Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term intellectual outcome after temporal lobe surgery in childhood

Objective: Temporal lobe resection is an established treatment for medication-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy, which in recent years has increasingly been performed in children. However, little is known about the long-term outcome in these children. The aim of this study was to characterize intellectual and psychosocial functioning of children after temporal lobe resection as they progress into late adolescence and adulthood. Methods: We report the long-term follow-up of 42 children who underwent temporal lobe surgery after an average postoperative period of 9 years. Longitudinal change in IQ was documented, psychosocial outcome including quality of life was assessed, and preoperative and postoperative T1-weighted MRI brain scans were evaluated quantitatively. A well-matched nonsurgical comparison group of 11 children with similar clinical characteristics was also assessed. Results: At follow-up, 86% of the surgical group were seizure-free, and 57% were no longer taking antiepileptic medication. A significant increase in IQ was found in the surgical group after an extended follow-up period of >5 years. This IQ change was not found in the nonsurgical comparison group. IQ increases were associated with cessation of antiepileptic medication and changes in MRI-derived gray matter volume. The surgical group also reported better psychosocial outcome including quality of life, which was more strongly associated with seizure freedom rather than surgery per se. Conclusions: Surgery for temporal lobe epilepsy performed in childhood results in excellent long-term seizure control and favorable cognitive outcome along with positive effects on brain development. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class III evidence that temporal lobectomy in children with temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with improved long-term intellectual outcomes compared with those undergoing standard medical treatment.
Financial Reporting Regulation and the Reporting of Pro Forma Earnings

A primary objective of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act is to bolster public confidence in the U.S. capital markets. The SEC aims to achieve this objective in part by regulating the use of alternate earnings measures (colloquially referred to as “pro forma” earnings) that differ from generally accepted accounting principles. This paper examines whether firms change their reporting practice in response to pro forma regulation. Specifically, it examines whether the use, calculation, and presentation of pro forma measures by S&P 500 companies changes between 2001 and 2003. We document three significant shifts in pro forma reporting in this period. First, the proportion of firms reporting pro forma earnings declines from 77 to 54 percent. Second, by 2003, pro forma is used in a less biased manner. Not only is the proportion of firms using pro forma earnings to increase reported income smaller than in 2001, but also the magnitudes of these increases are reduced. Third, in 2003, firms present pro formas in press releases.
The 1998-2005 Housing 'Bubble' and the Current 'Correction': What's Different this Time?

This paper examines the inflation in housing prices between 1998 and 2005 and investigates whether this run-up in prices can be â€˜â€˜explainedâ€™â€™ by increases in demand fundamentals such as population, income growth, and the decline in interest rates over this period. Time series models are estimated for 59 MSA markets and price changes from 1998 to 2005 are dynamically forecast using actual economic fundamentals to drive the models. In all 59 markets, the growth in fundamentals from 1998 to 2005 forecasts price growth that is far below that which actually occurred. An examination of the 2005 forecast errors reveals they are greater in larger MSAs, in MSAs where second home and speculative buying was prevalent, and in MSAs where indicators suggest the sub-prime mortgage market was most active. These latter factors are unique to the recent housing market and hence make it difficult to asses if and how far housing prices will â€˜â€˜correctâ€™â€™ after 2005.
The Static and the Dynamic View of Economics

I. Introductory, 571. — II. There is opposition, not between static and dynamic conditions, but only between static and dynamic conceptions, 572. — III. Evolutionary or non-reversible processes distinguished from those which are wave-like or reversible, 575. — IV. Some considerations on the characteristic processes in a capitalistic society, 578.
Determinants of Audit Report Lag: Some Evidence from the Athens Stock Exchange

The timely publication of corporate financial information depends on the time taken to complete the audit. The audit report lag is a particularly critical factor in emerging and newly developed capital markets where the audited financial statements in the annual report are the only reliable source of information available to investors. This paper examines the audit report lag of companies listed on the Athens Stock Exchange at the time of its transition from an emerging market to a newly developed capital market. A statistically significant association is found between audit report lag and type of auditor, audit fees, number of remarks in the audit report, the presence of extraordinary items, and an expression of uncertainty in the audit report. The results suggest that audit report lag is reduced by appointing an international audit firm or paying a premium audit fee, but is extended by aspects of potentially bad news.
Lymphotoxin-alpha polymorphisms and the risk of endometrial cancer in Japanese subjects.

