Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stem Cells and Cloning: Advances and Applications Dovepress Mesenchymal and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: General Insights and Clinical Perspectives

Mesenchymal stem cells have awakened a great deal of interest in regenerative medicine due to their plasticity, and immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. They are high-yield and can be acquired through noninvasive methods from adult tissues. Moreover, they are nontumorigenic and are the most widely studied. On the other hand, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can be derived directly from adult cells through gene reprogramming. The new iPS technology avoids the embryo destruction or manipulation to generate pluripotent cells, therefore, are exempt from ethical implication surrounding embryonic stem cell use. The pre-differentiation of iPS cells ensures the safety of future approaches. Both mesenchymal stem cells and iPS cells can be used for autologous cell transplantations without the risk of immune rejection and represent a great opportunity for future alternative therapies. In this review we discussed the therapeutic perspectives using mesenchymal and iPS cells.
The Self-Development of Non-Academic Intelligence Forms in a Future Pedagogue

To form the professional competence in a future pedagogue, just academic knowledge is not enough. Non-academic forms of intelligence represent important human abilities in the social reality. Non-academic form of intelligence consists of social, emotional, and practical forms. They are responsible for the full development of the human personality, the ability to react quickly to a situation. Non-academic forms of intelligence develop in the future teacher his qualities required in professional activities, such as promptness, flexibility and creativity. The purpose of this paper, on the basis of teaching and learning materials, is the theoretical development of the methodology for self-development of non-academic intelligence forms in a future teacher. The developed methodology is divided into three stages: "the development of social intelligence", "emotional intelligence development", "practical intelligence development. " The program is based on the trainings that are focused on the job of different forms: tests, surveys, exercises. A collective form helps to improve communication skills, to enhance emotional preparation for any situation and to develop the skill of applying knowledge in practice. The research materials can be used in educational practice of pedagogical universities for the formation of professional competence in future teachers.
Through the looking glass: Strategic organizational practices in strategic management

The field of strategic management indicates that there is no ‘one best way’ to manage strategy over time, leaving researchers with a pluralistic research setting. The findings here suggest that strategic organizational practices, a construct from the international business literature, can provide insight into the strategy formation process. I argue that strategic organizational practices, which are actor-centered and embedded with values and beliefs, reflect both the content and process of strategy, and the organizational environment itself, thereby providing a pluralistic context of theoretical study. Through the exploration of four practices implemented by a large Canadian-based multinational enterprise, the paper encourages a more explicit integration of strategic organizational practices, as a unit of analysis, into the field of strategic management. Copyright © 2017 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multidimensional routing indices for efficient distributed query processing

Traditional routing indices in peer-to-peer (P2P) networks are mainly designed for document retrieval applications and maintain aggregated one-dimensional values representing the number of documents that can be obtained in a certain direction in the network. In this paper, we introduce the concept of multidimensional routing indices (MRIs), which are suitable for handling multidimensional data represented by minimum bounding regions (MBRs). Depending on data distribution on peers, the aggregation of the MBRs may lead to MRIs that exhibit extremely poor performance, which renders them ineffective. Thus, focusing on a hybrid unstructured P2P network, we analyze the parameters for building MRIs of high selectivity. We present techniques that boost the query routing performance by detecting similar peers and grouping and reassigning these peers to other parts of the hybrid network in a distributed and scalable way. We demonstrate the advantages of our approach using large-scale simulations.
Optimal sampling using singular value decomposition of the parameter variance space

The integration of mobile robotic vehicles with distributed sensor networks requires the development of methods for vehicle navigation to achieve sample selection and effectively estimate distributed task variables. In this paper, singular value decomposition (SVD) of the parameter variance space is introduced as a basis for optimal sample selection. Simulation results are used to evaluate the algorithm performance, and significant reduction in field prediction variance are achieved over more conventional incremental rectangular measurement grids. An example of field estimation sensors on an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is described.
Multiple protein feature prediction with statistical relational learning

High throughput sequencing techniques have highly impactedon modern biology, widening the gap between sequenced andannotated data. Automatic annotation tools are thereforeof the foremost importance to guide biologists' experiments. However, most of the state-of-the-art methods rely on annotation transfer, offering reliable predictions only in homology settings. In this work we present a novel appraoch to protein feature prediction, which exploits the Semanti Based Regularization to inject prior knowledge in the learning process. The experimental results conducted on the yeast genome show that the introduction of the constraints positively impacts on the overall prediction quality.
Event-Based Motion Control for Mobile-Sensor Networks

