Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is calculated by the value which is based on peripheral lymphocyte, neutrophil, and platelet counts, has been recently investigated as a valuable prognostic marker in several types of tumors. However, the combined prognostic value of SII for these tumors remains unclear. Here, we quantify the prognostic impact of this index and assess its consistency in a motley of cancers. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) with a final date of April 20, 2017. Data from relevant studies reporting a hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled in a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5.3 and STATA software. Results: Thirteen studies comprising 4,104 patients were included in the final analysis. The median cutoff for SII was 575. The aggregate results indicated that elevated SII was associated with poor overall survival (OS) (HR =1.80; 95% CI: 1.43–2.28), poor cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR =1.44; 95% CI: 1.04–1.99), time to recurrence (TTR) (HR =1.91; 95% CI: 1.53–2.43) and poor progression-free survival (PFS) (HR =1.18; 95% CI: 0.55–2.52). Further analysis found similar results in various subgroups stratified by cancer type, sample size, and ethnicity. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis shows that SII may be a potentially useful prognostic biomarker in patients with cancer. We suggest the need for further investigations to delineate the utility of SII for clinical decision making in this population.
Welk , Corbin andDale The Unique Nature of Children ' s Physical Activity Patterns

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Von Willebrand Factor Profiles of the Different ABO Blood Groups Among Malay Population

The National Blood Center, Kuala Lumpur interprets laboratory results for the von Willebrand factor (vWF) profile based on guidelines provided by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, which were established based on the Caucasian population [1-2]. The vWF profiles among the Malay population has not yet been established. The goals of this study were to determine the vWF profiles of the different ABO blood types among Malays and to evaluate their association with demographic characteristics and smoking habits. One hundred and forty Malay donors participated in this study. Factor VIII (FVIII), vWF antigen, and ristocetin cofactor (RiCof) levels and collagen binding activity (CBA) were measured by coagulometric clot detection, latex agglutination, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The majority of donors (59.3%) were 30–49 years old, male (81.43%), non-smokers (74.3%), and overweight (71.4%). The Malay vWF antigen were slightly higher than those of Caucasians, Indians, Thais, and Chinese, but the average ratios of vWF activity (i.e., RiCof level and CBA) to vWF antigen were slightly lower than those of the other populations. The prevalence of low (< 50 IU/dl) vWF antigen and CBA was not common among the Malays. The highest level of vWF antigen was found among those with the B blood group, followed by types A and O. The CBA levels were significantly interrelated with age group, whereas other demographic characteristics had no significant association. Malays with type O blood had lower values of the components of the vWF profile compared to subjects with non-O blood. The higher levels of these elements and lower vWF activity to vWF antigen ratio in Malays compared to other populations suggest that ethnicity impacts the plasma vWF levels and that ethnic variation plays a role in the interaction of the vWF protein with collagen and platelets [3].
Dependence in Dynamic Claim Frequency Credibility Models

In nonlife insurance, actuaries usually resort to random effects to take unexplained heterogeneity into account (in the spirit of the Bühlmann-Straub model). This paper aims to study the kind of dependence induced by the introduction of correlated latent variables in the annual numbers of claims reported by policyholders. The effect of reporting claims on the a posteriori distribution of the random effects will be made precise. This will be done by establishing some stochastic monotonicity property of the a posteriori distribution with respect to the claims history.
IT development in Costa Riea and Guatemala 177 The state of IT development in a country is dependent on its economic conditions

As businesses move to increased levels of globalization, information systems (IS) management issues in the global economy become increasingly significant. This study identified and evaluated the key IS management issues in two Central American countries--Costa Rica and Guatemala--and compared those issues to two other countries--Australia and the US. Good agreement was found on the importance of the issues in the two Central American countries, while the comparison of the key issues with Australia and the US showed differences between the developing and developed countries. Some issues were found to be important in all the countries compared. Based on the findings, key IS issues are classified as developed-country, developing-country and universal. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.
Value Creation in M&A Transactions, Conference Calls, and Shareholder Protection

