Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Living Conditions and Basic Needs: Evidence from African Countries

We here use five rounds of Afrobarometer data covering more than 100,000 individuals over the 2004–2016 period to explore the link between individual self‐reported measures of living conditions and access to four basic needs. We not only consider own access to these needs, but also various indices of their deprivation, satisfaction and inequality. We find some evidence of comparisons to those who are better off and to those who are worse off, in terms of access to basic needs, in the evaluation of current living conditions. Overall, however, subjective living conditions are mostly absolute in African countries. There is notable heterogeneity by level of development, with the effect of lack of access to basic needs being more pronounced in poorer countries. Equally, comparisons to the better off are associated with better living conditions in poorer countries, suggesting the existence of a tunnel effect: this latter disappears with economic development.
Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Revised Classification

Osteochondral lesions of the talus present a numerically small but therapeutically significant problem to the foot surgeon. The diagnosis and investigation of such lesions have been greatly enhanced by modern high resolution magnetic resonance imaging capabilities, which have provided far greater detail of the pathological anatomy. We have reviewed our experience in this area and suggest a revised classification for osteochondral lesions appropriate to the detail available on magnetic resonance imaging scans. The cause of osteochondral lesions is also discussed.
Can Current Preoperative Imaging Be Used to Detect Microvascular Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma?

PURPOSE To determine the accuracy of imaging features, such as tumor dimension, multinodularity, nonsmooth tumor margins, peritumoral enhancement, and radiogenomic algorithm based on the association between imaging features (internal arteries and hypoattenuating halos) and gene expression that the authors called two-trait predictor of venous invasion (TTPVI), in the prediction of microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS This single-center retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and the requirement for informed consent was waived. One hundred twenty-five patients (median age, 63 years; interquartile range, 53-71 years) with a diagnosis of HCC and indications for hepatic resection were included. Two observers independently reviewed radiologic images to evaluate the following features for MVI: maximum diameter, number of lesions, tumor margins, TTPVI, and peritumoral enhancement. Interobserver agreement was checked, and diagnostic accuracy of radiologic features was investigated. RESULTS The total number of HCC nodules was 140. Large tumor size, nonsmooth tumor margins, TTPVI, and peritumoral enhancement were significantly related to the presence of MVI (P < .05 in all cases and for both observers). Multinodularity was not significantly related (P = .158). Moreover, the diagnostic accuracy of the three "worrisome" radiologic features (nonsmooth tumor margins, peritumoral enhancement, and TTPVI) was associated with tumor size: The negative predictive value of the absence of worrisome features decreased from 0.84 for observer 1 and 0.91 for observer 2 for tumors smaller than 2 cm to 0.56 and 0.71, respectively, for tumors larger than 5 cm, whereas the presence of all three worrisome features returned to a positive predictive value of 0.95 for observer 1 and 0.96 for observer 2 independent of tumor size, with no significant interobserver differences (P > .10). CONCLUSION "Worrisome" imaging features, such as tumor dimension, nonsmooth tumor margins, peritumoral enhancement, and TTPVI, have high accuracy in the prediction of MVI in HCC.
Determinants of an incorrect inhalation technique in patients with asthma or COPD.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of an incorrect inhalation technique and to examine its determinants among primary care patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING 28 general practitioners in The Netherlands. SUBJECTS 558 asthma and COPD patients, aged 16-75 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Inhalation technique was assessed using a standardised inhaler-specific checklist. Pulmonary function assessment and questionnaires were used to collect data about inhaler, patient and disease characteristics. RESULTS Overall, 24.2% of the patients made at least one essential mistake in their inhalation technique. The type of inhaler appeared to be the strongest independent determinant of an incorrect inhalation technique. Compared to patients using the Diskhaler, patients using the Rotahaler/Spinhaler, Turbuhaler, Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) or Cyclohaler/Inhaler-Ingelheim were at significantly higher risk of making inhalation mistakes (odds ratios (OR) were 16.08, 13.17, 11.60 and 3.27, respectively). Other significant determinants of an incorrect inhalation technique were low emotional quality of life (OR = 1.73) and being treated in a group practice (OR = 2.26). CONCLUSIONS An incorrect inhalation technique is common among pulmonary disease patients in primary care. Our study suggests that especially patients using the Rotahaler/Spinhaler, Turbuhaler or MDI, patients with emotional problems and patients in a group practice are at increased risk for an incorrect inhalation technique.
The influence of institutional environment on venture capital development in emerging economies: The example of Nigeria

