Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of apexification with mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium hydroxide.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] clinically and radiographically as materials used to induce root-end closure in necrotic permanent teeth with immature apices (apexification). METHODS Fifteen children, each with at least 2 necrotic permanent teeth requiring root-end closure (apexification), were selected for this study. All selected teeth were evenly divided into 2 test groups. In group 1, the conventional calcium hydroxide apexification (control) was performed, whereas in group 2, the MTA apexification (experimental) was done. The children were recalled for clinical and radiographic evaluations after 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS The follow-up evaluations revealed failure due to persistent periradicular inflammation and tenderness to percussion detected at 6 and 12 months postoperative evaluation in only 2 teeth treated with Ca(OH)2. The remaining 13 teeth appeared to be clinically and radiographically successful 12 months postoperatively. None of the MTA-treated teeth showed any clinical or radiographic pathology. CONCLUSIONS Mineral trioxide aggregate showed clinical and radiographic success as a material used to induce root-end closure and is a suitable replacement for calcium hydroxide for the apexification procedure.
Mentoring and employee commitment: an investigation into the levels of mentoring received and employee commitment within the inside sales function of a technology organisation

This dissertation provides insights into how mentoring is a critical tool used to facilitate development within an organisations learning culture. It explores two factors that of mentoring and employee commitment within the inside sales function of a technology organisation and seeks to observe whether these areas are related. The purpose of this research is to review what exists academically with most acclaiming a relationship between the two factors and indeed espousing their organisational benefit. Within the context of mentoring itself two specific functions are of focus, career and psychosocial mentoring. Although published materials are plentiful concerning this area limited research exists specifically around inside sales within the technology sector. Hence an exploratory approach has been taken and with this in mind research conducted using a quantitative design by administering a questionnaire to measure the levels under review. The findings suggest statistically speaking a positive but weak correlation between mentoring and employee commitment factors while a positive and very strong relationship exists between the two mentoring functions themselves. Six summary findings are also noted with a view to alleviate challenges through suggested recommendations. While five limitations have been called out to include control variables limitations, generalisability limitations, protege only perspectives, the formal mentoring program delay and lastly moderators were excluded from the two functions correlation measurements. The practical implication shows improvements in the levels of mentoring received is something for company X to consider. As such this research has succeeded in offering a contribution to the opinions around mentoring and employee commitment arena.
Fatal occupational injuries in the Arkhangelsk region, Northwest Russia.

BACKGROUND Occupational deaths are used as indicators of occupational safety worldwide. The Arkhangelsk region is among the areas with the highest burden of fatal occupational injuries (FOI) in Russia. AIMS To describe the occurrence of FOI in the Arkhangelsk region in 1996-2007. METHODS Data on all FOI reported in the Arkhangelsk region in 1996-2007 were obtained from the State Labour Inspection. Data on the number of employees were collected at the Regional Federal State Statistics Service. The incidence of FOI was calculated by gender, age and economic activity per 100,000 employees. Blood alcohol concentration for all victims was available from the autopsy records. RESULTS Altogether, there were 734 occupational fatalities during the study period, 94% of them were among men. The incidence of FOI decreased from 18.6 (95% CI 14.6-23.6) in 1996 to 11.7 (95% CI 8.5-16.0) in 2007 among men and from 1.3 (95% CI 0.5-3.2) in 1996 to 0.3 (95% CI 0.1-1.7) in 2006 among women. The agriculture, hunting and forestry sector had the highest incidence of FOI, but they also showed a decrease in FOI from 43.9 (95% CI 32.3-65.3) in 1996 to 20.8 (95% CI 12.0-36.1) in 2007. The highest proportion of FOI occurred on Tuesdays (17%) and Wednesdays (18%). Thirty two of the victims had blood alcohol concentration >0.5 per thousand. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of FOI in the Arkhangelsk region decreased from 1996 to 2007, but remains high and varies by gender, age and economic activity over time.
Sodium Butyrate Induces Human Colon Carcinoma HT-29 Cell Apoptosis through a Mitochondrial Pathway

Some tumours respond favourably to tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Despite this preferential sensitivity, resistance to TNF-α remains a clinical problem and more interest is now being focused on finding compounds that induce apoptosis through other pathways. Sodium butyrate (NaBt) has anti-tumour effects on colon cancer cells, inhibiting cell growth and promoting differentiation and apoptosis. In this study we investigated whether NaBt induced apoptosis in the human colon cancer cell line HT-29 and examined the intracellular mechanisms involved. Pre-incubation of cells with NaBt significantly increased apoptosis as measured by fluorescence activated cell sorter analysis and mitochondrial membrane potential determination. This effect could be blocked with the caspase inhibitors, z-VAD-fmk (pan-caspase inhibitor), z-DEVD-fmk (caspase-3 inhibitor) and z-LEHD-fmk (caspase-9 inhibitor), but not with z-IETD-fmk (caspase-8 inhibitor). Enhancement of caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities suggests that NaBt induces apoptosis via mitochondrial pathways not involving TNF-α.
Electromagnetic Characterization of Textured Surfaces Formed by Metallic Pins

