Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intensification of host's immunity by squalene in sarcoma 180 bearing ICR mice.

Effect of highly purified squalene (HP-SQ) obtained from liver of a shark, Centrophorus atromarginative Garman, on antitumor activity and host's immune response was studied in sarcoma 180 bearing female ICR mice. HP-SQ was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to solid tumor-bearing or healthy mice at the dose of 0.1 ml/mouse/d for consecutive 10 d. The administration of HP-SQ exerted the host's resistance against challenging 5 x 10(4) cells of ascites sarcoma 180, and it resulted in marked prolongation of survival of the mice (ILS; 110%). Function of the reticuloendothelial system estimated by a carbon clearance test was enhanced by i.p. administration of HP-SQ in both the healthy and the tumor-bearing mice. Number of IgM antibody forming cells against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) in the spleen was counted 4 d after intravenous injection of 2 x 10(7) cells of SRBC. The number of the IgM antibody forming cell increased by HP-SQ administration in the tumor-bearing and the healthy mice. Delayed hypersensitivity reaction against SRBC measuring swelling of the foot pads of mice was also stimulated by the i.p. administration of the material.
Narrative responses as an aid to understanding the presentation of maltreated children who meet criteria for autistic spectrum disorder and reactive attachment disorder: A case series study

This paper offers research case studies of four severely maltreated children who had received a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder. A range of measures were employed to explore the children’s psychological and emotional functioning, including Theory of Mind assessment (Sally–Anne Test), attachment measures (Story Stems Assessment Profile and Relationship Problems Questionnaire), along with measures to assess general psychological and emotional well-being. Contrary to the diagnosis, the children did not reveal a theory of mind deficit. However, they did indicate a profile of difficulties in mentalisation on the Story Stems. The findings are discussed in terms of the extent to which mentalisation and theory of mind are influenced by situational factors, especially the anxiety evoked by the Story Stem attachment scenarios. Clinical implications regarding mentalisation as a state vs. trait phenomenon are discussed.
The Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test: A Practical Scale to Assess Cognition after Head Injury

The Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test (GOAT) was developed to evaluate cognition serially during the subacute stage of recovery from closed head injury. This practical scale measures orientation to person, place, and time, and memory for events preceding and following the injury. The distribution of test scores in 50 patients who had recovered from a mild closed head injury was used to define the range of variation in performance and to analyze the effects of demographic factors. In a validity study of 52 closed head-injured patients, the duration of impaired GOAT scores was strongly related to the acute neurosurgical ratings of eye opening, motor responding, and verbal responding on the Glasgow Goma Scale. Duration of post-traumatic amnesia, as defined by the persistence of defective GOAT scores, was longer in patients with computed tomographic evidence of diffuse or bilateral brain injury as compared to cases with focal unilateral lesions. Serial GOAT scores were also predictive of long term level of recovery. Review of the brief cognitive test literature disclosed that several techniques have adequate validity data substantiating their use in the detection of dementia in geriatric, psychiatric, and medical populations. Recommendations for the clinical application of the various brief cognitive tests are discussed.
Seasoned equity offerings in an emerging market: evidence from Thailand.

Researchers have developed investigations into both initial and seasoned equity offering (SEO) by obtaining data from developed markets (e.g. Denis, 1994; Kothari and Warner, 1997; Corwin, 2003; Eckbo et al., 2006), while the literature in emerging markets is relatively neglected. This thesis provides an overview examination of one specific emerging region, namely Thailand. Equity financing in Thailand has become more widespread in the aftermath of the last economic crisis in 1997. With a more recent data set and larger sample size than previous Thai studies, we examine the performance of SEO firms between 1999 and 2006. Our thesis findings contribute to the existing literature by: (1) examining the SEO samples which focus mainly on issuing new shares to existing shareholders, i.e. rights issuing and private placement, instead of the general aspect of public offering, (2) applying a different benchmark to measure post-issuing performance compared with existing studies and (3) examining the relationship between short-term and long-term abnormal returns. Our evidence reveals that the stock prices react negatively to SEO announcements. We also find that there is no relationship between short- and long-term abnormal returns. This is a consistent explanation of the characteristics of the Thai capital market in practice. In addition, our results from the determinants of SEO underpricing are mostly consistent with the previous literature (i.e. Corwin, 2003; Intintoli and Kahle, 2009). Lastly, our findings suggest that SEO firms underperform during the post-issuing period, particularly one year after issuing new shares.
Employment effects of offshoring. An application to Japanese industries, 1980-2005

