Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic, Epigenetic, and Immunologic Profiling of MMR-Deficient Relapsed Glioblastoma

Purpose: In-depth characterization of recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) might contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind tumor progression and enable rGBM treatment with targeted drugs. Experimental Design: In this study, GBM samples were collected at diagnosis and recurrence from adult patients treated with Stupp protocol. Expression of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins was evaluated by IHC, followed by whole exome sequencing (WES) of tumor samples showing loss of MSH6 reactivity. Established genetic, epigenetic, and immunologic markers were assessed by standard methods and correlated with loss of MMR proteins and patient survival. Results: Expression of MMR proteins was partially or completely lost in 25.9% rGBM samples. Specifically, 12 samples showed partial or total MSH6 expression reduction. Conversely, 96.4% of GBM samples at diagnosis expressed MMR markers. WES disclosed lack of variants in MMR genes in primary samples, whereas two MSH6-negative rGBM samples shared a c.3438+1G>A* splicing MSH6 variant with a potential loss of function effect. MSH6-negative rGBM specimens had high tumor mutational burden (TMB), but no microsatellite instability. In contrast, GBM samples with partial loss of MMR proteins disclosed low TMB. MMR-deficient rGBM showed significant telomere shortening and MGMT methylation and are characterized by highly heterogeneous MHC class I expression. Conclusions: Multilevel profiling of MMR-deficient rGBM uncovered hypermutated genotype uncoupled from enriched expression of immune-related markers. Assessment of MHC class I expression and TMB should be included in protocols aiming to identify rGBM patients potentially eligible for treatment with drugs targeting immune-checkpoint inhibitors.
Single-crystalline orthorhombic molybdenum oxide nanobelts: synthesis and photocatalytic properties

Single crystalline MoO3 nanobelts with width of 200–300 nm and the length up to several tens of micrometres were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method and characterized. Based on time- and temperature-dependent experiments, a solid–solution–solid transformation mechanism was proposed for the formation of crystalline MoO3 nanobelts. The as-prepared MoO3 nanobelts were used as a photocatalyst to degrade methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation and demonstrated a dramatic activity, indicating that the as-prepared MoO3 nanobelts were promising candidates for the photodegradation of organic dyes. A self-sensitization photocatalytic mechanism was suggested based on the experimental results.
Agricultural Trade and Price Transmission between Israel and the West Bank by Rico Ihle and

Imposing military security measures as a consequence of violent conflict may lead to depressing economic effects for all parties involved. One implication is the limited ability to conduct trade, which in turn brings about welfare losses to the economic agents involved and may threat livelihoods and food security. This paper focuses on the consequences of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, as a prominent example, on bilateral agricultural trade and price dynamics. For this purpose, we consider high-frequency wholesale price data and data on movement restrictions (complete closures) which were imposed by the Israeli Defense Forces in the West Bank between May 2007 and December 2008. In particular, we study the price dynamics of cucumbers and apples, two crops which play an important role for bilateral trade. The spatial and temporal price relationships are assessed using a cointegration framework. Specifically, we use a novel multivariate exogenous regimeswitching vector error correction model and employ a recently developed extension of Johansen’s cointegration estimation method. We find the wholesale markets of cucumbers and apples in Hebron and Tel Aviv to be integrated. For both products, the price differentials between both markets quickly adjust to short run deviations from the long-run price equilibria. The regime-dependent model suggests that the movement restrictions effectively cut off both markets from each other temporarily.
THE INFLUENCE OF SPECIFIC FUNCTIONAL-MOTOR ABILITIES ON FREESTYLE SWIMMING PERFORMANCE TIME