The aim of the study is to investigate the development of venture capital (VC) in an emerging economy lacking the fully-developed legal and financial institutions necessary to support private-equity financing. This study, undertaken in Nigeria, included extended interviews with venture capitalists (VCs), entrepreneurs who were able to secure VC funding and those who were not, a government minister and their key policy staff. The findings suggest that VCs require stable trusted institutional frameworks, regulations and tax regimes, alongside clear exit strategies. They also suggest that informal institution such as networking is important for VC development. These findings have major implications for VC policy and for the development of technology-based industrial start-ups. The paper contributes to the literature on the impact of institutions on VC development processes in emerging economies.
The impact of intellectual capital disclosure and corporate governance practices on the cost of finance: Tunisian evidence

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) and corporate governance practices on the cost of finance. The sample consists of 27 Tunisian listed companies over a five-year period (2010-2014). Results show that intellectual capital disclosure is negatively and significantly associated with the cost of debt (COD) and the cost of equity capital (COEC). In contrast, only some corporate governance mechanisms namely managerial ownership (MO) and ownership concentration (OC) may influence the interest rate required by investors. These findings has policy implications for managers in the Tunisian setting and other developing economies similar to Tunisia, given the crucial role played by intellectual capital as a primary source of competitive advantage.
Impacts of online images of a tourist destination on tourist travel decision

Abstract The online image of tourist destination will influence motivation, perceived risks, as well as tourists’ attitudes toward a tourist destination, which helps in the making of a travel decision. Based on elements, including source, direction, and quality of online image of tourist destination, this research takes product involvement as a moderating variable and uses source, direction, and quality of online image to construct a model of the impact of the online image of tourist destination on travel decisions with experimental approaches. Further study is implemented by using Huangshan Mountain Scenic Spot as an example and with 240 valid participants, whose age ranges from 18 to 39, participating in a survey. The results demonstrate that there is no significant difference in a tourists’ decision from the angle of source of online image, but in contrast, direction together with quality of online image has a significant impact on tourists’ travel decision and interaction with each other. In addition, product involvement has no moderating effect on the source of the online image. However, product involvement has a moderating effect on direction and quality of the online image.
THE ALLEVIATION OF VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY THROUGH STAPLE FOOD FORTIFICATION IN GHANA

This study focuses on the intake of vitamin A from staple foods that are or could be fortified using a survey conducted in three major cities in Ghana. The study distinguishes among consumption frequencies, i.e., daily, weekly, and monthly, of five staples (wheat and maize flour, groundnut oil, palm oil, and vegetable oil). A multivariate probit technique estimates three sets of five equations accounting for the consumption of five staples in three time periods (daily, weekly monthly). The correlations across equations were tested indicating the suitability of the selected estimation approach. The results suggest that per capita income, geographic location, employment status, education, and market access are important in determining consumption frequency. The results also reveal that the existing source of vitamin A from the food fortification program is insufficient for Ghanaian women to reach the WHO daily standard. Fortifying maize flour (in addition to already fortified vegetable oils and wheat flour), a staple, will largely alleviate the inadequate vitamin A intake among urban households.
Multiple valence superatoms

