Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The GCC economies : stepping up to future challenges

Dedication. - Acknowledgements. - Contributors. - Overview. - Mohamed A. Ramady. - Part 1 Regional Structural Reforms and Engines of Change . - 1 Working for a Sustainable GCC Future: Reflections on Policies and Practices, Nabil Sultan. - 2 Deepening the GCC Debt Market: The Saudi Arabia Experience, Abraham Abraham, and Fazal Seyyed. - 3 GCC economic integration: statistical harmonization for an effective Monetary Union, Ikhlaas Gurrib. - 4 E-Learning in the Arab Gulf: Responding to the Changing World of Education, Nabil Sultan, Sylvia van de Bunt-Kokhuis, Christopher Davidson, Alain Sentini, and David Weir. - Part II Sustainable Security: Oil, Renewable Energy and Food . - 5 Energy Security in the EU from the GCC's Perspective, Mohammed A. Alsahlawi. - 6 Going Nuclear in the GCC countries -Rationale, Challenges and Politics, Ashutosh Sharma, Nabil Sultan and David Weir. - 7 Meeting the Renewable Energy and Sustainability Challenges in GCC Economies: MASDAR Initiative Case Study, Toufic Mezher and Jacob Park. - 8 Food Security in the GCC Economies, Andy Spiess. - Part III Regional Risk, Global Competitiveness and Economic Diversification. - 9 GCC Country Risk Analysis, Hassan El Sady. - 10 The Macroeconomic Competitiveness of the GCC Economies, Ahmed Khalifa. - 11 GCC Intellectual Property Regimes: Global Harmonization or Regional Integration? , David Price. - 12 Economic Diversification in Saudi Arabia: The Need for Improving Competitiveness for Sustainable Development, M. Sadiq Sohail. - 13 Successful Outward FDI investments: Saudi Lessons and Recommendations, Marwan Al Qur'an. - 14 Foreign Direct Investment in Saudi Arabia: A Competitiveness Analysis, Mohammad H. Akhtar. - Part IV Corporate Governance, Transparency and Private Sector Operating Environment. - 15 Corporate Disclosure and Reporting Practices in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Haidar H. Madani. - 16 Corporate Governance regulations - The Experience of Saudi Arabia, Nadia Anani. - 17 An analysis of entrepreneurship characteristics in Saudi Arabia, Hazbo Skoko. - 18 The Dynamics of Entrepreneurial Motivation among Women: A Comparative Study of Businesswomen in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Mohammed Sadi and Basheer Al-Ghazali. - 19 Influencing Factors Model of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Saudi Arabian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Hazbo Skoko. - Part V Investing Surplus Wealth: GCC Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF's). - 20 GCC Sovereign Wealth Funds: Challenges, Opportunities and Issues Arising from their Growing Presence on the Global Landscape, Ruth Rios-Morales, Mohamed A. Ramady, and Louis Brennan. - 21 The Misconceptions in the West regarding the Gulf Region Sovereign Wealth Funds, Behzad Shahandeh. - 22 The Governance of Sovereign Wealth Funds from the GCC in an International Perspective, Sven Behrendt. - 23 Putting Sovereign Wealth Funds to Good Use: Strategic Options for SWFs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Region, Mohammed Salisu and Nahed Taher. - Bibliography. - Index
Continuous-flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry method for carbon and hydrogen isotope measurements on atmospheric methane

Abstract. We describe a continuous-flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (CF-IRMS) technique for high-precision δD and δ13C measurements of atmospheric methane on 40 mL air samples. CH4 is separated from other air components by utilizing purely physical processes based on temperature, time and mechanical valve switching. Chemical agents are avoided. Trace amounts of interfering compounds can be separated by gas chromatography after pre-concentration of the CH4 sample. The purified sample is then either combusted to CO2 or pyrolyzed to H2 for stable isotope measurement. Apart from connecting samples and refilling liquid nitrogen as coolant the system is fully automated and allows an unobserved, continuous analysis of samples. The analytical system has been used for analysis of air samples with CH4 mixing ratios between ~100 and ~10 000 ppb, for higher mixing ratios samples usually have to be diluted.
Endocytosis of the apical junctional complex: mechanisms and possible roles in regulation of epithelial barriers

