Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pink Ribbon Day as the International Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

Currently, with the booming of New Media, it is not uncommon to see causes and campaigns meant to raise awareness on certain issues. One of the all-time viral campaigns was ‘ALS Ice Bucket Challenge’ campaign videos performed by well-known celebrities. In relation to causes and campaigns, on the 1st of October, our attention is drawn towards the Pink Ribbon Day – known as the International Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Not only that, there is currently an attention-getting Cancer Awareness campaign in many social media – Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) Campaign – which has drawn the attention of those whose lives have been touched by the various devastating Cancer illnesses. This paper discusses and analyzes the SU2C campaigns in relation to its reliance on celebrity endorsement in achieving its purposes. The case of SU2C is analyzed within the framework of Circuit of Culturetoanalyze how the public relations theory and Celebrity Humanitarianism may inform the various practices of public relations in the world. Not only that, through the reflections in the Circuit of Culture, the paper also elaborates the possibilities of how the analysis of the SU2C campaign can be used to influence other cancer awareness campaigns, particularly in Indonesia.Keywords: New Media, Campaign, Circuit of Culture, Celebrity Humanitarianism
Expression and inheritance of RSVLTR-rtGH1 complementary DNA in the transgenic common carp, Cyprinus carpio.

Transgenic common carp, Cyprinus carpio, possessing the long terminal repeat (LTR) sequence of avian Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) fused to the rainbow trout (rt) growth hormone (GH1) complementary DNA (cDNA) were produced by microinjection. Initial studies showed that the transgenic common carp transmitted the foreign DNA to a significant fraction of their progeny in three of four crosses of transgenic males with control females. These progeny grew 20 to 40% faster than their nontransgenic full siblings. In this study, additional experiments were conducted to evaluate inheritance and expression of the foreign GH gene in transgenic common carp, and the growth performance of these transgenic fish. Four P1 (parental generation produced by microinjection) x nontransgenic controls, four P1 x P1, and one P1 x F1 matings of transgenic carp containing RSVLTR-rtGH1 cDNA were made. The percentages of transgenic progeny resulting from these matings were: 0, 32, 42, 100 (4 progeny only), 21, 21, 31, 30, and 23%, respectively. All crosses except 1 siblot (control x P1) exhibited progeny ratios below the expected 50 or 75% transgenic. These results indicate that most of these transgenic P1 had the foreign gene in their germ line but were mosaics, and at least one transgenic individual did not have the RSVLTR-rtGH1 cDNA in the gonadal tissue. Both P1 and F1 transgenic fish produce trout growth hormone mRNA and polypeptide as determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction amplification, RNA dot-blot hybridization, and radio-immunobinding assay. Growth response by families of F1 transgenic fish to the addition of rtGH1 cDNA varied widely. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The e-government paradox in post-Soviet countries

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the emergence of e-government in post-Soviet countries using Kazakhstan as a case study. Extant research on e-government in developing countries highlights significant benefits including improved public services, reduced corruption, and more open and inclusive government. The paper asserts the presence of an e-government paradox which limits its potential to improve public services. Design/methodology/approach Primary data were collected from a number of sources: 6 focus groups with central government agencies, local authorities and civil society organisations; 25 structured and semi-structured interviews; and participant observation. Findings The research finds evidence of an e-government paradox in five forms: an emphasis on technological development; transactional services are faster but have displaced attention from core public services; petty corruption has been reduced but grand corruption remains; isomorphic mimicry; and greater participation by citizens has been limited. Research limitations/implications The focus of the research is Kazakhstan. Applying the lessons learned to other post-Soviet countries has limitations given their different stages of development since independence. Practical implications The key practical implication of this research is that countries can become absorbed by e-government technology without questioning the fundamental business model which underpins how public services are delivered. Ultimately, this impacts on the social value of e-government. Originality/value While existing research has examined how e-government has been implemented in developing countries, this paper focusses on Kazakhstan as an authoritarian state with wider implications for post-Soviet countries.
Chondroitin 4-O-Sulfotransferase-1 Regulates E Disaccharide Expression of Chondroitin Sulfate Required for Herpes Simplex Virus Infectivity*

