicians

Appropriate use of antimicrobials in health care continues to be a challenge. Reliable and reproducible antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods are necessary to provide the clinician with valuable information that can be translated into positive clinical outcomes at the bedside. However, there are nuances with these testing methods that, if unrecognized, could lead to misinterpretation of results and inappropriate antibiotic selection. This primer describes the common antimicrobial susceptibility tests used in the clinical microbiology laboratory and reviews how subtle differences in testing methods and technique can influence reported results. Clinicians who have a thorough understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods, automated susceptibility testing systems, and commonly used screening and confirmatory tests for antibiotic‐resistant organisms can strengthen institutional antibiotic stewardship programs and improve patient outcomes.