Tight junctions (TJ) and adherens junctions (AJ) regulate cell–cell adhesion and barrier function of simple polarized epithelia. These junctions are positioned in the apical end of the lateral plasma membrane and form the so‐called apical junctional complex (AJC). Although initially seen as purely structural features, the AJC is now known to play important roles in cell differentiation and proliferation. The AJC is a highly dynamic entity, undergoing rapid remodeling during normal epithelial morphogenesis and under pathologic conditions. There is growing evidence that remodeling of the AJC is mediated by internalization of junctional proteins. This review summarizes what is known about endocytic pathways, intracellular destinations and signaling cascades involved in internalization of AJC proteins. Potential biological roles for AJC endocytosis in maintaining functional apical junctions, reversible opening of epithelial barrier and disruption of intercellular adhesion are also discussed. BioEssays 27:356–365, 2005. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autophagic flux blockage by accumulation of weakly basic tenovins leads to elimination of B-Raf mutant tumour cells that survive vemurafenib

Tenovin-6 is the most studied member of a family of small molecules with antitumour activity in vivo. Previously, it has been determined that part of the effects of tenovin-6 associate with its ability to inhibit SirT1 and activate p53. However, tenovin-6 has also been shown to modulate autophagic flux. Here we show that blockage of autophagic flux occurs in a variety of cell lines in response to certain tenovins, that autophagy blockage occurs regardless of the effect of tenovins on SirT1 or p53, and that this blockage is dependent on the aliphatic tertiary amine side chain of these molecules. Additionally, we evaluate the contribution of this tertiary amine to the elimination of proliferating melanoma cells in culture. We also demonstrate that the presence of the tertiary amine is sufficient to lead to death of tumour cells arrested in G1 phase following vemurafenib treatment. We conclude that blockage of autophagic flux by tenovins is necessary to eliminate melanoma cells that survive B-Raf inhibition and achieve total tumour cell kill and that autophagy blockage can be achieved at a lower concentration than by chloroquine. This observation is of great relevance as relapse and resistance are frequently observed in cancer patients treated with B-Raf inhibitors.
What determines the capital structure of listed firms in Ghana

This paper seeks to empirically identify the determinants of the capital structure of listed firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange during the most recent six-year period. Ordinary Least Square model is used to estimate the regression equation. The results indicate that, total debt constitutes more than half of the capital of listed firms in Ghana. The results also show positive associations between debt ratio (capital structure) and firm size and growth, while asset tangibility, risk, corporate tax and profitability are negatively related to debt ratio. The results generally support the pecking order theory proposed by the theoretical model.
Delay Analysis of Bandwidth Request in Truncated Binary Exponential Backoff Mechanism over Error-Free/Error-Prone Channels in IEEE 802.16e

We investigate the delay of the bandwidth request under the truncated binary exponential backoff (TBEB) mechanism in the IEEE 802.16e, considering error-free/error- prone wireless channels. We derive the distribution of delay of bandwidth request packets in the TBEB by an analytic method on the assumption of Bernoulli request arrival process and error-free channel conditions, and extend the analytic results to the error-prone channel condition where the request transmissions have error with i.i. d. By numerical analysis we can find the optimal number of transmission opportunities for transmitting bandwidth requests of the TBEB satisfying QoS on delay bound and loss bound.
Prevention of radiotherapy-induced arterial inflammation by interleukin-1 blockade