We have demonstrated a defect in expression of chondroitin 4-O-sulfotransferase-1 (C4ST-1) in murine sog9 cells, which are poorly sensitive to infection by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Sog9 cells were previously isolated as CS-deficient cells from gro2C cells, which were partially resistant to HSV-1 infection and defective in the expression of heparan sulfate (HS) because of a splice site mutation in the EXT1 gene encoding the HS-synthesizing enzyme. Here we detected a small amount of CS chains in sog9 cells with a drastic decrease in 4-O-sulfation compared with the parental gro2C cells. RT-PCR revealed that sog9 cells had a defect in the expression of C4ST-1 in addition to EXT1. Gel filtration analysis showed that the decrease in the amount of CS in sog9 cells was the result of a reduction in the length of CS chains. Transfer of C4ST-1 cDNA into sog9 cells (sog9-C4ST-1) restored 4-O-sulfation and amount of CS, verifying that sog9 cells had a specific defect in C4ST-1. Furthermore, the expression of C4ST-1 rendered sog9 cells significantly more susceptible to HSV-1 infection, suggesting that CS modified by C4ST-1 is sufficient for the binding and infectivity of HSV-1. Analysis of CS chains of gro2C and sog9-C4ST-1 cells revealed a considerable proportion of the E disaccharide unit, consistent with our recent finding that this unit is an essential component of the HSV receptor. These results suggest that C4ST-1 regulates the expression of the E disaccharide unit and the length of CS chains, the features that facilitate infection of cells by HSV-1.
Personalizing surgical margins in retroperitoneal sarcomas

Retroperitoneal sarcomas are a group of diseases that behave differently from one another. Well-differentiated liposarcomas have an indolent biology but show a tendency to recur locally even years after primary resection. Dedifferentiated liposarcomas are characterized by a very high local recurrence risk, while the metastatic risk mainly depends on the histological characteristics of the dedifferentiated component. In leiomyosarcomas, hematogenous spread informs prognosis while local recurrences are far less common. Surgery is the cornerstone of treatment of all retroperitoneal sarcoma subtypes and its quality is the only treatment-related factor able to improve the oncological outcome. A frontline extended surgical approach is all the more critical in subtypes in which local control directly impacts prognosis.
Antimicrobial Therapy and the Neonate

The newborn is particularly susceptible to bacterial infection because of its underdeveloped immune system. The newborn's inability to localize infection can also delay diagnosis by altering the manifestations of infection. Antimicrobial therapy is complicated, however, by the immaturity and rapid changes in metabolic and physiologic functions during the first weeks of life. Diminished renal function and activity of some hepatic enzymes alter the half-lives of various drugs, making extrapolation from adult dosage impossible. For some drugs there is also a difference in the rate of intramuscular absorption in the newborn as compared with adults and older children. Disease itself may also alter physiologic processes involved in metabolism, bioavailability, and absorption of a drug. This study presents pharmacokinetic data and dose information for penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and chloramphenicol in neonates and infants at different gestational and chronologic ages.
Effect of training in the fasted state on metabolic responses during exercise with carbohydrate intake.

Skeletal muscle gene response to exercise depends on nutritional status during and after exercise, but it is unknown whether muscle adaptations to endurance training are affected by nutritional status during training sessions. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of an endurance training program (6 wk, 3 day/wk, 1-2 h, 75% of peak Vo(2)) in moderately active males. They trained in the fasted (F; n = 10) or carbohydrate-fed state (CHO; n = 10) while receiving a standardized diet [65 percent of total energy intake (En) from carbohydrates, 20%En fat, 15%En protein]. Before and after the training period, substrate use during a 2-h exercise bout was determined. During these experimental sessions, all subjects were in a fed condition and received extra carbohydrates (1 g.kg body wt(-1) . h(-1)). Peak Vo(2) (+7%), succinate dehydrogenase activity, GLUT4, and hexokinase II content were similarly increased between F and CHO. Fatty acid binding protein (FABPm) content increased significantly in F (P = 0.007). Intramyocellular triglyceride content (IMCL) remained unchanged in both groups. After training, pre-exercise glycogen content was higher in CHO (545 +/- 19 mmol/kg dry wt; P = 0.02), but not in F (434 +/- 32 mmol/kg dry wt; P = 0.23). For a given initial glycogen content, F blunted exercise-induced glycogen breakdown when compared with CHO (P = 0.04). Neither IMCL breakdown (P = 0.23) nor fat oxidation rates during exercise were altered by training. Thus short-term training elicits similar adaptations in peak Vo(2) whether carried out in the fasted or carbohydrate-fed state. Although there was a decrease in exercise-induced glycogen breakdown and an increase in proteins involved in fat handling after fasting training, fat oxidation during exercise with carbohydrate intake was not changed.
L'analyse économétrique des conflits internes par l'approche causale : les évolutions d'une littérature en expansion

