Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Rise of Citizen Security in Latin America and the Caribbean

Latin American and Caribbean societies are among the most violent on earth. The problem appears to be worsening. Why? There is not one, but several explanations accounting for the steady increases in crime and victimisation across the region. In addition to jarring inequality and chronic impunity, a major part of the problem stems from repressive and punitive approaches to tackling criminality. More positively, a new generation of home grown ‘citizen security’ measures has emerged in recent decades. These interventions expand the focus of public security measures from a narrow preoccupation with safeguarding state institutions to encompass a wider concern with preserving the safety and rights of citizens. Taken together, they include strategies to reform law enforcement, criminal justice, and penal systems together with violence prevention activities focused on at-risk families and youth. While hard scientific evidence of their effectiveness is still in short supply, citizen security represents a positive evolution of thinking in an otherwise staunchly conservative domain.
Deeper Processing Is Associated With Support for Policies to Reduce Obesity

Health communication researchers have become increasingly interested in factors that predict support for health-related policy. Previous studies have shown that judgments about issues that are influenced by political ideology can be modified by the depth with which receivers process messages related to that issue. In this study, we test whether the same pattern is found for causal attributions about obesity and, ultimately, support for policies to reduce obesity. A national, random sample of U.S. adults read a story about both individual and societal causes of obesity. The longer the time participants spent on the study, and the more words they generated in a thought-listing procedure (operationalizations of depth of processing), the more likely participants were to support policies to reduce obesity, a traditionally liberal position. The same measures of depth of processing did not influence causal explanation of obesity overall, but the more time political moderates spent on the study, the more likely they were to both attribute societal explanations for obesity’s causes and to support policies to combat obesity. We conclude with a discussion of this study’s application to health communication campaigns and future research directions.
Does Corporate Governance Affect the Financial Performance? Analysis of Findings from Jordanian Banks

The present study explored the impact of corporate governance on the financial performance of selected Jordanian banks. The study is based on secondary data collected from Annual Reports of Companies, research papers, articles and various websites. The sample of the study consists of five banks of Jordan. Multiple regression has been used as the statistical tool to measure the impact of corporate governance on the financial performance of banks under study. Corporate governance score is taken as independent variable while ROA is used as dependent proxy variable of financial performance. The findings of the current research highlighted that corporate governance score has a positive significant impact on the financial performance of Capital Bank of Jordan, Arab Bank, and Bank Al-Etihad. However, significant impact does not found on the financial performance of Jordan Islamic Bank and Jordan Dubai Islamic Bank.
Glycosaminoglycans mediate retention of the poxvirus type I interferon binding protein at the cell surface to locally block interferon antiviral responses

Eradication of smallpox was accomplished 30 yr ago, but poxviral infections still represent a public health concern due to the potential release of variola virus or the emergence of zoonotic poxviruses, such as mon‐keypox virus. A critical determinant of poxvirus virulence is the inhibition of interferons (IFNs) by the virus‐encoded type I IFN‐binding protein (IFNa/βBP). This immunomodulatory protein is secreted and has the unique property of interacting with the cell surface in order to prevent IFN‐mediated antiviral responses. However, the mechanism of its attachment to the cell surface remains unknown. Using surface plasmon resonance and cell‐binding assays, we report that the IFNa/βBP from vaccinia virus, the smallpox vaccine, interacts with cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Analysis of the contribution of different regions of the protein to cell surface binding demonstrated that clusters of basic residues in the first immunoglobulin domain mediate GAG interactions. Furthermore, mutation of the GAG‐interaction motifs does not affect its IFN‐binding and ‐blocking capacity. Functional conservation of GAG‐binding sites is demonstrated for the IFNa/βBP from variola and monkeypox viruses, extending our understanding of immune modulation by the most virulent human poxviruses. These results are relevant for the design of improved vaccines and intervention strategies. —Montanuy, I. , Alejo, A, Alcami, A Glycosaminoglycans mediate retention of the poxvirus type I interferon binding protein at the cell surface to locally block interferon antiviral responses. FASEB J. 25, 1960‐1971 (2011). www.fasebj. org
Assessing software upgrades, plan properties and patient geometry using intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) complexity metrics.