The main goal of this research was to determine the relationship between the results in specific motor and functional abilities tests and the 100 m front crawl stroke performance time. The sample was comprised of 42 Top swimmers from the Republic of Croatia. It was found that the following tests correlate with the 100 m freestyle performance time: DYNCOO - dynamometric in water crawl coordination “Tethered swimming - coordination” (r=0, 57), DYNHAND – dynamometric in water crawl hands “Tethered swimming - hand” (r=0, 42), ERG1 – 1 butterfly strokes with resistance level 4 “Biokinetic swim bench” (r=0, 36) and DYNLEG – dynamometric in water crawl legs “Tethered swimming - leg” (r=0, 33). The results of the backward stepwise regression analysis indicate that in order to predict the 100 m front crawl stroke performance time, out of all the tests used in this investigation, it is sufficient to use dynamometric test as a predictor of swimming performance in that particular event. Performance time in 100 m front crawl stroke can only partially be explained by the results in the applied tests of specific motor abilities and functional abilities. In order to further explain the relationship between specific motor abilities as well as functional abilities and the 100m front crawl stroke performance time, further research needs to be conducted.
Jeans that fit: weighing the mass of the Milky Way analogues in the ΛCDM universe

The spherical Jeans equation is a widely used tool for dynamical study of gravitating systems in astronomy. Here we test its efficacy in robustly weighing the mass of Milky Way analogues, given they need not be in equilibrium or even spherical. Utilizing Milky Way stellar halos simulated in accordance with $\Lambda{\rm CDM}$ cosmology by Bullock and Johnston (2005) and analysing them under the Jeans formalism, we recover the underlying mass distribution of the parent galaxy, within distance $r/{\rm kpc}\in[10,100]$, with a bias of $\sim12\%$ and a dispersion of $\sim14\%$. Additionally, the mass profiles of triaxial dark matter halos taken from the SURFS simulation, within scaled radius $0.2<r/r_{\rm max}<3$, are measured with a bias of $\sim-2.4\%$ and a dispersion of $\sim10\%$. The obtained dispersion is not because of Poisson noise due to small particle numbers as it is twice the later. We interpret the dispersion to be due to the inherent nature of the $\Lambda{\rm CDM}$ halos, for example being aspherical and out-of-equilibrium. Hence the dispersion obtained for stellar halos sets a limit of about $12\%$ (after adjusting for random uncertainty) on the accuracy with which the mass profiles of the Milky Way-like galaxies can be reconstructed using the spherical Jeans equation. This limit is independent of the quantity and quality of the observational data. The reason for a non zero bias is not clear, hence its interpretation is not obvious at this stage.
Three models of failed athletic contests

Arvi Pakaslahti’s model of failed athletic contests (the Two Ideals Model) and Mika Hämäläinen’s most recent model of failed athletic contests (the Four Items Model) are the two most sophisticated models of failed athletic contests in the philosophy of sport literature. In this paper, I argue that the Two Ideals Model is a more plausible model of failed athletic contests than the Four Items Model. However, I also argue that the Two Ideals Model is an incomplete model of failed athletic contests. I suggest that instead of accepting the Two Ideals Model, it would be better to endorse what I call ‘the Three Ideals Model’.
Students' self-regulated learning, online information evaluative standards and online academic searching strategies

Online information searching strategies (OISS) used by students can be viewed as a key indicator in online learning environments. Therefore, developments in their OISS may also involve variables such as self-regulated learning (SRL) and online information evaluative standards (OIES). Three instruments, an OISS, a SRL and an OIES were used to investigate the roles of SRL (including basic and advanced SRL) and OIES (including naive and advanced standards) in the OISS of 307 high school students in Taiwan. The results of a structural equation model confirmed that both students' SRL and OIES have positive predictions on their OISS. In addition, students' advanced OIES mediated the relationships between basic SRL and OISS. However, when the students took advantage of the advanced SRL in employing OISS, the significance of the OIES was not shown. This study contributes to the understanding of students' online academic information searching strategies.
Low-energy separation by implantation of oxygen structures via plasma source ion implantation

