Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New ALS‐Related Genes Expand the Spectrum Paradigm of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. Clinical heterogeneity is a well‐recognized feature of the disease as age of onset, site of onset and the duration of the disease can vary greatly among patients. A number of genes have been identified and associated to familial and sporadic forms of ALS but the majority of cases remains still unexplained. Recent breakthrough discoveries have demonstrated that clinical manifestations associated with ALS‐related genes are not circumscribed to motor neurons involvement. In this view, ALS appears to be linked to different conditions over a continuum or spectrum in which overlapping phenotypes may be identified. In this review, we aim to examine the increasing number of spectra, including ALS/Frontotemporal Dementia and ALS/Myopathies spectra. Considering all these neurodegenerative disorders as different phenotypes of the same spectrum can help to identify common pathological pathways and consequently new therapeutic targets in these incurable diseases.
Comparison of Neuropsychiatric Side Effects in an Observational Cohort of Efavirenz- and Protease Inhibitor-Treated Patients

Abstract Purpose: To compare the extent of neuropsychiatric disturbances in two similar groups of HIV-infected patients treated for >4 weeks with either efavirenz (EFV) or protease inhibitors (PIs) as part of their antiretroviral therapy (ART). Method: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based cohort of HIV patients who received two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors combined with either EFV (n = 75) or one or more PIs (n = 77) for at least 4 weeks and were tolerating therapy. The extent of neuropsychiatric disturbances was evaluated based on self-reported symptoms using the psychological evaluation test SCL-90-R. Treatment duration was broken down into quartiles of 30-198 days, >198-365 days, >365-637 days, and >637 days. Results: In the first 6 months of therapy, significantly higher (worse) scores were seen in 39/75 (52%) of the patients receiving EFV. The EFV-treated group had significantly higher scores for somatization, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior, the Global Severity Index, and the Positive Symptom Distress Index, with trends for higher scores in paranoid ideation and depression symptom subcategories. Over the following 6 to 12 months of therapy, the EFV group scored higher than the PI group in somatization, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior, hostility, depression, the Global Severity Index, and the Positive Symptom Total, but the differences were not significant. After 12 months of therapy, the EFV group had significantly lower scores than the PI group for somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, Global Severity Index, and Positive Symptom Total. Conclusion: EFV-induced neuropsychiatric symptoms can last up to 200 days after treatment initiation. However, symptom severity appears to decline over time in EFV-treated patients versus patients treated with a PI-based ART.
A new pyranoxanthone from Garcinia nervosa

Abstract Phytochemical studies on the stem bark of Garcinia nervosa has resulted in the discovery of one new pyranoxanthone derivative, garner xanthone (1) and five other compounds, 1,5-dihydroxyxanthone (2), 6-deoxyisojacareubin (3), 12b-hydroxy-des-D-garcigerrin A (4) stigmasterol (5), and β-sitosterol (6). The structures of these compounds were elucidated with the aid of spectroscopic techniques, such as NMR and MS. The crude extracts of the plant were assessed for their antimicrobial activity.
NAALADase inhibition reduces alcohol consumption in the alcohol‐preferring (P) line of rats

N‐acetyl‐aspartyl‐glutamate (NAAG) is a major peptide component of the brain, with millimolar tissue levels of 0.1–5 nmol/mg wet weight. NAAG is hydrolyzed by the enzyme N‐acetylated alpha‐linked acidic dipeptidase (NAALADase; glutamate carboxypeptidase II; EC no. 3.4.17.21) to N‐acetyl‐aspartate (NAA) and glutamate. Recently, a potent and selective NAALADase inhibitor termed 2‐(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (2‐PMPA) was identified that has a 300 pM Ki for NAALADase inhibition. Given the accumulating evidence indicating an important role of the glutamate system in alcoholism and dependence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemic administration of 2‐PMPA (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg; i.p.) upon the ethanol intakes of alcohol‐preferring (P) rats. Female P rats (n = 8) received daily 1‐hour scheduled access to a 10% (v/v) ethanol. In a within‐subjects design, 2‐PMPA treatments were tested once a week. Baseline ethanol drinking consisted of the mean of the 3 days prior to testing in which saline injections were given. Results indicated that, whereas the 200 mg/kg dose of 2‐PMPA had no effect on ethanol intake, both the 50 and 100 mg/kg doses significantly reduced ethanol consumption by approximately 25% (p < 0.05) during the 1‐hour access period. Body weights and 24‐hour water intakes were not altered at any of the doses. These data suggest that the NAAG/NAALADase system may be involved in neuronal systems regulating alcohol‐drinking behavior.
Diagnosis and treatment of malaria in Britain.