We develop a homogenization model to characterize textured surfaces formed by a periodic arrangement of thin metallic pins attached to a conducting ground plane: the ldquoFakir's bed of nailsrdquo substrate. It is demonstrated that the textured surface can be accurately modeled using a dielectric function, provided spatial dispersion effects are considered as well as additional boundary conditions. We derive closed analytical formulas for the reflection coefficient, and for the dispersion characteristic of the surfaces waves. In addition, it is demonstrated that the artificial substrate may mimic almost exactly the behavior of an ideal impedance surface boundary, and that the only physical factor that may limit this remarkable property is the skin depth of the metal. The reported results are supported by full wave simulations as well as by experimental data.
The Impact of Strategic Investment Choices on Post-Issue Operating Performance and Survival of US IPO Firms

We examine the impact of strategic investment choices at the time of the IPO on: (i) the post-issue operating performance and (ii) the likelihood of failure and time-to-failure of newly public US firms. Our post-issue operating performance analysis uses various performance metrics, benchmarks, and expectation models. Overall, our evidence indicates that the extent of diversification and industry-adjusted capital expenditures intensity are generally positively related to changes in operating performance. We do not, however, document a consistent relation between industry-adjusted R&D expenditures and changes in operating performance. The results from our survival analysis suggest that pre-issue managerial commitment to R&D spending and developing diversified product lines enhance the ability of IPO issuing firms to remain viable for longer periods of time. Our study highlights the impact of various managerial investment decisions on the subsequent performance of newly public firms.
The Transaction Cost Economics of Market‐based Exchange: The Impact of Reputation and External Verification Agencies

Abstract In this analysis, we empirically investigate market‐based transaction costs. We measure market‐based transaction costs indirectly by examining variations in market prices when selling Morgan Silver Dollars on eBay. We find that the reputation of both the seller and the coin‐rating agency employed significantly influences the price premium obtained. Moreover, we find that the use of a coin‐rating agency with a poor reputation proved more damaging than the use of no coin‐rating agency. Thus, we find support for the suggestion that the reputation of sellers and third‐party verification agencies have a significant influence on perceived market‐based transaction costs.
Awareness and perception of human papilloma virus vaccine among healthcare professionals in Nigeria

Abstract Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a necessary cause of cervical cancer and cervical cancer is largely a vaccine-preventable disease. The aim of the study was to document the knowledge of healthcare professionals of the HPV vaccine and its acceptability. It was a cross-sectional study in three of the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, carried out between June 2010 and January 2011. The 602 adult Nigerian respondents were made up of 147 (24.4%) males and 455 (75.6%) females aged 20–57 years, with a mean of 34.3 ± 7.9 years; most were under 40 years (70.1%) and married (n = 394; 65.5%). In total, 548 (91%) were aware of HPV; 83.4% knew HPV as an STI; 78.2% knew HPV can cause cervical cancer but only 265 (44.0%) were aware of the HPV vaccine. Among the healthcare professionals studied, nurses were the least aware of the existence of the HPV vaccine (χ2 = 1.54, p = 0.001). A total of 489 (81.0%) would approve HPV vaccine for their teenage daughters. The men were more likely to accept the vaccination of their daughters than the women (χ2 = 14.76, p = 0.002). The unmarried were more favourably disposed to vaccination of teenagers than the married (χ2 = 27.37, p = 0.001). Safety concerns were the commonest reasons expressed by the 7% who were reluctant to accept the vaccination of their teenage daughters. In conclusion, healthcare providers are the custodians of health in a community, yet have low knowledge of a vaccine that can prevent the commonest cancer in women in sub-Saharan Africa.
Combining Monetary and Social Sanctions to Promote Cooperation

We employ an experimental approach to consider the impact of a combination of formal and informal sanctions on contribution levels for a specific type of public good. We find that when both sanctions are available, contributions and overall welfare are higher than when only one of the two sanctioning systems is available. The availability of an array of sanctions of varying severity appears to enhance welfare. (JEL C92)
High RAD51 mRNA expression characterize estrogen receptor‐positive/progesteron receptor‐negative breast cancer and is associated with patient's outcome

