Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accelerated radiotherapy, carbogen, and nicotinamide in glioblastoma multiforme: report of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer trial 22933.

PURPOSE A three-step phase I/II trial associating accelerated radiotherapy with carbogen (step 1, ARCO), with nicotinamide (step 2, ARN), or with both (step 3, ARCON) was conducted, the aim of which was to overcome the effects of proliferation and hypoxia as potential causes of tumor radioresistance in glioblastoma multiforme. PATIENTS AND METHODS Radiotherapy consisted of 60 Gy delivered over 4 weeks in 1.5-Gy fractions twice daily, 5 days a week. Carbogen breathing was started 5 minutes before each fraction and continued until the end of each treatment session. Nicotinamide was given daily as a single oral dose of 85 mg/kg. RESULTS A total of 115 patients with a median age of 55 years were registered. Of 107 eligible patients, 23 were registered in step 1, 28 in step 2, and 56 in step 3. The planned treatment was administered without any interruption in 72% of patients (86% in ARCO but 68% in ARN and ARCON). The incidence and severity of acute skin and mucous membrane toxicity were higher in patients who received nicotinamide (ie, the ARN and ARCON groups). Grade 1 to 2 gastrointestinal toxicity was observed in 44% of patients in the ARN group and 32% of patients in the ARCON group, but only in 8% of patients in the ARCO group. Eight percent of evaluated patients presented with abnormal liver test results at treatment completion. The dose of corticosteroids had to be increased in 44% of patients. Late neurologic side effects were similar in all treatment steps and were observed mostly in patients with disease progression. Median survival times for patients treated with ARCO, ARN, and ARCON were 10.1, 9.7, and 11.1 months, respectively. CONCLUSION Feasibility of ARCO treatment was good but that of ARN and ARCON was only fair. This probably reflected the higher acute toxicity rate, particularly gastrointestinal, for patients receiving nicotinamide. The dose of corticosteroids had to be increased frequently during treatment, suggesting a higher than expected acute neurologic toxicity. Overall survival was similar in the three treatment steps and not different when compared with results of other series that used radiotherapy alone.
Helicobacter pylori activate epidermal growth factor receptor‐ and phosphatidylinositol 3‐OH kinase‐dependent Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3β phosphorylation

The signalling pathways leading to the development of Helicobacter pylori‐induced gastric cancer remain poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that H. pylori infections involve the activation of Akt signalling in human gastric epithelial cancer cells. Immunoblot, immunofluorescence and kinase assays show that H. pylori infection of gastric epithelial cells induced phosphorylation of Akt at Ser 473 and Thr 308. Mutations in the H. pylori virulence factor OipA dramatically reduced phosphorylation of Ser 473, while the cag pathogenicity island mutants predominantly inhibited phosphorylation of Thr 308. As the downstream of Akt activation, H. pylori infection inactivated the inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β at Ser 9 by its phosphorylation. As the upstream of Akt activation, H. pylori infection activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) at Tyr 992, phosphatidylinositol 3‐OH kinase (PI3K) p85 subunit and PI3K‐dependent kinase 1 at Ser 241. Pharmacologic inhibitors of PI3K or mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), Akt knock‐down and EGFR knock‐down showed that H. pylori infection induced the activation of EGFR→PI3K→PI3K‐dependent kinase 1→Akt→extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signalling pathways, the inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β and interleukin‐8 production. The combined functions of cag pathogenicity island and OipA were necessary and sufficient for full activation of signalling at each level. We propose activation of these pathways as a novel mechanism for H. pylori‐mediated carcinogenesis.
Enhancing Offender Re-Entry an Integrated Model for Enhancing Offender Re-Entry

Notwithstanding diminishing crime rates in many countries, high rates of incarceration continue to engage political and public scrutiny in the management of (increasing) correctional populations. It appears such interest is driven by the competing concerns of fiscal pressures and ideological shifts: essentially lack of funds and, in many jurisdictions, a lean towards more conservative doctrines regarding offender care. Perhaps not completely surprisingly, these two themes can also actually work in harmony. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the United States, where spiralling costs of corrections appear to have seduced politicians to consider less punitive models which, ironically, are more effective at reducing crime and costs. At present, various states have embraced what has often been referred to as the Canadian model, that is, a less punitive and more empirically-grounded rehabilitative approach to addressing crime. Indeed, the number of U.S. citizens involved in the criminal justice system is staggering (7.3 million adults), with approximately 700,000 individuals returning home each year to their communities from prison. Encouragingly, recent legislation and funding such as the Second Chance Act have put a spotlight on offender re-entry. The purpose of this paper is to critically examine how well the field is positioned to meet proffered expectations for re-entry regarding risk reduction and public safety and to debate whether existing conceptualizations of offender change can adequately inform offender re-entry initiatives.
The Role of the Flow Rate of the Pneumohydraulic System on Post–Sphincter of Oddi Manometry Pancreatitis

