Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The retrosigmoid approach for auditory brainstem implantation.

OBJECTIVE To describe our experience with the retrosigmoid-transmeatal (RS-TM) approach in auditory brainstem implantation (ABI) as well as the anatomosurgical guidelines for this route. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case review. SETTING Ear, Nose, and Throat Department of the University of Verona. PATIENTS Five patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) were operated on for vestibular schwannoma removal with ABI implantation from April 1997 to June 1999. The patients were four men and one woman, whose ages ranged from 22 to 37 years. The tumor sizes ranged from 12 to 30 mm. The records of a total of 179 patients operated on for vestibular schwannoma (VS) removal via the RS-TM approach from January 1990 to June 1999 were also evaluated. Their ages ranged from 18 to 88 years (average 54 years). The tumor sizes ranged from 4 to 50 mm. Five patients had a solitary VS in the only hearing ear. INTERVENTION The classic RS-TM approach was used in all patients. After tumor excision, for ABI implantation, the landmarks (seventh, eighth, and ninth cranial nerves, choroid plexus) for the foramen of Luschka were carefully identified. The choroid plexus was then partially removed, and the tela choroidea was divided and bent back. The floor of the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle and the convolution of the dorsal cochlear nucleus became visible. The electrode array was then inserted into the lateral recess and correctly positioned with the aid of electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (EABRs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Intraoperative EABR and postoperative speech perception evaluation. RESULTS Auditory sensations were induced in all patients with various numbers of electrodes. Different pitch sensations could be identified with different electrode stimulation. CONCLUSIONS In the authors' experience, the RS-TM approach is the route of choice for patients who are candidates for ABI when there is a chance of hearing preservation during surgery. If auditory function is lost during surgery, anatomical preservation of the cochlear nerve may allow hearing restoration with a cochlear implant. Direct intraoperative recording of cochlear nerve action potentials (CNAPs) and round window electrical stimulation are mandatory for these purposes. In addition, decompression of the intrameatal portion of the vestibular schwannoma and planned partial tumor resection with hearing preservation are also possible with the RS-TM approach.
Short-Sale Constraints, Differences of Opinion, and Overvaluation

Abstract Miller (1977) hypothesizes that dispersion of investor opinion in the presence of short-sale constraints leads to stock price overvaluation. However, previous empirical tests of Miller's hypothesis examine the valuation effects of only one of these two necessary conditions. We examine the valuation effects of the interaction between differences of opinion and shortsale constraints. We find robust evidence of significant overvaluation for stocks that are subject to both conditions simultaneously. Stocks are not systematically overvalued when either one of these two conditions is not met.
The Causes of the Depression in Australia in the 1930's: A General Equilibrium Evaluation

Abstract This paper examines the causes of the depression in Australia in the 1930′s using the computable general equilibrium approach. A nine-sector general equilibrium model of the Australian economy in the 1930′s is formulated and some counterfactual simulations are carried out using the model. The results tend to suggest that the evaporation of the capital inflow, which reduced domestic investment, and the fall in export prices, which worsened the terms of trade, are the leading factors in the Australian depression. These findings square with Boehm′s assertion that the depression was an uncommon economic experience imposed on Australia′s usual business cycle by the collapse of the international economy.
Chinese subjectivity detection using a sentiment density-based naive Bayesian classifier

Subjectivity detection plays an important role in many opinion mining systems such as sentiment classifiers and opinion summarization systems. In this paper we present a sentiment density-based naive Bayesian classifier for Chinese subjectivity classification. In this study, we first employ the chi-square technique to automatically extract subjective cues from training data. To represent sentence subjectivity, we calculate sentiment density using the extracted subjective cues and thus construct a set of sentiment density subintervals. Finally, we implement a naive Bayesian classifier with sentiment density subintervals as features for subjectivity classification. We also conduct several experiments on the NTCIR-6 Chinese opinion data, showing the feasibility of the proposed method.
THE EFFECT OF HIV/AIDS DRIVEN LABOR ORGANIZATION ON AGROBIODIVERSITY: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN ETHIOPIA

Improved micronutrient intake contributes to delaying the progression of HIV into AIDS and to reducing HIV infection rates. Higher agrobiodiversity in the homegarden contributes to improving the nutritional status of farm households. Farm households with HIV/AIDS affected members observe a decrease in labor supply and productivity causing them to reallocate labor. The reallocation of labor may result in change in agrobiodiversity. Sharecropping is often used to alleviate labor shortage in agricultural production. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the implications of HIV/AIDS on agrobiodiversity through sharecropping arrangements. The study is based on a survey among 205 farm households in the Jimma zone of South Western Ethiopia. Results show that HIV/AIDS driven increase in sharecropping has a positive effect on perennial and overall agrobiodiversity in the homegarden. This offers additional intervention options to mitigate the impacts of HIV/AIDS among farm households.
Identification, characterization, and biological activity of endothelin receptors in human ovary.

