Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor‐induced proliferation of primary adult T‐cell leukaemia cells

Granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) is known to induce proliferation and differentiation of granulocyte progenitors, and is widely used to treat neutropenia induced by intensive chemotherapy for malignant lymphoma or adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL). G‐CSF is thought not to stimulate malignant lymphoid cells. In the present study we examined the ability of G‐CSF to induce in vitro growth of primary ATL cells from 14 patients (nine acute‐type, two chronic‐type and three lymphoma‐type), and we analysed the in vivo counts of ATL cells in patients who received G‐CSF for neutropenia. FACS analysis using phycoerythrin‐labelled recombinant G‐CSF demonstrated that ATL cells from 11/14 patients express some G‐CSF receptor (G‐CSFR), with a range between 5.4% and 87.3%. Cells expressing G‐CSFR also expressed CD4. Reverse polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis demonstrated expression of G‐CSFR messenger RNA in G‐CSFR expressing cells. Leukaemic cells derived from seven (four acute‐type, one chronic‐type and two lymphoma‐type) of the 14 patients proliferated in vitro in response to G‐CSF, as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation; maximum responses were at G‐CSF concentrations of 10–100 ng/ml. Nine of 14 patients receiving rG‐CSF for neutropenia were analysed retrospectively for ATL cell numbers. Four patients whose primary tumour cells proliferated in response to rG‐CSF in vitro showed a significant increase in ATL cell count after administration of rG‐CSF (P =0.038), whereas five patients whose leukaemic cells did not proliferate in vitro showed no significant increase in ATL cell count. G‐CSF can stimulate proliferation of ATL cells which may complicate therapy for this disease.
Durability of eversion carotid endarterectomy: comparison with primary closure and carotid patch angioplasty.

OBJECTIVES Despite numerous studies in which various methods for arteriotomy closure after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) have been addressed, the optimum surgical technique to reduce complications and late carotid restenosis has yet to be firmly established. The purpose of this study was to prospectively compare the results of the eversion CEA technique with those of conventional CEA with either primary closure or carotid patch angioplasty, and to determine under clinical conditions whether eversion CEA influences the results and restenosis rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS Over a 3-year period, 322 CEAs performed on 296 consecutive patients were concurrently evaluated. This study included 118 eversion CEAs, 97 CEAs with primary closure, and 107 CEAs with patch angioplasty. There were no differences in demographics, in surgical indications, or in the severity of carotid disease (not significant [NS]). The choice of CEA technique was not randomized because of technical considerations and surgeon preference. After entry into the protocol, no patients were excluded or withdrawn. Carotid restenosis was defined as a > 60% lumen reduction at the CEA site with established duplex ultrasonography criteria. RESULTS The mean operative time for eversion CEA was 31 minutes, for CEA-primary closure it was 39 minutes, and for CEA-patch angioplasty it was 46 minutes (P <.01). The operative mortality rate for eversion CEA was 0.8% (1 patient), for CEA-primary closure it was 1.0% (1 patient), and for CEA-patch angioplasty it was 2.8% (3 patients) (NS). The postoperative stroke rate was 0.8% after eversion CEA, 1.0% after CEA-primary closure, and 2.8% after CEA-patch angioplasty (NS). The combined stroke and death rate in each group was thus 0.8% for eversion CEA (1 stroke-death), 1% for CEA with primary closure (1 stroke-death), and 5% for CEA with patch angioplasty (1 stroke-death, 2 fatal myocardial infarctions, and 2 nonfatal strokes) (NS). Transient ischemic attacks occurred in 2.5% after eversion CEA, in 5.2% after CEA-primary closure, and in 2.9% with CEA-patch angioplasty (NS). The mean clinical follow-up for all three groups was 23 months (range, 6-42 months) (NS). The restenosis rate was 1.7% after eversion CEA, 9.3% after CEA-primary closure, and 6.5% after CEA-patch angioplasty (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS This prospective, nonrandomized clinical study indicates that eversion CEA is an effective surgical option comparable to conventional CEA with either primary arteriotomy closure or carotid patch angioplasty. No differences were found between eversion CEA and these more widely accepted CEA closure techniques with respect to operative morbidity and mortality. These data indicate, however, that eversion CEA has a lower restenosis rate than conventional CEA closure techniques and thus superior long-term durability.
Impact of Ultrafiltration on Serum Sodium Homeostasis and its Clinical Implication in Patients With Acute Heart Failure, Congestion, and Worsening Renal Function