Manometry of sphincter of Oddi (SO) carries a risk of acute pancreatitis by a mechanism not yet clearly understood. This study attempted to evaluate the role of the flow rate of the perfusion system in the development of acute pancreatitis. During the past 60-months, we have performed 81 manometry studies of SO in 79 patients, 61 women and 18 men, who were referred for recurrent attacks of abdominal pain suggestive of SO dysfunction. All procedures were done by the same operator, utilizing the same instrumentation and similar premedication. In the first 54 studies, the pneumohydraulic system had a flow rate of 0.55 ml/min and a tank pressure of 15 lb/in2 while in the last 27 studies a flow rate of 0.27 ml/min and a pressure of 7.5 lb/in2 were employed. Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed after 16 (19.7%) procedures. Fourteen (26%) of them occurred after high-flow-rate perfusion. In contrast, only 2 (7%) of the 27 patients who had the procedure done at the low flow rate developed this complication (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between the occurrence of pancreatitis, clinical suspicion of SO dysfunction, and the underlying manometric profile of the sphincter. We conclude that the incidence of procedure-related pancreatitis after manometry of SO is higher than following diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and that the flow rate in the perfusion system is a precipitating factor in the development of this complication.
The Therapeutic Role of Interleukin-1 Inhibition in Idiopathic Recurrent Pericarditis: Current Evidence and Future Challenges

Recurrent pericarditis is a common complication of acute pericarditis (15–30%) for which, in most cases, no underlying etiology is found [idiopathic recurrent pericarditis (IRP)]. IRP is currently viewed as an autoinflammatory disease with characteristic recurrent episodes of sterile inflammation. According to the most recent Guidelines, the initial treatment regimen consists of a combination of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with colchicine followed by the addition of corticosteroids in resistant or intolerant cases. Despite this treatment approach, a number of patients either do not respond or cannot tolerate the above therapies. For this refractory group, small case series and a recent randomized controlled trial have shown that interleukin-1 inhibition with anakinra is a rapidly acting, highly efficient, steroid-sparing, and safe therapeutic intervention. In this perspective, we discuss the available clinical evidence and our own clinical experience as well as the future prospects of this novel therapeutic approach for patients with IRP.
A nonlinear approach to the tourism-led growth hypothesis: the case of the MERCOSUR

This paper analyses the tourism-led growth hypothesis for the four countries of the MERCOSUR regional trade block. By applying nonlinear techniques, we explore whether tourism activity leads – in the long run – to economic growth, or, alternatively, economic expansion drives tourism growth, or indeed a bidirectional relationship exists between the two variables. To this end, non-parametric cointegration and causality tests are applied to quarterly data for the period 1990–2011. We show the existence of a cointegrated relationship between real per capita gross domestic product and tourism expenditure for all countries. Moreover, the linearity of this relation is rejected for both Argentina and Brazil (economies with a relatively diversified structure). The non-parametric causality tests confirm in all cases the causality from tourism to growth. Meanwhile, only for Uruguay and Argentina causality also goes in the inverse direction (from growth to tourism). Finally, the paper compares the results of the nonlinear approach with those obtained by using the traditional linear methodology.
Japanese stock movements from 1991 to 2005: evidence from high- and low-frequency data

This article analyses movements in Japanese stock returns in the recent period (1991–2005). Unlike previous literature, by modelling persistence in both the mean and volatility simultaneously, first, we find evidence of persistence in Japanese stock returns. Second, while not so for daily returns, changes in monthly returns are found to reflect those in economic fundamentals, such as the interest rate and the dividend–price ratio. This finding is consistent with the conventional belief that higher frequency returns tend to move more in response to non-economic fundamentals, and we confirm that the poor long-term performance of Japanese stocks can be explained by economic factors. The statistical models are thoroughly examined by diagnostic tests in the contexts of the in- and out-of-sample forecasting.
Governance Mechanisms for the Promotion of Social Capital for Knowledge Transfer in Multinational Corporations

The aim of this paper is to extend social capital approaches to knowledge transfer by identifying governance mechanisms that managers can deploy to promote the development of social capital. In order to achieve this objective, insights from the micro-level, knowledge governance approach are combined with theory on the determinants of social capital. Three governance mechanisms are identified: market-based mechanisms, hierarchical mechanisms, and social mechanisms. The findings, based on data from two Danish MNCs, indicate that although the use of social governance mechanisms promotes positive assessment of social capital, hierarchical governance mechanisms constrain its development. The application of market-based governance mechanisms has no significant effect. In addition, the findings provide evidence that social capital has a positive impact on knowledge transfer.
Quantity versus Price Rationing of Credit: An Empirical Test

