Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between time to disease progression end points and overall survival in patients with neuroendocrine tumors

Overall survival can be difficult to determine for slowly progressing malignancies, such as neuroendocrine tumors. We investigated whether time to disease progression is positively associated with overall survival in patients with such tumors. A literature review identified 22 clinical trials in patients with neuroendocrine tumors that reported survival probabilities for both time to disease progression (progression-free survival and time to progression) and overall survival. Associations between median time to disease progression and median overall survival and between treatment effects on time to disease progression and treatment effects on overall survival were analyzed using weighted least-squares regression. Median time to disease progres- sion was significantly associated with median overall survival (coefficient 0.595; P=0.022). In the seven randomized studies identified, the risk reduction for time to disease progression was positively associated with the risk reduction for overall survival (coefficient on −ln(HR) 0.151; 95% confidence interval −0.843, 1.145; P=0.713). The significant association between median time to disease progression and median overall survival supports the assertion that time to dis- ease progression is an alternative end point to overall survival in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. An apparent albeit not significant trend correlates treatment effects on time to disease progression and treatment effects on overall survival. Informal surveys of physicians' perceptions are consistent with these concepts, although additional randomized trials are needed.
Firm Location in a Polycentric City: The Effects of Taxes and Agglomeration Economies on Location Decisions

The authors explore the determinants of firm location in a polycentric city with the aid of data for the Houston region. Firm location is modeled in a discrete-choice framework, with eight employment centers and outlying areas used as possible choices. Agglomerative and dispersive forces are explicitly treated, as are taxes and other characteristics that vary over space. The findings suggest that property taxes have large deterrent effects on firm locations for the four industrial groups analyzed here: oil and gas; manufacturing; finance, insurance and real estate (FIRE); and services. When agglomeration economies are present, they are weaker than the tax effects and are positive for only the FIRE and services industrial groups.
Phooling Taxpayers ? Experience from Fungibility of Special Taxes

The concept of fungibility is central in corporate finance. Its origin can be traced to a series of famous papers by Miller and Modigliani ([22], [23], [21]) on the cost of capital and theory of investment. The intuition behind the proposition has inspired several studies beyond the realm of corporate finance [20]. However, its applicability to government expenditures is unclear. In the empirical part of this thesis, we evaluate if the intuition behind the irrelevance proposition also holds for special taxes. We build a basic model of government expenditure behavior to test the fungibility of special taxes. Through two different characterizations, we find that library special taxes imposed in California from 1992 2009 are fungible. This result motivates further analysis of areas where governments choose to raise special taxes. To answer this we analyze library ballots city residents in California voted on to approve special taxes. We find that these ballots and campaigns appeal to the monkey-on-the-shoulder of a voter. Through persuasive campaigns and craftily worded official communications governments exploit the tendency of voters to graft stories from advertisements onto the stories they tell themselves. Effectively, governments employ special taxes as a tool of fiscal illusion and mute out tax salience through stories targeted at voter’s vulnerable emotions.
High resolution spectroscopy of HD 207538 from Far-UV (FUSE) to Visible (SARG-TNG) A global picture of the stellar and interstellar features modeled