In the tropics malaria is a major killer, especially of young children in areas of intense transmission of Plasmodium fakiparum: there may be a million or more such deaths in Africa every year. ' In parts of the world with no transmission of malaria (fig 1) returning travellers and visitors, infected elsewhere, continue to develop the illness. Twelve patients died of malaria in Britain in 1991; IO died in 1992. Of the four species of plasmodium that commonly cause human infections, one-P falciparum-is responsible for nearly all malaria deaths. The othersP vivax, P ovale, and P malariae-cause febrile illnesses that are troublesome but rarely fatal. The increased incidence of "imported" malaria in Britain since the 1970s has been due largely to a steady increase in the incidence ofPfakiparum infections (fig 2). Several factors have combined to increase the problem of imported malaria in Britain and other industrial nations: increased travel (more malaria infections); increasing resistance of Pfalcipanum,2 and recently of P vivax,3 to chemoprophylactic drugs (more infections progressing to disease); inadequate or neglected travel advice (more infections and disease); and delayed diagnosis and treatment (progression of falciparum malaria to life threatening disease).
18Fluoroethyl‐l‐tyrosine‐PET in long‐term epilepsy associated glioneuronal tumors

Purpose: Long‐term epilepsy associated tumors (LEATs) are a frequent cause of drug‐resistant partial epilepsy. A reliable tumor diagnosis has an important impact on therapeutic strategies and prognosis in patients with epilepsy, but often is difficult by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) only. Herein we analyzed a large LEAT cohort investigated by 18fluoroethyl‐l‐tyrosine–positron emission tomography (FET‐PET).
Does Active Management Pay in Italy? A Study of Mutual Fund Performance in the Period 1989-1999

Mutual funds (in the form of open-end unit trusts) were introduced in the Italian financial system in 1984. In this paper we assessed mutual fund performance in Italy in the decade April 1989-March 1999. We used absolute performance data, portfolio compositions and net inflows data to measure the security selection and market timing skills with different performance measure models such as a linear market model, a multi-factor model, a quadratic model and a conditional model. Overall, the after-cost risk-adjusted extra-performance was not significantly different from zero implying that the information and analysis superiority went to cover mostly costs (mainly management fees and taxes). However, this resulted from two different contributions: security selection and style rotation were able to add value whereas market timing activity had a negative impact on financial performances. Besides, we showed that investing into mutual funds in Italy was a good way to diversify into financial markets according to the modern financial theories.
Between Light and Shadow: Informality in the Russian Labour Market

Economic growth in Russia in the first decade of this century almost doubled the country's GDP but was accompanied by substantial reallocation of labor to the unregulated sector while formal employment was on gradual decline. The paper overviews evolution of the Russian labour market during the period of 2000-10 and discusses most general implications of informality to employment and earnings as well as the associated political economy challenges and consequences.
Hierarchical formation of bulgeless galaxies: why outflows have low angular momentum

Using high resolution, fully cosmological smoothed particle hydrodynamical simulations of dwarf galaxies in a Lambda cold dark matter Universe, we show how high redshift gas outflows can modify the baryon angular momentum distribution and allow pure disc galaxies to form. We outline how galactic outflows preferentially remove low angular momentum material due a combination of (a) star formation peaking at high redshift in shallow dark matter potentials, an epoch when accreted gas has relatively low angular momentum, (b) the existence of an extended reservoir of high angular momentum gas in the outer disc to provide material for prolonged SF at later times and (c) the tendency for outflows to follow the path of least resistance which is perpendicular to the disc. We also show that outflows are enhanced during mergers, thus expelling much of the gas which has lost its angular momentum during these events, and preventing the formation of ‘classical’, merger driven bulges in low-mass systems. Stars formed prior to such mergers form a diffuse, extended stellar halo component similar to those detected in nearby dwarfs.
Examining Key Determinants of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Adoption in Vietnam: An Institutional Perspective

Dr Phan's thesis examined key determinants of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption in Vietnam. IFRS are designed to be a single high quality set of global accounting standards. However, the relevance of IFRS to different countries with different institutional and legal environments is questionable. Different hypothesised structural models were tested using survey data of Vietnamese accountants' perceptions on IFRS. The findings reveal that Vietnam is not yet ready to embrace full adoption of IFRS as mandatory standards in the short-term. A five-year period for transition and preparation with many difficulties and obstacles associated with IFRS implementation is anticipated.
Organ Weights in Primates and Other Mammals

In mammals the weight of the heart, kidney, lungs, and other organs can be related to total body weight through power laws (allometry). Weights of primate organs are analyzed by this technique. Allometric coefficients and size-independent organ-weight or body-form ratios may be used to compare primates, including humans, and other mammals.
Vertical Integration and Institutional Constraints on Firm Behavior: The Case of the Garment Industry in Egypt

