Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adult Inmates’ Motivation for Participation in Educational Programs in Greece

Adult Education in prisons aims at challenging the illiteracy of those incarnated, which often leads to delinquency and recidivism. In Greece there are educational programs designed for inmates like those of vocational training and counseling. With the establishment of Second Chance Schools (SCS) inside prisons, a more systematic and integrated effort was made for the overall development of trainees and their fullest participation in the economic, social and cultural life. In the past, little interest had been shown regarding the education of adult inmates. Lately, however, many studies have been conducted regarding the work that SCS provide. For this reason, a systematic review of the relevant bibliography and a compilation of the findings of the studies realized between 2006-2016, regarding the motives of inmates participating in the educational programs, was considered appropriate. The results demonstrate that the strongest motives have to do with the pains of imprisonment, the reduction of time the inmates had to serve, the enrichment of knowledge of the inmates, their self-improvement and the ability to acquire and develop essential skills for their rehabilitation in the societal and professional world.
Role of Dietary Free Glutamate in Gastrointestinal Function

Glutamate is a non-essential amino acid that confers umami taste. Recently, several taste receptors for umami taste have been identified in the oral cavity as well as in the gastrointestinal tract. Gustatory stimulation of the tongue by glutamate activates vagal gastric, pancreatic, and hepatic efferent nerves. In the gastrointestinal tract, glutamate excites afferent fibers of the abdominal vagus nerve. Recent data suggest the possibility that a chemosensory system similar to that found in the mouth is also present in the stomach and small intestine and that this system aids in regulating gastrointestinal functions. In this review, we have summarized the known effects of dietary free glutamate on gastrointestinal functions such as gastric secretion and gastrointestinal motility, and we explore the possibility of application of glutamate as a medical food supplement. Fortification of protein or amino acid rich diets with free glutamate enhances gastric secretion and promotes gastric emptying. Current results indicate that free glutamate modulates gastrointestinal functions, especially gastric digestion, via cephalic or gastrointestinal phase responses. Dietary supplementation of enteral nutrition with free glutamate could help to prevent complications of these diets, especially diarrhea.
Frequencies of PrP genotypes in 38 breeds of sheep sampled in the National Scrapie Plan for Great Britain

Between October 2001 and January 2003 the prion protein (PrP) genotypes of over 250,000 sheep were determined through the operation of the National Scrapie Plan (NSP); the results for 38 breeds were analysed to provide an estimate of the underlying PrP genotype distribution of the British sheep population. Although there was marked variability among the genotype profiles of the different breeds, several trends emerged. A comparison of the allele frequencies demonstrated that the breeds could be grouped into three categories: breeds dominated by ARR and ARQ in which the frequency of ARR exceeded the frequency of ARQ; breeds dominated by ARR and ARQ in which the frequency of ARQ exceeded the frequency of ARR; and breeds with significant levels of either AHQ, ARH or VRQ. Hill breeds were more likely to have a lower proportion of animals at low risk of scrapie (NSP type 1) and a higher proportion of animals at an intermediate risk of scrapie (NSP type 3) than other breeds. Most breeds had a small proportion of animals at high risk of scrapie (NSP type 5). The frequency of ARR/VRQ (NSP type 4) was variable
Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy in small-cell lung cancer: results of a multicenter study.

