Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optic nerve magnetization transfer imaging and measures of axonal loss and demyelination in optic neuritis

Magnetization transfer imaging is an MRI technique that provides quantitative information about in vivo tissue integrity, including myelin and axonal content, and is expressed as the magnetization transfer ratio (MTR). The optic neuritis lesion can model the MS lesion in vivo and permits use of non-invasive markers of optic nerve myelination (visual evoked potential [VEP] latency) and retinal neuroaxonal loss (optical coherence tomography [OCT]) to provide further information about the in vivo substrates of optic nerve MTR. Twenty-five patients with optic neuritis were studied using an optic nerve MTR sequence, quantitative visual function testing, VEPs and OCT, along with 15 controls. MTR was reduced in affected nerves compared to both clinically unaffected nerves from patients and control nerves (P < 0.001). Whole-nerve MTR correlated modestly with central-field VEP latency but more strongly when lesion-only MTR was measured, when a modest correlation with whole-field VEP latency emerged. OCT-quantified retinal neuroaxonal loss also correlated with MTR. In conclusion, markers of optic nerve myelination and axonal loss both correlate with optic nerve MTR. Because axonal loss following optic neuritis also results in myelin loss, the relative contributions of the two pathological conditions to the MTR measures cannot be estimated from this study. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 875—879. http://msj.sagepub. com
Capital Adequacy, Risk Profiles and Bank Behaviour: Empirical Evidence from Jordan

Given the high rates of growth and the overall dramatic regulatory changes toward banks, this study explores how bank behave against changes in capital requirements imposed by the regulatory bodies in Jordan. Yet, the relationship between change in risk levels and adjustments in capital is tested by employing multivariate panel regressions/simultaneous equations model, in which the Generalized Least Square (GLS), the Fixed Effect Model (FEM), and the Random Effect Model (REM) are used. The study concludes strong positive effects of the regulatory framework and banks capital stipulated levels that need to be reconstructed to meet their risk profiles. The study revealed that while Jordanian banks become close to the minimum level of capital requirements they tend to increase their capital base, given their different risk's levels.
CFD Simulation and Comprehensive Data Visualization in eRobtoics Systems for Storm Damage Prevention in Forest Planning

CFD simulation tools typically are expert systems and demand for specific expertise, moreover, commonly provided visualizations of the simulation results are hard to analyze and interpret, especially to people not closely related to the specific area of expertise. As a recent example, the need for such simulations, as well as tools for comprehensive visualizations and analysis of the generated results became clear in 2007 when the windstorm "Kyrill" hit Europe and caused massive damages to the forests. Proper storm simulations can support forest planning in order to prevent future storm damages. The recently introduced concepts of eRobotics aim to bridge the gap between expert systems and comprehensive software applications by supporting the understanding of complex simulation results with realistic virtual environments. In this paper, we extend the eRobotics approach to the forest planning domain. Accurate CFD simulations are combined with comprehensive visualization approaches in order to act as a decision support system to optimize future forest developments under ecological and sustainable aspects. Finally, a comparison of real-world and simulated storm damage caused by the windstorm Kyrill will show the applicability and benefits of the presented system regarding damage prevention and sustainable forest development.
Duration and recurrence of otitis media with effusion in children from birth to 3 years: prospective study using monthly otoscopy and tympanometry

Abstract Objective: To monitor the natural course of otitis media with effusion. Design: Prospective, longitudinal assessment of the state of the middle ear by otoscopy and tympanometry at monthly intervals from birth to 3 years. Setting: Domiciliary visits to family homes. Subjects: 95 full term infants born between August 1991 and November 1993. Main outcome measures: Observed and simulated data (Monte Carlo) for the duration of single episodes of otitis media with effusion. Results: 17 of the children had unilateral or bilateral otitis media with effusion for more than half of their first three years of life. Thirty three of the 95 children had tympanograms suggestive of otitis media with effusion at more than a third of observations; the remaining 62 had such tympanograms at less than a third of observations. The data of each group were described by a first order Markov model, yielding a mean duration of unilateral effusion episodes of 5-6 weeks in both groups; the mean duration of bilateral effusion was 6 and 10 weeks in the low and high incidence groups, respectively. However, the main difference between the groups was the time spent between episodes of effusion: effusion free periods were, on average, three times longer in the children who experienced less otitis media with effusion. Conclusion: Children who are susceptible to otitis media with effusion tend to have more separate episodes of effusion rather than an increased overall duration of episodes. Such children are primarily distinguished by the likelihood with which they acquire the disease than by their ability to recover from it.
The Impacts of Water Management Policies on Agricultural Production in Australia - An Economic Analysis