We present a detailed study of the suspected Chemically Peculiar star HD 207538 based on high resolution spec- troscopy in the far Ultraviolet (1000-3350 A) and visible (4600-7000 A) ranges. The stellar abundance synthesis analysis was performed by using Kurucz's codes ATLAS9 and SYNTHE to compute the atmospheric model and the synthetic spectrum respectively. Observations were obtained with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer ,t heInternational Ultraviolet Explorersatellites whereas the optical spectrum was collected with the ground-based Telescopio Nazionale Galileotelescope. With our analysis we refine the value of the rotational velocity to ve sin i = 42 3k m s 1 and the microturbulence velocity to = 8 1k m s 1 . The stellar abundances inferred in this study show that C, N, O, Al, Si, P, S and Mn are compatible with the standard solar abundances, within the experimental errors. On the other hand, Fe, Ni and Zn are definitively underabundant. We also show that the helium content is comparable to the typical abundance of B-type stars. Because this spectrum is rich in stellar and interstellar features, we computed simultaneously a synthetic spectrum of the stellar and interstellar lines in order to disentangle the dierent absorption contributions. We thus also determined the column densi- ties of several interstellar elements (Feii ,N i ,P ii ,H i ,H 2, HD, CO, Cli and Ari) present in the gas in front of the star. Although several components are present along this sightline, our results suggest the presence of some translucent interstellar gas among the diuse components. With this work, we demonstrate that it is possible to perform a stellar spectroscopic analysis from the far-UV to visible spectral range, with consistent results in both ranges within errors, based on one single atmosphere model.
Safety and efficacy of tirapazamine as anti-cancer drug: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide both in developing and developed countries alike. In Indian scenario the incidence of cancer was supposed to increase from 0.8 million in 2001 to 1.2 million by 2016. Cancer of lung, esophagus and stomach form the major proportion of cancers in men while the cervical, breast and oral cancers predominate females. The major feature of the solid cancer tumors is the presence of poorly oxygenated areas leading to development of hypoxic cells or quiescent cells which are prone for development of radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistant cancer cells. Presence of hypoxia and hypoxic cells is a stimulus for angiogenesis and predisposes to metastasis. The concept of killing these hypoxic cancer cells which once was considered as a problem has been considered as opportunity and lead to development of drugs that selectively targeted hypoxic cancer cells. One such drug, tirazapamine gained attention and interest owing to its chemo and radio sensitizing effects. It acts by inducing irreversible DNA doublestrand break and found to be synergistic especially with platinum based cancer chemotherapeutic agent cisplatinum. Drug showed positive results from preclinical study models and was found to have mixed benefits in few of the phase-2 and 3 clinical trials. Whether this drug is a complete failure is yet to be ABSTRACT
Vortex formation and survival in protoplanetary discs subject to vertical shear instability

Several protoplanetary disks observed by ALMA show dust concentrations consistent with particle trapping in giant vortices. The formation and survival of vortices is of major importance for planet formation, because vortices act as particle traps and are therefore preferred locations of planetesimal formation. Recent studies showed that the vertical shear instability (VSI) is capable of generating turbulence and small vortices in protoplanetary disks that have the proper radial and vertical stratification and thermally relax on sufficiently short time scales. But the effect of the azimuthal extend of the disk is often neglected as the disks azimuth is limited to $\Delta \phi \leq \pi/2$. We aim to investigate the influence of the azimuthal extent of the disk on the long-term evolution of a protoplanetary disk and the possibility of large vortices forming. To this end, we perform 3-dimensional simulations for up to 1000 local orbits using different values of $\Delta \phi = \pi/2 $ to $2\pi$ for VSI in disks with a prescribed radial density and temperature gradient cooling on short timescales. We find the VSI capable of forming large vortices which can exist at least several hundred orbits in simulations covering a disk with $\Delta \phi \geq \pi$. This suggests the VSI to be capable to form vortices or at least to trigger vortex formation via a secondary instability, e.g. Rossby Wave Instability or Kelvin Helmholtz Instability.
The aaersion to lying

We experimentally investigate the effect of cheap talk in a bargaining game with onesided asymmetric information. A seller has private information about her skill and is provided an opportunity to communicate this information to a buyer through a written message. Four different treatments are compared: one without communication, one with free-form communication, and two treatments with pre-specified communication in the form of promises of varying strength. Our results suggest that individuals have an aversion towards lying about private information and that the aversion to lying increases with the size of the lie and the strength of the promise. Freely formulated messages lead to the fewest lies and the most efficient outcomes.
Stability of T-DNA Integration in Phalaenopsis “Sogo Vivien” Transgenic Orchid Carrying 35S::Gal4::AtRKD4::GR