Background— The relationship between changes in serum sodium with clinical events in acute heart failure patients using different decongestive events has not been investigated. This study aimed to describe changes in serum sodium levels during decongestion therapy in patients receiving stepped pharmacological therapy versus ultrafiltration. Methods and Results— We studied 188 patients who were enrolled in the CARRESS-HF trial (Cardiorenal Rescue Study in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure). Treatment-induced hyponatremia was defined as admission normonatremia (≥135 mEq/L) with a subsequent decrease (<135 mEq/L) during hospitalization. Patients treated with ultrafiltration had significantly lower sodium levels than those with conventional treatment at days 1, 4, and 7 (all P<0.01), whereas those at day 30 were similar between the groups. Changes in sodium levels in patients with ultrafiltration were negatively correlated to those in serum creatinine and plasma renin activity. The incidence of treatment-induced hyponatremia was significantly higher in the ultrafiltration group than those receiving conventional treatment (P=0.002). Although patients with discharge hyponatremia had a higher risk for composite end point of all-cause death, rehospitalization, or unscheduled hospital visit in comparison to those without (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–3.70; P=0.025), the risk was comparable between patients with treatment-induced hyponatremia and those who did not experience any hyponatremia (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.50–1.96; P=0.99). Conclusions— Fluid removal by ultrafiltration was associated with a decrease in serum sodium levels compared with diuretic treatment but returned to baseline levels at day 30. Discharge hyponatremia but not treatment-induced hyponatremia was associated with worse clinical outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT00608491.
The Control of Public Networks

ABSTRACT This paper examines the control of networks, an issue that we believe is critical for explaining the overall effectiveness of public networks. We first discuss why it is important to study the issue and why it has been neglected as a topic by public management and organization scholars. We then present the various types of control and how they are utilized in a network context. Finally, we discuss how the mechanisms of control might be related to network effectiveness, drawing heavily on an understanding of how this relationship is addressed by contingency theorists. We close by posing challenges to researchers for developing new insights into the control of networks and why this knowledge is relevant for public managers and policy makers.
Frequency measurement of the dielectric properties of semiconductive layers in XLPE-cables

Measurements of the semiconductive layers over broad frequency (300 kHz–500 MHz) and temperature ranges (20–90°C), constant pressure as well as a well-defined humidity are presented in this work. The measured results are given as complex permittivity and partly as conductivity, which represents the imaginary part of the complex permittivity. Extracted cable samples and produced hardboards, made from the same material, are used as samples. The extracted samples are classified in inner and outer layers of the semiconductive screens and of a 380 kV energy cable. The pressed hardboard sample is made from the same compound (LE 0500, Borealis) as the 380 kV power cable. The aim of the work is to investigate the inner and outer semiconductive layer of a power cable as well as the pressed semiconductive layers. The work is separated in basics regarding the semiconductive layers, a short presentation of the measurement device, the sample manufacturing and the results of the investigation.
Climate change, vulnerability and adaptation experiences of farmers in Al-Suwayq Wilayat, Sultanate of Oman