We recently demonstrated that, in gas phase clusters containing aluminum and iodine atoms, an Al13 cluster behaves like a halogen atom, whereas an Al14 cluster exhibits properties analogous to an alkaline earth atom. These observations, together with our findings that Al13− is inert like a rare gas atom, have reinforced the idea that chosen clusters can exhibit chemical behaviors reminiscent of atoms in the periodic table, offering the exciting prospect of a new dimension of the periodic table formed by cluster elements, called superatoms. As the behavior of clusters can be controlled by size and composition, the superatoms offer the potential to create unique compounds with tailored properties. In this article, we provide evidence of an additional class of superatoms, namely Al7−, that exhibit multiple valences, like some of the elements in the periodic table, and hence have the potential to form stable compounds when combined with other atoms. These findings support the contention that there should be no limitation in finding clusters, which mimic virtually all members of the periodic table.
ANTIGENIC STUDIES OF CANDIDA

Hasenclever, H. F. (U. S. Public Health Service, Bethesda, Md.), and William O. Mitchell. Antigenic studies of Candida. I. Observations of two antigenic groups in Candida albicans. J. Bacteriol. 82:570–573. 1961. —Two distinct antigenic groups, detected by tube agglutination, have been observed among strains of Candida albicans. Adsorption of an antiserum with a heterologous strain did not remove the agglutinating properties for the homologous strain. Homologous adsorption of the antiserum did remove its agglutinating properties. Seventy-one isolates of C. albicans have been screened with this adsorbed antiserum and 38 were agglutinated at a serum dilution of 1:240 to 1:480 (group A), whereas 33 were not agglutinated at a serum dilution of 1:30 (group B). Thirty-five of the strains were studied with rabbit antisera prepared against each of six strains (three from each group). Agglutination reactions of these strains with samples of each antiserum adsorbed individually with each immunizing strain verified the results of the screening agglutination reactions. All the agglutinating properties of antisera prepared against the three group B strains were removed by adsorption with suspensions of either group A or group B strains. The identity of all isolates used in this study was confirmed by chlamydospore formation, fermentation, and carbohydrate assimilation reactions.
Compensatory Enlargement and Stenosis Develop in ApoE−/− and ApoE*3-Leiden Transgenic Mice

Atherosclerotic mouse models develop little ischemic organ damage and no infarctions, despite the presence of large atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, we hypothesize that luminal changes do not follow atherosclerotic lesion development. Because a phenomenon that may explain the discrepancy between luminal changes and lesion size is vascular remodeling, we measured parameters of vascular remodeling in the carotid arteries (CAs), thoracic aorta (TA), and abdominal aorta (AA) of apolipoprotein E (apoE)–deficient (apoE−/−) and apoE*3-Leiden mice, 2 well-known mouse models of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic lesions were classified (American Heart Association [AHA] types II through V), and plaque thickness, compensatory enlargement versus constrictive remodeling, lumen diameter, stenosis, and media thickness were measured relative to the nondiseased arterial wall. In CAs, plaque thickness increased during atherogenesis. CAs showed compensatory enlargement (apoE−/− 55%, apoE*3-Leiden 38%). Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between plaque and lumen area (for apoE−/−, R =0.95; for apoE*3-Leiden, R =0.90). Medial thinning and elastolysis were also observed. During atherogenesis, lumen diameter decreased (apoE−/− −69%, apoE*3-Leiden −40%), and stenosis >70% developed. TA and AA showed similar features, but neither developed a progressive decrease in lumen diameter or stenosis >70%. In CAs, TA, and AA of apoE−/− and apoE*3-Leiden mice, atherogenesis is associated with compensatory enlargement, medial thinning, and elastolysis. A progressive decrease in lumen diameter and stenoses >70% occur only in CAs. Vascular remodeling is more prominent in apoE−/− mice.
Kinetic Concepts for Measuring Microbial Rate Constants: Effects of Nutrients on Rate Constants

