Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Melatonin, a Full Service Anti-Cancer Agent: Inhibition of Initiation, Progression and Metastasis

There is highly credible evidence that melatonin mitigates cancer at the initiation, progression and metastasis phases. In many cases, the molecular mechanisms underpinning these inhibitory actions have been proposed. What is rather perplexing, however, is the large number of processes by which melatonin reportedly restrains cancer development and growth. These diverse actions suggest that what is being observed are merely epiphenomena of an underlying more fundamental action of melatonin that remains to be disclosed. Some of the arresting actions of melatonin on cancer are clearly membrane receptor-mediated while others are membrane receptor-independent and involve direct intracellular actions of this ubiquitously-distributed molecule. While the emphasis of melatonin/cancer research has been on the role of the indoleamine in restraining breast cancer, this is changing quickly with many cancer types having been shown to be susceptible to inhibition by melatonin. There are several facets of this research which could have immediate applications at the clinical level. Many studies have shown that melatonin’s co-administration improves the sensitivity of cancers to inhibition by conventional drugs. Even more important are the findings that melatonin renders cancers previously totally resistant to treatment sensitive to these same therapies. Melatonin also inhibits molecular processes associated with metastasis by limiting the entrance of cancer cells into the vascular system and preventing them from establishing secondary growths at distant sites. This is of particular importance since cancer metastasis often significantly contributes to death of the patient. Another area that deserves additional consideration is related to the capacity of melatonin in reducing the toxic consequences of anti-cancer drugs while increasing their efficacy. Although this information has been available for more than a decade, it has not been adequately exploited at the clinical level. Even if the only beneficial actions of melatonin in cancer patients are its ability to attenuate acute and long-term drug toxicity, melatonin should be used to improve the physical wellbeing of the patients. The experimental findings, however, suggest that the advantages of using melatonin as a co-treatment with conventional cancer therapies would far exceed improvements in the wellbeing of the patients.
Subword Complexity of Profinite Words and Subgroups of Free Profinite Semigroups

We study free profinite subgroups of free profinite semigroups of the same rank using, as main tools, iterated continuous endomorphisms, subword complexity, and the associated entropy. Main results include a general scheme to produce such subgroups and a proof that the complement of the minimal ideal in a free profinite semigroup on more than one generator is closed under all implicit operations that do not lie in the minimal ideal and even under their infinite iteration.
Maternal prenatal depression is associated with decreased placental expression of the imprinted gene PEG3

Background Maternal prenatal stress during pregnancy is associated with fetal growth restriction and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, which may be mediated by impaired placental function. Imprinted genes control fetal growth, placental development, adult behaviour (including maternal behaviour) and placental lactogen production. This study examined whether maternal prenatal depression was associated with aberrant placental expression of the imprinted genes paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3), paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10), pleckstrin homology-like domain family a member 2 (PHLDA2) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C (CDKN1C), and resulting impaired placental human placental lactogen (hPL) expression. Method A diagnosis of depression during pregnancy was recorded from Manchester cohort participants’ medical notes (n = 75). Queen Charlotte's (n = 40) and My Baby and Me study (MBAM) (n = 81) cohort participants completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale self-rating psychometric questionnaire. Villous trophoblast tissue samples were analysed for gene expression. Results In a pilot study, diagnosed depression during pregnancy was associated with a significant reduction in placental PEG3 expression (41%, p = 0.02). In two further independent cohorts, the Queen Charlotte's and MBAM cohorts, placental PEG3 expression was also inversely associated with maternal depression scores, an association that was significant in male but not female placentas. Finally, hPL expression was significantly decreased in women with clinically diagnosed depression (44%, p < 0.05) and in those with high depression scores (31% and 21%, respectively). Conclusions This study provides the first evidence that maternal prenatal depression is associated with changes in the placental expression of PEG3, co-incident with decreased expression of hPL. This aberrant placental gene expression could provide a possible mechanistic explanation for the co-occurrence of maternal depression, fetal growth restriction, impaired maternal behaviour and poorer offspring outcomes.
Dynamics of Inclusion and Exclusion in Preadolescent Cliques

A critical structural form organizing the social arrangement of children's lives is the clique. This primary group colors the character of children's preadolescent years and shapes their socialization to adult life. In this paper we draw on longitudinal participant observation and on depth interviews with advanced elementary-school children to explore the central feature of clique dynamics : the techniques of inclusion and exclusion. Cliques are circles of power wherein leaders attain and wield influence over their followers by cyclically building them up and cutting them down, first drawing them into the elite inner circle and allowing them to bask in the glow of popularity and acceptance, and then reducing them to positions of dependence and subjugation by turning the group against them. We conclude by discussing the generic features of these inclusionary and exclusionary dynamics, the characteristics of this cyclical pattern, the implications of this socializing experience for the broader societal dynamics of power and manipulation, and the kind of in-group/out-group differentiation that can lead to prejudice and discrimination.
Gestation Length, Mode of Delivery, and Neonatal Line-Thickness Variation