In many sensor networks, considerably more units are available than necessary for simple coverage of the space. Augmenting sensor networks with motion can exploit this surplus to enhance sensing while also improving the network's lifetime and reliability. Sensor mobility allows better coverage in areas where events occur frequently. Another use of mobility comes about if the specific area of interest (within a larger area) is unknown during deployment. We've developed distributed algorithms for mobile-sensor networks to physically react to changes or events in their environment or in the network itself. Distribution supports scalability and robustness during sensing and communication failures. We present two classes of motion-control algorithms that let sensors converge on arbitrary event distributions. These algorithms trade off the amount of required computation and memory with the accuracy of the sensor positions. We also present three algorithms that let sensor networks maintain coverage of their environment. These algorithms work alongside either type of motion-control algorithm such that the sensors can follow the control law unless they must stop to ensure coverage.
Neuropsychological performance in frontal lobe epilepsy

The search for a special neuropsychological profile of frontal lobe epilepsy subjects (FLE) has so far led to inconclusive results. In this paper we compared the preoperative neuropsychological performance of FLE and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) subjects. We further investigated whether frontal lobe lesions of epileptogenic cause produce the same type of cognitive dysfunction as do tumours of the frontal lobe. Sixteen FLE subjects were compared to 16 TLE subjects as well as to a group of 10 subjects after the removal of frontal lobe tumors (TUM) and a healthy control group. A set of neuropsychological test measures routinely used for presurgical evaluation, an emotional conceptualization task and two associative learning tasks were administered. We found that subjects with frontal lobe damage were significantly impaired relative to controls on a wide range of cognitive functions independent of neurological cause. FLE subjects could hardly be discriminated from TLE subjects as both groups showed a similarly reduced level of neuropsychological performance. Our results demonstrate the devastating effect that frontal lobe epilepsy can have on cognitive functioning. Routinely used neuropsychological test measures lack the specificity to distinguish between frontal and temporal lobe epilepsy. Highly specialized measures are necessary to reveal differences.
Game Theoretic Analysis of Distributed Spectrum Sharing with Database

According to FCC's ruling for white-space spectrum access, white-space devices are required to query a database to determine the spectrum availability. In this paper, we adopt a game theoretic approach for the database-assisted white-space access point (AP) network design. We first model the channel selection problem among the APs as a distributed AP channel selection game, and design a distributed AP channel selection algorithm that achieves a Nash equilibrium. We then propose a state-based game formulation for the distributed AP association problem of the secondary users by taking the cost of mobility into account. We show that the state-based distributed AP association game has the finite improvement property, and design a distributed AP association algorithm can converge to a state-based Nash equilibrium. Numerical results show that the algorithm is robust to the perturbation by secondary users' dynamical leaving and entering the system.
Diversity (Management-)Diskurse in Organisationen: Behinderung als "Grenzfall"?

The article examines how organisations who describe themselves as active in the diversity management arena cope with the issue of dis-/ability. It thus offers an empirically grounded perspective on the inclusionary and exclusionary potentials of diversity management’s (discursive) practices. Two major insights are that representations of persons with disabilities continue to focus on deficits and that the impact of diversity (management) discourse is adaptive rather than transformative. Indeed, the emphasis on adequate performance as a decisive criterion to gain entrance and promotion in an organisation entails a partial inclusion of those groups where an overlap between performance expectation and actual performance appears plausible (i.e. persons with physical/sensory impairments). In contrast, even in the context of diversity management, people with cognitive and/or psycho-social impairments tend to be rejected due to a “too much difference”.
Human difference and creation of better social worlds : An autoethnography

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Developmental MYH3 Myopathy Associated with Expression of Mutant Protein and Reduced Expression Levels of Embryonic MyHC