Mutations in DNA double‐strand breaks (DSB) repair genes are involved in the pathogenesis of hereditary mammary tumors, it is, however, still unclear whether defects in this pathway may play a role in sporadic breast cancer. In this study, we initially determined mRNA expression of 15 DSB related genes by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction in paired normal tissue and cancer specimen from 20 breast cancer cases to classify them into homogeneous clusters. G22P1/ku70, ATR and RAD51 genes were differentially expressed in the three branches recognized by clustering analysis. In particular, a breast cancer subgroup characterized by high RAD51 mRNA levels and estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive/progesteron receptor (PR)‐negative phenotype was identified. This result was confirmed by the analysis of G22P1/ku70, ATR and RAD51 mRNA levels on paired normal and tumor specimens from an extended breast cancer cohort (n = 75). RAD51 mRNA levels were inversely associated with PR status (p = 0.02) and the highest levels were, indeed, detected in ER‐positive/PR‐negative tumors (p = 0.03). RAD51 immunostaining of a tissue microarray confirmed the inverse relationship between high RAD51 expression and negative PR status (p = 0.002), as well as, the association with ER‐positive/PR‐negative phenotype (p = 0.003). Interestingly, the analysis of microarray expression data from 295 breast cancers indicate that RAD51 increased mRNA expression is associated with higher risk of tumor relapse, distant metastases and worst overall survival (p = 0.015, p = 0.009 and p = 0.013 respectively). Our results suggest that RAD51 expression determination could contribute to a better molecular classification of mammary tumors and may represent a novel tool for evaluating postoperative adjuvant therapy for breast cancer patients.
Biological and Psychobehavioral Correlates of Credit Scores and Automobile Insurance Losses: Toward an Explication of Why Credit Scoring Works

The most important new development in the past two decades in the personal lines of insurance may well be the use of an individual's credit history as a classification and rating variable to predict losses. However, in spite of its obvious success as an underwriting tool, and the clear actuarial substantiation of a strong association between credit score and insured losses over multiple methods and multiple studies, the use of credit scoring is under attack because there is not an understanding of why there is an association. Through a detailed literature review concerning the biological, psychological, and behavioral attributes of risky automobile drivers and insured losses, and a similar review of the biological, psychological, and behavioral attributes of financial risk takers, we delineate that basic chemical and psychobehavioral characteristics (e.g., a sensation-seeking personality type) are common to individuals exhibiting both higher insured automobile loss costs and poorer credit scores, and thus provide a connection which can be used to understand why credit scoring works. Credit scoring can give information distinct from standard actuarial variables concerning an individual's biopsychological makeup, which then yields useful underwriting information about how they will react in creating risk of insured automobile losses.
Diagnostic reproducibility of squamous cell carcinoma (SC) in the era of histology-directed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) chemotherapy: A large prospective study.

8008 Background: Morphology remains the best biomarker for chemotherapy selection in NSCLC. Both bevacizumab and pemetrexed (in first line) are FDA indicated for non-SC histology only, making precise diagnosis key, although data are few on the reproducibility of their categorization. The standard of care, consensus-based World Health Organization diagnostic classification system, Ed. 4 (WHOC) includes 44 diagnostic categories (DC), does not include immunohistochemical (IHC) data, and is not independently validated. In this study, we estimate the reproducibility of SC versus non-SC classification to be only moderately precise. METHODS Pathologists (P) assigned WHOC diagnoses to virtual H&E slides from an incident surgical cohort of 96 primary lung tumors. At a power of 80% we estimated 24 P reviewing 48 slides each would allow for a reproducibility measure in the clinically useful range kappa=0.7, standard error=0.09. In addition to the 44 DC, we also considered the reproducibility of a simplified 10 category system and a chemotherapy-directed 2 class system. RESULTS 12 self-identified "lung experts" (E) and 12 community (C) P scored slides based on the 44 possible WHOC DC totaling 222 pathologist-pairs and 7130 slides-pairs. P rated confidence in their choices as: high 53%, somewhat 38%, and not confident 8%. 92% of slides were rated as having sufficient quality. Distribution of DC included SC 30% and adenocarcinoma 36%. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge this is the largest study ever performed of the WHOC, the only one to consider all 44 DC and to distinguish E vs C P. Although this model tests the reproducibility of the WHOC, not clinical lung cancer diagnoses, it shows that reproducible diagnosis of SC based on H&E morphology alone is inadequate. In the era of histology guided therapy, it highlights the need for strict diagnostic criteria and confirmatory IHC stains in the diagnosis of SC. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Rationality, institutionalism and accounting change