In the Australian Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) the combination of severe and prolonged droughts and historic water management decisions to divert water for cultivation stressed water resources in such an intensive manner that wetlands went dry and rivers are now far from a natural flow. More appropriate water management policies must be implemented to restore ecological function. However, with 39 % of Australia’s total value of agricultural production, transitions in use need to be managed to minimise economic and social impacts on basin communities while they adjust. Recent studies estimate that industries with high water usage but lower or more volatile value products will be impacted more than higher value products. Therefore, this study’s focus is to analyse different water management policies and their impacts on agricultural production, particularly changes in production of water low value and water high value crops and agricultural water consumption. By applying the Water Integrated Market (WatIM)-Model, benefits and costs of water management policies can be evaluated by identifying changes in quantities, prices and economic welfare, such as consumer and producer surplus. The WatIM-Model is a multi-market model combining water low and water high value crop markets and the water market with its supply and demand. Since the MDB is a complex system with different types of agriculture and water sharing rules in each catchment, economic variables are aggregated in the WatIMModel to examine overall trends and changes in the MDB. By the assumption that policy decisions on one market cause reactions on prices, supply and demand on other markets, market interdependencies can be derived. With these results, the merit of shifting production from water low value crops to water high value crops is examined and advantages and disadvantages of water management policies can be determined. This enables refinement of water management policies to optimise social, economic and environmental outcomes.
Exchange Rate Predictability

The main goal of this article is to provide an answer to the question: "Does anything forecast exchange rates, and if so, which variables? ". It is well known that exchange rate fluctuations are very difficult to predict using economic models, and that a random walk forecasts exchange rates better than any economic model (the Meese and Rogoff puzzle). However, the recent literature has identified a series of fundamentals/methodologies that claim to have resolved the puzzle. This article provides a critical review of the recent literature on exchange rate forecasting and illustrates the new methodologies and fundamentals that have been recently proposed in an up-to-date, thorough empirical analysis. Overall, our analysis of the literature and the data suggests that the answer to the question: "Are exchange rates predictable? " is, "It depends" on the choice of predictor, forecast horizon, sample period, model, and forecast evaluation method. Predictability is most apparent when one or more of the following hold: the predictors are Taylor rule or net foreign assets, the model is linear, and a small number of parameters are estimated. The toughest benchmark is the random walk without drift.
New Anastomosis Groups, AG-T and AG-U, of Binucleate Rhizoctonia spp. Causing Root and Stem Rot of Cut-Flower and Miniature Roses.

ABSTRACT Root and stem rot of cut-flower roses (Rosa spp.) was observed in commercial glasshouse-grown roses in 10 prefectures of Japan from 1998 through 2001. Binucleate-like Rhizoctonia spp. were isolated mainly from the disease plants. In all, 670 isolates were divided into two types based on cultural appearance; 168 isolates of light brown to brown type and 502 isolates of whitish type. A hyphal anastomosis reaction using representative isolates from each type revealed that the light brown to brown type belonged to anastomosis group G (AG-G), whereas the whitish type (AG-CUT) failed to anastomose with tester strains of binucleate Rhizoctonia AG-A through AG-S. Neither isolates of AG-G nor AG-CUT anastomosed with tester strains of a previously reported unknown AG (AG-MIN) of binucleate Rhizoctonia spp. collected from miniature roses. In pathogenicity tests, randomly selected isolates of the three groups caused root and stem rot on cut-flower and miniature roses. To differentiate AG-CUT and AG-MIN from known AGs of binucleate Rhizoctonia spp. , restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequence analyses of a ribosomal (r)DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region were conducted. Among the eight restriction enzymes used, HaeIII produced DNA banding patterns for AG-CUT that differed from those of tester strains and AG-MIN. Additionally, restriction profiles of AG-MIN differed from those of all tester strains. AG-G isolates from cut-flower roses had the same RFLP pattern as the tester strains of AG-G. Based on the results of hyphal anastomosis and RFLP and sequence analysis of an rDNA-ITS region, we propose that AG-CUT be designated AG-T and AG-MIN be designated AG-U, two new AGs of binucleate Rhizoctonia spp. The phylogenetic tree based on the sequence data of the rDNA-ITS region showed that isolates of AG-MIN were in a distinct clade from other AGs, whereas isolates of AG-CUT were in the same clade as those of AG-A. More detailed phylogenetic analysis besides rDNA-ITS region might be necessary for AG classification of binucleate Rhizoctonia spp.
The Views of an Advocatus Dei: political marketing and its critics

This paper addresses 11 statements of criticism of political marketing. These statements represent the most commonly voiced issues and were collected from marketers and political scientists. While marketing theorists are more concerned with the state of political marketing theory, political scientists concentrate much of their criticism on aspects of political marketing management as it is experienced in practice. Each statement is discussed and general conclusions are identified. While presenting the personal opinion of the author (advocatus dei), these conclusions and statements concerning political marketing should foster critical discourse on issues such as political marketing management, concepts and ethics. Copyright © 2004 Henry Stewart Publications
High quality acute care for the severely injured is not consistently available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: report of a survey by the Trauma Committee, The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