Abstract Aims Radiotherapy-induced cardiovascular disease is an emerging problem in a growing population of cancer survivors where traditional treatments, such as anti-platelet and lipid-lowering drugs, have limited benefits. The aim of the study was to investigate vascular inflammatory patterns in human cancer survivors, replicate the findings in an animal model, and evaluate whether interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibition could be a potential treatment. Methods and results Irradiated human arterial biopsies were collected during microvascular autologous free tissue transfer for cancer reconstruction and compared with non-irradiated arteries from the same patient. A mouse model was used to study the effects of the IL-1 receptor antagonist, anakinra, on localized radiation-induced vascular inflammation. We observed significant induction of genes associated with inflammasome biology in whole transcriptome analysis of irradiated arteries, a finding supported by elevated protein levels in irradiated arteries of both, pro-caspase and caspase-1. mRNA levels of inflammasome associated chemokines CCL2, CCL5 together with the adhesion molecule VCAM1, were elevated in human irradiated arteries as was the number of infiltrating macrophages. A similar pattern was reproduced in Apoe−/− mouse 10 weeks after localized chest irradiation with 14 Gy. Treatment with anakinra in irradiated mice significantly reduced Ccl2 and Ccl5 mRNA levels and expression of I-Ab. Conclusion Anakinra, administered directly after radiation exposure for 2 weeks, ameliorated radiation induced sustained expression of inflammatory mediators in mice. Further studies are needed to evaluate IL-1 blockade as a treatment of radiotherapy-induced vascular disease in a clinical setting.
A bioprintable form of chitosan hydrogel for bone tissue engineering

Bioprinting can be defined as 3D patterning of living cells and other biologics by filling and assembling them using a computer-aided layer-by-layer deposition approach to fabricate living tissue and organ analogs for tissue engineering. The presence of cells within the ink to use a ‘bio-ink’ presents the potential to print 3D structures that can be implanted or printed into damaged/diseased bone tissue to promote highly controlled cell-based regeneration and remineralization of bone. In this study, it was shown for the first time that chitosan solution and its composite with nanostructured bone-like hydroxyapatite (HA) can be mixed with cells and printed successfully. MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cell laden chitosan and chitosan-HA hydrogels, which were printed with the use of an extruder-based bioprinter, were characterized by comparing these hydrogels to alginate and alginate-HA hydrogels. Rheological analysis showed that all groups had viscoelastic properties. It was also shown that under simulated physiological conditions, chitosan and chitosan-HA hydrogels were stable. Also, the viscosity values of the bio-solutions were in an applicable range to be used in 3D bio-printers. Cell viability and proliferation analyses documented that after printing with bio-solutions, cells continued to be viable in all groups. It was observed that cells printed within chitosan-HA composite hydrogel had peak expression levels for early and late stages osteogenic markers. It was concluded that cells within chitosan and chitosan-HA hydrogels had mineralized and differentiated osteogenically after 21 days of culture. It was also discovered that chitosan is superior to alginate, which is the most widely used solution preferred in bioprinting systems, in terms of cell proliferation and differentiation. Thus, applicability and printability of chitosan as a bio-printing solution were clearly demonstrated. Furthermore, it was proven that the presence of bone-like nanostructured HA in alginate and chitosan hydrogels improved cell viability, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
Zinc Supplementation and Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer continues to be one of the most common fatal cancers in men (Jemal et al., 2010). The comprehensive understanding of the etiology of this disease is however, far from complete because of multitude of genetics and environmental factors involved in the development of this disease (Deutsch et al., 2004; Giovannucci, 2001). One characteristic feature of the prostate gland is its unique ability to accumulate high concentrations of zinc, which may otherwise be toxic to other tissues (Costello & Franklin, 1998). For reasons primarily still unknown, cancerous prostate cells somehow lose its ability to accumulate intracellular zinc concentrations. This is based on consistent observations of low zinc concentrations in malignant prostate tissues as compared to normal prostate and benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues (Feustel & Wennrich, 1984; Ho, 2004; Vartsky et al., 2003; Zaichick et al., 1997). These findings thereby, imply a potential importance of zinc in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. It is suggested that dietary zinc supplementation protects against oxidative damage, reduces cancer risk (Ho, 2004) and has therapeutic potentials against prostate cancer (Franklin & Costello, 2007). Epidemiologic studies, however, provided contradictory findings on the effectiveness of zinc in prevention against prostate cancer. While there are studies that showed zinc reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer (Key et al., 1997; Kristal et al., 1999), others showed that advanced prostate cancer is associated with high intake of zinc and potentiate the development of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and progression towards cancer (Gallus et al., 2007; Lagiou et al., 1999; Lawson et al., 2007; Leitzmann et al., 2003; Moyad, 2004). Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain how high zinc regulates prostate health and indirectly, how its absence or low concentration could have contributed to the occurrence of prostate cancer. Restoration of high zinc to cancerous prostate tissues has been shown to inhibit prostate cancer cells proliferation (Feng et al., 2002; Feng et al., 2000; Iguchi et al., 1998; Liang et al., 1999) and invasion (Ishii et al., 2004; Ishii et al., 2001a; Ishii et al., 2001b; Uzzo et al., 2006). In contrast, there are studies which showed that zinc under nonphysiological conditions could promote cancer cell growth and invasion (Boissier et al., 2000; Nemoto et al., 2000; Wong & Abubakar, 2008a; Wong & Abubakar, 2010). Because of the diverse roles of zinc in cell signaling, the exact pathways and genes affected by the absence or presence of high zinc concentrations in prostate cancer cells remain unraveled. In an attempt to further understand the complexicity of the role of zinc in prostate cancer, this
Effects of propranolol and its optical isomers on the radiocalcium uptake and the adenosine triphosphatases of skeletal and cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions (SRF).