OBJECTIVE To test the association of endometrial cancer with the lymphotoxin-alpha (LTalpha) C804A and A252G polymorphisms, a hospital-based incident case-control study was performed in Japanese subjects. METHODS The cases comprised 110 endometrial cancer patients, and the controls were 220 age-matched cancer-free females. RESULTS The LTalpha C804A and A252G polymorphisms were in complete linkage disequilibrium. We performed conditional logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, which revealed that the LTalpha 252AG and 804CA variant genotypes were associated with a significantly reduced risk of endometrial cancer (OR=0.51, 95% CI=0.31-0.86, P=0.011). Being homozygous of the LTalpha 252G and 804A alleles was not associated with the risk of endometrial cancer. However, the presence of at least one variant LTalpha allele was associated with a significantly lower risk of endometrial cancer (OR=0.54, 95% CI=0.33-0.87, P=0.012). After adjusting for potential confounders (body mass index, age at menarche, parity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, family history of endometrial cancer, hormone replacement therapy, smoking status, and alcohol consumption), the risk of endometrial cancer was significantly lower both in carriers of one variant allele and in carriers of either one or two of the variant alleles (OR=0.47, 95% CI=0.26-0.85, P=0.017; OR=0.50, 95% CI=0.28-0.89, P=0.019; respectively). CONCLUSION The results suggest that these LTalpha polymorphisms play an important role in the tumorigenesis of endometrial cancer.
Exogenous Shocks, Deposit Runs and Bank Soundness: A Macroeconomic Framework

In a model where all banks are initially solvent, an exogenous shock affects confidence, causing a flight from deposits into domestic and foreign currency. Real interest rates increase unexpectedly, affecting firms and raising the share of the banks` nonperforming assets. This increase causes genuine solvency problems and accelerates the bank run. Policy simulations show that compensatory monetary policy (increasing currency supply when deposits fall) mitigates the bank run but causes inflation and external imbalances. Combining compensatory monetary policy with tight fiscal policies also slows the bank run and mitigates insolvency, but at a lower macroeconomic cost. A devaluation is shown to have little positive impact.
Progressive Changes in Hepatoma Cells Stably Transfected with Hepatitis B Virus X Gene

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development induced by hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx). Methods: We previously established a H7402-X cell line that constitutively expresses HBx protein. In the present study, H7402-X gene expression profiles and proteins were examined using cDNA microarrays and Western blot analysis. Apoptosis was induced by adriamycin in H7402-X cells. The transcriptional activities of NF-ĸB and AP-1 were examined using a luciferase reporter gene. Results: The DNA expression profiles identified candidate genes showing aberrant expression in cells overexpressing HBx. Western blot analysis showed that cyclin D, cyclin E, survivin, Bcl-2, and PCNA were up-regulated, whereas p27 was down-regulated in H7402-X cells. Treatment with RNAi targeting HBx mRNA led to the down-regulation of these genes. H7402-X cells were resistant to adriamycin-induced apoptosis. Luciferase reporter gene analysis revealed that HBx induces the transcriptional activities of NF-ĸB and AP-1. Conclusion: Our data provide additional insight into cellular targets of HBx, which allows a better understanding of HBx function and the progressive changes during HBx-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis.
Multinationals, Intracorporate Competition, and Regional Development*

Abstract In this paper we concentrate on a neglected process in the restructuring of multinational enterprises (MNEs) and the formation of spatial divisions of labor. Existing conceptions of interlocality competition for mobile investment and spatial divisions of labor center on the dynamics of new greenfield investment. We provide instead an exploratory analysis of interlocality competition centered on intracorpo-rate competition for repeat investment, broadly defined. We draw together diverse strands of literature to develop a simple taxonomy of types of intracorporate competition, exploring some of the implications of competition for successful MNE affiliates and their host localities. We go on to illustrate these ideas with reference to case studies of manufacturing affiliates of MNEs in an older industrial region of Wales. Although many of the repeat investments of MNEs are in principle contestable, the discussion and the case studies stress the difficulties faced by affiliates and localities at the periphery of spatial divisions of labor in winning, retaining, and benefiting from such investments.
Efficiency and Information Aggregation in Auctions

The tension between allocative efficiency and information aggregation is explored in the context of an auction: k identical objects of unknown quality are auctioned off to n bidders whose tastes affect their valuation of an object of given quality. Bidders receive a signal about the quality of the objects. The k highest bidders get an object and pay a price equal to the k + first highest bid. We find conditions under which, in the limit, objects are allocated efficiently to those with the highest tastes, and price converges in probability to the value of an object to the marginal taste type.
A unified methodological approach for the development of knowledge cities

Purpose – The concept of knowledge cities (KCs) is particularly advantageous for any contemporary city. Many cities globally claim themselves as being already KCs, while other cities have elaborated strategic plans in order to be transformed into KCs. The examination of their approaches reveals that these initiatives are fragmented and there is not a unified and coherent methodological approach. The purpose of this paper is to present the basic elements of a methodological approach for the integrated development of a KC.Design/methodology/approach – The examination and analysis of many cities' approaches, on a previous research work, have permitted one to identify an emerging pattern of successful KCs' main characteristics and features. These characteristics served as the basis in order to develop a methodological approach for the development of a KC.Findings – The paper presents the basic elements of a methodological approach, named KnowCis (knowledge cities), which consists of five main phases.Research .
Scale Invariant Feature Transform as feature tracking method in 4D imaging: A feasibility study