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to give policy makers, professionals and researchers in Sultanate of Oman and in the region an understanding of the impacts of climate change (CC) related to agriculture and offer farming communities a basis for developing adaptation strategies. It is important to clearly understand and realize what is happening at the community level, because farming communities are the most climate vulnerable groups in this region. The information generated from this study is expected to be used by stakeholders, particularly the Omani Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, to address issues related to CC and its variability in areas of similar agro-climatic conditions. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data from the study site were collected through structured interview, interviews with community leaders, and field observation. The participatory rural appraisal method was applied to gather information on perception and awareness of CC, vulnerability, adaptation measures of loca.
The Torpedo Effect

General evidence indicates that managers manage earnings at three common earnings thresholds: analyst forecasts, prior period earnings, and zero earnings. We examine one market-based motivation suggested for this behavior. If managers perceive the market penalty for barely missing an earnings threshold to be disproportionately high (i.e., a torpedo effect), they may use discretion to manage earnings upward to meet the earnings threshold. This market-based incentive would explain the evidence in favor of earnings management at earnings thresholds. To test the existence of a torpedo effect, we employ a comprehensive model that measures the market’s reaction to reported earnings that barely miss earnings thresholds. This model controls for the level of unexpected earnings and several other firm characteristics known to affect the relation between returns and earnings. Overall, we conclude that there is little evidence of a torpedo effect. This conclusion holds for both low-growth and high-growth firms and is unaffected by the firm’s history of meeting the threshold. Our paper dispels some commonly held beliefs about the market’s response to earnings thresholds.
Risk Factors for Candidemia in Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Disease

Objective. To identify the main risk factors for the acquisition of candidemia in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) in order to improve the clinical management of these patients. Design. A case-control study. Setting. A large tertiary-care referral center in Spain with a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to which more than 500 children with CHD are admitted annually. Patients. All patients had CHD and were admitted to the PICU during 1995-2000. Case patients were defined as patients with candidemia, and control patients were defined as patients without candidemia. Results. Twenty-eight case patients and 47 control subjects were included in the study. Case patients were younger (mean age [ ± SD], 12.5 ± 32.0 vs 38.0 ± 48.0 months; P< .01) and had a longer median PICU stay (19 vs 4 days; P < .01), and a greater percentage of case patients previously had Candida species isolated from specimens other than blood (eg, bronchial aspirates, urine, or skin specimens) (39% vs 4%; P<.01). Severity of clinical condition, as measured by the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS) 1 week after PICU admission (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.26; P<.01), and receipt of antibiotic treatment for more than 5 days (odds ratio, 13.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-137.13; P = .03) were independently associated with the development of candidemia. Conclusions. Patients with CHD who have a high TISS score 1 week after PICU admission and patients who have received prolonged antibiotic therapy should be considered at high risk for candidemia. Our results suggest that shorter courses of antibiotic therapy, routine surveillance culture for Candida species, and initiation of preemptive or empirical antifungal treatment could help in the clinical management of these patients.
Serum free light chains in myeloma patients with an intact M protein by immunofixation: potential roles for response assessment and prognosis during induction therapy with novel agents

The ascertainment of serum free light chain (sFLC) levels has been shown to be valuable in screening for the presence of plasma cell dyscrasia as well as for baseline prognosis in newly diagnosed patients. For patients with amyloidosis and those with oligo‐secretory or non‐secretory multiple myeloma (MM), serial measurement of sFLC has also been shown to be valuable in monitoring disease status. However, in patients with a measureable, intact monoclonal protein by immunofixation (M protein), the serial measurement of sFLC remains undefined and is currently not recommended in professional guidelines. Herein, we provide data comparing sFLC with M protein as biomarkers of response in newly diagnosed patients with MM undergoing induction therapy with the novel agents thalidomide, lenalidomide and/or bortezomib. We show that although M protein appears to outperform sFLC comparatively over the course of induction therapy, the addition of FLC to M protein further informs the characterization of residual disease status post‐induction. Moreover, sFLC at the time of stem cell mobilization appears to hold prognostic power for survival endpoints following high‐dose chemotherapy/autologous stem cell transplant (HDC/SCT). These findings suggest potentially novel roles for sFLC in patients with MM with an intact M protein receiving novel agent‐based induction strategies followed by HDC/SCT. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing a charismatic leadership model for Chinese organizations: the mediating role of loyalty to supervisors