PURPOSE The aim of this study is to compare the sensitivity of different metrics to detect differences in complexity of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans following upgrades, changes to planning parameters, and patient geometry. Correlations between complexity metrics are also assessed. METHOD A program was developed to calculate a series of metrics used to describe the complexity of IMRT fields using monitor units (MUs) and multileaf collimator files: Modulation index (MI), modulation complexity score (MCS), and plan intensity map variation (PIMV). Each metric, including the MUs, was used to assess changes in beam complexity for six prostate patients, following upgrades in the inverse planning optimization software designed to incorporate direct aperture optimization (DAO). All beams were delivered to a 2D ionization chamber array and compared to those calculated using gamma analysis. Each complexity metric was then calculated for all beams, on a different set of six prostate IMRT patients, to assess differences between plans calculated using different minimum field sizes and different maximum segment numbers. Different geometries, including CShape, prostate, and head and neck phantoms, were also assessed using the metrics. Correlations between complexity metrics were calculated for 20 prostate IMRT patients. RESULTS MU, MCS, MI, and PIMV could all detect reduced complexity following an upgrade to the optimization leaf sequencer, although only MI and MCS could detect a reduction in complexity when one-step optimization (DAO) was employed rather than two-step optimization. All metrics detected a reduction in complexity when the minimum field size was increased from 1 to 4 cm and all apart from PIMV detected reduced complexity when the number of segments was significantly reduced. All metrics apart from MI showed differences in complexity depending on the treatment site. Significant correlations exist between all metrics apart from MI and PIMV for prostate IMRT patients. Treatment deliverability appeared to be more correlated with MI and MCS than MU or PIMV. CONCLUSIONS The application of complexity metrics in the IMRT treatment planning process has been demonstrated. Complexity of treatment plans can vary for different inverse planning software versions and can depend on planning parameters and the treatment site. MCS is most suitable for inclusion within the cost function to limit complexity in IMRT optimization due to its sensitivity to complexity changes and correlation to treatment deliverability.
Characterization of the 5-HT2b Receptor in Evaluation of Aequorin Detection of Calcium Mobilization for Miniaturized GPCR High-Throughput Screening

Fluorescent detection of calcium mobilization has been used successfully to identify modulators of G-protein—coupled receptors (GPCRs); however, inherent issues with fluorescence may limit its potential for high-throughput screening miniaturization. The data presented here demonstrate that the calcium-sensitive photoprotein aequorin (AequoScreen™), when compared with FLUO-4 in the same cellular background, allows for miniaturization of functional kinetic calcium flux assays, in which the rank order of potency and efficacy was maintained for a series of diverse small-molecule modulators. Small-volume (<10 µL) 384- and 1536-well aequorin assays were implemented by integration of acoustic dispensing (Echo 550™) and kinetic flash luminometry (CyBi Lumax™). The enhanced high signal-to-background ratios observed relative to fluorescence were readily manipulated by altering per-well cell densities and yielded acceptable screening statistics in miniaturized format for both agonist and antagonist screening scenarios. In addition, the authors demonstrate the feasibility of using agonist concentrations less than EC50 in a miniaturized antagonist assay. These features, coupled with improved sample handling, should enhance sensitivity and provide the benefits of miniaturization including cost reduction and throughput gains. (Journal of Biomolecular Screening 2008:486-493)
EVALUATION OF METASTATIC LYMPH NODES IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN PALPATION, ULTRASONOGRAPHY, ULTRASOUND-GUIDED FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Abstract Study design. In head and neck cancer patients, diagnosis of metastatic lymph nodes of the neck is essential for treatment planning and prognosis assessment. In a retrospective study, we compared palpation, ultrasonography, ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration and computed tomography in patients with head and neck cancer. Methods. Results of palpation, ultrasonography and computed tomography were available in 78 out of 110 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology was performed in 26 of these patients. Patients with suspected lymph node(s) observed in one or more techniques underwent neck dissection. Results. Twenty seven patients underwent neck dissection, studying 150 lymph node regions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and efficacy were calculated for palpation (48.7 %, 95.5 %, 79.2 %, 84.1 %, 83.3 % respectively), ultrasonography (65.8 %, 83.0 %, 56.8 %, 87.7 %, 78.7 % respectively), ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (86.7 %, 87.5 %, 81.3 %, 91.3 %, 87.2 % respectively) and computed tomography (52.5 %, 83.6 %, 53.9 %, 82.9 %, 75.3 % respectively). Conclusions. In the assessment of lymph node metastases of the neck in patients with primary head and neck cancer, we found a high specificity for palpation of the neck and an acceptable efficacy for both ultrasonography and computed tomography being comparable between the two methods. Efficacy of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology was high approaching the value of 90 %.
Identification of Hypoxia-Regulated Proteins in Head and Neck Cancer by Proteomic and Tissue Array Profiling