We propose the use of Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) as a method able to extract stable landmarks from 4D images and to quantify internal motion. We present a preliminary validation of the SIFT method relying on expert user identification of landmarks and then apply it to 4D lung CT and liver MRI data. Results demonstrate SIFT capabilities as an operator-independent feature tracking method.
The utility of liver function test abnormalities concomitant with biliary symptoms in predicting a favorable response to endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with presumed sphincter of oddi dysfunction

Objectives:We sought to study the utility of liver function test abnormalities concomitant with biliary symptoms in predicting a favorable response to endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with Geenen class II sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.Methods:We reviewed the clinical course and liver function test results of 24 Geenen-Hogan class II postcholecystectomy patients with biliary colic secondary to sphincter of Oddi dysfunction who did not undergo sphincter of Oddi manometry before treatment with endoscopic sphincterotomy.Results:Twenty of the 24 patients had an average of 1.4 episodes of abnormal liver function tests associated with biliary colic; eight patients had dilated common bile duct on cholangiogram. Eighteen of the 20 patients with abnormal liver function tests (90%) were pain-free after sphincterotomy; in contrast, only one of four patients (25%) without liver function test changes responded to sphincterotomy. Fisher exact analysis showed that abnormal liver function tests was a significant predictor for favorable response to sphincterotomy with a two-tail p value of 0.018. Of the eight patients with bile duct dilatation, six (75%) responded favorably to sphincterotomy, whereas 13 of 16 patients (81%) without dilatation also responded to sphincterotomy. Analysis of common bile duct dilatation as a predictive factor showed no significance (p= 1.00). Conclusions:We conclude that the occurrence of abnormal liver function tests during biliary colic may be used to select patients for endoscopic sphincterotomy. Sphincter of Oddi manometry may not be needed in these cases.
Collaboration in Frontline Health Care Delivery

Contracting for complex human services has presented the field of public administration with a number of difficult and enduring questions. Emergency medical services (EMS) provide an ideal arena for further investigation into this topic. We utilize a relational contracting framework to examine key questions associated with trust in the collaborative provision of EMS. The findings indicate that contract specificity, provider performance, and administrative professionalization influence trust in these relationships.
How Christian Leaders Interact with Twitter

This paper explores the relationship between Christian leaders and Twitter. Twitter’s founding resulted in an outburst in the use of the social media platform. Christian leaders quickly caught on, and today they use Twitter for a number of different purposes, seeking first and foremost to challenge and inspire their followers. Through the study of 30 different leaders’ tweets, as well as different blog posts, articles and interviews outlining different approaches to Twitter and other social media, the study concluded that pastors were most concerned with getting across the basic message of Christianity while adapting their methods to include the new medium of Twitter.
The development of core concepts of yield management

Abstract Yield management offers an Operations Manager a decision support framework for examining the revenue and conservation decision variables that integrate the characteristics of the Heritage Visitor Attraction (HVA) experience. The principles of yield management are drawn from the hotel and airline industries to demonstrate how the problem of fixed capacity is managed in other service sectors. This paper compares these principles against Heritage Visitor Attractions (HVAs), suggesting how they could adopt such concepts. As HVAs serve broader objectives, other than profit maximisation, financial pressures are encouraging the operations manager to devise imaginative and new ways of managing sites. Ten core principles of yield management are suggested that are appropriate to Heritage Visitor Attractions. These core principles are used to evaluate Historic Scotland's and the National Trust for Scotland's approach to revenue management.
Underinvestment and Incompetence as Responses to Radical Innovation: Evidence From the Photolithographic Alignment Equipment Industry

Neoclassical theory suggests that when an industry is shaken by radical technological change, incumbent firms will be replaced by entrants because entrants have greater strategic incentives to invest in radical innovation. Organizational theory suggests that incumbent firms fail in the face of radical innovation because they fall prey to inertia and complacency. I show that if organizational effects are significant, tests of neoclassical theory in isolation will yield spurious or noisy results. Using data derived from a detailed field study of the photolithographic alignment equipment industry, I show that as neoclassical theory predicts, established firms invested more than entrants in incremental innovation, but that in agreement with organizational theory, the research efforts of incumbents seeking to exploit radical innovation were significantly less productive than those of entrants.
Simple Detection of Germline Microsatellite Instability for Diagnosis of Constitutional Mismatch Repair Cancer Syndrome

