Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stages of epiphyseal union for thoracic and lumbar vertebral centra as a method of age determination for teenage and young adult skeletons.

Many current methods of age determination available to forensic anthropologists are limiting in that the age ranges provided are often broad, particularly for individuals in their late teens to early 20's. This study introduces an improved method for aging teenagers and young adults. The pattern and stages of union of the superior and inferior epiphyses of the vertebral centra (or ring epiphyses) were examined in 55 individuals, females and males, black and white, between ages 11 and 32 years. Vertebral ring epiphyseal union was found to be a good predictor of age. The correlation between stages of union and known age was 0.78 (P < .0001). The standard deviation was 2.566 years at the 99.9% confidence level. Sex differences were observed, but were not statistically significant. A larger sample size may perhaps demonstrate statistically significant differences in sex, and may or may not yield differences in race. A preliminary interobserver bias test showed high replicability. Results of this study compare favorably with results of other aging studies. Current age information for the progress of vertebral ring epiphyseal union is supplied for young males--and for the first time--females. This improved aging method provides necessary corroborative information for use with observations from other skeletal age indicators. Data collected from epiphyseal union of the vertebral centra aid in lessening the gap for early adult age determination.
p53 and DNA damage-inducible expression of the xeroderma pigmentosum group C gene

The p53 tumor suppressor gene product is a transcription factor involved in cell-cycle regulation, apoptosis, and DNA repair. We and others have shown that p53 is required for efficient nucleotide excision repair (NER) of UV-induced DNA lesions. p53-deficient cells are defective in the repair of UV photoproducts in genomic DNA but proficient for transcription-coupled repair. Therefore, we examined whether p53 regulates the expression of genes required for global genomic repair. In this study, we demonstrate that the mRNA and protein products of the xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC) gene are UV-inducible in a time- and dose-dependent manner in human WI38 fibroblasts and HCT116 colorectal cancer cells wild type for p53. However, no significant induction of XPC was observed in p53-deficient counterparts to these cells. Furthermore, regulated expression of wild-type p53 in p53 null Li–Fraumeni syndrome human fibroblasts significantly augmented the expression of XPC protein. Analysis of the human XPC gene sequence revealed a putative p53 response element in the XPC promoter that was capable of mediating sequence-specific DNA binding to p53 in vitro. These results provide strong evidence that the NER gene XPC is a DNA damage-inducible and p53-regulated gene and likely plays a role in the p53-dependent NER pathway.
Cadmium(II) iodide and thiocyanate complexes adopted by polycyclic 1,4-bis(pyridazin-4-yl)benzene: interplay of coordination and π-π stacking interactions.

New complexes containing the 1,4-bis(pyridazin-4-yl)benzene ligand, namely diaquatetrakis[1,4-bis(pyridazin-4-yl)benzene-κN(2)]cadmium(II) hexaiodidodicadmate(II), [Cd(C14H10N4)4(H2O)2][Cd2I6], (I), and poly[[μ-1,4-bis(pyridazin-4-yl)benzene-κ(2)N(2):N(2')]bis(μ-thiocyanato-κ(2)N:S)cadmium(II)], [Cd(NCS)2(C14H10N4)]n, (II), demonstrate the adaptability of the coordination geometries towards the demands of slipped π-π stacking interactions between the extended organic ligands. In (I), the discrete cationic [Cd-N = 2.408 (3) and 2.413 (3) Å] and anionic [Cd-I = 2.709 (2)-3.1201 (14) Å] entities are situated across centres of inversion. The cations associate via complementary O-H.N(2') hydrogen bonding [O.N = 2.748 (4) and 2.765 (4) Å] and extensive triple π-π stacking interactions between pairs of pyridazine and phenylene rings [centroid-centroid distances (CCD) = 3.782 (4)-4.286 (3) Å] to yield two-dimensional square nets. The [Cd2I6](2-) anions reside in channels generated by packing of successive nets. In (II), the Cd(II) cation lies on a centre of inversion and the ligand is situated across a centre of inversion. A two-dimensional coordination array is formed by crosslinking of linear [Cd(μ-NCS)2]n chains [Cd-N = 2.3004 (14) Å and Cd-S = 2.7804 (5) Å] with N(2):N(2')-bidentate organic bridges [Cd-N = 2.3893 (12) Å], which generate π-π stacks by double-slipped interactions between phenylene and pyridazine rings [CCD = 3.721 (2) Å].
THE FOOD-ENTRAINABLE OSCILLATOR: A NETWORK OF INTERCONNECTED BRAIN STRUCTURES ENTRAINED BY HUMORAL SIGNALS?

