Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bone Tumors of the Extremities or Pelvis Treated by Microwave-Induced Hyperthermia

From July 1992 through March 1999, 213 patients with malignant bone tumors of the extremities (176 patients) and pelvis (37 patients) were treated by microwave-induced hyperthermia. Osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma were the most common diagnoses. The limb-salvage procedure was done as follows: After separating the tumor-bearing bone and the extraosseous mass from surrounding normal tissues with a proper margin, microwave energy was delivered into the tumor while the healthy tissues were protected carefully from overheating. Restrengthening of the devitalized bone was necessary in many cases. The eschar resulting from the heat necrosis was curettaged. Most patients can walk early with a partial weightbearing brace for support. The survival rate was 73.9%. Fracture, local recurrence, and infection were the main complications although the majority of complications occurred early in the study. Thermotherapy is a novel and effective way to treat bone tumors in selected patients.
The Impact of Governance on Income Inequality in Ten Asian Countries

This study utilizes panel data analysis over the 1996 to 2015 period to investigate the impact of governance quality (including democratic quality and technical quality) on income inequality in ten Asain countries, classified as “advanced economies” and “emerging market and developing economies”. The empirical results show that the impacts of democratic quality and technical quality on income inequality are significantly negative within “emerging market and developing economies”. However, for the “advanced economies”, the effects of democratic quality and technical quality on income inequality are nonsignificantly positive and significantly positive, respectively. These findings imply that promoting good governance is useful to reduce income inequality for “emerging market and developing economies” but the effect may not be effective for “advanced economies.
Lectins Associated With the Feeding Organs of the Oyster Crassostrea virginica Can Mediate Particle Selection

Despite advances in the study of particle selection in suspension-feeding bivalves, the mechanisms upon which bivalves rely to discriminate among particles have not been elucidated. We hypothesized that particle sorting in suspension-feeding bivalves could be based, in part, on a biochemical recognition mechanism mediated by lectins within the mucus that covers the feeding organs. Using Crassostrea virginica, the Eastern oyster, our investigations demonstrated that lectins from oyster mucus can specifically bind several microalgal species as well as different types of red blood cells (RBC), triggering their agglutination. Agglutination of microalgal species and RBC varied with the source of mucus (gills vs. labial palps). Hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition assays emphasized that mucus contains several lectins. In feeding experiments, Nitzschia closterium and Tetraselmis maculata were separately incubated with mucus before being fed to oysters. Results showed that pre-treating these microalgae with mucus significantly alters the ability of oysters to sort particles. In another experiment, oysters were fed a mixture of microspheres coated with either bovine serum albumin (BSA) or glucosamide-BSA. Results show that oysters preferentially ingest microspheres with bound carbohydrates, highlighting probable interactions between lectins and carbohydrates in the mechanisms of microalgae recognition. This study confirms the presence of lectins in mucus that covers the feeding organs of oysters and suggests a new concept with regard to particle processing by suspension-feeding bivalves: specific interactions between carbohydrates on the surface of particles and lectins within the mucus mediate the selection and rejection processes.
Bank asset quality & monetary policy pass-through

ABSTRACT The funding mix of European firms is weighted heavily towards bank credit, which underscores the importance of efficient pass-through of monetary policy actions to lending rates faced by firms. Euro area pass-through has shifted from being relatively homogenous to being fragmented and incomplete since the financial crisis. Distressed loan books are a crisis hangover with direct implications for profitability, hampering banks ability to supply credit and lower loan pricing in response to reductions in the policy rate. This paper presents a parsimonious model to decompose the cost of lending and highlight the role of asset quality in diminishing pass-through. Using bank-level data over the period 2008–2014, we empirically test the implications of the model. We show that a one percentage point increase in the impairment ratio lowering short run pass-through by 3%. We find that banks with severely impaired balance sheets do not adjust their loan pricing in response to changes in the policy rate at all. We derive a measure of the hidden bad loan problem, the NPL gap, which we define as the excess of non-performing loans over impaired loans. We show that it played a significant role in the fragmentation of euro area pass-through post-crisis.
Impaired intervertebral disc development and premature disc degeneration in mice with notochord-specific deletion of CCN2.