This study investigates whether conference calls accompanying M&A announcements in Europe provide valuable information for capital market participants and hence induce an abnormal stock price revaluation on the bidder’s equity. Based on handpicked data for transactions between 2008 and 2012 we focus on the five most acquisitive country markets in Europe. Overall, our results show that bidders are more likely to conduct conference calls with increasing transaction value, for transactions with public targets and non-diversifying transactions. Further, the decision for voluntary disclosure is positively influenced by increased bidder size and the comparably weaker governance systems for German and Swiss firms. After controlling for self-selection bias and other determinants of stock returns around mergers and acquisitions (M&A) announcement, evidence is in strong support that firms with merger-related conference calls yield a higher abnormal return than firms merely publishing a press release. However, significant favourable investor reaction is only present in the UK and French subsamples and in the subsamples of industries with a focus on research and development (R&D).
Investigation of the Potential for Optimization of Hydraulic Axial Thrust Balancing Methods in a Centrifugal Pump

To reduce bearing loads in centrifugal pumps hydraulic axial thrust balancing methods are commonly used. Their disadvantage is the causing of significant flow losses, which result in a decline of the pump’s efficiency. Within this investigation the balancing methods casing ribs and J-Grooves are compared. The objective is to determine the potential for improvement of J-Grooves concerning the pump efficiency in contrast to previously examined casing ribs. The study is carried out on the basis of a CFD model of an industrial magnetic drive pump, which is validated by transient local static pressure measurements at different operating points. The geometry of the J-Grooves is parameterized. A stochastically based sensitivity analysis is performed, whereby the importance and correlations of the parameters are evaluated. An automatic optimization is subsequently carried out and leads to an efficiency improvement of up to 1.14 percentage points for a J-Groove design.
No . 06-06 Does Economic Uncertainty Affect the Decision to Bear Children ? Evidence from East and West Germany

During their social, political and economic transition, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe experienced significant economic uncertainty. Many of these countries also experienced sharply falling fertility rates. There have been some suggestions that that these two phenomena are linked, i.e., that uncertainty has an impact of the decision to bear children. But the strength and nature of this relationship has not been examined carefully. This paper demonstrates the existence of such a link at the micro level using two different types of uncertainty measures based on GSOEP data from Eastern (and for comparison purposes also Western) Germany for the years 1992-2002. The results suggest that employment uncertainty (but not financial uncertainty) was considerably greater in Eastern Germany during its post-reunification transition than in Western Germany and had a highly nonlinear effect on the likelihood of childbirth. We also show that this uncertainty may have contributed significantly to the sharp drop in East Germany’s total fertility rate in the immediate aftermath of the reunification.
On Farm Validation of Organic Farming Technology in Elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson)

Currently alternative agricultural systems, like organic farming, that are less chemical intensive, less exploitative and that can conserve the environment are gaining popularity. Tuber crops, especially aroids, like elephant foot yam, respond well to organic manures and offer scope for organic production. However, lack of package of practices recommendations hinders the promotion of this viable alternative farming practice. Hence, the organic farming technology for elephant foot yam developed at CTCRI was validated through on farm trials under State Horticulture Mission funded programme. Demonstration trials were conducted during 2008-2009 in 10 farmers’ sites to cover an area of 5 ha in Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala to compare the yield, quality, economics and soil fertility under the organic management practices with the existing farmers’ practice and conventional practice (present package of practices recommendations) in elephant foot yam. Organic farming resulted in higher corm yield (34.60 t ha-1) and additional income (Rs. 43,651 ha-1) over conventional farming. Organically produced corms had significantly higher dry matter and Mg contents and significantly lower oxalate content. The chemical properties of the soil, especially K, were also seen favoured under organic farming. The organic farming technology standardized for elephant foot yam includes the application of farmyard manure (FYM) @ 36 t ha-1, green manuring with cowpea to generate 20-25 t ha-1 of green matter in 45-60 days, neem cake @ 1 t ha-1 and ash @ 3 t ha-1.FYM and neem cake are to be applied in pits at the time of planting. Ash may be applied at the time of incorporation of green manure at 45-60 days after planting.
Leaf Extracts Of Irvingia Gabonensis Increase Urine Output And Electrolytes In Rats