Food is critical for all animal species. Its temporal availability is a relevant signal for organizing behavioral and physiological parameters. When food is restricted to a few hours per day, rats, mice, and other mammals exhibit anticipatory activity before mealtime (food-anticipatory activity). There is considerable evidence suggesting that this anticipation is mediated by a food-entrainable oscillator (FEO) with circadian properties, but located outside the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (the light-entrainable oscillator). However, the locus of the FEO as well as the mechanisms by which food entrainment occurs is unclear. In this review, we summarize data about the potential input pathways to the FEO and propose a model for understanding it as a network of interconnected brain structures entrained by fluctuation of different humoral signals. (Author correspondence: brenotercio@cb.ufrn.br).
The mesenchymal stromal cell contribution to homeostasis

Adult mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are undifferentiated multi‐potent cells predominantly residing in the bone marrow (BM), but also present with similar but not identical features in many other tissues such as blood, placenta, dental pulp, and adipose tissue. MSCs have the potential to differentiate into multiple skeletal phenotypes like osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, stromal cells, fibroblasts, and possibly tendons. MSCs differentiation potential, ex vivo expansion capacity, nurturing and immunomodulatory proficiencies oriented these versatile cells in several areas of ongoing clinical applications. However, the absence of MSC‐specific markers for isolation and characterization together with the lack of a comprehensive view of the molecular pathways governing their particular biological properties, remains a primary obstacle to their research and application. In this review we discuss some areas of growing interest in MSCs biology: their contribution to the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche, to regenerative medicine, their role in cancer and in therapy as delivery tools and their micro‐RNA (miRNA) signatures. Despite rapid progress in the MSC field, it is generally thought that only a fraction of their full potential has been realized thus far. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 296–300, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Role of Top Management Participation and IT Capability in Developing SMEs’ Competitive Process Capabilities

This research explores how top management participation and three types of IT capability enable SMEs' competitive process alignment and flexibility capabilities. Our research hypotheses are tested using data from 310 Australian SMEs. Results show that top management participation and external IT linkage capability positively affect both process alignment and process flexibility. While IT infrastructure capability and IT business spanning capability positively affect process alignment, they are not significantly related to process flexibility. In addition, both process alignment and process flexibility capabilities have significant positive effects on SME performance. Contributions and implications of this study are discussed.
Middle School Engagement Benefits Of Offering Extracurricular Activities During The School Day

Extracurricular activities are a significant part of the school experience for many students, but there are concerns about the demands placed on students and the overscheduling of their afterschool time. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine longitudinal middle school student outcomes based on one school’s efforts to provide the benefits of extracurricular activities by offering those activities during the regular school day. This study explored the nature of the relationship between middle school, school-based extracurricular participation and subsequent student views of school connection. The study was conducted in an independent, private, Pre-K through 12th grade school with data collected from interviews with junior and senior students who had participated in the program as middle school students. The collected data showed students had positive recollections from participating in mixed grade level activities and in developing connections to the people in the school. The data showed that offering the extracurricular activities during the regular school day allowed students to participate in more activities and experience the benefits of participation such as developing friendships and exploring areas of interest. The data also showed that students viewed the extracurricular enrichment activities offered at the end of the school day as fun and stress-relieving in a regular school day filled with academic classes. This study offers recommendations for school leaders working to increase school engagement through extracurricular activities.
Systemic cytokine measurements: their role in monitoring the response to therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To determine the value of serial measurements of circulating cytokines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in response to the introduction of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). METHODS A prospective 12-week study of 98 patients starting second line therapy with serial measurements of IL1 beta, IL2 receptor, IL6, TNF, and urinary neopterins as well as ESR, CRP and rheumatoid factor. RESULTS The markers of the acute phase response fell significantly with treatment as did the rheumatoid factor. IL-6 fell in certain sub-groups (significantly so after sulphasalazine SZP) of treated patients, but no other consistent change in circulating cytokine levels was demonstrated. Urinary neopterins rose with therapy. CONCLUSIONS The measurement of circulating cytokine levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is of limited benefit; macrophage function (as measured by urinary neopterins) is initially enhanced by DMARDs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Diverse Clinical Applications Using Advantages of Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation

The diverse clinical applications of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cells based on use of their advantages are summarized. It is apparent that more stem cells and T-lymphocytes can be harvested by mobilization treatment with cytokines from healthy donors in allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) than in bone marrow transplantation. It is also clear that a stronger graft-versus-tumor effect can be induced with allogeneic PBSCT than with bone marrow transplantation. One merit of allogeneic PBSCT is that it allows clinicians to design diverse clinical applications. It would appear that allogeneic PBSCT may be preferable in special clinical settings, such as advanced hematological malignancies, situations requiring a strong graft-versus-tumor effect, nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation, and situations requiring a megadose of stem cells. Cytokine-primed peripheral blood stem cells can also be used for adoptive immunotherapy, such as a nonprimed donor lymphocyte infusion.
Capital and Liquidity Buffers and the Resilience of the Banking System in the Euro Area