The initial results from an investigation into the feasibility of using plasma source ion implantation (PSII) to produce separation by implantation of oxygen structures in silicon are reported. Oxygen ions are implanted into p‐type (111) oriented silicon wafers using a −30 kV acceleration potential and an oxygen plasma at a pressure of 0.2 mTorr. The effects of ion dose and high‐voltage pulse width were examined. Some of the implanted wafers were annealed. Both the as‐implanted and annealed wafers were examined using secondary‐ion‐mass spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy. The initial results show that oxygen can be implanted by PSII and suggest that a buried layer of silicon dioxide has been formed in the implanted wafers.
Cardiopulmonary fitness test among Nepalese students

Background and Objectives : Maximum Oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) is a good predictor of cardiopulmonary and muscle fitness. Maximum oxygen uptake is defined as the highest rate at which oxygen can be taken up and utilize by body during severe exercise. The present study aims to find out the level of VO 2 max using Mc Ardle equation and to compare obtained values from Chatterjee’s equation in Nepalese population. Methodology: Maximum oxygen uptake was determined by using the Queen’s college step-stool of 16.25 inches and popular Mc Ardle equation. Stepping was done for a total duration of 3 minutes at the rate of 24 cycles per minute for males and 22 cycles per minute for females. After completion of the exercise, subjects remained standing while the carotid pulse rate was taken as heart rate. Maximum oxygen uptake was calculated using obtained heart rate. Results: Queen’s college step test (QCT) was used as a submaximal exercise and the estimated VO 2 max in boys and girls was 48.8± 7.3 ml/kg/min and 37.4± 2.7 ml/kg/min respectively with Mc Ardle equation and the value was higher when compared with Chatterjee’s equations. The value of VO 2 max was observed and found to be less in smokers and sedentary individuals. Conclusion: As the values of VO 2 max obtained from different equations are different, this research strongly argues the need of developing a prediction equation specifically for the Nepalese population. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3126/jmcjms.v1i1. 7879 Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2013) Vol. 1 (1):3-8
Financial Constraints And Capacity Adjustment In The United Kingdom: Are Small Firms Really Different? Evidence From A Large Panel Of Survey Data

The interrelationship between financial constraints and firm activity is a hotly debated issue. The way firms cope with financial constraints is fundamental to the analysis of monetary transmission, of financial stability and of growth and development. The CBI Industrial Trends Survey contains detailed information on the financial constraints faced by a large sample of UK manufacturers. This paper uses the quarterly CBI Industrial Trends Survey firm level data between January 1989 and October 1999. The cleaned sample contains 49,244 quarterly observations on 5,196 firms. As more than 63% of the observations refer to firms with less than 200 employees, the data set is especially well suited for comparing large and small companies. The data set is presented and a new method of checking the informational content of the data is developed. Whereas the relationship between investment activity and financial constraints is theoretically ambivalent due to simultaneity, the link between financial constraints on the one hand and the prevalence and duration of capacity gaps on the other should be unambiguously positive. Looking at the relationship between both types of constraints, two important results emerge. First, there is shown to be informational content in the survey data on financial constraints. Specifically, financially constrained firms take longer to close capacity gaps. This indicates that financial constraints do indeed play a part in the investment process. Second, small firms close their capacity gaps faster than large firms do, but financial constraints seem to be of higher relevance to their adjustment dynamics. JEL Classification: D21, D92, C33, C41
University of Groningen On the convergence rates of GMSFEMs for heterogeneous elliptic problems without oversampling techniques

This work is concerned with the rigorous analysis of the generalized multiscale finite element methods (GMsFEMs) for elliptic problems with high-contrast heterogeneous coefficients. GMsFEMs are popular numerical methods for solving flow problems with heterogeneous high-contrast coefficients, and they have demonstrated extremely promising numerical results for a wide range of applications. However, the mathematical justification of the efficiency of the method is still largely missing. In this work, we analyze two types of multiscale basis functions, i.e., local spectral basis functions and basis functions of local harmonic extension type, within the GMsFEM framework. These constructions have found many applications in the past few years. We establish their optimal convergence in the energy norm or H1 seminorm under a very mild assumption that the source term belongs to some weighted L2 space, and without the help of any oversampling technique. Furthermore, we analyze the model order reduction of the local harmonic extension basis and prove its convergence in the energy norm. These theoretical findings offer insight into the mechanism behind the efficiency of the GMsFEMs.
STUDIES ON THE OXIDATION AND REDUCTION OF IMMUNOLOGICAL SUBSTANCES