Orchid is an elegant ornamental plant and favoured by the society. Phalaenopsis "Sogo vivien" is a mini-sized orchid with an interesting white-striped purple petals. This study was aimed to analyze the stability of the integration of embryonic gene carrier T-DNA from Arabidobsis AtRKD4 into the P. "Sogo vivien" genome produced in 2016. The study was conducted in 3 stages: 1) Transgenic plant phenotype analysis (1 year old); 2) Examination of T-DNA integration in orchid genotypes using PCR. 3) Analysis of transgenic plant leaf explants’ ability to produce somatic embryo in vitro. In vitro cultures were performed on the base medium of New Phalaenopsis (NP), plus various concentrations of TDZ (0, 1, 2 mg.L -1 ) and IBA (0, 1, 2 mg.L -1 ) or without TDZ and IBA as controls. The transgenic Phalaenopsis ‘Sogo vivien’ were transferred to pot mediums via ex vitro with two treatments: the first leaves were cut as explants for in vitro culture, and the plants were transferred to the mixture of fern medium with shavings of bark. The integration of T-DNA in the genome was detected by DNA genome amplification from the second leaves using the AtRKD4 gene primers and the POH1 gene. The results showed that the highest number of somatic embryo (SE) propagules or protocorm like bodies (PLBs) amounted to 27 were derived from transgenic plant # 2 cultured on NP + 2 mg.L -1 TDZ +1 mg.L -1 IBA medium. The presence of AtRKD4 transgenes were detected with the amplification of 380 bp of the RKD4 gene from the genome of transgenic plant # 2 by using PCR. There were 2 out of 15 plants that positively carry the AtRKD4 gene and produce SE. Thus, the stability of the AtRKD4 carrier T-DNA integration in the genomes of transgenic plants was 13.3%.
Masked Noncognate Priming across Farsi and English

In an attempt to test the prediction made by dual lexical model (Gollan, Forster, & Frost, 1997)regarding mental representation of non-cognate translation pairs (semantically similar translations) across languages with different scripts, non-cognate translation pairs were examined in a masked priming experiment across Farsi and English in L1-L2 and L2-L1direction. The results of the study showed a different pattern of priming for non-cognate as compared with Gollan et al study. The results of the study are discussed in terms of “entry opening “(Forster & Davis 1984; Davis, Schoknecht, & Carter, 1987) and Distributed Feature Model (De Groot ,1992).
The Effectiveness of Macroeconomic Commitment in Weak(er) Institutional Environments

This paper analyzes the institutional conditions affecting the establishment and effectiveness of independent central banks and of budgetary institutions. It draws on the recent theory developed by North, Wallis and Weingast on the transition from a closed and fragile state to an open economic and political environment. The paper presents a composite indicator allowing for the identification of a country’s position along this transition path. The findings suggest that (i) while the establishment of autonomous central banks seems to be relatively independent from the broader institutional framework, sound budgetary institutions tend to be established in countries with higher levels of rule of law for the elites, and (ii) while central bank independence is effective in reducing inflation irrespective of a country’s position along the transition path, budget institutions seem to be most effective as a disciplining device in weak institutional environments.
The Ecology of Cnemidophorus ocellifer (Squamata, Teiidae) in a Neotropical Savanna

Abstract We studied the ecology of the lizard Cnemidophorus ocellifer Spix 1825 in the central Brazilian Cerrado. Cnemidophorus ocellifer was active on open ground, in sandy soils and rocky fields, during the hottest hours of the day. Mean body temperatures (37.5°C) were high, relative to sympatric lizard species, and more associated with substrate temperatures than with air temperatures. The thermal ecology of C. ocellifer seems to be tightly associated with an active mode of foraging. Termites were the most important prey, and there was no significant association between head dimensions and prey dimensions. Cnemidophorus ocellifer showed strong sexual dimorphism in body size and shape, with males having larger bodies and head dimensions, and females having longer and thicker bodies. Clutch size averaged 2.1 and was positively correlated with female SVL. Females were reproductively active during the dry season (May to September) and recruitment occurred from July to November. Males were reproductively active throughout the year, peaking from March to August, coinciding with the period of female reproduction. The reproductive cycle in C. ocellifer may be determined by the greater availability of direct sunlight and its physiological effects upon breeding activities, such as courtship and mating, during the dry season.
A Literature Review of Self-Esteem and Physical Self-Efficacy with Female Adolescents