We investigated the effect of preincubation of environmental waters amended with inorganic nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and traces of iron and magnesium) on the kinetics of the microbial transformation of phenol, propanil, propyl ester of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid, methyl parathion, Ronnel, and methoxychlor in pond and river waters. No effect on the second-order rate constants for these compounds was observed, although there was an increase in the bacterial populations and the pseudo-first-order rate constants. The use of nutrient-amended waters could be a useful tool for estimating second-order rate constants for an expanded number of compounds. This technique would provide a larger data base for predicting the behavior of xenobiotic compounds in the environment by using currently available mathematical models.
Treatment of Oral Granulation Tissue with the Flashlamp Pulsed Dye Laser

background. Surgical excision and debridement is the standard therapy for cutaneous and intraoral pyogenic granulomas (PGs). Occasionally the mass of granulation tissue proves unresponsive to the usual treatment methods. objective. We report a case in which the flashlamp pulsed dye laser (PDL), previously reported as useful in cutaneous PGs, was used in a patient with persistent granulation tissue around dental implant posts. methods. An illustrative case is presented with a brief discussion of the use of lasers in dentistry and in the treatment of PGs. results. Previously resolute tissue responded well to a series of treatments with the PDL. conclusion. The PDL may have utility in this oral condition, providing a new venue for cooperation between dentists and dermatologists.
Examining the relationship between local extinction risk and position in range

Over half of globally threatened animal species have experienced rapid geographic range loss. Identifying the parts of species’ distributions most vulnerable to local extinction would benefit conservation planning. However, previous studies give little consensus on whether ranges decline to the core or edge. We built on previous work by using empirical data to examine the position of recent local extinctions within species’ geographic ranges, address range position as a continuum, and explore the influence of environmental factors. We aggregated point‐locality data for 125 Galliform species from across the Palearctic and Indo‐Malaya into equal‐area half‐degree grid cells and used a multispecies dynamic Bayesian occupancy model to estimate rates of local extinctions. Our model provides a novel approach to identify loss of populations from within species ranges. We investigated the relationship between extinction rates and distance from range edge by examining whether patterns were consistent across biogeographic realm and different categories of land use. In the Palearctic, local extinctions occurred closer to the range edge than range core in both unconverted and human‐dominated landscapes. In Indo‐Malaya, no pattern was found for unconverted landscapes, but in human‐dominated landscapes extinctions tended to occur closer to the core than the edge. Our results suggest that local and regional factors override general spatial patterns of recent local extinction within species’ ranges and highlight the difficulty of predicting the parts of a species’ distribution most vulnerable to threat.
Factors affecting the prognosis of Albanian adult patients with generalized tetanus.

BACKGROUND Despite systematic vaccination of the population, tetanus continues to be a health problem in Albania, as in some other developing countries. In this study, our intent was to evaluate prognostic factors relating to death in adult patients with generalized tetanus. METHODOLOGY AND PATIENTS All the patients (60) included in the study were hospitalized at the regional hospitals of Shkodra and Korça, and the University Hospital Centre "Mother Theresa" of Tirana, Albania, during the period of 1984-2004. They had a mean age of 49.1+14.4 years, 43 (71.7%) were males and 40 (66.6%) of them lived in rural areas. The mean incubation period was 12 days and the case-fatality rate (CFR) was 38.3%. RESULTS The CFR in patients with an onset period ≥2 days was 21.7% and in those with <2 days was 48.6%, OR=0.29 (p<0.05). Patients >50 years old had a CFR=60.87% (OR=7, p<0.05). We found the high CFR to be significantly associated with urban residency, male gender, complicated wound, head localization, fever ≥ 38.4 °C, tachycardia > 120 beats/min, and hypertension. DISCUSSION The main prognostic factor of those analyzed in our study appeared to be the onset period and the age of the patients. We didn't find significant differences in CFR in patients with different incubation periods. Clinicians must take into account that wound complication and localization, tachycardia and hypertension, high fever, male gender and urban residency significantly influence the prognoses of adults with generalized tetanus.
Re-Stabilisierung des deutschen Flächentarifvertragsystems

