Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Two Fluoridation Measures on Erosion Progression in Human Enamel and Dentine in vitro

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of fluoride on the progression of erosive demineralisation in human enamel and dentine using a cyclic de– and remineralisation model in vitro. The mineral content expressed in micrometres was determined daily by longitudinal microradiography (LMR) and presented as cumulative mineral loss over 5 days. For erosive demineralisation, all samples were immersed in 0.05 M citric acid (pH 2.3) for 6×10 min/day and stored in a remineralisation solution. Fluoridation measures were performed as follows: group 1: control, no fluoridation; group 2: toothpaste fluoridation 3×5 min/daily (NaF, 0.15% F–); group 3: toothpaste fluoridation as group 2 and additionally application of a fluoride mouthrinse (Olaflur/SnF2, 0.025%F–) 3×5 min/daily and on days 1 and 3 gel fluoridation (Olaflur/NaF; 1.25% F–) for 1×5 min. After the first experimental day, no significant differences were found between the groups. However, after 5 days the erosive mineral loss values for enamel were 147.5±18.7 µm in the control group, 128.1±15.0 µm in group 2 (p≤0.05) and 116.1±12.4 µm in group 3 (p≤0.001). In dentine, the respective values were 136.7±16.4, 111.8±26.9 (p≤0.001) and 60.3±17.8 (p≤0.001). The intensive fluoridation significantly reduced erosion progression in enamel but had a more pronounced effect on dentine. The results suggest that subjects with erosive lesions should use an intensive fluoridation measure.
The Potential Of Open Education Resources To Boost High School Education In South Africa's Kwazulu-Natal Province

Many South African high schools are under-performing with poor pass rates, particularly in mathematics and physical science. Although the country’s state of education would seem to be dire, pockets of excellence thrive in many local schools. Given this available expertise, a free and open education resource (OER) base adapted to local conditions and the necessary will, it may be possible to grow vibrant local open education communities and thus promote more equitable access to better quality education. This descriptive study sought to examine the attitudes of a sample of South African high school teachers towards OERs with the aim of gauging their willingness and capacity to use and/or develop these materials within an open economic model/framework. The study established that, in spite of respondents' recognition of the potential advantages of OERs, and even some significant reported use of these instructional tools, there appear to be serious doubts as to the level of institutional support for such open education initiatives. This is unfortunate since teachers appear to be sympathetic to the philosophy of open education and are prepared to donate regular time and effort to the business of developing these resources. The study concludes that policy, at both school and departmental levels, should be sharply realigned to embrace and actively promote the development and more widespread use of open resources. Only then is the economics of open education likely to be unleashed on a transformative scale.
Immunohistologic identification of phenotypic antigens associated with Hodgkin and reed‐sternberg cells. A paraffin section study

A combination of two monoclonal antibodies, designated LN‐1 and LN‐2, were used in an attempt to identify the corresponding antigens in Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg cells. The LN‐1 antibody has been shown in previous studies in our laboratories to identify follicular center cells, whereas LN‐2 marks certain B‐cell subpopulations as well as interfollicular histiocytes. Utilizing the perioxidase‐antiperioxidase (PAP) technique, paraffin‐embedded sections were examined representing 39 cases of various histologic subgroups of Hodgkin's lymphoma following immunostaining with LN‐1, LN‐2, and the antibody to S‐100. Of these 39 cases, the LN‐2 antibody was found to consistently mark the majority of Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg cells. LN‐1 was found to identify Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg cells in a smaller number of cases. In no instance were Hodgkin or Reed‐Sternberg cells found to mark for the S‐100 protein. The use of LN‐1 and LN‐2 antibodies facilitated the identification of Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg cells and produced additional information regarding the phentotypic nature of these cells.
Foreign Aid, Institutions, and Governance in Sub‐Saharan Africa*

Introduction More than a decade ago, the World Bank argued that “underlying the litany of Africa’s development problems is a crisis of governance. ” Poor quality institutions, weak rule of law, an absence of accountability, tight controls over information, and high levels of corruption still characterize many African states today. Aid levels have been reduced in many parts of Africa during the past decade. Yet in many of the countries with poor governance records, aid continues to contribute a very high percentage of government budgets. This article explores the institutional impact of these high levels of aid and the way that large amounts of aid are delivered. There are many reasons why governance is poor in much of sub-Saharan Africa. Colonialism did little to develop strong, indigenously rooted institutions that could tackle the development demands of modern states. Economic crisis and unsustainable debt, civil wars, and political instability have all taken their toll over the past 2 decades and more. It is difficult to separate the impact of these problems from the possible impact of foreign aid, which is often high in countries that suffer from precisely these problems. Theory provides conflicting guidance here. On the one hand, aid can release governments from binding revenue constraints, enabling them to strengthen domestic institutions and pay higher salaries to civil servants. Aid can provide training and technical assistance to build legal systems and accounting offices. In many countries, aid personnel (sometimes expatriate) manage important government programs, and the infusion of resources and technical assistance can give an important boost to the efficiency and effectiveness of governance, if only in a partial sense. Yet despite these likely benefits, it is also possible that, continued over
Learning Visuomotor Transformations and End Effector Appearance by Local Visual Consistency