INTRODUCTION A survey was undertaken to determine the extent to which acute hospitals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were meeting the acute trauma management standards published in 2000 by The Royal College of Surgeons of England and the British Orthopaedic Association. METHODS A questionnaire comprising 72 questions in 16 categories of management was distributed in July 2003 to all eligible hospitals via the link network of the British Orthopaedic Association. Data were collected over a 3-month period. RESULTS Of 213 eligible hospitals, 161 (76%) responded. In every category of acute care, failure to meet the standards was reported. Only 34 (21%) hospitals met all the 13 indicative standards that were considered pivotal to good trauma care, but all hospitals met at least 7 of these standards. Failures were usually in the organisation of services rather than a lack of resources, with the exception of the inadequate capacity for admission to specialist neurosurgery units. A minority of hospitals reported an inability to provide emergency airway control or insertion of chest tube. The data have not been verified and deficiencies in reporting cannot be excluded. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this survey suggest that high quality care for the severely injured is not available consistently across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and appear to justify concerns about the ability of the NHS to deal effectively with the current trauma workload and the consequences of a major incident.
Technology, Skills and Training in Microelectronics

To cope with changing market requirements firms have had to invest in advanced manufacturing systems. By combining the benefits of flexibility and specialisation, new manufacturing systems have produced a shift in production with important implications for labour and product markets. These systems may lead to flexibility in organisation, management and labour, as well as technology. In order to cope with the relative shortage of skilled workers in the microelectronics industry, there is a need to expand training programmes and make them available on a massive scale. This is justified on economic and social grounds, as this shortage is increasing faster than the growth in technical sophistication.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Pelvic Tumors: Clinical Indications and Protocols Under Investigation

Abstract Sentinel lymph node (SLN) sampling is an attractive alternative to complete lymphadenectomy. Based on the identification and sampling of the first LN draining a primary tumor, SLN biopsy is the most accurate and the only reliable method for microscopic nodal staging for solid tumors including breast cancer and melanoma. Lymph node status in pelvic tumors remains the most important prognostic factor for recurrence and survival and a major decision criterion for adjuvant therapy. We review the clinical indications, controversies, and perspective of SLN biopsy in male and female pelvic cancers.
Movement Patterns of Adult and Juvenile Rana sylvatica (LeConte) and Ambystoma maculatum (Shaw) in Three Restored Seasonal Pools in Maine

Abstract Research on amphibian movement patterns can aid in strengthening amphibian conservation strategies. Yet for many species, there remain substantial gaps in our knowledge of such movement patterns. From 1999–2002, we documented movement patterns to and from breeding pools of both adult and juvenile Rana sylvatica LeConte (Wood Frog) and Ambystoma maculatum Shaw (Spotted Salamander) by using drift fence arrays at three restored vernal pools in Maine to lend insight into conservation strategies for these two species. Adults and juveniles of both species exhibited nonrandom movement at breeding pools directed preferentially from and toward closed-canopy forested habitat. Marked male, female, and juvenile R. sylvatica were recaptured at 30 m, 150 m, and 300 m from the pool in the surrounding terrestrial environment. Most terrestrial recaptures occurred within the forested wetland habitat to the north of the pool. Median snout–vent lengths (SVL) of recaptured juvenile R. sylvatica were progressively larger at greater distances from the pool. Number of juveniles emerging from the pool was positively correlated with number of juveniles recaptured two days later at 30 m, four days later at 150 m, and six days later at 300 m. Male R. sylvatica were 98% faithful to their breeding pools from 2001–2002, whereas female R. sylvatica were 88% faithful. Male and female A. maculatum were 100% faithful to their breeding pools during the same period. Both species' (adult and juvenile) nonrandom movement toward forest upon leaving breeding pools suggests that quality of adjacent terrestrial habitat is relevant to both juvenile and adult pool-breeding amphibians. High levels of pool fidelity observed in these two species emphasize the importance of conserving vernal pools and mitigating for pool-losses on-site if the nonbreeding habitat is still available. Correlations between amphibian migrations and weather variables varied between years and species, suggesting emigration, immigration, and dispersal may be associated other environmental variables in conjunction with temperature and precipitation. However, heightened activity of both species (adults and juveniles) in response to temperature and precipitation can inform the timing of monitoring efforts and conservation strategies aimed at protecting migration routes.
Emerging diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in core binding factor acute myeloid leukaemia