This paper estimates the possible effects of offshoring on Japanese employment. Both the positive and negative effects are here considered as a result of both the offshoring of production (or materials) and services. My main finding is that the net amount of jobs lost to offshoring during the past two and a half decades is negligible, as it was the role of offshoring as a source of sector-bias change in an era of major structural changes for Japan. I argue that, as a natural result of trade and profit-seeking, the positive and negative forces entailed in the relocation of activities worldwide tend to compensate each other. Further, the evidence presented here hints at the possibility of skill upgrading only as a result of services offshoring.
The Social Approach Of Knowledge Management: The Effect On The Organizational Learning Capacity

(WP 08/03 Clave pdf) The present study focuses on the issue of establishing behavioral initiatives of knowledge management for facilitating the development of a learning capacity in organizations. The analysis is accomplished through a validated questionnaire that surveyed 111 Spanish companies. The research findings show the positive relations between behavioral elements of knowledge management and learning capacity in organizations. So, these results validate that by creating and nurturing a trusting, creative and innovative climate, an organization can sustain its competitive advantages.
Effects of methotrexate on the liver in psoriasis.

Seventy patients with psoriasis severe enough to require methotrexate therapy were evaluated to assess the effects of the drug on both liver function and histology. Thirty-five patients had not received methotrexate (untreated) and 35 patients had previously received methotrexate (treated). A total of 102 liver biopsies were performed in these 70 patients. A review of the liver biopsy specimens showed no statistically significant differences in the histologic changes between the treated and untreated patients. The lack of reliable correlation between the liver function tests and the histologic findings noted in previous studies was confirmed in this study. In the 35 untreated patients, nondiagnostic changes were seen in the liver biopsies of 28 patients (80%) and significant fibrosis in only 1 patient (3%). No biopsy showed cirrhosis. In the 35 treated patients, nondiagnostic changes were seen in 2.5 patients (71%), significant fibrosis in 2 patients (6%), and cirrhosis in 1 patient (3%). Thirty-two repeat biopsies in 21 patients showed no progression in the fibrosis scores up to a period of 27 months of therapy. thus raising doubts about the necessity of performing routine liver biopsies in those patients receiving methotrexate on an intermittent regimen.
Industrial Clustering and the Returns to Inventive Activity Canadian Biotechnology Firms, 1991-2000

We examine how industrial clustering affects biotechnology firms’ innovativeness, contrasting similar firms not located in clusters or located in clusters that are or are not focused on the firm’s technological specialization. Using detailed firm level data, we find clustered firms are eight times more innovative than geographically remote firms, with largest effects for firms located in clusters strong in their own specialization. For firms located in a cluster strong in their specialization we also find that R&D productivity is enhanced by a firm’s own R&D alliances and also by the R&D alliances of other colocated firms.
Work-related Injuries Among Emergency Medical Technicians in Western Turkey

Abstract Objectives Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are at serious risk for work-related injuries (WRIs) during work hours. Both EMTs and paramedics have higher WRI rates, according to the literature data. This study was designed to investigate causes and characteristics of WRIs involving EMTs and paramedics staffed in Western Turkey. Methods All health care personnel staffed in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the city were interviewed face-to-face in their off-duty hours to inform them about the study. Excluded from the study were those who declined to participate in the study, those who were not on duty during the two-month study period, and those who had been working in the EMS for less than one year. The subjects were asked to answer multiple-choice questions. Results A total of 163 personnel (117 EMTs and 46 paramedics) comprised the study sample. Eighty-three personnel (50.9%) were female and mean age was 29.7 years (SD=8.4 years). The most common mechanisms of WRI, as reported by the personnel, were motor vehicle accidents (MVAs; 31.9%), needlestick injuries (16.0%), ocular exposure to bodily fluids (15.4%), and sharp injuries (9.8%), respectively. Needlestick injuries commonly occurred during intravenous line procedures (59.4%) and inside the cruising ambulance (n=20; 62.5%). Working inside the cruising ambulance was the most commonly accused cause of the WRI (41.3%). Conclusion Paramedic personnel and EMTs are under high risk of WRI. Motor vehicle accidents and needlestick injuries were the most common causes of WRI. Strict measures need to be taken to restructure the interior design to protect personnel from all kinds of WRIs. YilmazA, SerinkenM, DalO, YaylacıS, KarciogluO. Work-related injuries among emergency medical technicians in Western Turkey. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(5):505–508.
How innovative is your agriculture? Using innovation indicators and benchmarks to strengthen national agricultural innovation systems

This paper explores the application of the innovation systems framework to the design and construction of national agricultural innovation indicators. Optimally, these indicators could be used to gauge and benchmark national performance in developing more responsive, dynamic, and innovative agricultural sectors in developing countries. The paper develops a conceptual framework that ties the innovation systems framework to the agricultural sector; reviews how the framework has been used to develop innovation indicators in other fields; discusses a set of potential innovation indicators for developing-country agriculture; and identifies potential data sources and methods for constructing different types of indicators. Ultimately, the paper aims to inform national and regional stakeholders, policymakers, development partners and researchers who are interested in developing or using indicators as a tool for designing evidence-based agricultural innovation policies.
Minimum-volume transforms for remotely sensed data