The diuretic effect of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Irvingia gabonensis was assessed in adult wistar rats. Five groups of five adult wistar rats each were used for the study. Ethanol extract of Irvingia gabonensis was administered orally to the first and second groups of rats at doses of 50 and 100mg/kg respectively. The third and fourth groups were given Frusemide (5mg/kg) and Acetazolamide (5mg/kg) while the last group was used as positive control in the study. The parameters used to evaluate the diuretic effect of the different doses of the extract were cumulative urine volume, electrolyte changes and pH. The cumulative urine output was monitored at 3hrly intervals for 24hrs.The diuretic effect was compared with the control, acetazolamide (5mg/kg) and frusemide (5mg/kg). The extract (50 and 100mg/kg) produced a time related increase in urine output. The electrolyte excretion was also affected by the different doses of the extract especially the HCO3 ions. The 50 mg/kg extract produced an increase (P< 0.03) in Cl excretion compared with the control likewise the 100 mg/kg with a significant (P<0.001) increase in Cl excretion. Comparing the urinary excretion of electrolytes produced by the extract with acetazolamide, similar diuretic profile was observed like the pH and the increased excretion of HCO3 . Frusemide, a high ceiling diuretic had no effect on HCO3 , had a different pH but enhanced the urinary excretion of Na, K and Cl. These results suggest that the active ingredient(s) in the ethanol extract of Irvingia gabonensis induces diuretic response comparable to that produced by acetazolamide.
Preview : Published ahead of advance online publication Does congenital cytomegalovirus infection lead to hearing loss by inducing mutation of GJB 2 gene ?

This is a PDF file of an unedited peer-reviewed manuscript that has been accepted for publication. NPG is providing this early version of the manuscript as a service to our customers. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting and a proof review before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers apply.
A Dynamic Analysis of Repeat Visitors

This paper introduces the dynamic probit model to analyse the underlying reasons behind repeat visits to the Azores Islands. The advantage of the model is that it allows investigation for lags as well as for endogeneity in the covariates, thus enabling a more accurate view of the repeat visits phenomenon in a specific tourism island destination. From the model estimation, it is clear that the number of visits to the Azores Islands is a time effect that should be analysed only with dynamic models which can identify persistent variables that attract repeat tourists. The repeat tourist is supported by multiple variables, such as overall satisfaction with the destination and specific satisfaction with destination attributes. However, the most important covariates are the destination attributes that are the persistent attractors of the repeat visitor. Related policy implications are derived.
Variation of phytoplankton biomass as Chlorophyll a in Banglang Reservoir, Yala Province

Environmental variables and phytoplankton biomass as chlorophyll a in Banglang Reservoir were investigated. Phytoplankton were collected monthly from May 2000 to April 2001 from four sampling sites including the inflow from Pattani River (from Betong District), the inflow site from Balahala Forest, the middle of the reservoir, and at the spillway that helds the water before drain. Samples were taken at three levels: water surface,10 meter, and 30 meter depth. Physicochemical parameters were recorded such as nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), Secchi depth, alkalinity, temperature, pH, and turbidity. The results show that the average values of phytoplankton biomass at 10 meter depth were higher than that of the other depths. The maximum phytoplankton biomass was found at 10 meter depth at the inflow from the Balahala Forest sampling site in August, with a value of 12.57 mg/m 3 . The minimum value was found at 30 meter depth in the middle of the reservoir in July. Factors affecting the variation of phytoplankton biomass in the Banglang Reservior were ammonia, alkalinity and turbidity.
TITLE : Effect of alendronate on the mandible and long bones : An experimental study in vivo Running title : Effect of alendronate on growth

This is a PDF file of an unedited peer-reviewed manuscript that has been accepted for publication. NPG is providing this early version of the manuscript as a service to our customers. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting and a proof review before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers apply.
Preview : Published ahead of advance online publication Transamniotic stem cell therapy ( TRASCET ) : A novel strategy for the prenatal management of congenital anomalies