Empirical analysis of vertical integration has mostly been restricted to developed countries. But since the institutional context in developing countries is very different, so may be the factors that influence vertical integration. Estimates made using a new data set of Egyptian garment firms show that distinctive features of the business environment are indeed the most significant determinant of vertical integration. Limited access to finance restricts the possibilities for many firms to undertake the investment required to integrate, whilst volatile and uncertain market conditions make firms more likely to rely on the market for their inputs. This does not mean that transaction cost theories of vertical integration are irrelevant; for example, high monitoring costs discourage integration while disputes over quality and temporal specificities encourage it. But there are nuances related to market segment. Producers of higher quality garments rely on imported textiles. Contrary to theoretical predictions, these producers do not integrate even if search and switch costs are high, but the opposite is true of producers relying on domestic suppliers.
Post-transplant diabetes mellitus: increasing incidence in renal allograft recipients transplanted in recent years.

BACKGROUND Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a serious complication of transplantation caused by immunosuppressive drugs. In this study, we assessed the incidence of PTDM and the factors that are associated with the development of this complication. METHODS The study population included 2078 non-DM renal allograft recipients, transplanted since 1983 in one institution. PTDM was diagnosed by the requirement of hypoglycemic medications, starting more than 30 days after transplantation. Post-transplant, all patients received cyclosporine (CsA) and prednisone, but none of these patients received tacrolimus. RESULTS At 1, 3, 5, and 10 years after transplantation, 7, 10, 13, and 21% of patients developed PTDM. By multivariate Cox, the following variables correlated with a more rapid increase in the number of PTDM cases: (1) older age (RR = 2.2 comparing patients younger or older than 45 years, P < 0.0001), (2) transplant done after 1995 (RR = 1.7, P = 0.003), (3) African American race (RR = 1.6, P = 0.003), and (4) higher body weight at transplant (RR = 1.4, P < 0.0001). Compared with before 1995, since 1995, the percentage of patients with PTDM has increased from 5.9 to 10.5% at one year and from 8.8 to 16.9% at three years. This increase was statistically independent from all other variables tested. However, since 1995, recipients have become significantly heavier (P < 0.0001) and older (P < 0.0001), and the average CsA level has increased significantly (P < 0.0001). Also, since 1995, the cumulative dose of corticosteroids has declined (P < 0.0001); patients received a newer, better absorbed preparation of CsA and received mycophenolate mofetil. CONCLUSIONS The risk of PTDM increases continuously with time post-transplant. There has been an increase in the incidence of PTDM in patients transplanted recently, and that increase can be explained only partially by changes in the recipients' characteristics. We postulate that this increase may be due to the introduction of better absorbed CsA formulations that result in higher blood levels and higher cumulative exposure to this diabetogenic drug.
Risk, trust, and consumer online purchasing behaviour : a Chilean perspective

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate Latin American online purchase behaviour with a specific focus on the influence of perceived risk and trust. While studies of this nature have been conducted quite extensively in developed countries, their application in developing countries, such as Latin America is limited. Our study addresses this gap in the literature with an empirical study conducted in Chile. Design/methodology/approach: The authors develop and test a proposed model of the influence of consumer’s perceptions of risk and trust on their attitudes and intentions to purchase on the Internet. An online survey method is used. The sample consists of 176 Chilean consumers who have made at least one purchase online. The data is analysed using structural equation modelling technique (SEM). Findings: The analysis revealed that of the perceived risk and trust factors examined, trust in third party assurances and a cultural environment of trust had the strongest positive influence on intentions to continuing purchasing online. Perceived risk had an inverse relationship with attitude and consumers’ attitude has a positive influence on intentions to purchase online. Trust in online vendors and a propensity to trust were both insignificant. Practical implications: Practically, these results identity which risk and trust beliefs towards purchasing online have the most effect thereby providing insights into how companies should seek to mitigate perceptions of risk to encourage new and return purchasers. Additionally, this research shows that consumers in a Latin American country, recognised as a collectivist, high risk avoidance culture, are willing to make purchases online despite the risks involved. Originality/value: The study and its results is one of few available that consider a Latin American context. The value of the findings provides insights into the specific risk and trust factors that influence Chilean consumers when considering purchasing online. The tested model adds value not only to the literature on Latin American consumer behaviour but also provides guidance for companies offering online retailing facilities in these less developed countries.
Study of Association of Thyroid Hormone in Pre-Eclampsia and Normal Pregnancy.

