Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Venous thrombosis of the brain. Retrospective review of 110 patients in Kuwait.

OBJECTIVE To highlight the importance of neurological presentation and complications in the early diagnosis and management of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). METHODS We performed a retrospective case analysis of 110 patients with CVT treated at the Neurology Center, Ibn Sina Hospital, in Kuwait from January 2000 to September 2013. The records of patients with CVT were retrieved and entered in a data sheet. The different neurological presenting signs and symptoms were analyzed based on their frequency, pathogenesis, and treatment. RESULTS One hundred and ten (110) patients were included in this study, with a male to female ratio of 1:1.7. Neurological signs and symptoms were headache (82%), seizures (42%), and focal neurological deficits (33%). Papilledema with raised intracranial pressure was recorded in 35 patients (32%). Venous and hemorrhagic venous infarctions were recorded in 27 patients, and multiple intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhages in 7 patients. The venous sinuses involved were the superior sagittal sinus in 54.5%, and transverse sigmoid sinuses in 52%. CONCLUSION Headache, seizures, and focal neurological deficits were the most common neurological presentation. Anticoagulants (systemic heparin) were used as first-line therapy, including patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. The use of steroids and osmotic diuretics as anti-edema measures were recorded in 25% of cases. Treating raised ICP by repeated lumbar puncture and CSF drain could prevent visual failure.
Clinical outcomes of posterior spinal stabilization with rigid vertical strut and spinal process wires (the Adeolu’s technique) in a developing country

Introduction Conventional instrumentation for spinal stabilization is beyond the reach of many patients in developing countries. A low-cost and easily-available method of spinal stabilization using vertical struts and spinal process wires (Adeolu's technique) was recently introduced in Nigeria. We describe the clinical outcomes of a prospective series of patients managed using the technique. Methods From 2011 to 2012, we performed posterior spinal stabilization in eighteen patients using the technique. Primary outcomes were radiological evidence of rigid stabilization and mobilization without restrictions referable to the procedure in the immediate post-operative period. Implant rotation, migration, back-out, fracture, wound infection, worsening neurological status and need for implant removal were secondary measures. Overall patient satisfaction was assessed using a five-point Likert scale. The average follow-up period was 11.6 months. Results The average age of the patients was 45.8 years. Trauma with unstable spinal fractures (11), spondylosis (5), and thoracic extra-dural tumour (2) were the indications for surgery. The average number of spinal levels stabilized was 6. All patients had satisfactory primary outcomes. Implant rotation occurred in 3 patients (16.7%). There was no case of implant migration, back-out or fracture. Superficial surgical site infection occurred in one patient. There was no need to remove the implant in any subject and none had post-operative worsening of neurological status. The overall patient satisfaction was good with 17 patients (94.4%) reporting “highly satisfied” or “satisfied” with the surgical procedure. Conclusion The technique offers utility in a wide range of spinal pathologies and short-term clinical outcomes are good.
Atrial cardiomyopathy an orphan disease or common disorder?

Cardiac atria are intricate structures that first appear as localized ballooning of the outer curvature of the primary heart tube with subsequent chamber-specific differentiation and growth.1,2 During this process, the left and right atria acquire distinct molecular identities and specialized cell types that facilitate electric impulse generation and conduction. The right atrium contains the sinus node and the orifices of the superior and inferior caval veins and the coronary sinus. The left atrium has a larger body and smaller appendage than the right atrium, with sleeves of atrial myocardium extending into the pulmonary veins. The atria have key reservoir, conduit, and contractile functions, the perturbation of which can have disastrous consequences and result in thromboembolic stroke, heart failure, and death. Article see p 27 A number of factors can predispose to atrial dysfunction. The atria are exquisitely sensitive to changes in hemodynamic load, and chamber enlargement is frequently seen in conditions that impair ventricular filling or increase atrial volume such as systolic and diastolic ventricular dysfunction, valve stenosis or regurgitation, and hypertension.3 Atrial dilatation from any cause increases the propensity for tachyarrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.4 Once arrhythmias develop, atrial systolic contraction is impaired, and further atrial dilatation can ensue. Atrial contractile dysfunction or stunning can persist even with restoration of sinus rhythm after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation and may result from effects of the procedure, as well as electric and structural remodeling of the atrial walls.5,6 The atria are frequently involved …
Inequality and convergence in Europe's regions: reconsidering European regional policies