We present an algorithm that enables a robot to learn the visuomotor transformation from its joint angle space to visual space. The learned transformation can accurately predict location and shape of robot end effector's image projection. This paper extends past work by approximating the end effector by a planar region, rather than a point, in 3-D space, and through its use of spatially and temporally local, rather than global, measures of image consistency. Our robotic experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can learn location and shape of the image region corresponding to the end effector, and how it deforms as the arm moves randomly in front of the camera. Our approach does not require that the end effector be identified with a specific marker. We also demonstrate that the region corresponding to the end effector can adapt to changes in the end effector shape.
NAAG peptidase inhibition reduces locomotor activity and some stereotypes in the PCP model of schizophrenia via group II mGluR

Phencyclidine (PCP) administration elicits positive and negative symptoms that resemble those of schizophrenia and is widely accepted as a model for the study of this human disorder. Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonists have been reported to reduce the behavioral and neurochemical effects of PCP. The peptide neurotransmitter, N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), is a selective group II agonist. We synthesized and characterized a urea‐based NAAG analogue, ZJ43. This novel compound is a potent inhibitor of enzymes, glutamate carboxypeptidase II (Ki = 0.8 nm) and III (Ki = 23 nm) that deactivate NAAG following synaptic release. ZJ43 (100 µm) does not directly interact with NMDA receptors or metabotropic glutamate receptors. Administration of ZJ43 significantly reduced PCP‐induced motor activation, falling while walking, stereotypic circling behavior, and head movements. To test the hypothesis that this effect of ZJ43 was mediated by increasing the activation of mGluR3 via increased levels of extracellular NAAG, the group II mGluR selective antagonist LY341495 was co‐administered with ZJ43 prior to PCP treatment. This antagonist completely reversed the effects of ZJ43. Additionally, LY341495 alone increased PCP‐induced motor activity and head movements suggesting that normal levels of NAAG act to moderate the effect of PCP on motor activation via a group II mGluR. These data support the view that NAAG peptidase inhibitors may represent a new therapeutic approach to some of the components of schizophrenia that are modeled by PCP.
Decentralisation of Pay In the Nhs: Diagnosis and Prognosis

This article analyses why some NHS trusts have departed from national arrangements and adopted a local pay regime, while others have not. It finds that the primary determinant is the attitude of management, particularly the chief executive. This is value driven and not a pragmatic response to the labour market. Although a healthy financial position is a necessary condition for a trust pay regime, it is not an adequate causative explanation. Moreover, while management sets the agenda, the pace, manner and extent of change, are tempered by the cohesiveness and vigour of the staff-side and the power of the medical profession. It also suggests that in some trusts more immediately pressing priorities have taken precedence over the government initiative on local pay bargaining, so it will be some time before fully fledged pay systems are adopted.
Device closure of atrial septal defect: medium-term outcome with special reference to complications

Abstract Background There are concerns over the outcome of device closure of secundum atrial septal defect with special reference to erosions and aortic regurgitation. Aim To assess the medium-term outcome of device closure of atrial septal defects with special reference to complications. Methods A total of 205 patients with secundum atrial septal defects underwent transcatheter closure from October, 1999 to April, 2009. The median age was 18 (1.4–55) years. Amplatzer Septal Occluder was used in all the patients. Medium-term follow-up was available in 176 of 200 (88%) patients. Results Device closure was successful in 200 out of 205 (98%) patients. The device embolised in four patients and was associated with short inferior caval vein margin (p = 0.003). Balloon sizing in 71 patients (35%) resulted in implantation of a larger device (p = 0.002). Early complications included pericardial effusion, 2:1 heart block, and infective endocarditis (1 patient each). There were eight patients who reported migraine (3.9%). At median follow-up of 5.8 (0.6–10.3) years, complete closure occurred in 197 out of 200 patients. Short superior caval vein margin was associated with a residual shunt (p < 0.001). There were two patients who developed mild aortic regurgitation (1%), which correlated with a device-to-defect ratio of >1.3:1 (p = 0.001). There were no erosions, late embolisation, or thromboembolism. Atrial fibrillation occurred in three adults (1.5%). Conclusions Device closure of secundum atrial septal defects using Amplatzer Septal Occluder is safe and effective in the medium term. Short inferior caval vein margin correlates with increased risk of embolisation and short superior caval vein margin with a residual shunt. The risk of developing aortic regurgitation is low and correlates with increased device-to-defect ratio.
E-Marketing Strategy for Businesses