Aim The aim of the study was to assess association of thyroid hormone in preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. Material and Method This was a hospital based observational case control study. Total 100 women were included, out of them 50 normal pregnant women in control group and 50 pre-eclamptic women in case group were included. Result In this study no significant difference was found in FT3 (p value 0.085) and FT4 (p value 0.065) in control and case group. TSH and Anti TPO levels in control and case group were statistically significant (p value <0.001 and <0.000). Conclusion We observed that thyroid hormones (TSH and Anti TPO) have statistically significant relation in pre-eclamptic women.
Children's sense of place in desert towns: a phenomenographic enquiry

Set against the background of the call for sustainable development, a fostering of sense of place emerged as one of education for sustainability's chief goals. Heidegger's concept of dwelling thinking guided us, in this research, to look beyond the emotional and cognitive attachment to a place toward a state of mind which is not limited to a specific place but can also be taken with the dweller wherever he or she goes. A qualitative tool based on analysis of children's drawings was developed for characterizing dwelling thinking in desert towns’ children aged 9–10. The results clarified different forms of sense of place and pointed to practical methodologies for the enhancement of dwelling thinking in our quest for sustainability.
Why Are You Really Winning and Losing Deals: A Customer Perspective on Determinants of Sales Failure, Proceedings

WHY ARE YOU REALLY WINNING AND LOSING DEALS: A CUSTOMER PERSPECTIVE ON DETERMINANTS OF SALES FAILURE By SCOTT BERTRAM FRIEND MAY 13, 2010 Committee Chairs: Dr. Danny N. Bellenger Dr. James S. Boles Major Department: Marketing Understanding the determinants of sales success and sales failure has organization wide implications, ranging from an improved salesforce to improved corporate performance. However, a paucity of research on sales failure has resulted in an under-conceptualized field largely built on assumptions. This research proposes to overcome salesforce failure attribution biases by collecting data from the industrial buyer’s perspective. Thirty five post-mortem interviews with procurement decision makers from buying organizations were collected following a failed sales proposal. The context of these failed sales proposals was for multi-year industrial service key account contracts (>$5 Million). The result of this naturalistic inquiry is a model which outlines the determinant attributes of sales failure: price, adaptability and relationship-potential. An experimental design was conducted following this exploratory research in order to test the derived drivers of sales failure and success, as well as provide a trade-off analysis of the three emergent sales proposal themes. Results indicate that a lack of adaptability has the strongest impact on the sales failure outcome variable, as well as buyer characteristics have a potentially moderating impact on the relative trade-off weights between price/adaptability and price/relationship-potential. Friend Sales Failure 8
Why Do Pensions Reduce Mobility?

Previous studies have found that workers who are covered by pensions are much less likely than other workers to leave their jobs, but the evidence on how specific pension characteristics affect turnover is inconclusive. This paper examines how mobility is affected by vesting standards, the compensation level, and the capital loss of pension wealth for job changers. In two different data sets, we find that the capital loss is strongly associated with lower turnover rates, whereas vesting and the compensation level have relatively little impact. Large capital losses are mainly associated with lower layoff rates rather than lower quit rates.
A Study of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Influencing Consumer Buying Behaviour Online

The purpose of this article is to identify the various intrinsic and extrinsic factors which effect the consumer’s buying behaviour online. The intrinsic factors are the inner motivations or drives of the consumers and the extrinsic factors are the marketer generated Internet marketing activities. The article aims at identifying these factors and their relative importance on the consumer’s purchase behaviour. The theoretical framework of this article is based on a vast Internet marketing literature. The hypothesised model was created that took into account the dependent and independent variables which were extracted using an exploratory factor analysis and these variables were used to construct hypotheses which were empirically tested through techniques such as independent t-tests and ANOVA. A structured questionnaire was used for this purpose and a survey was conducted on a sample of 200 through judgemental sampling. Questionnaires were filled by respondents in person as well as a pre-defined list of respondents based on their demographic profile was selected and questionnaires were mailed and posted online. The Exploratory Factor Analysis identified seven major intrinsic and extrinsic factors which govern the consumer’s buying behaviour. These seven factors were: Need for Recreation, Convenience, Website Attributes, Online Advertising, Social Communication, Information Search and Security and privacy concerns. The importance of these seven factors differ across different demographic variables such as age, income group of consumers and gender. The article presents a simple approach towards identifying the most effective Internet marketing tools that companies should employ and also helps in better understanding the online consumer behaviour which differs from the traditional consumer behaviour across various dimensions.
Normal Computation for Discrete Surfaces in 3D Space

Associating normal vectors to surfaces is essential for many rendering algorithms. We introduce a new method to compute normals on discrete surfaces in object space. Assuming that the surface separates space locally into two disjoint subsets, each of these subsets contains implicitly information about the surface inclination. Considering one of these subsets in a small neighbourhood of a surface point enables us to derive the surface normal from this set. We show that this leads to exact results for C1 continuous surfaces in R3. Furthermore, we show that good approximations can be obtained numerically by sampling the considered area. Finally, we derive a method for normal computation on surfaces in discrete space.