UNLABELLED The aims of this study were to determine the accuracy of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy in the detection of the primary tumor and its metastases in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) in a large patient population, and to investigate the course of somatostatin uptake in primary tumors during therapy. METHODS In a total of 100 patients, 134 examinations were performed. Twenty-seven of the patients were examined before and after chemotherapy. Planar whole-body images were acquired 4 hr and 24 hr after injection of approximately 200 MBq (111)In-pentetreotide. SPECT of the thorax was performed after 24 hr. Tumor-to-background (T/B) ratios for the primary tumor were averaged from anterior and posterior projections. RESULTS Compared to conventional investigations, somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) visualized the primary tumor with varying degrees of uptake in 96% of the examinations. Regional metastases and distant metastases were detected in 60% and 45% of the examinations, respectively. The uptake of the somatostatin analog by the primary tumor was significantly lower in the patients examined during chemotherapy as compared to those examined before treatment (T/B ratio = 1.94+/-0.79 versus 2.35+/-0.9, p < 0.005). A decrease in T/B ratio was noted in patients with remission at the time of SRS (from 2.40+/-1.56 to 1.63+/-0.72, p < 0.05). No difference in the pretreatment uptake of octreotide by the primary tumor was identified between patients with tumor progression and those with partial or complete remission. CONCLUSION Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy has a high sensitivity in the detection of the primary tumor in SCLC but fails in the detection of metastases. Thus, SRS does not provide useful information for staging of SCLC. Since somatostatin uptake by the primary tumor is affected by chemotherapy, it may be used to follow up on the course of SCLC.
Services, innovation, capabilities, and policy : Toward a synthesis and beyond

With innovation scholars being increasingly interested in services, the debate on why and how to formulate innovation policy for services is more urgent than ever. An appropriate response to ongoing servitization requires a thorough understanding of the interwoven nature of goods and services. This article provides an up-to-date overview of policy strategies fitting an all-encompassing 'synthesis' perspective on innovation. We distinguish two emerging views on the role of services in novelty creation. Each view conveys distinct policy approaches for solving insufficient supply or demand of service capabilities (required for creating and delivering services). The subject-oriented perspective suggests improving interactions involving the use of available capabilities. The object-oriented perspective aims to enhance the development of lacking capabilities. Following this novel distinction in synthesis perspectives, we propose a framework of associated policy instruments and illustrate it with the case of the Dutch province of Limburg. We conclude by discussing further research possibilities.
Epidermolysis bullosa simplex in Israel: clinical and genetic features.

BACKGROUND Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is the most common form of epidermolysis bullosa. The disease is characterized by intraepidermal blistering due in most cases to mutations in cytokeratin genes 5 (K5) or 14 (K14). Extensive studies in the United States and Europe have shown that EBS is almost always inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. OBJECTIVE To assess the possibility that the molecular features of EBS may differ according to the type of population studied. DESIGN We assessed 10 Israeli families diagnosed as having EBS and compared their clinical and genetic features with previous observations. Affected individuals underwent complete clinical evaluation. DNA from all family members was assessed for mutations in K5 or K14 using polymerase chain reaction amplification, direct sequencing, and subsequent mutation verification. In addition, specific cases were genotyped using a panel of microsatellite markers spanning the K14 locus. RESULTS Eight distinct pathogenic mutations in K5 (3 mutations) and K14 (5 mutations) were identified. Six of these mutations are novel. The mutations included 2 nonsense mutations and 6 missense mutations. A third of the affected families inherited EBS in a recessive fashion, in contrast with previous observations in Europe and the United States. In addition, we identified a unique case that resulted from compound heterozygosity for a missense and a nonsense mutation in K14. Homozygous nonsense mutations were strongly associated with a severe phenotype. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrates a unique mutation spectrum and a strikingly different pattern of inheritance for EBS in a series of Israeli families compared with families of European or US extraction.
Evaluation of high-resolution CT and MR cisternography in the diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid fistula.