The investigation dealt particularly with the combination of pneumococcus hemotoxin with red blood cells. The reduced or hemolytically active form of the hemotoxin was known to possess the property of erythrocyte combination. The results obtained in this study indicate that the hemolytically inactive, reversibly oxidized form exists in two different modifications; one retains the property of erythrocyte combination while the other lacks this property. The influence of the combining property of the hemotoxin upon the mechanism of hemolysis and upon the inhibition of the hemolytic reaction was also investigated.
Susceptibility of Candida albicans clinical isolates to some plant extracts in Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study is to determine the occurrence of Candida albicans in clinical specimens and studying its susceptibility to some plant extracts in Saudi Arabia. One hundred twenty eight human clinical specimens from 98 cases suffering from oral thrush and 30 cases suffering from vulvovaginitis were examined by mycological examination. C. albicans was identified by standard methods. The susceptibility of C. albicans to nine medicinal plants extract (alcoholic) marketed in Saudi Arabia was examined. The frequency of C. albicans in the examined urine samples and oral swabs was 82.65 and 86.7%, respectively. Zone of inhibition (mm) of C. albicans against different plant extracts in different concentrations (500-32000 μg/ml) ranged from zero to 10±0.1. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 4000 to 32000 μg/ml. C. albicans is common in ICU cases either those with indwelling urinary catheter or those with oral thrush. The anti-candidal activity of the examined plants extracts (alcoholic) may help in treatment and prevention of candidiasis. Key words: Candida albicans, clinical, plant extracts, antimycotics, and sensitivity
BIO-CHEMICAL REACTION ENHANCEMENT USING MAGNETIC AXIS CONTROLLED SPINNING MICROPARTICLES WITH STRUCTURAL COLOR BARCODE

We have developed a novel method of in-situ synthesis of structural color coded particles for multiplex biochemical assays in a microfluidic channel using a single material (Fe3O4/PEGDA mixture). Since the magnetic nanoparticles within the encoded microparticles form 1D chain structures, particles are not only magnetically separable but also tend to align to external magnetic field lines. Previous magnetic handling methods have largely focused on the separation properties of magnetite. However, using a unique multi-axis manipulation scheme, we demonstrate 3D bio-chemical reaction enhancement and a 2D reading process.
Using Web 2.0 Technology to Enhance, Scaffold and Assess Problem-Based Learning

Web 2.0 technologies, such as social networks, wikis, blogs, and virtual worlds provide a platform for collaborative working, facilitating sharing of resources and joint document production. They can act as a stimulus to promote active learning and provide an engaging and interactive environment for students, and as such align with the philosophy of Problem-based Learning. Furthermore, Web 2.0 technologies can provide the tutor or facilitator with an opportunity to scaffold and asses the PBL process. However, whilst it is recognised that technology has an important role in enhancing each step of a PBL exercise, academic staff can be reluctant to use it. This paper provides some illustrative examples of the technologies that have been used to enhance, scaffold and assess PBL and their evaluation by distance learning and on-campus students at the University of Ulster. The benefits and limitations of using technology for both staff and students to support PBL are discussed.
Can we bring the natural environment into the art classroom? Can natural sound foster creativity?