Scatter diagrams for multispectral remote sensing data tend to be triangular, in the two-band case, pyramidal for three bands, and so on. They radiate away from the so-called darkpoint, which represents the scanner's response to an un-illuminated target. A minimum-volume transform may be described (provisionally) as a nonorthogonal linear transformation of the multivariate data to new axes passing through the dark point, with directions chosen such that they (for two bands), or the new coordinate planes (for three bands, etc.) embrace the data cloud as tightly as possible. The reason for the observed shapes of scatter diagrams is to be found in the theory of linear mixing at the subfootprint scale. Thus, suitably defined, minimum-volume transforms can often be used to unmix images into new spatial variables showing the proportions of the different cover types present, a type of enhancement that is not only intense, but physically meaningful. The present paper furnishes details for constructing computer programs to effect this operation. It will serve as a convenient technical source that may be referenced in subsequent, more profusely illustrated publications that address the intended application, the mapping of surface mineralogy. >
Cycling power output produced during flat and mountain stages in the Giro d'Italia: A case study

Abstract Until recently, the physiological demands of cycling competitions were mostly reflected by the measurement of heart rate and the indirect estimation of exercise intensity. The purpose of this case study was to illustrate the varying power output of a professional cyclist during flat and mountain stages of a Grand Tour (Giro d'Italia). Nine stage recordings of a cyclist of the 2005 Giro d'Italia were monitored using a mobile power measurement device (SRM Trainingssystem, Julich, Germany), which recorded direct power output and heart rate. Stages were categorized into flat (n = 5) and mountain stages (n = 4). Data were processed electronically, and the overall mean power in flat and mountain stages and maximal mean power for various durations were calculated. Mean power output was 132 W ± 26 (2.0 W · kg−1 ± 0.4) for the flat and 235 W ± 10 (3.5 W · kg−1 ± 0.1) for the mountain stages. Mountain stages showed higher maximal mean power (367 W) for longer durations (1800 s) than flat stages (239 W). Flat stages are characterized by a large variability of power output with short bursts of high power and long periods with reduced intensity of exercise, whereas mountain stages mostly require submaximal, constant power output over longer periods.
Strategies for Increasing the Acceptability of Sustainable Transport Policies

A number of sustainable transport policies, such as road pricing, have not been implemented due to a lack of public acceptability. The aim of this thesis is therefore to suggest strategies to improve the effectiveness of such policies. Four empirical studies are conducted for this in which the role of government trust, personality traits and education is explored on road pricing as well as environmental taxation. Moreover, the effects of these factors have been compared among samples from Japan, the US and the UK. Environmental taxation is studied because it is considered as an extension of fuel taxes and may thus be viewed as transport pricing. Related to this taxation, environmental concern is suggested as additional psychological determinant to influence public acceptability. The results demonstrate that some personality traits such as arrogance and agreeableness are correlated with acceptability. Based on this, some marketing strategies are suggested for the successful implementation of transport policies, which can be applied without distinction of culture. For long term plans for sustainable policy it is further suggested that the effects of university environmental education on acceptability should be taken more serious.
Intraday Bid Ask Spread Variation in the Electronically Traded Corn Futures Market

1 Xiaoyang Wang (wang150@illinois.edu) is a Graduate Research Assistant with the Office of Futures and Options Research in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics in the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Philip Garcia is the T.A. Hieronymus Distinguished Chair in Futures Markets and Director, Office of Futures and Options Research in the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign. Scott H. Irwin is the Laurence J. Norton Chair, Office of Futures and Options Research in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
[Comparison of rifabutin- and levofloxacin-based third-line rescue therapies for Helicobacter pylori].

BACKGROUND/AIMS There is increasing need for third-line therapy of Helicobacter pylori due to increasing level of antibiotics resistance. The aim of this study was to compare rifabutin and levofloxacin rescue regimens in patients with first- and second-line Helicobacter pylori eradication failures. METHODS Patients, in whom a first treatment with proton pump inhibitor-clarithromycin-amoxicillin and a second trial with proton pump inhibitor-bismuth-tetracycline-metronidazole had failed, received treatment with either rifabutin or levofloxacin, plus amoxicillin (1 g twice daily) and standard dose proton pump inhibitor. Eradication rates were confirmed with 13C-urea breath test or rapid urease test 4 weeks after the cessation of therapy. RESULTS Eradication rates were 71.4% in the rifabutin group, and 57.1% in the levofloxacin group, respectively. Although there was no significant difference in Helicobacter pylori eradication rates between two groups (p=0.656), rifabutin based regimen showed relatively higher eradication rate. CONCLUSIONS Helicobacter pylori eradication rates of rifabutin- or levofloxacin-based triple therapy could not achieve enough eradication rate. Further studies would be needed on combination of levofloxacin and rifabutin-based regimen or culture based treatment.
A pilot study: influence of visual cue color on freezing of gait in persons with Parkinson's disease