PURPOSE We undertook this study to determine the accuracy of MR cisternography and plain high-resolution CT as a noninvasive alternative to CT cisternography in the diagnosis of CSF fistula in patients with clinically suspected CSF rhinorrhea. METHODS Forty-five consecutive patients with clinically suspected CSF rhinorrhea were examined prospectively for CSF fistula with MR cisternography and plain high-resolution CT. Twenty-one patients also underwent CT cisternography. The MR imaging technique included 3-mm thin-section T1-weighted coronal sequences and fast spin-echo T2-weighted coronal, axial, and sagittal sequences in the supine position. The plain high-resolution CT study included 3-mm and sometimes 1- to 1.5-mm thin coronal sections in the prone position. Similar sequences were used after injecting nonionic contrast material intrathecally via lumbar puncture for the CT cisternographic study. The plain high-resolution CT and MR cisternographic studies were compared with results of CT cisternography; surgical findings were used as the standard of reference. RESULTS Plain high-resolution CT successfully depicted the presence or absence of CSF fistula in 42 of 45 patients, whereas MR cisternography was correct in 40 patients. MR cisternography or plain high-resolution CT correctly showed the site(s) of CSF fistula leakage in 36 of the 38 cases proved surgically. The combined techniques also correctly indicated the absence of CSF leakage in seven cases, six of which were confirmed at CT cisternography. Both MR cisternography and high-resolution CT failed to definitively locate the CSF fistula in two patients. High-resolution CT was accurate in 93% of patients, whereas MR cisternography was accurate in 89% of patients. The combination of high-resolution CT and MR cisternography was accurate in 96% of patients. CONCLUSION In the presence of clinically diagnosed CSF leakage, the combination of MR cisternography and plain high-resolution CT is highly accurate in locating the site and extent of CSF fistula and should be considered a viable noninvasive alternative to CT cisternography.
The optic tectum of Gallus domesticus; a correlation of the electrical responses with the histological structure.

The optic tectum of birds is a suitable preparation for studying the electrical responses of both neuronal dendrites and perikarya. The action potential of the perikarya of spinal motor neurones has been described in detail by Brock, Coombs & Eccles (1952), but the flow of current between perikarya and their processes in a complex tissue remains uncertain. The extent of the surface area of dendrites compared with the neuronal perikaryon has recently been investigated by Sholl (1953) in a quantitative study of mammalian cerebral cortex. He has estimated that the dendritic surface area constitutes 85-95 % of the total surface area of the whole neurone. In the optic tectum of birds, several zones may be seen, each characterized by a particular dendritic orientation. In some zones, the dendrites run predominantly parallel to the surface, and in others they are mainly perpendicular. We have taken advantage of these features to attempt an analysis of the electrical responses of both the perikarya and their dendrites. The method has been to record the electrical response to stimulation of the optic nerve at different depths in the tectum. Although other afferent connexions to the tectum besides the optic nerve have been described by P. Ramon y Cajal (1943) and others, we have not utilized them in the present study. Several previous attempts have been made to analyse the electrical responses at different depths in central nervous structures, usually by the monopolar method of recording. Thus Lorente de No (1947) found changes with depth in the electrical responses of the hypoglossal nucleus, and Burns & Grafstein (1952) claim to have localized in depth the neurones responding to local stimulation of mammalian cerebral cortex. The optic tectum of the duck and the goose was investigated by O'Leary & Bishop (1943), and in this work both monopolar and radial pairs of electrodes were used. Some change of the electrical response with depth was reported but the exact relationship to the histological structure was not established.
Interactions of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae membranes with porcine lymphocytes.

Nonspecific mitogenicity of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae membranes for blood lymphocytes (BL) and bronchial lymph node lymphocytes (LNL) from swine was investigated. Additionally, the influence of respiratory tract exposure to the same membrane preparation on responsiveness of these cells was evaluated. Membranes utilized in lymphocyte transformation tests and for inoculation of swine were prepared by osmotic lysis of mycoplasma cells. Conventionally reared and cesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived swine were given membranes intratracheally and responses of BL and LNL to membranes were assessed from postinoculation day 0 to 14. Utilizing a stimulation index of 3 as the cutoff, heated (56 C) M hyopneumoniae membranes exerted moderate nonspecific stimulation of BL 11 of 12 times when BL were collected from normal (control or preinoculation) swine. Similarly, LNL from conventionally reared and control groups of swine were stimulated nonspecifically 4 of 6 times by the same membrane preparations. Exposure of the respiratory tract to membranes appeared to have no influence on stimulation responses of BL at postinoculation days 6 or 13, whereas moderate to marked increases in responsiveness of LNL were detected when collected at necropsy on postinoculation days 7 or 14. These findings indicated that compartmentalization of lymphocyte sensitization in the bronchial lymph nodes resulted from respiratory tract exposure to mycoplasmal membranes. Results obtained confirm that M hyopneumoniae has a moderate nonspecific stimulatory effect on porcine lymphocytes. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Combined effects of discharge, turbidity, and pesticides on mayfly behavior: Experimental evaluation of spray‐drift and runoff scenarios