Hypoxia within solid tumors decreases therapeutic efficacy, and identification of hypoxia markers may influence the choice of therapeutic modality. Here, we used a proteomic approach to identify hypoxia-regulated proteins and validated their use as endogenous indicators of tumor hypoxia. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and PowerBlot (antibody-based array), we identified a group of 20 proteins that are increased ≥1.5-fold during hypoxia. The majority of these proteins such as IκB kinase β (IKKβ), MKK3b, highly expressed in cancer (HEC), density-regulated protein 1, P150glued, nuclear transport factor 2, binder of ARL 2, Paxillin, and transcription termination factor I have not been previously reported to be hypoxia inducible. The increase in these proteins under hypoxia was mediated through posttranscriptional mechanisms. We additionally characterized the role of IKKβ, a regulator of the nuclear factor-κB transcription factor, during hypoxia. We demonstrated that IKKβ mediates cell survival during hypoxia and is induced in a variety of squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Furthermore, we showed that IKKβ expression from tumor specimens correlated with tumor oxygenation in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. These data suggest that IKKβ is a novel endogenous marker of tumor hypoxia and may represent a new target for anticancer therapy.
University Business Models in Disequilibrium – Engaging Industry and End Users within University Technology Transfer Processes

This article explores how greater engagement with industry and end users has influenced the University Technology Transfer Business Model. In order to achieve this, they adopted a qualitative methodology which draws upon case study evidence of two case universities located in a particular region. The findings, represented in a conceptual framework depict a hybrid University Technology Transfer Business Model which is in a state of permanent disequilibrium as a result of path dependency and organisational culture. This permanent disequilibrium was found to cause challenges in relation to scarce resource allocation and also impacted upon the willingness and ability of academics to engage with industry and end users throughout the technology transfer process. This article contributes to an emerging stream of research on hybrid business models by identifying the challenges of permanent disequilibrium where multiple and conflicting stakeholder goals compete for legitimacy and scarce resources. From a policy and practitioner viewpoint, this research draws attention to the complexities of university, government, industry and end user (Quadruple Helix stakeholders) engagement and the implications of such on university strategy where conflicting dominant logics can cause challenges with alignment of organisational processes and mechanisms.
Inter-Dependencies Between Insider Ownership, Capital Structure, Investment Decisions and Corporate Valuation1

This study empirically tests the interrelationships among ownership structure, capital structure, investment decisions and corporate valuation. The Hausman specification tests show that these variables are endogenously related and therefore the study uses a system of equations and estimates the relations using the 2SLS method. The empirical tests show that the relationship between corporate investment and corporate value is positive, but nonlinear at varying levels of inside ownership. Results also show that the impact of insider ownership on corporate investment and value is nonlinear, a unique finding of this study. Furthermore, this study confirms substitute relationships among ownership measures (debt, insider ownership, and institutional ownership) as well as between investment flexibility and financial flexibility.
Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Turkey Among Men With Urethritis

Background Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are known to cause urethritis. However, only a small number of studies in Eastern European countries have investigated the causes of urethritis. Goals To determine the prevalence of C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae among men with symptomatic urethritis in Istanbul, Turkey, and to determine whether contact with a commercial sex worker increased the likelihood of chlamydial infections. Study Design Men with a diagnosis of urethritis at the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine were screened for C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae by Abbott’s ligase chain reaction (LCR) using either urethral swabs or first-void urine. N gonorrhoeae cultures were done on a subset of these patients. Results The study enrolled 813 men. All of the men denied condom use during their previous sexual exposures. The overall prevalence of C trachomatis, as determined by LCR, was 15.7%. Only 192 patients were screened for both organisms. N gonorrhoeae prevalence was 9.4%. There was no difference in the chlamydia prevalence between men who had contact with commercial sex workers (CSWs) and men who had no such contact (15.3% versus 17.2%). However, clients of foreign CSWs were more likely to have chlamydia than clients of registered Turkish CSWs. Conclusions C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae are commonly found in Turkish men with urethritis. The findings did not show more chlamydial infection among men who had contact with CSWs than among men who had no such contact. The failure to use condoms among these men must be addressed.
Embracing Downside Risk

It is well known that investors have asymmetric risk preferences when it comes to bearing downside risk versus participating in the upside. Options markets provide a useful and intuitive way to quantify these asymmetric preferences by way of the returns associated with being on either side. The authors show this using equity index options and find that most of the empirical equity risk premium reflects compensation for downside risk—in fact, upside participation earned little reward in the long run, reflecting an extreme asymmetry that might be surprising to some investors. The analysis is extended to other asset classes to show similar (albeit in some cases weaker) results. Data and economic theory suggest that investors who attempt to deal with downside risk by being long options should expect to underperform.
Treatment of Femoral Diaphyseal Nonunions