Abstract The transition from an intra- to extra-uterine environment leaves its mark in deciduous teeth (and first permanent molars) as an accentuated enamel incremental ring called the neonatal line (NL). This prominent microfeature separates the enamel formed during intrauterine life from that formed after leaving the womb. However, while the physical structure of this scar is well known, the bases of its formation are still a matter of investigation. In particular, besides the influence of the birth-related abrupt environmental and dietary changes and the role played by physiological factors such as hypocalcaemia, a direct relationship between NL thickness variation and the physical was trauma implied by the birth dynamics, the Caesarean, and the operative modes are apparently associated with the thinnest and the thickest lines, respectively. By using the histological record from a deciduous dental sample (exfoliated crowns) of 100 modern healthy school-aged children (47 males and 53 females) of reported birth histories (normal delivery mode: 55 cases; Caesarean: 40; operative: 5), we investigated the relationships between birth dynamics and NL thickness variation. The Tukey Honest Significant Difference method was used to test the differences between the means of the grouping levels. The results of our histo-morphological investigation do not support the suggestion that Caesarean-born children display, on average, a thinner enamel scar compared to children associated to a normal delivery mode. Rather, our study points to the influence exerted by factors intimately related to gestational length variation on the degree of expression of the line.
Changes in physicochemical and biological properties of porcine bone derived hydroxyapatite induced by the incorporation of fluoride

Abstract As the main inorganic component of xenogenic bone graft material, bone-derived biological apatite (BAp) has been widely used in implant dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery and orthopedics. However, BAp produced via calcination of animal bones still suffers from some drawbacks, such as insufficient mechanical strength and inadequate degradation rate, which impede its application. Fluoride is known to play important roles in both physiological and pathological processes of human hard tissues for its double effects on bones and teeth. In order to understand the effects of fluoride on the properties of BAp, as well as the mechanism behind them, porcine bone derived hydroxyapatite (PHAp) was prepared via thermal treatment, which was then fluoride incorporated at a series concentrations of sodium fluoride, and noted as 0.25-FPHAp, 0.50-FPHAp, and 0.75-FPHAp respectively. The physicochemical characteristics of the materials, including crystal morphology, crystallinity, functional groups, elemental composition, compressive strength, porosity and solubility, were then determined. The biological properties, such as protein adsorption and cell attachment, were also evaluated. It was found that the spheroid-like crystals of PHAp were changed into rod-like after fluoride substitution, resulting in a fluoride concentration-dependent increase in compressive strength, as well as a decreased porosity and solubility of the apatite. However, even though the addition of fluoride was demonstrated to enhance protein adsorption and cell attachment of the materials, the most favorable results were intriguingly achieved in FPHAp with the least fluoride content. Collectively, low level of fluoride incorporation is proposed promising for the modification of clinically used BAp based bone substitute materials, because of its being able to maintain a good balance between physicochemical and biological properties of the apatite.
Dangerous Places: Gang Members and Neighborhood Levels of Gun Assault

Despite attention to the role of gangs in urban gun violence, much remains to be learned about the spatial distribution and consequences of residential gang membership. This study uses data from St. Louis to examine the effects of resident gang membership on rates of gun assault. We also consider whether gun violence is conditioned by the level of gang membership in surrounding communities. As anticipated, communities with the highest number of gang members also have the highest rates of gun assault. However, much of the impact of gang membership on gun assaults extends outside of the boundaries of gang neighborhoods, especially those neighborhoods with few or no gang members. The number of gang members in surrounding neighborhoods has no discernible effect on gun assaults in communities with higher rates of gang membership. Finally, controlling for the spatial proximity of residential gang membership helps to account for some of the association between neighborhood disadvantage and gun assaults.
A Description of Instructional Coaching and its Relationship to Consultation