OBJECTIVE Currently, our ability to treat intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is hampered by an incomplete understanding of disc development and aging. The specific function of matricellular proteins, including CCN2, during these processes remains an enigma. The aim of this study was to determine the tissue-specific localization of CCN proteins and to characterize their role in IVD tissues during embryonic development and age-related degeneration by using a mouse model of notochord-specific CCN2 deletion. METHODS Expression of CCN proteins was assessed in IVD tissues from wild-type mice beginning on embryonic day 15.5 to 17 months of age. Given the enrichment of CCN2 in notochord-derived tissues, we generated notochord-specific CCN2-null mice to assess the impact on the IVD structure and extracellular matrix composition. Using a combination of histologic evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), IVD health was assessed. RESULTS Loss of the CCN2 gene in notochord-derived cells disrupted the formation of IVDs in embryonic and newborn mice, resulting in decreased levels of aggrecan and type II collagen and concomitantly increased levels of type I collagen within the nucleus pulposus. CCN2-knockout mice also had altered expression of CCN1 (Cyr61) and CCN3 (Nov). Mirroring its role during early development, notochord-specific CCN2 deletion accelerated age-associated degeneration of IVDs. CONCLUSION Using a notochord-specific gene targeting strategy, this study demonstrates that CCN2 expression by nucleus pulposus cells is essential to the regulation of IVD development and age-associated tissue maintenance. The ability of CCN2 to regulate the composition of the intervertebral disc suggests that it may represent an intriguing clinical target for the treatment of disc degeneration.
African American Women's Infant Feeding Choices: Prenatal Breast-Feeding Self-Efficacy and Narratives From a Black Feminist Perspective

Purpose: Examining prenatal breast-feeding self-efficacy and infant feeding decisions among African American women using a mixed-method approach. A black feminist philosophy was used to keep women's experiences as the central research focus. Method: The Prenatal Breast-feeding Self-efficacy Scale was used to determine differences between intended breast-feeders and formula users among 59 women. Seventeen narrative interviews were conducted to analyze postpartum accounts of actual feeding practices. Results: Both groups (intended breast- or formula-feeders) demonstrated confidence in their ability to breast-feed. Women planning to breast-feed (M = 82.59, SD = 12.53) scored significantly higher than anticipated formula users (M = 70, SD = 15.45), P = . 001 (2-tailed). Four of the six themes emerging from narrative analysis were similar to categories of self-efficacy: performance accomplishments, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasions, and physiological reactions. In addition, themes of social embarrassment and feelings of regret were identified. Conclusion: Although African American women in this study rated themselves overall as confident with breast-feeding, several narratives about actual feeding choices indicated ambivalence. Women planning to breast-feed need continued support from their healthcare providers throughout the childbearing year. Furthermore, prenatal and immediate postpartum opportunities may exist for nurses to encourage breast-feeding among individuals who initially plan formula use.
The Economics of Managerial Taxes and Corporate Risk-Taking

We examine the relation between managers' personal income tax rates and their corporate investment decisions. Using plausibly exogenous variation in federal and state tax rates, we find a positive relation between managers' personal tax rates and their corporate risk-taking. Moreover—and consistent with our theoretical predictions—we find that this relation is stronger among firms with investment opportunities that have a relatively high rate of return per unit of risk, and stronger among CEOs who have a relatively low marginal disutility of risk. Importantly, our results are unique to senior managers' tax rates––we do not find similar relations for middle-income tax rates. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that managers' personal income taxes influence their corporate risk-taking decisions. JEL Classifications: G30; G32; G38; H24; H32. Data Availability: Data are available from the sources cited in the text. Data on manager tax rates used in this paper are available at: http://acct.wharton. upenn.edu/∼dtayl/.
EEG effects of ECT: Implications for rTMS

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) involves the use of electrical stimulation to elicit a series of generalized tonic–clonic seizures for therapeutic purposes and is the most effective treatment known for major depression. These treatments have significant neurophysiologic effects, many of which are manifest in the electroencephalogram (EEG). The relationship between EEG data and the response to ECT has been studied since the 1940s, but for many years no consistent correlates were found. Recent studies indicate that a number of specific EEG features recorded during the induced seizures (ictal EEG) as well as before and after a course of treatment (interictal EEG) are related to both the therapeutic efficacy and cognitive side effects. Similar to ECT, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), which involves focal electromagnetic stimulation of cortical neurons, has also been studied as an antidepressant therapy and also appears to have neurophysiologic effects, although these have not been as fully investigated as is the case with ECT. Given the similarity of these treatments, it is natural to consider whether advances in understanding the electrophysiologic correlates of the ECT response might have implications for rTMS. The present article reviews the literature on the EEG effects of ECT and discusses the implications in terms of the likely efficacy and side effects associated with rTMS in specific anatomic locations, the potential for producing an antidepressant response with rTMS without eliciting seizure activity, eliciting focal seizures with rTMS, and the possibility of using rTMS to focally modulate seizure induction and spread with ECT to optimize treatment. Depression and Anxiety 12:157–165, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bamboo Shoots: A Novel Source of Nutrition and Medicine