There have been conflicting reports regarding treatment of femoral diaphyseal nonunions using reamed intramedullary nailing. Although high union rates have been reported using this technique, not all orthopaedic surgeons have experienced the same success. A retrospective review of charts and radiographs of 39 adult patients with nonunions of the femoral diaphysis treated at the authors’ institution with reamed intramedullary nailing, compression, and with and without interlocking was done. The time from the index procedure to nonunion repair was 4 to 75 months (average, 19 months). Fifteen patients had 18 procedures between the index operation and nonunion repair. The average followup from nonunion repair to the most recent examination was 22.5 months (range, 3–108 months) with a median of 15 months. At the last followup, the overall union rate was 74% after one procedure and 97% after two or more procedures. There were seven complications including two infections, one pulmonary embolus, one occurrence of a deep venous thrombosis, a hematoma, and one case of malrotation. The data support the use of antegrade reamed nailing as a successful technique for treatment of most femoral diaphyseal nonunions.
Cost effectiveness of early discharge after uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND Reducing the length of hospitalizations can reduce short-term costs, but there are few data on the long-term clinical and economic consequences of early discharge. METHODS Using data from the Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO-1) trial, we identified 22,361 patients with acute myocardial infarction who had an uncomplicated course for 72 hours after thrombolysis. Then, using a decision-analytic model, we examined the cost effectiveness of an additional day of hospitalization in this group. We defined incremental survival attributable to another day of monitored hospitalization, using Kaplan-Meier estimates to determine the rate of resuscitation after cardiac arrest between 72 and 96 hours. Lifetime survival curves for each group in the decision-analytic model were estimated from empirical one-year survival data from GUSTO-1. The costs of key hospital resources (e.g., room and monitoring) were derived from data in the GUSTO-1 cost-effectiveness analysis. RESULTS Of the patients with an uncomplicated course within 72 hours after thrombolysis, 16 had ventricular arrhythmias during the next 24 hours; 13 of these patients (81 percent) survived for at least 24 hours. On average, another 0.006 year of life per patient could be saved by keeping patients with an uncomplicated course in the hospital another day. At a cost of $624 for hospital and physicians' services, extending the hospital stay by another day would cost $105,629 per year of life saved. In sensitivity analyses, it was found that a fourth day of hospitalization would be economically attractive only if its cost could be reduced by more than 50 percent or if a high-risk subgroup could be identified in which the estimated survival benefit would be doubled. CONCLUSIONS Hospitalization of patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction beyond three days after thrombolysis is economically unattractive by conventional standards.
Modified on-surface discretized boundary equation method for solving scattering problems of concave conducting cylinders

A modified on-surface discretized boundary equation (OS-DBE) method is proposed for solving scattering problems of conducting cylinders with electrically large concave parts. It utilizes the original OS-DBE to determine the surface current density on the convex part point by point, while obtains the current distribution for the concave area by the OS-DBE in only one operation. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, and Their Receptors in Stage IV Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Angiogenesis is increased in hematologic malignancies, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Elevated serum levels of two important angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), are associated with a poor prognosis. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate 27 patients with NHL and bone marrow involvement (17 with low-grade B-cell NHL, including 7 with higher grade transformation; 6 with intermediate-grade B-cell NHL; and 4 with T-cell lymphoma). Among the 17 patients with low-grade B-cell NHL, results for 7 were positive for VEGF stain (41.2%), and results were negative for all other stains for VEGF receptors, bFGF, and bFGF receptors. In the 10 patients with intermediate-grade B-cell NHL and T-cell lymphoma, all VEGF staining was positive (100%), but bFGF staining was only weakly positive in 2. Staining results for seven patients who had low-grade B-cell NHL with higher grade transformation showed that VEGF staining was positive in large lymphoid cells of 5 patients and in small lymphoid cells of one patient. Staining for the receptors VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 was positive in large lymphoid cells in four and two cases, respectively. Staining for bFGF was positive in two cases of large lymphoid cells. We concluded that VEGF, but not bFGF, was associated with higher tumor grading of NHL and high-grade transformation of low-grade lymphoma.
Decomposing the Size Premium

We decompose firm size into four components: the lagged 5-year component that represents size five years ago, and the long-run, intermediate-run, and short-run components that capture changes in size in each horizon. Our analyses indicate that while the lagged 5-year component explains about 80% of the cross-sectional variation in size, it has little return predictability. In contrast, the long-run change in size component explains only 18% of size, but it completely captures the size premium. Our decomposition also sheds light on the January effect, the disappearance of the size premium since early 1980s, and the return behaviors of new entrants.