Objective An essential role for embryonic MyHC in foetal development has been found from its association with distal arthrogryposis syndromes, a heterogeneous group of disorders characterised by congenital contractions. The latter probably result from severe myopathy during foetal development. Lack of embryonic muscle biopsy material and suitable animal models has hindered study of the pathomechanisms linking mutations in MYH3 to prenatal myopathy. Methods and Results We determined the pathomechanisms of developmental myopathy caused by recurrent p.Thr178Ile MYH3 heterozygosity, using patient-derived skeletal muscle cells in culture as an experimental disease model to emulate early embryonic development. These cultured cells were processed for discrimination and quantitative analysis of mutant and wild-type MYH3 alleles and MyHC transcripts, real-time RT-qPCR, sequence analysis, immunofluorescence microscopy, immunoblot, and proteomic assessments. Involvement of the ubiquitin proteasome system was investigated in patients with p.Thr178Ile mutations in MYH3 and MYH2. We found equal overall expression of mutant and wild-type MyHC mRNAs and proteins. Compared to the controls, however, expression of embryonic MyHC transcripts and proteins was reduced whereas expression of myosin-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase (MuRF1) was increased. We also found delayed myofibrillogenesis and atrophic myotubes but structured sarcomeres. Conclusion In conclusion, this study suggests that developmental p.Thr178Ile MYH3 myopathy is associated with a combined pathomechanism of insufficient dosage of functional embryonic MyHC and production of mutant protein.
One or more external representations: What is better for learning?

One or More External Representations: What Is Better For Learning? Anna Ermakova Dissertation Chair: Elida V. Laski Use of base-10 decomposition strategy for addition in first grade is related to mathematics advantage in the later years (Geary et al., 2013), yet we know little about the strategy’s prevalence among first graders or factors contributing to its use. The present study sought to bridge this gap by testing 87 first graders in the greater Boston area. The results confirmed previous findings that showed that in the last 10 years first graders in the US have increased in frequency of base-10 decomposition. Children who had better knowledge of basic number facts used it more frequently, particularly on problems with smaller addends. Further, the study tested whether an instructional intervention would be effective in increasing reliance on base-10 decomposition. 61 of the original participants were selected to take part in an experimental intervention that taught them to execute the strategy while relying on external representations – sometimes known as manipulatives. Informed by two lines of research, the present study tested the hypothesis that the efficacy of the intervention may depend on whether one or multiple external representations are used for instruction. The results showed a dramatic increase in first graders’ mental base-10 decomposition use as a result of the intervention. Children grew in their use of the strategy at the same rates across genders, levels of basic arithmetic fluency, and working memory. Overall, the results showed that relying on multiple representations during instruction appears more beneficial to strategy use on mental arithmetic, but this benefit may be conditional on how well the children have mastered and abstracted the strategy. Implications to classroom interventions aimed to increase the use of advanced arithmetic strategies are discussed.
A NEW CLASS OF LUMINOUS TRANSIENTS AND A FIRST CENSUS OF THEIR MASSIVE STELLAR PROGENITORS

The progenitors of SN 2008S and the 2008 luminous transient in NGC 300 were deeply dust-enshrouded massive stars, with extremely red mid-infrared (MIR) colors and relatively low bolometric luminosities (≈5 × 104 L☉). The transients were optically faint compared to normal core-collapse supernovae (ccSNe), with peak absolute visual magnitudes of −13 ≳ MV ≳ −15, and their spectra exhibit narrow Balmer and [Ca ii] emission lines. These events are unique among transient–progenitor pairs and hence constitute a new class. Additional members of this class may include the M85 transient, SN 1999bw, 2002bu, and others. Whether they are true supernovae or bright massive-star eruptions, we argue that their rate is of order ∼20% of the ccSN rate in star-forming galaxies. This fact is remarkable in light of the observation that a very small fraction of all massive stars in any one galaxy, at any moment, have the infrared colors of the progenitors of SN 2008S and the NGC 300 transient. We show this by extracting MIR and optical luminosity, color, and variability properties of massive stars in M33 using archival imaging. We find that the fraction of massive stars with colors consistent with the progenitors of SN 2008S and the NGC 300 transient is ≲10−4. In fact, only ≲10 similar objects exist in M33 (and perhaps ≲1)—all of which lie at the luminous red extremum of the asymptotic giant branch sequence. That these transients are simultaneously relatively common with respect to supernovae, while their progenitors are remarkably rare compared to the massive star population, implies that the dust-enshrouded phase is a short-lived phenomenon in the lives of many massive stars. This shrouded epoch can occur only in the last ≲104 yr before explosion, be it death or merely eruption. We discuss the implications of this finding for the evolution and census of “low-mass” massive stars (i.e., ∼8–12 M☉), and we connect it with theoretical discussions of electron-capture supernovae (ecSNe) near this mass range. Other potential mechanisms, including the explosive birth of massive white dwarfs and massive star outbursts, are also discussed. A systematic census with (warm) Spitzer of galaxies in the local universe (D ≲ 10 Mpc) for analogous progenitors would significantly improve our knowledge of this channel to massive stellar explosions, and potentially to others with obscured progenitors.
Democratization of healthcare through self-monitoring technologies