The effects of the pyrethroid‐insecticide cypermethrin (CYP), increased flow speed (Flow), and increased suspended particles (Part) on drift behavior and activity of mayfly nymphs (Baetis harrisoni) were investigated both individually and in combination in a laboratory stream microcosm. Spray‐drift trials were performed by exposing the nymphs to 1 μg/L of CYP. During runoff trials (CYP × Part), contaminated sediment containing 2,000 μg/kg of CYP was introduced to the microcosm at a concentration of 500 mg/L. Both trials were carried out under high‐flow (CYP × Flow and CYP × Part × Flow) and low‐flow (CYP and CYP × Part) conditions, and for all cases, control experiments were performed. Drift rate, drift density (for any treatments with increased flow), and activity were used as behavioral endpoints. Multifactorial analysis of variance shows that CYP exposure significantly increased the drift, whereas Part and Flow trials significantly decreased the drift (p < 0.05). In addition, activity decreased significantly under high‐flow conditions. The CYP × Part and CYP × Flow treatments resulted in increased drift rate and drift density, respectively, whereas Part × Flow and CYP × Part × Flow treatments resulted in decreased drift density. The CYP × Part and CYP × Flow trials had a significant antagonistic, interactive effect on drift rate and drift density, respectively, with measured levels being lower than expected levels. The reduction in bioavailability of CYP in the presence of increased flow and sediment levels suggests that mayflies are more likely to be affected by spray‐drift exposure (CYP) than by runoff exposure (CYP × Part × Flow). Results indicate that mayflies reacted actively in response to flow conditions and passively in response to pesticide exposure.
Transplantation of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cells

Recombinant G‐CSF has been given to over 150 normal donors for the collection of allogeneic or syngeneic peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs). G‐CSF was found to be well‐tolerated with mild‐moderate bone pain, edema and mild thrombocytopenia being the observed side effects. To date, approximately 100 unmodified primary PBSC transplants from HLA‐identical related donors have been performed with engraftment that is, in general, considerably more rapid than marrow. Acute graft‐versus‐host‐disease (GVHD) grades II — IV occurred in 44% of patients and grades III — IV in 16%. From a small number of evaluable patients surviving for more than 100 days, it appears the incidence of chronic GVHD is approximately 50%. Despite the infusion of one to two logs more T cells, these results are not remarkably different than would be expected with marrow transplantation. Further studies are needed to define the role of allogeneic PBSCs for transplantation, to refine PBSC mobilization and collection techniques, and to evaluate the long‐term effects of cytokines in normal donors.
Recurrent Stroke after Lobar and Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Hospital-Based Cohort Study

Background: Recurrent stroke rates after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) vary widely between observational studies due to differences in ICH etiology and risk for thromboembolic events. We therefore aimed to assess the patient characteristics and prognosis after deep and lobar ICH in a well-characterized, multicenter, hospital-based cohort. Methods: Patients were prospectively documented in 13 German neurological stroke centers. Of 744 patients with spontaneous ICH discharged alive, 516 (69.4%) gave informed consent and 496 (66.7%) could be followed up by central telephone interview over a mean duration of 2 years. Results: In patients with deep ICH, the Kaplan-Meier estimate for stroke during the first year was 5.8% (95% CI 2.9–8.7) and the overall annual rate (calculated over a 3-year period) was 2.9% (95% CI 1.6–4.1). In patients with lobar ICH, the Kaplan-Meier estimate for stroke during the first year was 7.8% (95% CI 3.1–12.5) and the overall annual rate was 7.2% (95% CI 3.8–10.6). At the last follow-up before recurrent stroke or end of study, 141 patients (28.4%) overall received antiplatelet agents, and 12 (2.4%) received oral anticoagulation. No difference could be found for recurrent ICH under antiplatelet agents versus no antithrombotic medication. Conclusion: The risk of recurrent stroke after lobar ICH remains high beyond the first year, whereas it decreases after 1 year in patients with deep ICH. Antiplatelets are prescribed in a considerable number of patients even though the risk-benefit ratio after ICH remains unknown.
Pricing down-and-out power options with exponentially curved barrier