We previously reported the expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in granulosa cells (GCs) of the human ovary and the presence of ET-1-like immunoreactivity in human follicular fluid obtained from women in an in vitro fertilization program. In follicular fluid, but not in plasma, the levels of ET-1-like immunoreactivity were higher in gonadotropin-stimulated vs. spontaneous cycles, suggesting hormonal regulation of follicular ET-1. To identify and characterize ET receptors in human ovary, we performed autoradiography, radioligand binding, and functional studies. Mathematical analysis of families of self- and cross-competition curves among [125I]ET-1, [125I]ET-3, and selective analogs indicates that human ovary expresses both subtypes of ET receptors, i.e. ETA and ETB receptors. However, the concentration of the ETB site was 100-fold lower than that of the ETA one. By using [125I]ET-1, we demonstrated that the density of binding sites in human ovary is not affected by the hormonal milieu (similar concentrations in normal cycling, postmenopausal, and combined oral contraceptive-treated women). In situ binding studies indicate that the majority of ETA and ETB receptors are expressed in the blood vessels of the ovary. In particular, ETA receptors are abundant in the ovulatory follicles and localized in the theca interna, in close proximity to the granulosa layer. Few GCs of the ovulatory follicle were specifically labeled. Conversely, in the rat ovary, used as a control, ETB receptors were predominantly expressed and localized in GCs. Accordingly, ETB receptors negatively regulated estrogen accumulation in rat GCs. In human granulosa-luteal cells, neither ET-1 (unselective ligand) nor ET-3 or sarafotoxin 6c (ETB ligands) affected estrogen or progesterone secretion. ET-1 was 2.5-fold more potent than noradrenaline in eliciting contraction of ovarian artery, acting through the ETA receptor. Our results indicate that in human ovary, at variance with rat ovary, the endothelin system is primarily involved in the regulation of ovarian blood flow and not steroidogenesis.
High-Throughput Mass Spectrometry Screening for Inhibitors of Phosphatidylserine Decarboxylase

A high-throughput mass spectrometry assay to measure the catalytic activity of phosphatidylserine decarboxylase (PISD) is described. PISD converts phosphatidylserine to phosphatidylethanolamine during lipid synthesis. Traditional methods of measuring PISD activity are low throughput and unsuitable for the high-throughput screening of large compound libraries. The high-throughput mass spectrometry assay directly measures phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine using the RapidFire™ platform at a rate of 1 sample every 7.5 s. The assay is robust, with an average Z′ value of 0.79 from a screen of 9920 compounds. Of 60 compounds selected for confirmation, 54 are active in dose-response studies. The application of high-throughput mass spectrometry permitted a high-quality screen to be performed for an otherwise intractable target. (Journal of Biomolecular Screening 2007:628-634)
rhBMP-2/ACS grafts versus autogenous cancellous marrow grafts in large vertical defects of the maxilla: an unsponsored randomized open-label clinical trial.

PURPOSE This study compared the histologic parameters and outcomes of two types of grafts in large vertical maxillary defects: a composite graft of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2/acellular collagen sponge (rhBMP-2/ACS), crushed cancellous freeze-dried allogeneic bone (CCFDAB), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP); and size-matched 100% autogenous grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients each were treated with a composite graft, which contained 1.05 mg rhBMP-2/ACS per two-tooth segment together with CCFDAB and PRP, or a 100% autogenous graft prior to implant placement. Grafting material was contained within a titanium mesh crib. RESULTS Two grafts in each group were lost as a result of early mesh exposure and infection. Three grafts in each group developed a late exposure of the mesh that did not affect bone regeneration. The remaining 18 autogenous grafts all regenerated sufficient bone for implant restoration (100%), and 17 of 18 (97.4%) of the composite grafts regenerated sufficient bone for implant restoration. The autogenous grafts included 54% ± 10% of new viable bone but also included residual nonviable graft particles. The composite grafts contained 59% ± 12% viable new bone and no remaining nonviable bone particles. The composite grafting technique resulted in less blood loss and shorter surgical time but greater and longer-lasting edema. The costs of both grafts were nearly equal. CONCLUSION A composite graft of rhBMP-2/ACS-CCFDAB-PRP regenerates bone in large vertical ridge augmentations as predictably as 100% autogenous graft with less morbidity, equal cost, and more viable new bone formation without residual nonviable bone particles, but with more edema. This composite graft represents an in situ tissue engineering concept that is able to achieve results equivalent to autogenous grafts in large vertical ridge augmentations without donor bone harvesting.
Targeting Jurkat T Lymphocyte Leukemia Cells by an Engineered Interferon-Alpha Hybrid Molecule