Charismatic leadership has become a popular topic in organizational research in the last few decades. However, to date there is still a very limited amount of empirical evidence that illuminates the underlying influencing processes of charismatic leadership and the effectiveness of this type of leadership in the Chinese context. Given its emphasis on leaders' extraordinary abilities and roles, the authors argue that the charismatic leadership paradigm is likely to be effective in the China context, which has been heavily influenced by Confucian ideology that values respect for authority, character building and loyalty to the superior. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to develop a charismatic leadership model for Chinese organizations. Informed by motivational theory, social exchange theory and social identity theory, the authors hypothesized that supervisors' charismatic leadership could influence subordinates' work performance and turnover intention through the mediating role of loyalty to supervisors. The authors pointed researchers to a new direction for their future inquiry of understanding the underlying mechanism that charismatic leadership influences subordinates' attitudinal and behavioural outcomes should be further explored.
On the empirical relationship between market value and residual income in the U.K.

This paper examines the empirical cross-sectional relationship between residual income and market value for UK firms. It does so because of recent claims that RI is a better measure for use by firms in internal planning and control activities than, say earnings. If such is the case then, presumably, we would expect that RI has a stronger association with market value than, for example, earnings. We conclude that the relationship between RI and market value is by no means perfect. Nonetheless, RI has a stronger association with market value, in conjunction with RD expenditures and opening and closing book value, than does earnings in conjunction with RD expenditures and closing book value. As a consequence, the capital charge element of RI does appear to add explanatory power to equations involving mere earnings, RD expenditures and closing book value. Our view, therefore, would be that the evidence presented in the paper provides some support for advocates of the use of RI for planning and control.
Evidence of melatonin synthesis in the cumulus oocyte complexes and its role in enhancing oocyte maturation in vitro in cattle

Melatonin is a multifunctional molecule that mediates several circadian and seasonal reproductive processes. The exact role of melatonin in modulating reproduction, however, is not fully understood—especially its effects on the ovarian follicles and oocytes. This study was conducted to investigate the expressions of the ASMT and melatonin‐receptor MTNR1A and MTNR1B genes in bovine oocytes and their cumulus cells, as well as the effects of melatonin on oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation in vitro. Cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) from abattoir ovaries were cultured in TCM‐199 supplemented with melatonin at concentrations of 0, 10, 50, and 100 ng/ml. The expression of ASMT, MTNR1A, and MTNR1B genes was evaluated by RT‐PCR. Moreover, the effects of melatonin on cumulus cell expansion, nuclear maturation, mitochondrial characteristics and COCs steroidogenesis were investigated. Furthermore, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated in denuded oocytes. Our study revealed that ASMT and MTNR1A genes were expressed in COCs, while the MTNR1B gene was expressed only in oocytes. Additionally, melatonin supplementation at 10 and 50 ng/ml to in vitro maturation medium significantly enhanced oocyte nuclear maturation, cumulus cell expansion and altered the mitochondrial distribution patterns, but had no effects on oocyte mitochondrial activity and COCs steroidogenesis. Melatonin‐treated oocytes had a significantly lower level of ROS than controls. The presence of melatonin receptors in COCs and its promoting effects on oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic events, indicate the potentially important roles of this hormone in regulating bovine oocyte maturation. Moreover, the presence of ASMT transcript in COCs suggests the possible involvement of these cells in melatonin biosynthesis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:250–262, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What Makes a Blockbuster? Economic Analysis of Film Success in the United Kingdom