: Positive self-esteem and physical self-efficacy have been found to be contributing factors in the well-being of female adolescence. Research has supported that sports participation has resulted in many positive factors toward healthy development in female adolescents. The purpose of the paper is to examine self-esteem and physical self-efficacy of adolescent girls’ involvement in sports. Previous research will attempt to reveal correlations between participation in adolescent female sports and a statistically significant relationship between self-esteem and physical self-efficacy. In formulating a theoretical perspective for the proposed study of the relationship between adolescent involvement in sports and self-esteem and physical self-efficacy, the social cognitive theory provides a solid prototype. Albert Bandura is known for his research and work on social cognitive theory. The main question for psychologists is why do individuals act the way they do? Bandura believes the answer to this question is a combination of individual’s cognitions and their environment. An individual’s cognitions and environment will work together to form certain behaviors.
Enhancing Students' Use of Cohesive Devices: Impacts of PowerPoint Presentations on EFL Academic Writing

This study aims to explore the impacts of preparing and presenting PowerPoint slides in EFL settings on the improvement of cohesive devices in EFL setting. In order to examine the effects of PowerPoint presentations on students' use of cohesive devices, sixty two BA students from University of Isfahan were randomly assigned into 2 groups. The course was“advanced writing”. Each session lasted 90 minutes. One group received the traditional textbook teaching style whereas the other group received the power points of the same materials during ten sessions. Comparing the performance of two groups based on use of cohesive devices, it became evident that students in power point group performed better than students in traditional teaching style. (Frequency use of cohesive devices in power point group is 47.79 and the frequency use of cohesive devices in traditional teaching style is 27.79). Also results indicated that preparing and presenting power point slides had a significant effect on students writing achievement and their appropriate use of cohesive devices.
Modal Based Tanpura Simulation: Combining Tension Modulation and Distributed Bridge Interaction

Techniques for the simulation of the tanpura have advanced significantly in recent years allowing numerically stable inclusion of bridge contact. In this paper tension modulation is added to a tanpura model containing a stiff lossy string, distributed bridge contact and the thread. The model is proven to be unconditionally stable and the numerical solver used has a unique solution as a result of choices made in the discretisation process. Effects due to the distribution of the bridge contact forces by comparison to a single point bridge and of introducing the tension modulation are studied in simulations. This model is intended for use in furthering the understanding of the physics of the tanpura and for informing the development of algorithms for sound synthesis of the tanpura and similar stringed instruments.
A novel mechanism of action of ketoconazole: inhibition of the NorA efflux pump system and biofilm formation in multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Background: The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance among Gram-positive organisms, especially staphylococci, has become a serious clinical challenge. Efflux machinery and biofilm formation are considered two of the main causes of antimicrobial resistance and therapy failure. Aim: Our study aims to evaluate the antibiofilm and efflux pump inhibitory activity of the antifungal ketoconazole against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus. Methods: Ketoconazole was tested for its effect on the following: minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, levofloxacin, and ethidium bromide (EtBr) by the broth microdilution method, the efflux of EtBr by NorA-positive MDR S. aureus, and the relative expression of NorA, NorB, and NorC efflux pump genes. Docking studies of ketoconazole were performed using 1PW4 (glycerol-3-phosphate transporter from Escherichia coli which was the representative structure from the major facilitator superfamily). Results: Ketoconazole significantly decreased the MICs of levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and EtBr (a substrate for efflux pump) by 8 to 1024-fold (P<0.01) and decreased the efflux of EtBr. Furthermore, a time-kill assay revealed that combinations of levofloxacin with ketoconazole or carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone showed no growth for the tested strains after 24 h in comparison to the effect of levofloxacin alone. Docking studies and the ability of ketoconazole to diminish the relative expression of NorA gene in comparison to control (untreated strains) confirmed its action as an efflux pump inhibitor. Conclusion: The findings showed that the antifungal ketoconazole has no antibacterial activity but can potentiate the activity of the fluroquinolones against MDR S. aureus via inhibiting efflux pump and biofilm formation in vitro.
Modular Tumor Resection Prosthesis in Osteosarcoma Treatment Osteosarkom Tedavisinde Modüler Tümör Rezeksiyon Protezi