Europe's regions Income disparities and regional policies In this paper we take a critical look at current European regional policies. First, we document the motivation for such policies, that is, the large income disparities across the regions of the EU15. Large disparities are certainly present. Second, we illustrate the various instruments adopted and discuss their underpinnings in established economic theories. Next, we look at available data, searching for three kinds of evidence: (1) if disparities are either growing or decreasing, we conclude they are neither; (2) which are the major factors explaining such disparities and, in particular, if they are the factors predicted by the economic models adopted by the Commission to justify current policies, we conclude this is most certainly not the case; (3) if there are clear signs that EU policies, as opposed to other social and economic factors, are actually reducing such disparities, we cannot find any clear sign of such desired impact. Our conclusion is that regional and structural policies serve mostly a redistributional purpose, motivated by the nature of the political equilibria upon which the European Union is built. They have little relationship with fostering economic growth. This casts a serious doubt on their social value and, furthermore, strongly questions extending such policies to future members of the European Union. A successful EU enlargement, in our view, calls for an immediate and drastic revision of regional economic policies. — Michele Boldrin and Fabio Canova
Physical activity and mammographic breast density in a Mediterranean population: The EPIC Florence longitudinal study

A protective effect of physical activity (PA) on breast cancer (BC) risk has been suggested. Few studies have examined the influence of PA on mammographic breast density (MBD), a strong risk factor for BC. In a prospective study in Florence, Italy, we identified 2,000 healthy women with a mammogram taken 5 years after enrolment. Individual mammograms were retrieved (83%) and MBD assessed according to Wolfe's classification. Detailed information on PA at work and during leisure time, reproductive history, lifestyle and anthropometric measurements at enrolment were available for 1,666 women. Information on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was also obtained at mammogram. Women with high‐MBD (P2 + DY Wolfe's patterns) were compared with women with low‐MBD (N1 + P1) by multivariate logistic models. Overall, high‐MBD was inversely associated with increasing levels of leisure time PA (p for trend = 0.04) and among peri‐/postmenopausal women, also with increasing levels of recreational activities (p for trend = 0.02). An interaction between PA and HRT emerged, with a stronger inverse association of highest level of recreational activity with MBD among HRT nonusers (p for interaction = 0.02). A modifying effect by body mass index (BMI) was evident among 1,025 peri‐/postmenopausal women who did not use HRT at the time of mammogram, with a stronger inverse association between recreational PA and MBD in the highest BMI tertile (OR = 0.34; 95% CI 0.20–0.57; p for interaction = 0.03). This large study carried out in Mediterranean women suggests that leisure time PA may play a role in modulating MBD, particularly in overweight/obese peri‐/postmenopausal women. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Silencing Mediator of Retinoic Acid and Thyroid Hormone Receptor (SMRT) Corepressor Is Required for Full Estrogen Receptor α Transcriptional Activity

ABSTRACT Multiple factors influence estrogen receptor α (ERα) transcriptional activity. Current models suggest that the silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT) corepressor functions within a histone deactylase-containing protein complex that binds to antiestrogen-bound ERα and contributes to negative regulation of gene expression. In this report, we demonstrate that SMRT is required for full agonist-dependent ERα activation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that SMRT, like ERα and the SRC-3 coactivator, is recruited to an estrogen-responsive promoter in estrogen-treated MCF-7 cells. Depletion of SMRT, but not histone deacetylases 1 or 3, negatively impacts estradiol-stimulated ERα transcriptional activity, while exogenous expression of SMRT's receptor interaction domains blocks ERα activity, indicating a functional interaction between this corepressor and agonist-bound ERα. Stimulation of estradiol-induced ERα activity by SMRT overexpression occurred in HeLa and MCF-7 cells, but not HepG2 cells, indicating that these positive effects are cell type specific. Similarly, the ability of SMRT depletion to promote the agonist activity of tamoxifen was observed for HeLa but not MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, impairment of agonist-stimulated activity by SMRT depletion is specific to ERα and not observed for receptors for vitamin D, androgen, or thyroid hormone. Nuclear receptor corepressor (N-CoR) depletion increased the transcriptional activity of all four tested receptors. SMRT is required for full expression of the ERα target genes cyclin D1, BCL-2, and progesterone receptor but not pS2, and its depletion significantly attenuated estrogen-dependent proliferation of MCF-7 cells. Taken together, these data indicate that SMRT, in conjunction with gene-specific and cell-dependent factors, is required for positively regulating agonist-dependent ERα transcriptional activity.
Natalizumab in pediatric multiple sclerosis patients

Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) comprises 2-5% of all cases of MS. Although first-line disease-modifying therapy (DMT) including interferons and glatiramer acetate appear to be well tolerated in this population, recent work has suggested that a growing number of children suffer from disease which is resistant to treatment with these therapies. Natalizumab is a therapy which, although associated with a 1 : 1000 risk for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), has been shown to be well tolerated in the adult population and may lead to disease remission in adults with highly active disease. Reports of use of this therapy in the pediatric population with highly active disease have been published. This paper reviews current experience with the use of natalizumab in the pediatric MS population, with attention to potential risks and possible long-term outcomes in this population.
Conflict of interests or interests in conflict? diamonds & war in the DRC

This article explores how the exploitation of key natural resources, diamonds in particular, has contributed to prolonging the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It affirms that the motivation and feasibility of resource exploitation largely explain why external military contingents have remained active in the country since August 1998. Driving forces of war can be identified among elites of Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe, for whom DRC resources have proven decisive to sustain positions of power. Although most exploitation has been carried out at gunpoint, the use of existing networks suggests that withdrawal of forces will not necessarily stop the massive resource diversion. While a lasting resolution to the crisis needs to ensure due benefits to the local population from their resources, it also requires that stakeholders see peace as a more attractive option than continued war.
Specific inhibition of outgrowth of Bacillus subtilis spores by novobiocin

Spores of a Bacillus subtilis mutant temperature sensitive in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication proceeded through outgrowth at the nonpermissive temperature to the same extent as the wild-type parent spores. In contrast, the DNA synthesis inhibitor novobiocin completely prevented spore outgrowth while displaying a marginal effect on logarithmic growth during one generation time. Inhibition of outgrowth by novobiocin occurred in the absence of DNA replication, as demonstrated in an experiment with spores of the temperature-sensitive DNA synthesis mutant at the restrictive temperature. Novobiocin inhibited the initial rate of ribonucleic acid synthesis to the same extent in germinated spores and in exponentially growing cells. A novobiocin-resistant mutant underwent normal outgrowth in the presence of novobiocin. Therefore, novobiocin inhibition was independent of its effect on chromosome replication per se.
Dilemmas of Security in Iraq

This article suggests that much of the violence that has ravaged Iraq since the country's occupation by the US-led coalition in 2003 can be explained by focusing on the interplay between domestic and external factors that pushed Iraq's major communities (Shi'is, Sunnis, and Kurds) into conflict. The domestic factors include an intercommunal `security dilemma' that was engendered by the US-led invasion; the role of belligerent `ethnic entrepreneurs' within these communities; and the long-term animosities, apprehensions, and fears among their members. External factors include the disbandment of Iraq's ruling elite, regime, and security sector by the USA, along with the role of the Arab and Muslim volunteers who came to fight Iraq's foreign occupation. The article concludes by discussing the possible ramifications of the conflict in Iraq for domestic, regional, and international security, and mentions several steps that can help ameliorate it.
Accelerating strategic change through action learning

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how a leading global company used action‐learning based leadership development to accelerate strategic culture change.Design/methodology/approach – It describes the need for change, and the methodology and approach by which the initiative, Impact, generated significant benefits.Findings – The initiative led to financial benefit, as well as measurable gains in customer centricity, collaboration, and innovation. It was also a powerful experience for participants in their journey as commercial leaders.Originality/value – Impact was created using comprehensive customer feedback and its delivery involved key customers.
Some Recent Developments in Applied Econometrics: Dynamic Models and Simultaneous Equation Systems

I am grateful to Meghnad Desai, Harry G. Johnson, Marcus H. Miller, Marc Nerlove, R. D. Terrell, J. J. Thomas, and the editors of this journalfor comment and discussion during the preparation of this paper. Although not explicitly referred to in the text, the more theoretical survey article on distributed lags by Griliches [28] also clarified my thoughts in a number of places. Errors of omission and comnmission are, as usual, my own responsibility.
Order-Based Dependent Dirichlet Processes

In this article we propose a new framework for Bayesian nonparametric modeling with continuous covariates. In particular, we allow the nonparametric distribution to depend on covariates through ordering the random variables building the weights in the stick-breaking representation. We focus mostly on the class of random distributions that induces a Dirichlet process at each covariate value. We derive the correlation between distributions at different covariate values and use a point process to implement a practically useful type of ordering. Two main constructions with analytically known correlation structures are proposed. Practical and efficient computational methods are introduced. We apply our framework, through mixtures of these processes, to regression modeling, the modeling of stochastic volatility in time series data, and spatial geostatistical modeling.
Non-invasive imaging of plaque vulnerability: an important tool for the assessment of agents to stabilise atherosclerotic plaques