Bamboos, a group of large woody grasses belonging to the family Poaceae and subfamily Bambusoideae, are much talked about for their contribution to the environment. However, the food potential of Bamboo shoot per se remains unexploited. Literature on the nutritional and medicinal potential of bamboo shoots is scarce. This paper therefore provides insight on bamboo shoot as a food resource. Various edible species and exotic food products (fermented shoots, pickle, etc.) and recipes of bamboo shoots (bamboo beer, bamboo cookies) are consumed worldwide. Change in nutritional composition of different species of bamboo shoots with processing has also been reviewed. Bamboo shoots possess high protein, moderate fiber, and less fat content. They are also endowed for having essential amino acids, selenium, a potent antioxidant, and potassium, a healthy heart mineral. Occurrence of taxiphyllin, a cyanogenic glycoside in raw shoots, and its side effect on human health calls for the demand to innovate processing ways using scientific input to eliminate the toxic compound without disturbing the nutrient reserve. Lastly, the paper also reviews the utilization of medicinal properties acquired by bamboo shoot. Using the traditional knowledge, pharmaceutical preparations of bamboo shoots like bamboo salt, bamboo vinegar, bamboo extracts for diabetes and cholesterol control, etc. are now gaining importance. Further investigation is required by the researchers to make novel nutraceutical products and benefit the society.
What educators and students really think about using patients as teachers in medical education: a qualitative study

Objectives Patients play an integral part in medical education, either as passive, clinical exemplars or as more active facilitators in the development of skills. In theory, the patient‐teacher may enhance the student learning experience by creating an environment similar to that of the medical workplace and encouraging the process of becoming a professional. Although many medical schools have integrated patient‐teachers within their curricula, there is little evidence of how those involved in providing or receiving medical education view patient‐teachers’ contributions to their education. This study investigates the views and experiences of medical tutors and students of involving patients in undergraduate curricula.
Dimensionality Reduction Based on Tensor Modeling for Classification Methods

Dimensionality reduction (DR) is the key issue to improve the classifiers' efficiency for hyperspectral images (HSIs). In this paper, principal component analysis (PCA), independent component analysis, and projection pursuit (PP) approaches to DR have been investigated. These matrix-algebra methods are applied on vectorized images. Thereof, the spatial rearrangement is lost. To jointly take advantage of the spatial and spectral information, HSI has been recently represented as tensor. Offering multiple ways to decompose data orthogonally, we introduced DR methods based on multilinear-algebra tools. The DR is performed on spectral way using PCA, or PP, joint to an orthogonal projection onto a lower subspace dimension of the spatial ways. We show the classification improvement using the introduced methods in function to existing methods. This experiment is exemplified using real-world HYDICE data.
Altruism and Risk Sharing in Networks

We provide the first analysis of the risk-sharing implications of altruism networks. Agents are embedded in a fixed network and care about each other. We explore whether altruistic transfers help smooth consumption and how this depends on the shape of the network. We find that altruism networks have a first-order impact on risk. Altruistic transfers generate efficient insurance when the network of perfect altruistic ties is strongly connected. We uncover two specific empirical implications of altruism networks. First, bridges can generate good overall risk sharing, and, more generally, the quality of informal insurance depends on the average path length of the network. Second, large shocks are well-insured by connected altruism networks. By contrast, large shocks tend to be badly insured in models of informal insurance with frictions. We characterize what happens for shocks that leave the structure of giving relationships unchanged. We further explore the relationship between consumption variance and centrality, correlation in consumption streams across agents, and the impact of adding links.
Surprisingly Low Seroprevalence of Burkholderia pseudomallei in Exposed Healthy Adults in the Darwin Region of Tropical Australia Where Melioidosis Is Highly Endemic

ABSTRACT In the Darwin region of Australia where melioidosis is highly endemic, only 11/354 (3%) healthy residents were seropositive by indirect hemagglutination assay, despite extensive exposure to Burkholderia pseudomallei. None developed melioidosis, but some described a prior self-limiting illness. This seropositivity rate is much lower than that seen in northeast Thailand, where melioidosis is similarly highly endemic, potentially reflecting important differences between these two locations in the epidemiology of melioidosis.
Investor Trading and the Post Earnings Announcement Drift

ABSTRACT: We examine whether the two distinct post-earnings-announcement drifts associated with seasonal random-walk-based and analyst-based earnings surprises are attributable to the trading activities of distinct sets of investors. We predict and find that small (large) traders continue to trade in the direction of seasonal random-walk-based (analyst-based) earnings surprises after earnings announcements. We also find that when small (large) traders react more thoroughly to seasonal random-walk- (analyst-) based earnings surprises at the earnings announcements, the respective drift attenuates. Further evidence suggests that delayed small trades associated with random-walk-based surprises are consistent with small traders’ failure to understand time-series properties of earnings, whereas delayed large trades associated with analyst-based surprises are more consistent with a longer price discovery process. We also find that the analyst-based drift has declined in recent years.
Dynamic Efficiency in World Economy