One proxy of price rationing of credit is an aggregation of information on interest rates, while loan officer survey data measures quantity rationing of credit, meaning some borrowers are denied loans. The latter Granger causes real GDP but the former does not. The loan officer survey is a better leading indicator of credit market conditions that affect real activity.
Trade efficiency and economic development: evidence from a cross country comparison

Economic theory suggests that development is enhanced through income growth, which is driven through increased trade. However, the empirical evidence of such a relationship most of the times is proved to be weak. In this study we try to determine the factors influencing this relationship by measuring ‘trade efficiency’. Using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) window method for a sample of 16 OECD countries, we obtained the efficiency scores and the optimal output levels for the inefficient countries for a time period of 5 years under consideration. Results drawn from the broadly used ratio analysis were also compared to the results derived from the DEA model. Our empirical findings show that ‘trade efficient’ countries have clear characteristics like low-exchange rates for exports, low R&D intensity, high-value intra industry trade and positive impact of net trade on their gross domestic product.
Probucol combined with valsartan in immunoglobulin A nephropathy: A multi‐centre, open labelled, randomized controlled study

Angiotensin receptor antagonists (ARBs) and anti‐oxidants reduce urinary protein excretion and delay progression of immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. We investigated the efficacy and safety of probucol (an anti‐oxidant) combined with valsartan (an ARB) on the progression of IgA nephropathy.
Early and late analysis of postpartum stress in newborn foals

The aim of this study was to evaluate newborn foals stress in the first 48 hours of life. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and serum cortisol concentrations, blood glucose, and lactate were determined in foals (n = 20, Paint Horse). Cortisol concentrations decreased significantly between four and 48 hours, with the highest concentration at 4 hours after birth. Positive correlations between cortisol and lactate occurred between 12 and 16 hours. And there was a negative correlation between cortisol and lactate 4 hours after birth. Among the values obtained for HR, there was significantly difference between the the value obtained at twelve hours of life moment and all the other moments measured, the highest values were at birth, 24 and 48 hours of life. Among HRV indexes, there were no statistical differences between the variables analysed. The cortisol, HR and HRV alterations were consistent to neonatal stress, but might be related to extrauterine environment adaptation associated to sympathoadrenal response, since those foals were healthy.
A Human Antibody Recognizing a Conserved Epitope of H5 Hemagglutinin Broadly Neutralizes Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Viruses

ABSTRACT Influenza A virus infection is a persistent threat to public health worldwide due to its ability to evade immune surveillance through rapid genetic drift and shift. Current vaccines against influenza A virus provide immunity to viral isolates that are similar to vaccine strains. High-affinity neutralizing antibodies against conserved epitopes could provide immunity to diverse influenza virus strains and protection against future pandemic viruses. In this study, by using a highly sensitive H5N1 pseudotype-based neutralization assay to screen human monoclonal antibodies produced by memory B cells from an H5N1-infected individual and molecular cloning techniques, we developed three fully human monoclonal antibodies. Among them, antibody 65C6 exhibited potent neutralization activity against all H5 clades and subclades except for subclade 7.2 and prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses in mice. Studies on hemagglutinin (HA)-antibody complexes by electron microscopy and epitope mapping indicate that antibody 65C6 binds to a conformational epitope comprising amino acid residues at positions 118, 121, 161, 164, and 167 (according to mature H5 numbering) on the tip of the membrane-distal globular domain of HA. Thus, we conclude that antibody 65C6 recognizes a neutralization epitope in the globular head of HA that is conserved among almost all divergent H5N1 influenza stains.
The Use of Rainfall Forecasts as a Decision Guide for Small-scale Farming in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract Purpose: New innovative ways of communicating agrometeorological information are needed to help farmers, especially subsistence/small-scale farmers, to cope with the high climate variability experienced in most parts of southern Africa. Design/methodology/approach: The article introduces an early warning system for farmers. It utilizes short messaging system (SMS) to convey weather information and basic agronomic advice to 12 small-scale farmers in Makhado Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. This case study demonstrates the usefulness of incorporating weather information on day-to-day farm management activities. Coded rainfall forecasts for light (0–5mm), medium (5–20mm) and heavy rainfall (>20mm) were distributed three times a week to individual farmers and extension officers. Accompanying the forecasts were possible agricultural activities for the week. Findings: Extensive training of the farmers and extension officers is a pre-requisite for full comprehension of the coded SMS early warning system. The recommendations on farming conditions are not always adhered to due to farmers' indigenous knowledge and other factors like access to labour. Practical implications: Weather and climate information distributed to farmers has the potential to add value to the farming methods employed, hence positively impacting on rural food security. Originality/value: The article demonstrates that agrometeorological information must be packaged in such a way as to assist farmers and should be disseminated timeously and appropriately to maximize its utility or adoption.
How global is R&D? Firm-level determinants of home-country bias in R&D