This paper explores the relationship between the natural world and its potential benefits to the art classroom environment. In particular, it considers the following research question: Can natural sound foster creativity? The study investigates the role of natural sound on creative ability in girls’ intermediate schools (12 to 15 years)in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It reviews the benefit of incorporating the natural environment in the art classroom to stimulate student’s creative performance on art tasks. Research from the area of environmental psychology suggests that humans will benefit both physically and psychologically from spending time in nature and the outside environment. This paper encourages the attention of art educators to consider bringing the outdoor natural environment and in particular, natural sounds inside the art classroom. The contribution to new knowledge in this study will be in the development of advice for all participants working within and related to the field of education and in particular art education, to promote the use of natural sound in the classroom as a learning aid and a means of fostering creativity. Key words: Saudi Arabia, art classroom, natural environment, natural sound
Building the Digital Bridge: A Longitudinal Study of Community Learning Centers

This paper formulates a definition of digital divide in the context of developing countries such as India and develops theoretical models that relate potential antecedents to adoption and use of rural information centers by direct users, mediated users, and nonusers. It develops a survey instrument for the direct-user model and tests it with 60, 11and 12-year-old students in rural and semirural schools, who have been using the centers for computer-based learning alongside traditional learning for more than a year. Results show that perceived usefulness of the computer-based system, prior information technology experience, and empathy of the human assistant are positively associated with the students’ preference of computer-based learning. The follow-up stages of this research consist of a longitudinal study of the three models with larger samples of students and other members of the rural populace. This is planned as a cohort study which will investigate the change in antecedents of intention to use the centers as individuals progress from nonuser to mediated user and then to direct user and the resultant implications.
The Effects of the 1993 Earned Income Tax Credit Expansion on the Labor Supply of Unmarried Women

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) expansion in 1993 has substantially increased the benefit available to a family with two or more children compared to a family with one child and to a family with no children. Using national survey data and this differential increase in EITC benefits, this study examines the effect of the 1993 EITC expansion on the labor supply of unmarried women. I find that the 1993 expansion has substantially increased the labor force participation of those women with two or more children. Moreover, the increase in the participation rate was mainly from less-educated women, the target population of the EITC program. Regarding the hours of work, I find evidence that the expansion increased total hours worked by all unmarried women. However, I find no evidence of statistically significant changes in annual hours worked by currently unmarried female workers.
Immunization Status and Child Survival in Uganda

Using the UDHS 2006 and 2011 and employing the Cox model, we tested the hypothesis that childhood immunization equalizes all children irrespective of parental background. Our findings reject this hypothesis. However, we find strong support to the view that childhood immunization decisively dampens child mortality. Immunised children reduce the risk of mortality by 17-38%. Immunised children with DPT/Polio reduce risk of mortality by 25-43%. Children immunised with measles and BCG shots reduce the risk of mortality by 38-44%. Efforts intended to improve child survival need to go beyond the childhood immunization campaigns and recognise other sources of mortality and morbidity. Key words : Immunization status, child survival, cox model, Uganda
Marketing organic olive oil: From fork to field

In this paper we illustrate the use of concept of business model as a tool for a successful fork to field approach in marketing organic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Two case studies help understanding the potential of business model generation to successfully creating and delivering value to the company and its customers. Lack of information and market transparency makes it very difficult for farmers and distributors to make efficient strategic marketing plans on organic EVOO. The proposed tools to design business models may help to reduce the risks and further develop the organic EVOO market.
STUDIES ON SOME PRIMARY METABOLITE'S EXTRACTION AND QUANTIFICATION IN DIFFERENT PLANT PARTS OF SELECTED CASSIA SPECIES

During the present investigation , comparative study of primary metabolites i.e. Carbohyrates, Protein, Ascorbic acid, Starch, Lipids, Nucleic acids, Chlorophylls and Caretenoids, of genus Cassia were determined. The three species Cassia pumila, C. nodosa and C . renigera were undertaken for study and all the parts of respective plants were analyzed for their chemical composition. It was found that the higher level of starch, lipids, chlorophylls and nucleic acid was observed in Cassia nodosa leaves and phenols contents was higher in leaves of C. nodosa as well as in pods of C. pumila. The protein and lipid were found to be higher in pods of C. renigera.