Prevenir les conflits internes necessite une meilleure comprehension de la maniere dont ils se forment et se propagent dans le temps et l’espace. Par rapport aux autres sciences sociales, l’economie n’a que tres recemment investi ce champ d’etude. Comme pour rattraper son retard, nous assistons depuis une vingtaine d’annees a une effervescence de la recherche econometrique sur le sujet. Quelles conclusions tirer de ces travaux ? Ce document definit le perimetre d’analyse de ce champ d’etude en insistant sur trois mecanismes profonds a l’origine des comportements de predation : les capacites de l’Etat, la valeur du gain issu de la capture de l’Etat et le cout d’opportunite d’entrer dans un groupe arme auquel les individus font face (i.e. l’arbitrage entre des activites de production ou de predation). Il dresse egalement un bilan des contraintes et avancees recentes dans l’analyse causale des conflits internes. Il montre que l’amelioration des methodes d’inference causale, des outils econometriques et des methodes de collecte de donnees dessine des perspectives de recherche prometteuses sur des sujets tels que le role de la cohesion sociale et les consequences du changement climatique sur le risque de conflit.
Early non-invasive ventilation treatment for severe influenza pneumonia

Abstract The role of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in acute respiratory failure caused by viral pneumonia remains controversial. Our objective was to evaluate the use of NIV in a cohort of (H1N1)v pneumonia. Usefulness and success of NIV were assessed in a prospective, observational registry of patients with influenza A (H1N1) virus pneumonia in 148 Spanish intensive care units (ICUs) in 2009–10. Significant variables for NIV success were included in a multivariate analysis. In all, 685 patients with confirmed influenza A (H1N1)v viral pneumonia were admitted to participating ICUs; 489 were ventilated, 177 with NIV. The NIV was successful in 72 patients (40.7%), the rest required intubation. Low Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, low Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and absence of renal failure were associated with NIV success. Success of NIV was independently associated with fewer than two chest X-ray quadrant opacities (OR 3.5) and no vasopressor requirement (OR 8.1). However, among patients with two or more quadrant opacities, a SOFA score ≤7 presented a higher success rate than those with SOFA score >7 (OR 10.7). Patients in whom NIV was successful required shorter ventilation time, shorter ICU stay and hospital stay than NIV failure. In patients in whom NIV failed, the delay in intubation did not increase mortality (26.5% versus 24.2%). Clinicians used NIV in 25.8% of influenza A (H1N1)v viral pneumonia admitted to ICU, and treatment was effective in 40.6% of them. NIV success was associated with shorter hospital stay and mortality similar to non-ventilated patients. NIV failure was associated with a mortality similar to those who were intubated from the start.
Venus Tectonics: Initial Analysis from Magellan

Radar imaging and altimetry data from the Magellan mission have revealed a diversity of deformational features at a variety of spatial scales on the Venus surface. The plains record a superposition of different episodes of deformation and volcanism; strain is both areally distributed and concentrated into zones of extension and shortening. The common coherence of strain patterns over hundreds of kilometers implies that many features in the plains reflect a crustal response to mantle dynamic processes. Ridge belts and mountain belts represent successive degrees of lithospheric shortening and crustal thickening; the mountain belts also show widespread evidence for extension and collapse both during and following crustal compression. Venus displays two geometrical patterns of concentrated lithospheric extension: quasi-circular coronae and broad rises with linear rift zones; both are sites of significant volcanism. No long, large-offset strike-slip faults have been observed, although limited local horizontal shear is accommodated across many zones of crustal shortening. In general, tectonic features on Venus are unlike those in Earth's oceanic regions in that strain typically is distributed across broad zones that are one to a few hundred kilometers wide, and separated by stronger and less deformed blocks hundreds of kilometers in width, as in actively deforming continental regions on Earth.
A cost–benefit analysis of hearing aids, including the benefits of reducing the symptoms of dementia