In large numbers of elementary and secondary schools across the United States teachers are being called upon to provide support to colleagues through a process called “instructional coaching. ” Despite widespread implementation of this role, resulting in part from federal initiatives, there is little consensus regarding its operational definition and little empirical research related to it. Following a brief description of the evolution of coaching along with a descriptive discussion of its implementation in schools, the authors describe various implementations of coaching, concluding that there is a need for fully-articulated theoretical and operational models of instructional coaching. The authors compare various coaching approaches to instructional and collaborative consultation and suggest that there is good reason for active communication and collaboration between consultants and coaches operating within the same schools. Finally, they describe current trends and needs related to professional development of instructional coaches and articulate a research agenda related to the field.
Impact of CYP2C19 Variants on Clinical Efficacy of Clopidogrel and 1-Year Clinical Outcomes in Coronary Heart Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The impact of pharmacogenetic variants of cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) on clopidogrel-mediated effects on platelet inhibition, inflammatory response and endothelial function, as well as risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), in coronary heart patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was investigated. To this end, we assessed the residual platelet aggregation rate (RPA), maximal aggregation rate (MAR) and plasma levels of sCD40L, sP-selectin, MMP-9, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin after 24 h of PCI in 559 patients treated with clopidogrel and followed up for 1 year for evidence of MACE. CYP2C19 *2 and *3 variants were identified using a clopidogrel-sensitive gene detection kit. Our results showed higher RPA and MAR as well as increased sE-selectin, sCD40L, sP-selectin, MMP-9, and sVCAM-1 levels in CYP2C19 intermediate metabolizer (IM, CYP2C19*1/*2, or *1/*3), poor metabolizer (PM, CYP2C19*2/*2, *2/*3, or *3/*3) and combined IM+PM groups, relative to those in extensive metabolizers (EM, CYP2C19*1/*1). In total, 519 patients completed 1 year of follow-up, among which 69 (13.3%) experienced MACE. The risk of MACE in CYP2C19 IM+PM patients was 2.664 times higher than that in CYP2C19 EM patients (OR = 2.664 (1.397–5.193), P = 0.004). The data suggest that CYP2C19*2 and *3 variants modulate the drug efficacy of clopidogrel in coronary heart patients undergoing PCI and further enhance the risk of MACE. Accordingly, CYP2C19 pharmacogenetic profiling may be beneficial for coronary heart patients undergoing PCI to predict the efficacy of treatment with clopidogrel. We propose that IM and PM patients should benefit from treatment with higher clopidogrel doses to improve efficacy and reduce the incidence of MACE.
ET GO HOME? THE SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF EXPATRIATE TRANSFERS

Discusses research in the literature about the expatriate manager as a unit of resource. The research to date has largely addressed concerns for the high failure rate and costs of expatriate assignments, suggestions for improving methods of personnel selection; comparative studies of expatriate and local managers; and recommendations for improving expatriate success. Notes that rarely are the problems of expatriate personnel addressed collectively, particularly with a focus on Asia. Discusses effectiveness of expatriate assignments within the totality of four distinctive phases: selection; preparation; acculturation; and repatriation. Provides a valuable foundation for providing organizational recommendations to enhance the success of future expatriate placements.
The supermoduli space of matrix string theory

We study matrix string scattering amplitudes and matrix string instantons on a marked Riemann surface in the limit of a vanishing string coupling constant. We give an explicit parameterization of the moduli space of such instantons. We also give a description of the set of fermionic supermoduli. The integration over the supermoduli leads to the inclusion of picture changing operators at the interaction points. Finally we investigate the large-N limit of the measure on the instanton moduli space and show its convergence to the Weil-Petersson measure on the moduli space of marked Riemann surfaces.
A critical survey of radiation dosimeters for in-vivo dosimetry during clinical and experimental radiotherapy.

The principal interest of our investigative group is in the development of effective in-vivo dosimetry systems for use in the living organism during clinical and experimental radiation therapy. Such tools are essential to a better understanding of the impact of therapeutic ionizing radiation upon the structure and function of living human tissues, malignant and benign. Measurements in vivo will be far more meaningful in the management of the individual cancer patient than mass dosage data derived from calculations and from phantoms. Further, treatment planning, time-dose formulae, tissue tolerance guides, bolus technics, inhomogeneity correction values, etc., may be materially improved by in-vivo measurements, enhancing the patient's chance for cure and diminishing the risk of serious complications. With this objective, we undertook initially an orderly, systematic, and critical survey of existing dosimeters (Table I). We have prepared a panel of “ideal” criteria or specifications which we consider essent.
Exopolysaccharides Produced by Streptococcus mutans Glucosyltransferases Modulate the Establishment of Microcolonies within Multispecies Biofilms