Heterozygous mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes result in predisposition to colorectal cancer (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or Lynch syndrome). Patients with biallelic mutations in these genes, however, present earlier, with constitutional mismatch repair deficiency cancer syndrome (CMMRD), which is characterized by a spectrum of rare childhood malignancies and café‐au‐lait skin patches. The hallmark of MMR deficiency, microsatellite instability (MSI), is readily detectable in tumor DNA in Lynch syndrome, but is also present in constitutional DNA of CMMRD patients. However, detection of constitutional or germline MSI (gMSI) has hitherto relied on technically difficult assays that are not routinely applicable for clinical diagnosis. Consequently, we have developed a simple high‐throughput screening methodology to detect gMSI in CMMRD patients based on the presence of stutter peaks flanking a dinucleotide repeat allele when amplified from patient blood DNA samples. Using the three different microsatellite markers, the gMSI ratio was determined in a cohort of normal individuals and 10 CMMRD patients, with biallelic germline mutations in PMS2 (seven patients), MSH2 (one patient), or MSH6 (two patients). Subjects with either PMS2 or MSH2 mutations were easily identified; however, this measure was not altered in patients with CMMRD due to MSH6 mutation.
Incorporating risk measures in closed-loop supply chain network design

This paper considers a location-allocation problem in a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) with two extensions: first, demand and prices of new and return products are regarded as non-deterministic parameters and second, the objective function is developed from expected profit to three types of mean-risk ones. Indeed, design and planning an integrated CLSC in real-world volatile markets is an important and necessary issue. Further, risk-neutral approaches, which are considered expected values, are not efficient for such uncertain conditions. Hence, this paper, copes with the design and planning problem of a CLSC in a two-stage stochastic structure. Besides, risk criteria are considered through using three types of popular and well-behaved risk measures: mean absolute deviation, value at risk and conditional value at risk (CVaR). Consequently, three types of mean-risk models are developed as objective functions and decision-making procedures are undertaken based on the expected values and risk adversity criteria. Finally, performances of the developed mean-risk models are evaluated in various aspects. Results reveal that the inefficiencies of risk-neutral approaches can be overcome. In addition, in terms of quality of solutions, the acceptability of CVaR is proved when it is compared to other risk measures.
Energy consumption of subscriber devices in broadband network

The paper provides estimates how deployment of fast fixed broadband may affect consumption of energy by subscriber's electronic devices. New subscribers are expected to buy additional equipment: PCs, laptops, TV sets, game consoles, etc. and more intensively use all devices connected to the net. The effects are independent of access technology, as long as certain key services are supported.Resulting increase of electricity consumption by households will likely require costly investment in new power plants. In case of fossil fuel power generation, negative environmental consequences will be noticeable. However, progress in reducing device power consumption and replacement of desktop PCs with laptops and other portable devices shall considerably mitigate these effects.
Roles of Chondrocytes in Endochondral Bone Formation and Fracture Repair

The formation of the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) and its subchondral bone is an important but understudied topic in dental research. The current concept regarding endochondral bone formation postulates that most hypertrophic chondrocytes undergo programmed cell death prior to bone formation. Under this paradigm, the MCC and its underlying bone are thought to result from 2 closely linked but separate processes: chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. However, recent investigations using cell lineage tracing techniques have demonstrated that many, perhaps the majority, of bone cells are derived via direct transformation from chondrocytes. In this review, the authors will briefly discuss the history of this idea and describe recent studies that clearly demonstrate that the direct transformation of chondrocytes into bone cells is common in both long bone and mandibular condyle development and during bone fracture repair. The authors will also provide new evidence of a distinct difference in ossification orientation in the condylar ramus (1 ossification center) versus long bone ossification formation (2 ossification centers). Based on our recent findings and those of other laboratories, we propose a new model that contrasts the mode of bone formation in much of the mandibular ramus (chondrocyte-derived) with intramembranous bone formation of the mandibular body (non-chondrocyte-derived).
Phylogenetic Relationships Within the Genus Jesogammarus (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Anisogammaridae) Deduced from Mitochondrial COI and 12S Sequences

Abstract The genus Jesogammarus contains 16 species in two subgenera, Jesogammarus and Annanogammarus. To examine relationships among species in the genus, a molecular phylogenetic study including eight species of the former subgenus and four of the latter was conducted using partial DNA sequences of the mitochondrial COI and 12S rRNA genes. MP, NJ, and ML trees based on the combined COI and 12S data indicated monophyly of the subgenus Annanogammarus, though the monophyly of Jesogammarus was left unresolved. Consistent with few morphological differences, Jesogammarus (A.) naritai and J. (A.) suwaensis showed low genetic differentiation and did not show reciprocal monophyly, which suggests a close affinity of these taxa.