Das deutsche Tarifsystem befindet sich in einem seit Langem anhaltenden komplexen Erosionsprozess. Der Beitrag zeigt, dass dafur neben dem Ruckgang gewerkschaftlicher Organisationsmacht und struktureller Macht am Arbeitsmarkt vor allem die abnehmende institutionelle Macht verantwortlich ist, die sich in gesetzlich fixierten Rechten und Regelungen sowie politischen Institutionen widerspiegelt. Eine vergleichende europaische Analyse macht deutlich, dass in den meisten Nachbarlandern eine bewusste politische Stutzung des Tarifsystems erfolgt, wahrend in Deutschland selbst eine partielle Stabilisierung etwa im Rahmen des Arbeitnehmer-Entsendegesetzes politisch sehr umkampft ist. Das Fehlen einer politischen Stutzung erklart, warum deutsche Gewerkschaften den Erosionstendenzen des Flachentarifvertragssystems nur vergleichsweise wenig entgegenzusetzen haben. Die Autoren argumentieren, dass eine Re-Stabilisierung des Flachentarifvertragssystems aus gewerkschaftlicher Kraft allein eher unwahrscheinlich ist. Sie pladieren fur eine grundlegende Reform des Verfahrens zur Allgemeinverbindlicherklarung von Tarifvertragen als ersten Schritt zur Starkung institutioneller Macht.
Tumor budding correlates with poor prognosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Tumor budding is a readily detectable histopathological feature and has been recognized as an adverse prognostic factor in several human cancers. However, the prognostic value of tumor budding in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation of tumor budding with the clinicopathologic features, and the known molecular biomarkers (E-cadherin and Vimentin), as well as to evaluate its prognostic significance for TSCC. METHODS Archival clinical samples of 230 patients with TSCC were examined for tumor budding. Immunohistochemistry analyses were performed to examine the expression of E-cadherin and Vimentin. Statistical analyses were carried out to assess the correlation of tumor budding with clinicopathologic parameters and patient survival. The potential association between tumor budding and alterations of E-cadherin and Vimentin expression was also assessed. RESULTS Of the 230 TSCC cases examined, tumor budding was observed in 165 cases (71.7%), with a mean tumor bud count of 7.5 (range from 1 to 48 buds). High-intensity budding (≥5 tumor buds) was observed in 111 cases (48.3%). Statistical analysis revealed that tumor budding was associated with tumor size (P < 0.05), differentiation (P < 0.05), clinical stage (P < 0.05), lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01), and correlated with reduced overall survival. In addition, significant associations were observed among tumor budding and the deregulation of E-cadherin (P < 0.001) and Vimentin (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Tumor budding, which associates with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, is a frequent event and appears to be an independent prognostic factor in TSCC.
Persistence of Cooperatively Stabilized Signaling Clusters Drives T-Cell Activation

ABSTRACT Antigen recognition triggers the recruitment of the critical adaptor protein SLP-76 to small macromolecular clusters nucleated by the T-cell receptor (TCR). These structures develop rapidly, in parallel with TCR-induced increases in tyrosine phosphorylation and cytosolic calcium, and are likely to contribute to TCR-proximal signaling. Previously, we demonstrated that these SLP-76-containing clusters segregate from the TCR and move towards the center of the contact interface. Neither the function of these clusters nor the structural requirements governing their persistence have been examined extensively. Here we demonstrate that defects in cluster assembly and persistence are associated with defects in T-cell activation in the absence of Lck, ZAP-70, or LAT. Clusters persist normally in the absence of phospholipase C-γ1, indicating that in the absence of a critical effector, these structures are insufficient to drive T-cell activation. Furthermore, we show that the critical adaptors LAT and Gads localize with SLP-76 in persistent clusters. Mutational analyses of LAT, Gads, and SLP-76 indicated that multiple domains within each of these proteins contribute to cluster persistence. These data indicate that multivalent cooperative interactions stabilize these persistent signaling clusters, which may correspond to the functional complexes predicted by kinetic proofreading models of T-cell activation.