This study re-estimates dynamic efficiency based on the AMSZ (1989) criterion by exploiting the largest dataset assembled to date. It reveals that major economies conform to a similar "U-shaped curve" in their evolution of capital accumulation; that is, a period of decreasing efficiency followed by one of increasing efficiency. It also indicates that nations are not necessarily dynamically efficient if statistical bias is considered. As a prime example, China today is unquestionably in a serious state of dynamic inefficiency. The study discusses the theoretical limitations of AMSZ (1989), and calls for new breakthroughs in efficiency criteria.
Helicobacter pylori virulence genes and host genetic polymorphisms as risk factors for peptic ulcer disease

Helicobacter pylori infection plays an important role in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Several factors have been proposed as possible H. pylori virulence determinants; for example, bacterial adhesins and gastric inflammation factors are associated with an increased risk of PUD. However, differences in bacterial virulence factors alone cannot explain the opposite ends of the PUD disease spectrum, that is duodenal and gastric ulcers; presumably, both bacterial and host factors contribute to the differential response. Carriers of the high-producer alleles of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1B, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α who also carry low-producer allele of anti-inflammatory cytokines have severe gastric mucosal inflammation, whereas carriers of the alternative alleles have mild inflammation. Recent reports have suggested that the PSCA and CYP2C19 ultra-rapid metabolizer genotypes are also associated with PUD.
Myasthenia gravis: Newer therapies offer sustained improvement

Myasthenia gravis is a prototypical antibody-mediated autoimmune neuromuscular disorder. Treatments have improved over the past 30 years, leading to significantly fewer deaths and better quality of life. Future research should further elucidate its pathogenesis, reveal better ways to diagnose it, and yield new treatments. The prognosis has dramatically improved; the death rate used to be 75%, now it is 4.5%.
Catalytic Properties of d‐Amino Acid Oxidase in Cephalosporin C Bioconversion: A Comparison between Proteins from Different Sources

Lacking an efficient process to produce 7‐aminocephalosporanic acid from cephalosporin C in a single step, d‐amino acid oxidase (DAAO) is of foremost importance in the industrial, two‐step process used for this purpose. We report a detailed study on the catalytic properties of the three available DAAOs, namely, a mammalian DAAO and two others from yeast ( Rhodotorula gracilisand Trigonopsis variabilis). In comparing the kinetic parameters determined for the three DAAOs, with both cephalosporin C and d‐alanine as substrate, the catalytic efficiency of the two enzymes from microorganism is at least 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of pig kidney DAAO. Furthermore, the mammalian enzyme is more sensitive to product inhibition (from hydrogen peroxide and glutaryl‐7‐aminocephalosporanic acid). Therefore, enzymes from microorganisms appear to be by far more suitable catalysts for bioconversion, although some different minor differences are present between them (e.g., a higher activity of the R. gracilisenzyme when the bioconversion is carried out at saturating oxygen concentration). The mammalian DAAO, even being a poor catalyst, is more stable with respect to temperature than the R. gracilis enzyme in the free form. In any case, for industrial purposes DAAO is used only in the immobilized form where a strong enzyme stabilization occurs.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-I or -II interacts with IGF-I/Akt but not connexin 43 in human granulosa cell apoptosis.

BACKGROUND We have recently demonstrated that GnRH-I or -II can induce apoptosis in immortalized human granulosa cells by activating the caspase signaling cascade. Whether GnRH-I or -II can affect other regulators such as Bcl-2 family members, IGF-I, or gap junctions and the mechanisms involved are unknown. METHODS Immortalized human granulosa cells were treated with GnRH-I, GnRH-II, IGF-I, or antide (a GnRH-I receptor antagonist), in various combinations. Cell proliferation and apoptotic changes were evaluated by cell counting, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and immunoblotting. Activated or total protein expression of IGF-I receptor, Akt, connexin 43 (Cx43), or caspase-3 with and without dominant-negative Akt (an Akt-suppressing vector), wortmannin (a phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor), or Cx43 small interfering RNA transfection were assessed by immunoblotting. Gap junctional communication was determined by dye transfer assay. RESULTS GnRH-I or -II inhibited cell proliferation, induced TUNEL-positive cells, and increased caspase-3 activities but had no effects on Bcl-2 family members. IGF-I increased cell proliferation, decreased TUNEL-positive cells and caspase-3 activities, and increased Akt activities, and these effects were attenuated by GnRH-I or -II. Effects of IGF-I on caspase-3 activities were attenuated by dominant-negative Akt or wortmannin. GnRH-I or -II decreased dye transfer, increased Cx43 phosphorylation, and increased caspases-3 activities even after Cx43 knockdown. CONCLUSION GnRH-I or -II induces apoptosis in human granulosa cells through a caspase-3-dependent extrinsic pathway rather than a Bcl-2 family-dependent intrinsic pathway and attenuates the antiapoptotic action of IGF-I through Akt. Cx43-induced gap junctional changes do not initiate granulosa cell apoptosis but likely result from apoptosis induced by GnRH-I or -II.