Background/Aims: Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a very aggressive T cell malignancy that carries a poor prognosis, primarily due to its resistance to chemotherapy and to life-threatening infectious complications. Interferon-alpha (IFNα) has been used in combination with the anti-retroviral drug zidovudine to treat patients with ATL. However, the efficacy of long-term therapy is significantly limited due to the systemic toxicity of IFNα. Methods: We utilized phage display library screening to identify short peptides that specifically bind to Jurkat T lymphocyte leukemia cells. By fusing the Jurkat-binding peptide to the C-terminus of IFNα, we constructed an engineered chimeric IFNα molecule (IFNP) for the treatment of ATL. Results: We found that IFNP exhibited significantly higher activity than wild type IFNα in inhibiting the growth of leukemia cells and inducing cell blockage at the G0/G1 phase. The synthetic IFNP molecule exerted its antitumor activity by upregulating the downstream genes involved in the STAT1 pathway and in apoptosis. Using a cell receptor binding assay, we showed that this Jurkat-binding peptide facilitated the binding affinity of IFNα to the cell surface type I IFN receptor. Conclusion: The isolated Jurkat-binding peptide significantly potentiates the therapeutic activity of IFNα in T lymphocyte leukemia cells. The engineered IFNP molecule may prove to a novel antitumor approach in the treatment of patients with ATL.
Goal Attainment Scaling in paediatric rehabilitation: a report on the clinical training of an interdisciplinary team.

BACKGROUND Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is a responsive method for individual goal setting and treatment evaluation. However, current knowledge about its reliability when used in paediatric rehabilitation treatment is insufficient and depends highly on standardization of the GAS method. A training programme was developed to introduce GAS to a team of 27 professionals from five disciplines. The purpose of the paper is to share the experiences of professionals and parents during this training. METHODS The training consisted of three 2-h general discussion sessions and intensive individual feedback from the study leader (i.e. the first author). Feedback was given until the GAS scales met predetermined criteria of ordinality, described specific, measurable, acceptable, realistic abilities and activities in a single dimension, used the 'can-do' principle and could be scored within 10 min. Therapists and parents were asked to give their opinion by completing a questionnaire. RESULTS One hundred and fifteen GAS scales were developed and scored by professionals. The development of a GAS scale remained a time-consuming procedure, despite the training: 45 (SD = 27) minutes per scale. The content criteria of GAS were found to be useful by all participants. Common issues requiring revision of the initial scales were equal scale intervals, specificity, measurability and selection of a single variable. After the training, 70% of the therapists and 60% of the parents regarded GAS as a suitable tool to improve the quality of rehabilitation treatment. Examples of GAS scales developed by the various disciplines are presented and discussed. CONCLUSIONS The experiences reported in this paper support the further development of training procedures for GAS before it can be used as an outcome measure in effect studies. The findings may be helpful in introducing GAS in the field of childhood disability.
How Have the Emerging Stock Exchanges in Africa Responded to Market Reforms?

Abstract In this paper, we focus on how the stock markets in Africa have responded to the reform process. We identify three main types of reforms implemented in these markets since the 1990s, namely revitalization of the regulatory framework, modernization of trading systems, and relaxation of restrictions on foreign investors. We invoke market microstructure theory to hypothesize the expected response of the markets in terms of efficiency and volatility to the three types of reforms. Econometric methods are applied to test the hypotheses on a sample of ten stock exchanges, for the period 1988:01-1999:12. The evidence generally suggests that there are benefits of investments to improve market microstructure. For example, a comparative analysis across the sample demonstrates that markets with advanced trading technology, tight regulatory system and relaxed foreign investors' participation show greater efficiency and lower market volatility. Although direction of causality between efficiency and volatility varies across the markets, in general, we infer that reforms, which reduce volatility, reap higher efficiency. However, in some markets, the effects of the reforms are too recent to show any clear response pattern.
Decreased cognitive functions at the age of 66, as measured by the MMSE, associated with having left working life before the age of 60: Results from the SNAC study

Aims: The age of retirement has financial implications as we tend to live longer, with the result that an increasing number of older inhabitants have to share limited financial resources. However, this is not only a financial issue. It is also of interest to investigate factors related to health and quality of life associated with the age of retirement. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in mood, activity level, and cognition at the age of 66 associated with leaving working life before 60. Methods: Baseline and follow-up data on 840 participants of the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care – Blekinge was used. Mood was measured by the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Scale and activity level by 27 survey items. Cognition was measured by the Mini Mental State Examination. Results: Retirement before 60 years of age was not associated with lower cognitive functions and a higher score on depression at baseline, but retirees were less active. Six years later, at the age of 66, a decline in their cognition was found. Retirees were still not more depressed but less active. In a logistic regression analysis, being retired increased the odds ratio for cognitive decline by 1.36-times (OR 2.36) when gender, activity level, education level, and depression were adjusted for. Conclusions: Participants who retired before the age of 60 declined in cognitive ability over the 6-year study period.
Proposals to Restructure Social Security