Despite an increasing internationalization of R&D activities by multinational firms, a major portion of corporate R&D still tends to be concentrated in firms’ home countries. We examine the extent to which there exists a home-country bias in the location of R&D activities of 156 major R&D-intensive firms based in Europe, the United States, and Japan during 1995–2002, and develop hypotheses concerning the firm-level determinants of such home-country bias. We define this bias as a share of global R&D activities conducted in the home country that is not proportional to the general attractiveness of the country for multinational firms’ R&D activities. We find home bias to be the predominant pattern, but with substantial variation among firms. The extent of the bias increases with the degree of scale and scope economies in R&D, the coordination costs of international R&D, and the embeddedness of firms’ R&D in home countries’ innovation systems. Technology leadership is associated with greater home bias if the home country provides relatively strong intellectual property rights protection, and firms face potential knowledge dissipation abroad. Our findings imply that home-country bias is, to an important extent, a response to the economics of R&D and the centripetal forces favoring centralization of R&D.
Farmland Owners’ Land Sale Preferences: Can They Be Affected by Taxation Programs?

Land ownership fragmentation has resulted in the neglect of land improvement in many countries. This study aims to analyze whether this challenge could be resolved by a tax policy that encourages land sales. Using Finnish data, real estate tax and temporal relaxation on taxation of capital gains showed some potential for the restructuring of land ownership. Potential sellers who could not be revealed by traditional logit models were identified with the latent class approach. Those landowners with an intention to sell even without a policy change were sensitive to temporal relaxation in the taxation of capital gains. (JEL H21, Q15)
Population structure of the pestiferous moth Helicoverpa armigera in the Eastern Mediterranean using RAPD analysis

The genetic structure of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), was studied in the eastern Mediterranean. Moths were sampled in six locations (five in Israel, and one in Turkey) and their genetic relationship was analysed using RAPD-PCR. Three 10-oligonucleotide primers revealed 84 presumptive polymorphic loci that were used to estimate population structure. Results reveal low level of genetic distances among Israeli and Turkish populations. The estimated values of FST and θ for the eastern Mediterranean populations were very low across all populations, indicating a high level of gene flow. Four distinct RAPD-product profile types were defined, and found in all Israeli and Turkish populations. Although no isolation by geographical distance was detected, topographical barriers may play a role in such isolation.
Oil and gas and the Inuvialuit people of the Western Arctic

Purpose – To learn how Inuvialuit people feel about the oil and gas activities on their land.Design/methodology/approach – Interviews were administered to a stratified sample, on Inuvialuit land. Participants included: Inuvialuit elders; entrepreneurs; public servants; employees of the private sector; managers of oil companies; unemployed persons; housewives; the mayor of Inuvik; and the first aboriginal woman leader in Canada.Findings – It was reported that oil and gas industry activities are having a positive impact on the regional economy, creating indirect as well as direct financial benefits for the Inuvialuit among others. However, some residents qualified their support saying that they are in favour of continued activity only if benefits filter to them as opposed to being enjoyed only by oil companies and migrant employees. Concern was also expressed for the environment and for the threat that development brings to wildlife upon which people rely on as a food source.Research limitations/implication.
Conflict and Cooperation in Managing International Water Resources such as the Great Lakes

Growing concerns about the availability of clean water supplies have stimulated increased interest in the management of international waters. This paper uses game theory to assess the potential for cooperative management of an international water body such as the Great Lakes. We demonstrate that a noncooperative solution is not the inevitable outcome for the use of an open access water resource. Stable cooperative coalitions are possible when a subset of users decides to cooperate. In our examples, once a minimum number of users decides to cooperate, the remaining noncooperators find that it is in their best interests to cooperate.
Hierarchical identification with pre-processing

We study a two-stage identification problem with pre-processing to enable efficient data retrieval and reconstruction. The first stage outputs a list of compatible users to the second stage which uses it to return the exact user identity with a corresponding reconstruction sequence. The ratedistortion region is characterized. A connection to a two observer identification problem is also studied.
Variation in IFNL4 genotype and response to interferon-based therapy of hepatitis C in HIV-positive patients with acute and chronic hepatitis C

The IFNL4 ss469415590 polymorphism has recently be shown to better predict treatment response in chronic hepatitis than the IL28B rs12979860 variant. However, no data exist in patients with HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection. Analysing 206 HCV(+)/HIV(+) and 162 HCV(+)/HIV(−) patients, we found that compared with IL28B rs12979860, IFNL4 ss469415590 was strongly associated with response to interferon/ribavirin therapy in HCV(+)/HIV(−) individuals but not in HIV(+)/HCV(+) patients. Thus, effects of the IFNL4 variant may differ in HIV(+) and HIV(−) patients.