Osteosarkom; Cerrahi Tedavi; Tümör Rezeksiyon Protezi; Sonuç Abstract Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the cases who underwent tumor resection prosthesis due to osteosarcoma. Material and Method: 14 cases who underwent tumor resection prosthesis due to osteosarcoma in our clinic between 2000 and 2012 and who had sufficient follow-ups were evaluated. The cases were examined in terms of gender, age, direction, tumor location, follow-up time, success of the treatment, complication, recurrence, and survival. The data obtained were transferred to the SPSS 15.0 program and analyzed. Normality distributions of the data were analyzed with the ShapiroWilk test. Results: 8 of the 14 cases were male, 6 were female, and the average age of the cases was 21.9±7.02. Osteosarcoma was in the distal femur in 9 (64.3%) of the patients, in the proximal tibia in 5 (35.7%) of the patients, in the right lower extremity in 5 of the patients, and in the left lower extremity in 9 of the patients. Average follow-up time was 33 months (3-144 months range). Average MSTS score was found as 81.9 (53-96 range), perfect results were taken in 11 (78.6%) patients while insufficient results were taken in 3 (21.4%) patients. As for complications, aseptic softening was observed in 3 cases, peroneal nerve paralysis was observed in 2 cases, skin necrosis was observed in 2 cases, periprostatic fracture was observed in 2 cases, prosthesis infection was observed in 1 case, and local recurrence was observed in 1 case. Except for the two cases with peroneal nerve paralysis, cases with complications recovered without any problems. The patient who developed local recurrence was lost due to lung metastasis. Discussion: Treatment of osteosarcoma through tumor resection prosthesis raises question marks due to possible complications that can affect the survival of the prosthesis in the long term. However, this treatment method is favorable in terms of stability, early load efficiency, and causing less anxiety than osteosynthesis; it is also psychologically more pleasing than amputation.
Thermodynamic model for the solubility of thorium dioxide in the Na+-Cl--OH--H2O system at 23°C and 90°C

Data are extremely limited on the effects of temperature on crystallinity and the resulting changes in solubility products of thermally transformed thorium oxide phases. Such data are required to reliably predict thorium behavior in high-level waste repositories where higher than ambient temperatures are expected. Solubility studies were conducted as a function of pH and time and at 0.1 M NaCl for 1) ThO2(am) at 23°C, 2) ThO2 (am→c), a thermally transformed amorphous thorium hydrous oxide at 90°C, and 3) ThO2(c) at 23°C and 90°C. Results show that when ThO2(am) is heated to 90°C, it transforms to a relatively insoluble and crystalline solid [ThO2(am→c)]. At a fixed pH, the observed solubility of ThO2(am) at 23°C is more than 11 orders of magnitude greater than those for ThO2(c) at 23°C or of ThO2(am→c) and ThO2(c) at 90°C. Solubility data were interpreted using the Pitzer ion-interaction model. The log of the solubility product for the thorium dioxide dissolution reaction [ThO2(s) + 2 H2O ↔ Th4+ + 4 OH-] was determined to be -44.9 for ThO2(am) at 23°C, ≥-56.9 for ThO2(c) at 23°C, and -51.4 for ThO2(c) at 90°C. At 90°C, a relatively less crystalline phase, ThO2(am→c), showed slightly higher solubility (log Ksp = -49.2) than crystalline ThO2(c).