How do capital and liquidity buffers affect the evolution of bank loans in periods of financial and economic distress? To answer this question we study the responses of 219 individual banks to aggregate demand, standard and unconventional monetary policy shocks in the euro area between 2007 and 2015. Banks’ responses are derived from a factor-augmented VAR, which relates macroeconomic aggregates to individual bank balance sheet items and interest rates. We find that banks with high capital and liquidity buffers show a more muted response in their lending to adverse real economy shocks. Capital and liquidity buffers also affect bank responses to monetary policy shocks. High bank capitalisation reduces the degree to which banks increase the average duration of loans to the non-financial corporate sector, while high bank liquidity strengthens the positive response to policy easing of both longand short-term loans to the non-financial corporate sector. The latter findings substantiate the relevance of interactions between prudential controls and monetary policy. JEL Classification: E51, E52, G21
Efficacy of celecoxib versus ibuprofen for the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized double-blind, non-inferiority trial

Objective To compare the efficacy and tolerability of celecoxib and ibuprofen for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Method In this 6-week, multicentre, double-blind, non-inferiority trial, patients were randomized to 200 mg celecoxib once daily, 800 mg ibuprofen three times daily or placebo. The primary outcome was non-inferiority of celecoxib to ibuprofen in Patient’s Assessment of Arthritis Pain (scored 0–100). Secondary outcomes included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index, Pain Satisfaction Scale, and upper gastrointestinal tolerability. Results A total of 388 patients were treated (celecoxib n = 153; ibuprofen n = 156; placebo n = 79). Mean difference (95% confidence interval) between celecoxib and ibuprofen in the Patient’s Assessment of Arthritis Pain was 2.76 (−3.38, 8.90). As the lower bound was greater than −10, celecoxib was non-inferior to ibuprofen. The WOMAC total score was significantly improved with celecoxib and ibuprofen, versus placebo. Patients receiving celecoxib were significantly more satisfied (versus placebo) in 10 of 11 measures on the Pain Satisfaction Scale versus three measures with ibuprofen. Upper gastrointestinal events were less frequent with celecoxib (1.3%) than ibuprofen (5.1%) or placebo (2.5%). Conclusion Celecoxib was well tolerated and as effective as ibuprofen for symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00630929
Transnational Corporate Social Responsibility: Fact, Fiction or Failure?

Abstract Purpose Contemporary debates on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are framed in a global context; however, there is ample evidence that national and institutional frameworks define CSR practices. Questions about the activities of Transnational Companies (TNCs) in their host countries further highlight growing CSR concerns, developments and challenges in specific regions. Our aim in this chapter is to examine the theoretical arguments on the relationship between context and CSR, looking at the role of situational conditions in driving responsible corporate behaviour in a global environment. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on discourse analytic concepts, we use insights derived from our comparative research on transnational companies’ (European and non-European) self-presentations of CSR-related actions in a developing country, Ghana, to illuminate our argument. Findings The discussions demonstrate that context relationships are crucial in CSR practices since they contribute to a wide variety of implicit meanings that provide in-depth understanding of companies’ responsibilities in specific regions. Our empirical analysis showed that linguistic categories of the TNCs related more to responsibilities that focused on ethos than logos, which suggests credible CSR messages to a large extent. Originality/value The chapter contributes to the emerging literature on the context-specific nature of CSR in two important ways. First, it provides insights to further the debate on the utility of balancing local and global requirements in corporate CSR actions. Second, our linguistic-based model of analysing CSR communication content, which we demonstrate from our study, offers a novel approach to assess companies’ real intentions, motives and perspectives on CSR in the wake of growing corporate scandals.
A phase II trial of combination chemotherapy and surgical resection for the treatment of metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is rare, nearly always fatal, and to the authors' knowledge has few nonsurgical treatment options. Based on in vitro studies demonstrating the efficacy of mitotane as a P‐glycoprotein (Pgp) antagonist, and expression of high levels of Pgp in ACC, the authors conducted a study of infusional doxorubicin, vincristine, and etoposide with oral mitotane ± surgical resection in patients with metastatic ACC.
Environmental causes of enamel defects.