The Internet provides an easy and uniform way for businesses to make their brands and products visible to their customers. Due to the vast number of companies that take advantage of the Internet to conduct their business, it is very challenging for them to increase their sales and market awareness. In this paper, we investigate two techniques which are used to improve the visibility of an e-business in order to generate more traffic and sales. We describe a process of capturing the Return on Investment (ROI) from Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and focus on two main techniques: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Pay Per Click campaign (PPC). The investigation is carried out based on two UK-based small and medium sized enterprises (SME). We describe the results of optimization and its impact on the companies’ future strategy in this paper.
Exchange Rate Pass-Through in Vertically Related Markets

The paper provides a theoretical framework which addresses exchange rate pass-through within the setting of vertically related markets. In particular, foreign firms' price adjustment in response to an exchange rate shock is evaluated. This permits study of the importance of cost effects of the exchange rate shock. Recent empirical evidence indicated the relevance of these cost effects. It is shown that one can decompose the effects of an exchange rate shock on the final goods market into direct and indirect components. The indirect effect works through the input market. The degree of pass-through then depends on the relative importance of direct and indirect effects, which in turn depends on the nature of vertical structures and strategic firm behavior. It is shown that the institutional aspects of vertically related markets play a role in explaining incomplete price adjustments in both intermediate and final goods markets and the failure of PPP in the short run. Copyright 2000 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
The use of the hemiarthroplasty prosthesis for advanced osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the knee.

1. Hemiarthroplasty is a method of dealing with painful deformities of advanced osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the knee. 2. The indications and contra-indications for this procedure are discussed. Careful selection of patients is essential. 3. The technique of operation and management after operation are described. 4. The results of such a procedure, as done by one surgeon, are given. Good results have been obtained in 80 per cent of the osteoarthritic knees and in 69 per cent of the rheumatoid knees. 5. The complications, place of associated operations and value of revision procedures are discussed.
Parliamentary oversight of public expenditure management : a focus on the security services

This paper argues for effective parliamentarian oversight of the expenditure of the security services. It discusses the general principles of public expenditure management and submits that, as the security services render a public service using public monies, they need to be subject to the same principles. The most important of these principles in relation to the security services are those of transparency and accountability. The security services are, however, involved in sensitive issues of state security and some modification in the application of these principles can be substantiated. Not detracting from the principles of public expenditure management and parliamentary oversight, special provisions regarding the management of security expenditure can be instituted. These include special legislation, the conduct of closed parliamentary committee meetings, and the institution of special parliamentary committees. The fundamental question is, however, 'who decides'. The paper argues that the answer to this question lies squarely in the domain of parliament, which should ultimately decide on any deviations and exclusions from these principles as related to the security services.
Southern Ocean phytoplankton turnover in response to stepwise Antarctic cooling over the past 15 million years

Significance Based on data of unprecedented resolution, we show that phytoplankton (diatoms) in the Southern Ocean have experienced five major pulses of species extinction and origination over the past 15 My that were linked to large cooling transitions in southern high latitudes. Our findings suggest that phytoplankton communities around Antarctica have been robust to “baseline” glacial–interglacial climate variability but were sensitive to large-scale changes in mean climate state driven by a combination of long-period variations in orbital forcing and atmospheric carbon dioxide perturbations. It is not clear how Southern Ocean phytoplankton communities, which form the base of the marine food web and are a crucial element of the carbon cycle, respond to major environmental disturbance. Here, we use a new model ensemble reconstruction of diatom speciation and extinction rates to examine phytoplankton response to climate change in the southern high latitudes over the past 15 My. We identify five major episodes of species turnover (origination rate plus extinction rate) that were coincident with times of cooling in southern high-latitude climate, Antarctic ice sheet growth across the continental shelves, and associated seasonal sea-ice expansion across the Southern Ocean. We infer that past plankton turnover occurred when a warmer-than-present climate was terminated by a major period of glaciation that resulted in loss of open-ocean habitat south of the polar front, driving non-ice adapted diatoms to regional or global extinction. These findings suggest, therefore, that Southern Ocean phytoplankton communities tolerate “baseline” variability on glacial–interglacial timescales but are sensitive to large-scale changes in mean climate state driven by a combination of long-period variations in orbital forcing and atmospheric carbon dioxide perturbations.
Forecasting the BDT/USD Exchange Rate Using Autoregressive Model

The key motivation of this study is to examine the application of autoregressive model for forecasting and trading the BDT/USD exchange rates from July 03, 2006 to April 30, 2010 as in-sample and May 01, 2010 to July 04, 2011 as out of sample data set. AR and ARMA models are benchmarked with a naive strategy model. The major findings of this study is that in case of in-sample data set, the ARMA model, whereas in case of out-of-sample data set, both the ARMA and AR models jointly utperform other models for forecasting the BDT/USD exchange rate respectively in the context of statistical performance measures. As per trading performance, both the ARMA and naive strategy models outperform all other models in case of in-sample data set. On the other hand, both the AR and naive strategy models do better than all other models in case of out-of-sample data sets as per trading rformance.
HSP90: The Rosetta stone for cellular protein dynamics?