Transamniotic Stem Cell Therapy, or TRASCET, is an emerging therapeutic concept for the management of congenital anomalies based on the augmentation of the biological role of select populations of stem cells that already occur in the amniotic fluid, for targeted therapeutic benefit. Amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (afMSCs) play a central role in the enhanced ability of the fetus to repair tissue damage. This germane recent finding constitutes the biological foundation for the use of afMSCs in TRASCET. It has been shown experimentally that simple intra-amniotic delivery of afMSCs in large numbers can either elicit the repair, or significantly mitigate the effects associated with major congenital anomalies by boosting the activity that these cells normally have. For example, TRASCET can induce partial or complete coverage of experimental spina bifida by promoting the local formation of hostderived skin, thus protecting the spinal cord from further damage. In another example, it can significantly alleviate the bowel damage associated with gastroschisis, one of the most common major abdominal wall defects. Other applications involving different congenital anomalies and/or other stem cells present in the amniotic fluid in diseased pregnancies are currently under investigation in this freshly evolving facet of fetal stem cell therapy. © 2017 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.
Availability, Accessibility and Utilization of Electronic Reference Services by Undergraduate Students in Bells University, Ogun State, Nigeria

Undergraduates who are among the users of the university library, during the course of their program may require reference services that will assist them in accessing information resources to boost their learning and research. Advancement in information technology has led to the development of electronic reference services. These services ensure that library users get assistance from the reference librarian without physically coming to the library. However, despite the benefits of electronic reference services, studies have revealed that some university libraries still face the challenge of making these services available and accessible due to slow technology adoption and infrastructural deficiencies. In addition, the apathetic attitude displayed by users towards the use of the library raises question as to whether undergraduates even utilize electronic reference services for academic activities where it is available and accessible, hence the need for this study. Descriptive survey method was adopted for the study and the population comprised of undergraduates in the six colleges of Bells University, Ogun State, Nigeria. The multistage sampling technique was used to select the sample size of 213 and the questionnaire was the data collection instrument. Results revealed that the most available electronic reference service was email as indicated by 205 (96.2%) of the respondents, while 186 (87.3%) noted that erratic supply of electricity was the greatest challenge. The study recommended that alternative sources of electricity like inverters, solar and power generating sets should also be provided to address the issue of erratic power supply. Keywords: electronic reference services, undergraduate students, university libraries, Nigeria
Pre-Service Science Teachers' Construction and Interpretation of Graphs.

Data and graphic analysis and interpretation are important parts of science process skills and science curriculum. So it refers to visual display of data using relevant graphical representations. One of the tools used in science courses is graphics for explain the relationship among each of the concepts and therefore it is important to know data analysis, graph construction and interpretation. This study investigates pre-service science teachers' construction and interpretations of graphs in two different domains: mathematics and physics. Qualitative research methods were used and therefore a purposive sample of 11 pre-service science teachers is engaged in think-aloud interviews while completing the questionnaire that includes eleven open-ended questions, designed by researcher at four different categories. These categories are: recognition as a mathematical graph, Interpretation of the graph, to draw graphs for a given problem and to create a problem on a given graphic. In addition, the pre-service science teachers were asked in which questions they experienced difficulties. Content analysis method was used for data analysis. Results showed that pre-service science teachers do not have enough success in interpreting given graph, drawing graph for a given problem and identifying variables in a given scientific problem.
According to limited data , the use of ketamine for sedation does not appear to signi fi cantly alter intracranial pressure compared with fentanyl and sufentanil

ATA EXTRACTION AND YNTHESIS wo investigators independently creened and cross-checked relevant andomized controlled trials and hen assessed each study for ethodological quality and risk of ias, using the Cochrane Risk of Bias ool. Any disagreement was resolved y a third investigator. All studies ere determined to have a low risk f bias. The data were then bstracted and the authors alculated the mean differences in ntracranial pressure, mean arterial lood pressure, and cerebral erfusion pressure within the first 4 hours for ketamine versus opioids rom each trial. Heterogeneity was eported with I, and studies were