Disruption of a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque is well-recognised as the primary cause of stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. Novel therapeutic agents are being developed to stabilise such plaques. The initial evaluation of these drugs would be facilitated by the use of non-invasive imaging techniques to identify vulnerable plaque and document serial changes in plaque stability. The aim of this review is to explain the characteristics of the leading non-invasive imaging modalities and discuss their role in examining the vulnerable plaque. This knowledge will be extremely important for physicians and scientists involved in the clinical evaluation of novel agents to stabilise the vulnerable plaque.
Period Analysis and Multiplier Theory

Significant periods: transaction periods, 2; income periods, 3; plan adjustment periods, 5; equilibrium adjustment periods, 6. — The relevant income period, 7. — The length of the adjustment period, 11. — Marginal propensity to consume treated as a psychological factor, 13. — The lag of cumulative income, 16. — Schematic illustration, 17. — Analysis of the leakages, 17. — The leakage through imports, 21. — Dropping some assumptions: effective demand, 23; the state of confidence, 24; cost of production, 24; interest rates, 25. — Unpredictability of idle balances, 26. — Conclusion, 27.
Threats to Biodiversity and their Implications in Protected and Adjacent Dispersal Areas of Kenya

This study identified threats against biodiversity and conservation in Kenya, and their prevalence across protected areas. The susceptibility of protected areas to the threat factors was also assessed. Ten threat factors were identified from information obtained through interviews with protected area officers. The most prevalent threat factors were the bush meat trade, poaching, prevalence of human–wildlife conflicts, human population density and encroachment, and loss of migration corridors and dispersal areas. Most of the protected areas were susceptible to more than half of the threat factors. All marine protected areas, a majority of forested and protected areas popular with tourists were highly susceptible to most of the threat factors. The findings suggest that biodiversity and most of the protected areas in Kenya are currently faced with various threats. Forest ecosystems, marine protected areas and wetlands need urgent and focused conservation strategies to safeguard them and their biodiversity. Tourism is, however, not a major primary threat; paradoxically some of the other threats identified may be a threat to Kenya's tourism industry.
The effect of universal futures on opening and closing stock market price discovery

Purpose - On 29 January 2001, Euronext LIFFE introduced single security futures contracts on a range of global companies. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact that the introduction of these futures contracts had on the behaviour of opening and closing UK equity returns. Design/methodology/approach - The paper models the price discovery process using the Amihud and Mendelson partial adjustment model which can be estimated using a Kalman filter. Findings - Empirical results show that during the pre-futures period both opening and closing returns under-react to new information. After the introduction of futures contracts opening returns over-react. A rise in the partial adjustment coefficient also takes place for closing returns but this is not large enough to cause over-reaction. Originality/value - This is the first study to examine the impact of a single security futures contract on the speed of spot market price discovery.
Validity and reproducibility of a physical activity questionnaire in women.

PURPOSE To determine the validity and reproducibility of a self-administered physical activity questionnaire that assesses the frequency, intensity, and duration of recreational, household, and occupational activity in women. METHODS The questionnaire was administered by mail twice to 131 participants 1 yr apart. During this interval, participants completed four 1-wk activity logs corresponding to different seasons throughout the year. RESULTS The intraclass correlation coefficients used to measure reproducibility were 0.82 for total activity, 0.79 for moderate activity, 0.86 for vigorous activity, 0.80 for recreational activity, and 0.73 for household activity. The distribution of activity scores was similar between the questionnaires and the average of the four logs, indicating the participants' ability to incorporate seasonal variation into their recall on a questionnaire. The correlations between the questionnaire-based activity scores and log-based activity scores, indicating validity, were 0.26 for total activity, 0.15 for moderate activity, and 0.52 for vigorous activity. Women younger than age 50 tended to have higher validity scores than women aged 50 yr and older (r = 0.31 vs r = 0.19, respectively, for total activity). CONCLUSION These data indicate that this physical activity questionnaire is reproducible and provides a useful measure of current activity, particularly vigorous activity, over a 1-yr period.
Organisational communication and strategy implementation - a primary inquiry.

Over the last decade, organisational communication has attracted growing academic interest. Focuses on organisational communication within multi‐unit organisations in order to understand better the strategy implementation process from a communication perspective. Three hotel chains were investigated, all UK plcs with diversified business portfolios, and which were in the process of implementing a strategic initiative. The findings show that effective communication is a primary requirement of effective implementation but it does not guarantee the effectiveness of implementation.