ABSTRACT Streptococcus mutans is a key contributor to the formation of the extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) matrix in dental biofilms. The exopolysaccharides, which are mostly glucans synthesized by streptococcal glucosyltransferases (Gtfs), provide binding sites that promote accumulation of microorganisms on the tooth surface and further establishment of pathogenic biofilms. This study explored (i) the role of S. mutans Gtfs in the development of the EPS matrix and microcolonies in biofilms, (ii) the influence of exopolysaccharides on formation of microcolonies, and (iii) establishment of S. mutans in a multispecies biofilm in vitro using a novel fluorescence labeling technique. Our data show that the ability of S. mutans strains defective in the gtfB gene or the gtfB and gtfC genes to form microcolonies on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite surfaces was markedly disrupted. However, deletion of both gtfB (associated with insoluble glucan synthesis) and gtfC (associated with insoluble and soluble glucan synthesis) is required for the maximum reduction in EPS matrix and biofilm formation. S. mutans grown with sucrose in the presence of Streptococcus oralis and Actinomyces naeslundii steadily formed exopolysaccharides, which allowed the initial clustering of bacterial cells and further development into highly structured microcolonies. Concomitantly, S. mutans became the major species in the mature biofilm. Neither the EPS matrix nor microcolonies were formed in the presence of glucose in the multispecies biofilm. Our data show that GtfB and GtfC are essential for establishment of the EPS matrix, but GtfB appears to be responsible for formation of microcolonies by S. mutans; these Gtf-mediated processes may enhance the competitiveness of S. mutans in the multispecies environment in biofilms on tooth surfaces.
A Tableaux-based Algorithm for Description Logics with Transitive Closure of Roles in Concept and Role Inclusion Axioms

In this paper, we investigate an extension of the description logic SHIQ––a knowledge representation formalism used for the Semantic Web––with transitive closure of roles occurring not only in concept inclusion axioms but also in role inclusion axioms. We start by proving that adding transitive closure of roles to SHIQ without restriction on role hierarchies may lead to undecidability. An analysis of this proof allows us to identify kinds of axioms which are responsible for the undecidability and to design a decidable extension of SHIQ with transitive closure of roles. Next, we propose a tableaux-based algorithm that decides satisfiability of the new logic. It was shown by experiments that this kind of algorithms is suitable for implementation.
Re-viewing reality: human factors of synthetic training environments

Computer-based training (CBT) has become an important training tool and is used effectively in providing part-task activities. In the military domain virtual environments (VEs) have long been exploited, mainly through virtual reality (VR), to create realistic working environments. More recently, augmented reality (AR) and advanced embedded training (AET) concepts have also emerged and the development of “AR-AET” and “VR-CBT” concepts promise to become essential tools within military training. Whilst the advantages of both AR and VR are attractive, the challenges for delivering such applications are, generally, technology led. Equally as important, however, is the incorporation of human factors design and implementation techniques and this has been recognized by the development and publication of International Standard ISO 13407, Human-Centred Design Processes for Interactive Systems. Examples described in this paper serve to review Human Factors issues associated with the use of both AR and VR training systems. Whilst there are common issues between AR and VR applications in considering the potential of synthetic training environments, it is also necessary to address particular human-centred design issues within each application domain.
Learning Euclidean Embeddings for Indexing and Classification

BoostMap is a recently proposed method for efficient approximate nearest neighbor retrieval in arbitrary non- Euclidean spaces with computationally expensive and possibly non-metric distance measures. Database and query objects are embedded into a Euclidean space,in which similarities can be rapidly measured using a weighted Manhattan distance. The key idea is formulating embedding construction as a machine learning task,where AdaBoost is used to combine simple,1D embeddings into a multidimensional embedding that preserves a large amount of the proximity structure of the original space. This paper demonstrates that,using the machine learning formulation of BoostMap, we can optimize embeddings for indexing and classification, in ways that are not possible with existing alternatives for constructive embeddings,and without additional costs in retrieval time. First,we show how to construct embeddings that are query-sensitive,in the sense that they yield a different distance measure for different queries,so as to improve nearest neighbor retrieval accuracy for each query. Second, we show how to optimize embeddings for nearest neighbor classification tasks,by tuning them to approximate a parameter space distance measure,instead of the original featurebased distance measure.
Automatic data and computation decomposition for distributed memory machines

We have developed an automatic compile-time computation and data decomposition technique for distributed memory machines. Our method can handle complex programs containing perfect and nonperfect loop nests with or without loop-carried dependences. Applying our decomposition algorithms, a program is divided into collections (called clusters) of loop nests, such that data redistributions are allowed only between the clusters. Within each cluster of loop nests, decomposition and data locality constraints are formulated as a system of homogeneous linear equations which is solved by polynomial time algorithms. Our algorithm can selectively relax data locality constraints within a cluster to achieve a balance between parallelism and data locality. Such relaxations are guided by exploiting the hierarchical program nesting structures from outer to inner nesting levels to keep the communications at an outer-most level possible. This work is central to the on-going compiler development effort under the EPPP (Environment for Portable Parallel Programming) project. A brief discussion of the current implementation is included. <<ETX>>