Purpose – The primary purpose of this paper is to put forward a framework grounded in new institutional sociology (NIS) theory that examines the impact of national competition policy on the design and implementation of a balanced scorecard (BSC) in a government‐owned electricity corporation in Australia. It examines the importance of the rational analytical deliberation of legitimacy as a fundamental accompaniment to isomorphism in the continuing development of the new performance management system.Design/methodology/approach – A single exploratory/descriptive case study with embedded multiple unit analysis is used in order to examine the adoption of a BSC as an example of the process of evolution of a new initiative. It uses DiMaggio and Powell's concept of isomorphism to explain the initial adoption of the BSC.Findings – The paper highlights the importance of the deliberation of both rational analytical approaches and legitimacy as a fundamental accompaniment to isomorphism in the continuing development.
A study of the factors influencing the operating location decisions of small firms

Investigates the purchase of industrial real estate by small to medium enterprises. Using a three‐stage methodology, examined the views of a stakeholder panel, then drew a sample of 450 firms ranging from micro‐businesses to large firms and examined the importance of various factors likely to influence the attractiveness of an industrial site. A focus group comprising members of an expert panel was then convened to discuss the findings. Highlights the subjective decision‐making associated with the smaller firms in comparison with the “buying centre” objectivity of the larger firms. Owner‐managers from micro and small firms were motivated by such personal issues as the proximity of the industrial site to their home, rather than access to transport routes or freight terminals. The findings suggest that government and private sector agencies seeking to develop and market industrial land need to devote more time to understanding the needs of small firms. Also discusses implications for future research.
Evaluation of role of trace elements in oral submucous fibrosis patients: A study on Gujarati population

Introduction: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), a precancerous condition, is highly prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. Among many trace elements, copper and iron are required for the functioning of numerous enzymes. The biochemical alterations of these trace elements in the serum of patients with premalignant conditions can help in determining the staging of the disease, its appropriate treatment and as an indicator for prognosis. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of iron and copper as well as to identify the better predictor of the two in the diagnosis and progression of OSMF. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 150 patients, out of which the cases group consisting of 100 OSMF patients and control group consisting of 50 individuals. All the cases were confirmed of having OSMF by histopathological examination. The blood sample was obtained from all 150 patients and evaluated by digital autoanalyzer photometer for serum level of copper and iron by the colorimetric method. The results obtained for cases and controls were compared by statistical analysis. Results: The mean serum copper level increases while the mean serum iron level decreases with the advancement in the severity of clinical and histological stages of OSMF. Conclusion: Biopsy is the gold standard to diagnose OSMF, but it is an invasive and time-consuming technique. However, nowadays, many recent advances are used to diagnose OSMF at an early stage and reduce its progression into late and reversible stages. The trace elements serve as potential prognostic and diagnostic markers for OSMF patients.
Risk and Career Choice

Choosing a type of education is one of the largest financial decisions we make. Educational investment differs from other types of investment in that it is indivisible and non-tradable. These differences lead agents to demand a premium to enter careers with more idiosyncratic risk. Since the required premium will be smaller for wealthier agents, they will tend to enter careers with more idiosyncratic risk.
Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis: Understanding the Best Evidence in Primary Healthcare

Healthcare decisions for individual patients and for public health policies should be informed by the best available research evidence. The practice of evidence-based medicine is the integration of individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research and patient's values and expectations. Primary care physicians need evidence for both clinical practice and for public health decision making. The evidence comes from good reviews which is a state-of-the-art synthesis of current evidence on a given research question. Given the explosion of medical literature, and the fact that time is always scarce, review articles play a vital role in decision making in evidence-based medical practice. Given that most clinicians and public health professionals do not have the time to track down all the original articles, critically read them, and obtain the evidence they need for their questions, systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines may be their best source of evidence. Systematic reviews aim to identify, evaluate, and summarize the findings of all relevant individual studies over a health-related issue, thereby making the available evidence more accessible to decision makers. The objective of this article is to introduce the primary care physicians about the concept of systematic reviews and meta-analysis, outlining why they are important, describing their methods and terminologies used, and thereby helping them with the skills to recognize and understand a reliable review which will be helpful for their day-to-day clinical practice and research activities.
Medicinal Chemistry Research Synthesis of Citrus Polymethoxyflavonoids and Their Antiproliferative Activities on Hela Cells

A series of polymethoxyflavonoids (3–16) were synthesized through dehydrogenation, O-methylation, gly-coside hydrolysis, bromination, microwave-assisted aromatic nucleophilic substitution, dimethyldioxirane oxidation and regioselective demethylation, starting from abundant and inexpensive natural sources naringin and hesperidin. All the synthetic compounds were test for antiproliferative activities on human cervical carcinoma Hela cell line by the standard CCK-8 assay, the result showed that most of the target compounds exhibited moderate to potent antiproliferative activities on Hela cells comparable with the positive control cis-Platin. Among them, 5-hydroxypolymethoxy flavonoid 13 showed the strongest activity (IC 50 0.791 μM).