The burden on our healthcare systems is ever increasing with people living longer and requiring more support. Technologies can help ease the strain. One important aspect in health management is prevention enabled by self-monitoring and, eventually, self-understanding one's lifestyle through building supportive, interactive and engaging systems. This paper outlines a system aimed at empowering users with a better understanding of how their lifestyles can impact their wellbeing by using a context-based story-telling approach. While this work is still in its early phases, we believe that a lot of promise is shown through the current development status as well as our system design. Our initial findings show that available user data generated through our daily activities can reveal a wealth of information related to our lifestyles and provide support in implementing changes.
Intracellular redox-responsive nanocarrier for plasmid delivery: in vitro characterization and in vivo studies in mice

Although some modifications of polyethyleneimine (PEI) properties have been explored to balance the transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity, its successful plasmid delivery in vitro and in vivo to realize its true therapeutic potentials remains a major challenge, mainly due to intracellular trafficking barriers. Herein, we present a delivery nanocarrier Pluronic-PEI-SS by conjugating reducible disulfide-linked PEI (PEI-SS) to biocompatible Pluronic for enhanced DNA delivery and transfection efficiency in vitro and in vivo. Pluronic-PEI-SS strongly condensed plasmid DNA to low positively charged nanocomplexes, exhibited good stability against deoxyribonuclease I digestion, and tended to be easily degraded in the presence of reducing agent 1,4-dithiothreitol. The in vitro transfection of the complex Pluronic-PEI-SS/DNA into HeLa and 293T cells resulted in lower cytotoxicity as well as significantly higher cellular uptake, nucleus transfection, and gene expression than Pluronic-PEI (25 kDa), PEI-SS, and PEI 25 kDa given alone. Furthermore, the in vivo transfection study demonstrated that Pluronic-PEI-SS/DNA complexes induced a higher enrichment than the commercial PEI/DNA complex in the tumor, indicating their potential application as biocompatible vector in gene delivery.
Molecular Inclusion Complex of Curcumin–β-Cyclodextrin Nanoparticle to Enhance Curcumin Skin Permeability from Hydrophilic Matrix Gel

Curcumin (CUR) has various pharmacological effects, but its extensive first-pass metabolism and short elimination half-life limit its bioavailability. Therefore, transdermal application has become a potential alternative to delivery CUR. To increase CUR solubility for the development of a transparent homogenous gel and also enhance the permeation rate of CUR into the skin, β-cyclodextrin–curcumin nanoparticle complex (BCD–CUR-N) was developed. CUR encapsulation efficiency was increased by raising the percentage of CUR to BCD up to 20%. The mean particle size of the best CUR loading formula was 156 nm. All evaluation data using infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffractometry, differential thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the successful formation of the inclusion complex. BCD–CUR-N increased the CUR dissolution rate of 10-fold (p < 0.01). In addition, the improvement of CUR permeability acrossed skin model tissue was observed in gel containing the BCD–CUR-N and was about 1.8-fold when compared with the free CUR gel (p < 0.01). Overall, CUR in the form of the BCD–CUR-N improved the solubility further on the penetration of CUR.
Robust non-linear regression analysis: A greedy approach employing kernels and application to image denoising

We consider the task of robust non-linear estimation in the presence of both bounded noise and outliers. Assuming that the unknown non-linear function belongs to a Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space (RKHS), our goal is to accurately estimate the coefficients of the kernel regression matrix. Due to the existence of outliers, common techniques such as the Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR), or the Support Vector Regression (SVR) turn out to be inadequate. Instead, we employ sparse modeling arguments to model and estimate the outliers, adopting a greedy approach. In particular, the proposed robust scheme, i.e., Kernel Greedy Algorithm for Robust Denoising (KGARD), is a modification of the classical Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) algorithm. In a nutshell, the proposed scheme alternates between a KRR task and an OMP-like selection step. Convergence properties as well as theoretical results concerning the identification of the outliers are provided. Moreover, KGARD is compared against other cutting edge methods (using toy examples) to demonstrate its performance and verify the aforementioned theoretical results. Finally, the proposed robust estimation framework is applied to the task of image denoising, showing that it can enhance the denoising process significantly, when outliers are present.