In this paper, we attempt to evaluate whether a film's commercial performance can be forecast. The statistical distribution of film revenues in the UK is examined and found to have unbounded variance. This undermines much of the existing work relating a film's performance to its identifiable attributes within an OLS model. We adopt De Vany and Walls' approach and transform the revenue data into a binary variable and estimate the probability that a film's revenue will exceed a given threshold value; in other words, the probability of a blockbuster. Furthermore, we provide a sensitivity analysis around these threshold values. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Houses and/or Jobs: Ownership and the Labour Market in Belgian Districts

Isebaert D. , Heylen F. and Smolders C. Houses and/or jobs: ownership and the labour market in Belgian districts, Regional Studies. A. J. Oswald argues that high rates of homeownership may imply inferior labour market outcomes. Using a panel of forty-two Belgian districts since the 1970s and accounting for other key determinants of employment, this paper confirms the Oswald hypothesis. A 1 percentage point rise in the rate of ownership in a district implies a statistically significant fall in the employment rate by about 0.35 percentage points. This negative effect declines in the fraction of the high-skilled in a district. The results underscore the importance of controlling for unobserved district-specific fixed effects and common time effects, and of appropriately dealing with endogeneity.
Challenges to the elite exclusion–inclusion dichotomy — reconsidering elite capture in community-based natural resource management

The community-driven, decentralised approach to natural resource management has reached a crossroads. The good governance agenda in the water, forestry, fishery and biodiversity sectors has generated limited success in achieving pro-poor outcomes. In many cases, local elites are to blame for capturing the benefits from the process of democratising decision-making processes. This paper examines two approaches in the literature which both aim to address elite domination, namely elite exclusion and elite inclusion. The former is a deliberate act to reduce the influence of elites by excluding them from the decision-making process in natural resource management. The latter, in contrast, is a conscious strategy to integrate elites into the use of natural resources in an attempt to redistribute the benefits to poor people via the ‘trickle down’ effect. This paper argues that the dichotomy of elite inclusion and exclusion is inadequate in understanding the complex local power dynamics in natural resource management. In particular, the binary division fails to address the multiple locations of elites, overlapping institutions and the paradoxes of ‘controlled’ participatory processes. This paper argues that any strategies to tackle elite capture need to pay attention to the historical, socially embedded and negotiated nature of resource governance arrangements.
Molecular diagnostics of primary biliary cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease of unknown etiology characterized by the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) in 90 - 95% of patients. AMA are directed against members of 2-oxo-acid dehydrogenase complex, including mainly the E2 subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase, the E2 subunit of branched chain 2-oxo-acid dehydrogenase complex and the E2 subunit of the oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex. Apart from AMA, PBC is characterized by the presence of PBC-specific antinuclear antibodies (ANA). The molecular targets of these PBC-specific ANA have been characterized as gp210, lamin B receptor, nucleoporin 62, sp100 and promyelocytic leukemia proteins. OBJECTIVE To discuss the molecular diagnostics of PBC in the context of AMA and PBC-specific ANA detection by the use of conventional and 'new' novel technologies. METHODS Critical analysis of all published data regarding PBC serology between 1985 and 2007 was performed in order to suggest a diagnostic algorithm for the serological diagnosis of PBC. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS AMA are first detected by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on frozen sections of rat liver, kidney and stomach substrates. However, because IIF is time-consuming, labor-intensive and observer-dependent, molecular-based assays such as immunoblot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays have been developed with high sensitivity and specificity. Similarly, molecular-based assays have also been developed for the detection of PBC-specific ANA. The latter investigation seems to be of outmost importance because these autoantibodies can be used as a positive tool in the diagnosis of AMA-negative PBC while at the same time identifying a subgroup of PBC patients with more advanced disease. New test systems for the detection of PBC-specific antibodies based on the xMultiple Analyte Profiling Luminex methodology seems to be the future in molecular diagnostics of PBC as it was expected first to decrease the cost and second to speed up an accurate serological profile, although they may decrease further the proportion of AMA-negative PBC cases.