Power barrier options are options where the payoff depends on an underlying asset raised to a constant number. The barrier determines whether the option is knocked in or knocked out of existence when the underlying asset hits the prescribed barrier level, or not. This paper derives the analytical solution of the power options with an exponentially curved barrier by utilizing the reflection principle and the change of measure. Numerical results show that prices of power options with exponentially curved barrier are cheaper than those of power barrier options and power options.
Outsourcing and (Theoretical) Evolutionary Biology

Outsourcing, possible originating in the make-or-buy decision, has been investigated from a number of theoretical perspectives, such as transaction cost economics and the resource-based view; however, the use of these canonical theories has insufficiently accounted for its long-term effects, the risks associated with the decision and the phenomenon of backsourcing. To include these long-term effects, this paper presents a complementary view informed by a (theoretical) evolutionary biological perspective that counteracts some controversies raised in literature. This perspective leads to an outline of an evolutionary framework that could inform further research into the effectiveness of decision making on outsourcing.
An exploratory study of language interpretation services provided by videoconferencing

We explored the feasibility and acceptability of the remote provision of a language interpretation service during general practice consultations. Three methods were used to provide an interpretation service: a physically present interpreter (PI), a remote interpreter accessed using an ISDN videoconferencing link at 128 kbit/s (VI) and a remote interpreter accessed by telephone (TI). Thirty-six non-English-speaking patients were invited to take part and 35 agreed to do so. Twenty-nine (83%) of the patients recruited were female. The age range of the participants was 24–51 years. Fourteen consultations took place with a physically present interpreter, 11 using videoconferencing and 10 using the telephone. Mean scores on the Patient Enablement Instrument were 5.2 for the PI group, 2.3 for the VI group and 5.1 for the TI group. Mean scores on the Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale were 5.3 for the PI group, 4.9 for the VI group and 5.3 for the TI group. The visual quality and sound quality of remote interpreting were satisfactory. Both videoconferencing and hands-free telephones can deliver an acceptable interpreting service in primary care.
The effect of ω-fatty acids on the expression of phospholipase A2 group 2A in human gastric cancer patients

Background: Studies show that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may have an inhibitory role in carcinogenesis. It was previously shown that PLA2 group 2A (PLA2G2A) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression is associated with less frequent metastasis and longer survival in gastric adenocarcinoma. This study intends to investigate the effect of PUFAs on the expression of PLA2G2A in patients with gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four patients with gastric cancer (GC) were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received cisplatin medication. The second group received cisplatin medication and supplements of ω-fatty acids for three courses. The total RNA was extracted from the tissues and cDNA was synthesized. The gene expression of PLA2G2A was evaluated by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. To confirm the changes in gene expression, frozen section was utilized. The frozen tissue samples were sectioned and stained using the immunohistochemistry technique. Results: After chemotherapy and chemotherapy plus supplement, the relative mean of PLA2G2A gene expression increased 1.5 ± 0.5-fold and 7.4 ± 2.6-fold, respectively (P = 0.006). The relative mean of gene expression in patients who received cisplatin and ω-fatty acids supplement increased more significantly (7.5 ± 3.3-fold) than in patients who received only cisplatin (P = 0.016). Conclusion: It was found that PUFAs increased the gene and protein expression of PLA2G2A in gastric cancer. Concerning the fact that studies reveal protective function of PLA2G2A in gastric cancer, it is suggested that increased expression of PLA2G2A is helpful. Furthermore, PUFAs can be considered as a useful therapeutic supplement for patients with gastric cancer.