Purpose. To investigate the effect of red and green light beams on gait and freezing of gait (FOG) in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods. Seven persons with PD who experienced FOG participated in the study. Gait and turning performances were studied while walking with canes with red, green, and no light beams while ‘off’ and ‘on’ anti-Parkinsonian medications. Gait speed, cadence, and stride were recorded. Time and number of freezing episodes were recorded during a 50-foot walk and a 360° turn. Results. During ‘off’ medication, compared to no light, stride length improved when using the green light, but not the red. During the 50-foot walk, freezing episodes were reduced when using the green light compared to both the red and no light. During the 360° turn, time, number of steps and number of freezing episodes were reduced using the green light compared to the red and no light. During ‘on’ medication, gait speed and stride length improved more with the green light compared to the red. Neither color showed any effect on cadence during either medication state. Conclusion. A green light improved gait and alleviate FOG in persons with PD better than a red light or no light.
Fosfomycin Enhances the Activity of Daptomycin against Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in an In Vitro Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model

ABSTRACT Daptomycin (DAP) is being used more frequently to treat infections caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE). DAP tends to be less active against enterococci than staphylococci and may require high doses or combination therapy to be bactericidal. Fosfomycin (FOF) has activity against VRE and has demonstrated synergistic bactericidal activity with DAP in vitro. The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of DAP alone and in combination with FOF against VRE in an in vitro pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model. The activity of DAP at 8 and 12 mg/kg of body weight/day (DAP 8 and DAP 12, respectively) and FOF of 40 mg/kg intravenously every 8 h, alone and in combination, were evaluated against 2 vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium strains (8019 and 5938) and 2 vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis strains (V583 and R7302) in an in vitro PK/PD model over 72 h. Cell surface charge in the presence and absence of FOF was evaluated by zeta potential analysis. Daptomycin-boron-dipyrromethene (bodipy) binding was assessed by fluorescence microscopy. The addition of FOF to DAP 8 and DAP 12 resulted in significantly increased killing over DAP alone at 72 h for 8019, V583, and R7302 (P < 0.05). Therapeutic enhancement was observed with DAP 12 plus FOF against 8019, V583, and R7302. Cell surface charge became more negative after exposure to FOF by ∼2 to 8mV in all 4 strains. Daptomycin-bodipy binding increased by 2.6 times in the presence of fosfomycin (P < 0.0001). The combination of DAP plus FOF may provide improved killing against VRE (including DAP-resistant strains) through modulation of cell surface charge. Further studies to clarify the role of intravenous FOF are warranted.
Radial artery access for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention

The development of percutaneous procedures to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease has transformed the lives of many patients. Patients with limiting symptoms can now often be returned to full activity by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with a low risk of procedure related cardiac events. PCI has obvious advantages over coronary artery bypass grafting, and, because increasingly complex disease can be treated in patients with previously prohibitive comorbidity, the demand for both diagnostic and interventional procedures increases every year.1 In percutaneous coronary procedures a sheath with a haemostatic valve is introduced into a peripheral artery under local anaesthetic. Preshaped catheters are passed through the sheath to the ostium of the relevant coronary artery, thus allowing the delivery of radiography contrast medium, angioplasty wires, balloons, and stents. After completion of the procedure, the catheter and sheath are removed and haemostasis is achieved by manual compression, an arterial closure device, or direct repair. The femoral artery has traditionally been the preferred access site for coronary procedures, but this approach has several limitations. It is relatively contraindicated in the presence of severe peripheral vascular disease and in patients receiving anticoagulation treatment. A period of post-procedure recumbency is needed to avoid disruption of the arterial puncture site. This may be poorly tolerated by patients with left ventricular dys-function, lung disease, or back and hip pain. Despite bed rest, the rate of complications at the femoral access site (haematoma, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, or need for blood transfusion or surgical arterial repair) is 2-8% after transfemoral PCI.2 3 These factors together affect patients' satisfaction, morbidity, length of hospital stay, and costs and have driven the development of alternative vascular access for coronary procedures. In this review we summarise the literature on transradial coronary procedures and discuss the potential clinical implications and technical considerations of …