This paper discusses five proposed changes in Social Security: indexing the normal retirement age to life expectancy (as Sweden is doing); investing part of the trust funds in private securities; partial privatization (as has been proposed by Senators Kerrey and Simpson, Sweden is doing and Mexico has done); replacing Social Security by individually mandated savings (as was done in Chile in 1981); and mandating employer provided retirement savings (as recently legislated in Australia and is effectively the case in some European countries.) The economics of Social Security and the politics of restoring (and preserving) actuarial balance are discussed.
Non-standard Employment in Post-industrial Labour Markets: An Occupational Perspective

Contents: 1. Introduction and Conclusion Werner Eichhorst and Paul Marx 2. Non-Standard Employment Across Occupations in Germany: The Role of Replaceability and Labour Market Flexibility Werner Eichhorst, Paul Marx and Tobsch 3. Non-Standard Employment Patterns across Occupation in the Netherlands Anne Gielen and Trudie Schils 4. Occupational Employment Patterns in a Highly Regulated Labour Market: The Case of France Baptiste Francon and Paul Marx 5. Occupational Growth and Non-Standard Employment in the Spanish Service Sector: From Upgrading to Polarisation Oscar Molina and Pedro Lopez Roldan 6. Non-standard Work, Low-paid Work and Employment Dynamics in Italy: Evidence From an Occupational Perspective Fabio Berton, Matteo Richiardi and Stefano Sacchi 7. Labour Market Flexibility in the Danish Service Sector: Same Old, Same Old, But More Different Per Kongshoj Madsen 8. Variation in the Prevalence of Temporary Contracts across Occupations in the UK Alison Koslowski and Caitlin McLean 9. Non-standard Employment across Occupations in the United States: The Role of Replaceability and Labour Market Flexibility Moira Nelson 10. Subjective Employment Insecurity Gap between Occupations: Variance across Europe Heejung Chung 11. Understanding Occupational Differences in Flexibilisation and Mobility Patterns in Europe: Do Institutions Matter? Ruud Muffels 12. Non-standard Employment of Women in Service Sector Occupations: A Comparison of European Countries Janine Leschke 13. Female Atypical Employment in the Service Occupations: A Comparative Study of Time Trends in Germany and the UK Martina Dieckhoff, Vanessa Gash, Antje Mertens and Laura Romeu-Gordo 14. Trade Unions, Precarious Work and Dualisation in Europe Maarten Keune 15. Non-standard Employment and Systems of Skill Formation in European Ccountries Marius Busemeyer and Kathleen Thelen Index
Staying on Course: The Effects of Savings and Assets on the College Progress of Young Adults

Increasingly, college graduation is seen as a necessary step toward achieving the American Dream. However, large disparities exist in graduation rates. For many families, the current family income is not enough to finance college. Therefore, many young adults have to rely on education loans, which may be difficult to repay, leaving them strapped with debt after leaving college. This study examines the potential role of assets and savings for promoting college progress among young adults. Overall, findings suggest that policies, such as Child Development Accounts (CDAs), that help parents and youth accumulate savings—especially savings for college—may increase college attendance and graduation completion rates.
Born in Britain: a reflection on government aspirations a decade on

In light of substantial disadvantage faced by ethnic minorities, the UK government stated a decade ago that in 10 years’ time, ethnic minorities should no longer face disproportionate barriers to labour market achievement. From the investigation of the stock of native born ethnics conducted here, it is evident that such aspirations have not been realized.
Promotion Opportunity on Employee Career Change Decision: The Case of a Selected Learning Institution in Kenya

Employees are a vital competitive tool for organisations; given that success of organisation is determined by its human resources; however career change intention is little known. Knowing the implication of career change in terms of direct cost; replacement, recruitment and selection, temporary staff, management time, or in terms of indirect costs like morale, pressure on remaining staff, cost of learning, organizational can take appropriate measures to reduce career change. Thus, this study examined the effect of promotion opportunity on non teaching staff career change intention in Moi University Eldoret Municipality Kenya. Herzberg’s two factor theory guided this study. The research design was a survey. Individual elements were selected using stratified systematic random sampling techniques and the sample size determination was based on Nassiuma method. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The specific analysis methods in this study included frequencies, percentages, spearman correlation, phi and ordinal regression. The findings indicated that; promotion opportunity had a significant relationship with non teaching staff career change intention. The findings indicated that non teaching staff considered promotion opportunity as the critical indicator of their perception of job satisfaction. This study concludes that promotion opportunity as perceived by non teaching staff had a higher effect on career change intention in Moi University Eldoret Municipality Kenya. Arising from the conclusion of this study, it is recommended that, Moi University ensure that promotion should be based on merit to reduce chances of career change.