Purpose of reviewIn acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), the presence of t(8;21)(q22;q22) and inv(16)(p13q22)/t(16;16)(p13;q22) and/or the corresponding molecular rearrangements RUNX1/RUNX1T1 and CBFB/MYH11 [collectively referred to as core binding factor (CBF) AML] predict for a more favourable outcome in patients receiving cytarabine-anthracycline based induction and upon achievement of complete remission, high-dose cytarabine consolidation chemotherapy. However, 40–45% of these patients eventually relapse and die of their disease. Here, we review emerging molecular and therapeutic results that may be used to guide the clinical management of this subset of patients. Recent findingsIntegration of cytogenetic results with molecular genetic and epigenetic data refines the diagnosis, classification and risk-stratification of CBF AML. Clinical studies with targeting compounds (e.g. gemtuzumab ozogamicin, dasatinib) added to intensive chemotherapy appear beneficial both in younger and older patients, albeit the latter continue to have a significantly worse outcome than the former. Regularly molecular monitoring of disease during remission may provide a strategy for early therapeutic intervention before overt relapse. SummaryEmerging evidence supports that novel diagnostic, treatment and molecular disease monitoring approaches may improve the prognosis of CBF AML.
Assembly of the Yeast Cell Wall

The cross-linking of polysaccharides to assemble new cell wall in fungi requires mechanisms by which a preexisting linkage is broken for each new one made, to allow for the absence of free energy sources outside the plasma membrane. Previous work showed that Crh1p and Crh2p, putative transglycosylases, are required for the linkage of chitin to β(1–3)glucose branches of β(1–6)glucan in the cell wall of budding yeast. To explore the linking reaction in vivo and in vitro, we used fluorescent sulforhodamine-linked laminari-oligosaccharides as artificial chitin acceptors. In vivo, fluorescence was detected in bud scars and at a lower level in the cell contour, both being dependent on the CRH genes. The linking reaction was also shown in digitonin-permeabilized cells, with UDP-N-acetylglucosamine as the substrate for nascent chitin production. Both the nucleotide and the Crh proteins were required here. A gas1 mutant that overexpresses Crh1p showed very high fluorescence both in intact and permeabilized cells. In the latter, fluorescence was still incorporated in patches in the absence of UDP-GlcNAc. Isolated cell walls of this strain, when incubated with sulforhodamine-oligosaccharide, also showed Crhp-dependent fluorescence in patches, which were identified as bud scars. In all three systems, binding of the fluorescent material to chitin was verified by chitinase digestion. Moreover, the cell wall reaction was inhibited by chitooligosaccharides. These results demonstrate that the Crh proteins act by transferring chitin chains to β(1–6)glucan, with a newly observed high activity in the bud scar. The importance of transglycosylation for cell wall assembly is thus firmly established.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in children

Childhood obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is an increasingly recognized morbidity affecting 2-5% of children specifically Asian Indian children due to growing urbanization and nutrition transition, obesity and metabolic syndrome. It is associated with metabolic (resistance to insulinmediated glucose uptake; insulin resistance), cardiovascular (hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias) and neuropsychological disorders. Polysomnography is the gold standard technique for diagnosis of OSA in children. Severity of OSA is assessed by calculating apnea/hypopnea index. Apnea in children is defined as absence of airflow with continued chest wall and abdominal wall movement for duration longer than two breaths. In children, the most common cause of OSA is enlarged tonsils and adenoids. During sleep there is a considerable decrease in muscle tone, which affects the airway and breathing. Some other causes of OSA in children include obesity, tumor, Down syndrome, pierrerobin syndrome, cleft palate repairs, receding chin, allergies and anatomical abnormalities. Wide variety of intermediate phenotype and genes are involved in sleep apnea which makes this syndrome genetically complex. Various adipokines and cytokines have a key role in OSA. Some studies have suggested that oxidative stress may also contribute to the development of OSA. Treatment of patients with OSA has typically been focused on the management of associated conditions such as obesity, adenotonsillectomy, hyperlipemia and cardiovascular disease. Different modalities of treatment include weight loss, lifestyle modifications and, continuous positive airway pressure therapy and surgical treatment.
Abnormal Stock Returns and Public Policy: The Case of the UK Privatised Electricity and Water Utilities

In common with privatisation issues around the world, those of UK utilities have earned very high returns on a continuing basis. This presents an asset pricing puzzle and has been used as a justification for the imposition of a "windfall" tax. This paper presents a framework for analysing the composition of these returns and for judging the extent to which they can be regarded as abnormal. It provides evidence that even the existence of abnormal returns depends crucially on the assumptions made with regard to their measurement. A general model that allows for time variation in investors' perceptions of risk reveals that the extent of the abnormal returns is much smaller than first thought, being present in only very few companies. In most cases, the observed high stock returns appear to be a reward for bearing risk and should not be regarded as abnormal. Copyright @ 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. All rights reserved.