The effects of the beta adrenergic blocking drugs, propranolol, pronethalol, MJ-1999 and N-isopropyl- p -nitrophenylethanolamine (INPEA), on the Ca ++ uptake and the adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) of skeletal and cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions (SRF) have been investigated. All produced an inhibition of the Ca ++ uptake of skeletal and cardiac SRF. The degree of inhibition at any one concentration decreased in the order: (±)-propranolol and its isomers, (±)-pronethalol, INPEA and MJ-1999. With the exception of the dextro isomer of propranolol, this order correlates approximately with their ability to antagonize the ventricular arrhythmias and the chronotropic and inotropic responses of cardiac muscle produced by catecholamines. The ability of these beta adrenergic blocking agents to inhibit cyclic 39, 59-adenosine monophosphate (39, 59-AMP)-stimulated glycogenolysis and lipolysis may be related to their modification of Ca ++ transport across the membranes.
Effect of embryo cryopreservation on derivation efficiency, pluripotency, and differentiation capacity of mouse embryonic stem cells

Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) are pluripotent cells that have the capability for self‐renewal. One of the most important factors that affect the efficiency of their isolation is the condition of the mouse embryos. The main objective of this study is to isolate mESCs from C57BL/6 frozen/thawed eight‐cell mouse embryos using serum‐free culture. We generated mESCs from blastocysts that developed from frozen/thawed embryos of C57BL/6 mice by the 3i + LIF medium. Assessments of the isolated mESC lines (MUKF‐1, MUKF‐2, and MUKF‐3) included simple karyotype analysis; polymerase chain reaction of the testis‐determining gene (Sry); determination of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity; expressions of pluripotent transcription factors Oct4, Rex1, Sox2, and Nanog by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; and immunocytochemistry assessment of OCT4 and SSEA‐I expressions at the protein level. We evaluated the ability of these mESC lines to differentiate into three germ layers by embryoid body (EB) formation. The cell doubling time (DT) of isolated mESCs was determined. The 2‐C57 cell line was served as control. Germline competence of the male mESC line (MUKF‐3) was tested through chimeric mouse production. Three independent mESC lines (MUKF‐1, MUKF‐2, and MUKF‐3) were established from five cryopreserved embryos. The MUKF‐1 and MUKF‐2 lines were female, whereas MUKF‐3 was a male mESC line. Karyotype analysis showed that MUKF‐3 had a diploid karyotype, whereas MUKF‐1 and MUKF‐2 had abnormal karyotypes. All three lines had ALP activity and expressed Oct4, Rex1, and Nanog. Immunocytochemistry assessment for OCT4 and SSEA‐I was positive for all three lines. The DT differed in the three mESC lines. MUKF‐1 and MUKF‐3 could form EB and express developmental genes after spontaneous differentiation. These data demonstrated that probably cryopreservation affected the efficiency of derivation, karyotype, DT, expression of pluripotency, developmental genes, and differentiation capacity of the independent mESC lines.
Isoniazid Preventive Therapy Associated Hepatotoxicity among Children Living with HIV: Descriptive Case Series at Mildmay Uganda HIV/AIDS Clinic, Uganda