A large number of causes of enamel defects, both environmental and genetic, have been described. However, many of these are derived from case histories and studies of individual conditions. What is needed now is a systematic investigation of the problem. The first requirement in exploring the aetiology further is the standardization of both the clinical diagnosis and the descriptive terminology. This has been provided by the Fédération Dentaire Internationale Developmental Defects of Enamel Index. Comparing studies using standardized methods, including this index, has highlighted areas for closer investigation. The total prevalence of enamel defects in a population needs to be established as a baseline for studies on aetiology. Sixty-eight per cent of 1518 school children in London have enamel defects in the permanent dentition, with 10.5% having 10 or more teeth affected and 14.6% having hypoplasia, i.e. missing enamel. These findings are in contrast to the 37% with hypoplasia found in a group of third to fifth century Romano-Britons from Dorset, England, suggesting further consideration of possible environmental and genetic differences between the two populations. An overall long-term study of dental development in low birth weight children has shown significantly more (P < 0.001) enamel defects related to major health problems during the neonatal period. By using standardized, reproducible criteria in prevalence studies to gain an overview of the problem and then studying specific groups or conditions, it is possible to identify general and specific factors in the aetiology of enamel defects and investigate further the varying role of genetic and environmental effects.
No association of menopause and hormone replacement therapy with carotid artery intima-media thickness. Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study Investigators.

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in older women. Information on the relation of menopause and hormone replacement therapy with carotid atherosclerosis is limited. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined cross-sectionally the association of menopausal status, years since last menstruation, and hormone replacement therapy status with carotid artery intima-media thickness as determined by B-mode ultrasound. Female participants (n = 5436) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study without a history of symptomatic cardiovascular disease were included in the analyses. Menopause status in 45- to 54-year-old women who had never used hormone replacement therapy was not strongly associated with carotid intima-media thickness (mean = 0.65 mm and 0.67 mm in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, respectively, adjusted for age, race, cigarette years of smoking, body mass index, sport index, systolic blood pressure, use of blood pressure medications, drinking status, diabetes, and education level). In postmenopausal women aged 55 to 64 years, women with < or = 5 years since last menstruation had an adjusted average intima-media thickness (0.74 mm) comparable to those with > 5 years since last menstruation (0.75 mm) (P > .05). Although hormone replacement therapy use was associated with a more favorable lipid and hemostasis profile than nonuse, its use was not associated with intima-media thickness in postmenopausal women aged 55 to 64 years (adjusted average = 0.74 mm for current users of estrogen alone and approximately 0.75 mm each for current users of estrogen plus progestin, former users, and never users). CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that the well-known associations of hormone replacement therapy with reductions in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease may be attributable more to acute physiological effects, such as hemodynamic changes or reduced thrombosis, than to atherosclerosis itself.
Development of Diabetes Mellitus Following Kidney Transplantation: A Canadian Experience

The onset of diabetes mellitus following kidney transplantation or post‐transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is now recognized as being an increasingly common complication that is associated with poor graft and patient survival. The incidence and clinical correlates of PTDM in a Canadian kidney transplant population has not been examined and may vary based on differences in demographics (i.e. race). Furthermore, little information exists on the association of variables such as cmulative dose of corticosteroids and trough calcineurin inhibitor levels and PTDM. We examined all recipients of a kidney transplant in our center between 1995 and 2001 and found an overall PTDM rate of 9.8%. Five clinical factors were independently associated with PTDM: older recipient age, deceased donor, hepatitis C antibody status, rejection episode and use of tacrolimus (vs. cyclosporine). Furthermore, cmulative corticosteroid dose and calcineurin inhibitor trough level were not associated with PTDM. This study demonstrates that in a Canadian kidney transplant population that there is a significant risk of PTDM following kidney transplantation, and it is therefore advisable to minimize this risk.
Effect of Blood Donations on the Profile of Lymphocytic Cells

The effect of ordinary blood donation and repeat leukapheresis procedures on the profile of lymphocytic cells in peripheral blood was assessed. In ordinary blood donors blood donation was found to have no effect on serum Ig levels and peripheral lymphocyte populations. The removal of leukocytes and serum Ig during leukapheresis lead to a significant decrease of serum IgG and IgM and of all lymphocytic cell parameters, O cells being the only exception. During a series of 5 consecutive cytaphereses serum Ig always reached prepheresis levels within a week. With the increasing number of leukaphereses, however, lymphocytic cells, except 0 cells, showed a steady decrease which was significant for B cells bearing surface IgA, G, M or lambda chains. Even 2 months after the last leukapheresis mononuclear cell numbers had not returned to first prepheresis levels. A limitation of leukapheresis procedures per annum is recommended.
Leadership Strategies for Developing and Implementing Organizational Change

Leadership Strategies for Developing and Implementing Organizational Change by Hardy DeLay MBA, University of St. Thomas, 2010 BS, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2002 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2017