The Hsp90 proteomic network is expansive and includes a variety of cell processes operating within the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. Though the functional significance of the extensive interactions has not been defined, we suggest that the Hsp90 molecular chaperone machinery promotes dynamic behaviors for client proteins that is critical to achieve homeostasis. A general rapid action by cell factors would permit both proper assembly of biological complexes and efficient transitions between distinct structures. Here, we describe why the properties that are inherent to molecular chaperones place these proteins in a unique position to drive the dynamic cellular environment.
Engaging Parents, Youth and Schools in Developing Academic Success

Recently the role of parents in education has changed dramatically and become overwhelmingly complex and confusing in modern, democratic societies (Davies, 1988). But the state has also a stake in children's education - requiring that all pupils attend school, take certain courses and programs, and, in many countries, attain certain prescribed levels of achievement. Parents are no longer willing to stand by and let the school bureaucrats make all the decisions. Parents have become crucial to school reform, as key decision-makers. Parents want their child to succeed. Any kind of involvement in a child's education gives a parent a feeling of great satisfaction and reassures the child that the parents care about his or her education. The paper summarizes the factors associated with the necessity and importance of parent involvement in education which has become a major educational issue since the 1980s; briefly traces the history of parental involvement in education and underlines the key issues of parents' participation in their offspring's education. The paper examines the role and function of parents as consumers and participants, highlights the factors that solve the dilemmas affecting the roles of parents in educational reforms.
Low‐dose (7.5 mg) oral methotrexate reduces the rate of progression in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis

A randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial of low‐dose, weekly, oral methotrexate was performed in 60 patients with clinically definite chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) attending a referral‐based outpatient MS clinic. Study patients were 21 to 60 years old with a disease duration of longer than 1 year. Patients' Expanded Disability Status Scale scores were 3.0 to 6.5 (ambulatory with moderate disability). Patients were first stratified by Expanded Disability Status Scale scores, 3.0 to 5.5 and 6.0 to 6.5, and then were randomized to receive methotrexate or placebo treatment. Treatment consisted of weekly, oral, low‐dose (7.5 mg) methotrexate or identical placebo for 2 years, followed by observation for as long as 1 year. A composite outcome measurement instrument was used and consisted of (1) Expanded Disability Status Scale, (2) ambulation index, (3) Box and Block Test, and (4) 9‐Hole Peg Test. Failure of therapy was indicated by a designated change that was sustained for more than 2 months in one or more components of this composite measure. Significantly less progression of impairment as measured by validated tests of upper‐extremity function was observed in the methotrexate treatment group in the absence of clinically significant toxicity. We conclude that low‐dose, weekly, oral methotrexate offers a new, relatively nontoxic treatment option for patients with chronic progressive MS.
A Note on Exchange Options Under Stochastic Interest Rates

An exchange option, also called “Margrabe option”, gives the right, but not the obligation to exchange an asset for another asset. In a recent paper in the Encyclopedia of Quantitative Finance (2010), Professor Rolf Poulsen writes that “[t]he Margrabe formula is still valid with stochastic interest rates, provided the factors that drive interest rates are independent of those driving the S-assets”. This note proves that the Margrabe formula may still be valid in the case when the interest rates are stochastic even if they are dependent on the assets.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Human Capital Investments on the Regional Unemployment Rate in the United States: 1990 and 2000

This article evaluates the effect of human capital investment—for example, expenditures on education, training, and employment—on regional unemployment rates in the United States. State-level unemployment rates are estimated using the spatial lag fixed effects model with spatial correlation of regional unemployment rates for 1990 and 2000. The results show that unemployment rates can be decreased by a policy of state-level human capital investment. A $100 per capita human capital investment in a state is expected to decrease the unemployment rate by 0.63 percent. Human capital investment has a negative impact on a state's unemployment as long as the yearly average state net migration rate is greater than −1.6 percent. A maximum of 1.6 percent of a state's population can out-migrate on average in a year for human capital expenditures to be associated with a decrease in the state's unemployment rate. If a state's net migration rate is less than −1.6 percent of its population, human capital expenditures have a positive effect on unemployment.