Provision of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) as part of the comprehensive TB/HIV prevention intervention for people living with HIV & AIDS was recommended by WHO in 2011. Literature shows that Isoniazid (INH) associated hepatotoxicity is a common drug adverse event among people taking INH, and that it’s associated with a high risk of mortality. These case series document INH associated hepatotoxicity in HIV-infected children receiving IPT in a resource constrained setting. They also further describe the challenges and lessons learnt while providing routine IPT among HIV-infected children in a resource-limited setting where laboratory tests for liver function monitoring are not performed routinely. The case series describe observed cases which presented to the Mildmay Uganda HIV/AIDS clinic between December 2013 and March 2014. The findings demonstrate that: 1) there was a 1.5% INH related hepatotoxicity incidence among children of four to ten years old; 2) 20% death rate—one out of the five children died and; 3) hepatotoxicity events on average occurred at 10.8 weeks after INH initiation while at the same time, all the cases had liver enzymes elevated above 10 times the upper normal limit values and reported late for medical intervention. The insidious onset of symptoms and signs of INH related hepatotoxicity coupled with lack of adequate resources needed to manage the condition were the major challenges to provision of routine IPT among children living with HIV in resource-limited settings in sub-Sahara Africa. Clinical vigilance, continuous education of clients and caretakers about the side effects or adverse events of INH and routine laboratory examination of liver function tests during follow-up of IPT in HIV-infected children are recommended to enhance early detection and prompt management of IPT associated hepatotoxicity.
Protocol for a realist review of complex interventions to prevent adolescents from engaging in multiple risk behaviours

Objectives Adolescent risk behaviours are a key health concern. The purpose of this research is to gaina deeper understanding of how, why, for whom, and inwhat circumstances complex adolescent risk behaviourprevention programmes are most successful. Methods and analysis To understand how adolescent risk behaviour prevention programmes work in a reallife context, a realist synthesis will be undertaken, operationalised in four phases. Phase one Developing a framework to map the theoretical and conceptual landscape of adolescent risk behaviour prevention. Guided by stakeholder consultation. Phase two Formulating initial programme theories through exploration of the literature, along with primary data from professional stakeholder interviews. Phase three Refining programme theories through more purposeful, in depth screening of the literature, along with primary qualitative data, from young people and professionals. Data will be collected through semi structured focus groups, to explore specific elements of the emerging programme theories. Phase four Testing programme theories through interviews with youth workers, following consultation with young people, using vignettes to explore the relationship between specific programme theories. This relatively novel method of primary and secondary data integration within a realist synthesis will provide deeper insight in to young peoples lived experience of risk behaviour prevention programmes, while maintaining transparency in the process of programme theory development. Data analysis A realist logic of analysis will be used to align data from each phase with context mechanism outcome configurations or specific elements thereof. Substantive theory will then be sought to understand and explain the findings. Ethics and dissemination This study has been approved by the Ethics committee at Northumbria University, UK. Findings will be disseminated through knowledge exchange with stakeholders, publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and formal and informal reports.