ABSTRACT We carried out a CBA of hearing aids (HAs) in which we estimated the direct utility benefits, and included the indirect utility benefits working through a reduction in dementia symptoms. The benefits methodology involved using QALYs as the outcome measure and then applying the price of a QALY to convert the outcome measure into monetary terms. The price of a QALY was derived from an age-specific VSL estimate. The effects of HAs on utility were estimated from a fixed effects regression on a large national panel data set provided by NACC where we used a negative proxy for the QoL. We also used a fixed effects regression for the estimate of the indirect benefits involving HAs reducing dementia symptoms. We found that the total benefits, mainly coming from the direct benefits, were extremely large relative to the costs, with benefit–cost ratios over 30.
Managing the Gaps: How Performance Gaps Shape Managerial Decision Making

Abstract Much literature provides insights on the effect of managerial decisions on organizational performance. This research has given less attention to the determinants, rather than the effects, of variance in managerial decisions. This study seeks to determine whether decisions vary when performance gaps are based on subjective clientele ratings or more objective performance output information. By combining data from an original survey of hospital CEOs, the American Hospital Association and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, we find that multiple managerial decisions are explained by both historical and social aspirational gaps, but that shifts in priorities vary depending on how performance is defined.
Why don’t agricultural prices always adjust towards parity?

A prominent empirical regularity is the incomplete pass-through of exchange rate changes to domestic price changes, which reflects the failure of the purchasing power parity doctrine. We argue that such disconnection can be explained by the non-linear mean reversion dynamics of exchange rates: As a consequence of various trade barriers, there is a sizeable buffer region, a “band of inaction”, within which exchange rates can move independently of prices, thus generating large and persistent deviations from parity. When examining panels of large numbers of disaggregated and tradable agricultural products with a non-linear exchange rate specification, we observe relatively fast adjustment speeds whenever deviations are sufficiently large so as to induce arbitrage. On the other hand, when deviations fall within the band of inaction, there is evidence that movements in rates follow a random walk. Additionally, the speed of adjustment is asymmetric, in the sense that positive deviations are adjusted faster than negative deviations.
An institutional experience of 26 patients with Moyamoya disease: A study from Northwest India

Aim: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a slowly progressive bilateral stenocclusive process of the distal internal carotid and proximal portions of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries and the formation of an abnormal vascular network at the base of the brain. The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify clinical features, salient features, radiological features and yield of diagnostic cerebral angiography in MMD. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the records of 26 patients with MMD evaluated and treated at our institute from August 2010 until March 2013. Diagnosis of MMD was made on the basis of features of angiographic findings. Cerebral angiography showed typically fine network of vessels at the base of the brain with puff of smoke appearance suggestive of MMD. CT angiography (CTA) was done in 25 (96.15%) patients where as Digital substraction angiography (DSA) was done in 18 (69.23%) patients. Results: Out of the 26 patients 13 were in the pediatric age group and 13 were adults. At presentation 14 patients had infarcts and 10 patients had hemorrhages. Among the hemorrhagic group 20% had isolated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), 50% patients had ICH with intraventricular extension (IVE) and 30% patients had primary intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH). 50 % of the patients had involvement of the posterior circulation. Conclusion: Posterior circulation involvement is frequent in MMD. Though parenchymal bleed with/without intraventricular extension is the usual presentation of hemorrhagic MMD, isolated intraventricular hemorrhage could also be the mode of presentation.
The diagnostic value of urine-based survivin mRNA test using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for bladder cancer: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Survivin has gradually become an important target in diagnosis, prognosis prediction and treatment of tumor. There are many studies on urine-based survivin mRNA test using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as a noninvasive examination for bladder cancer. However, its clinical value remains controversial. This study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of urine survivin mRNA detection with RT-PCR for bladder cancer by a systematic review of related studies. METHODS With the search terms such as bladder neoplasm, survivin, RT-PCR, sensitivity, specificity and diagnosis, we systematically searched through PubMed, EMBASE, SCI, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journal Full-text Database (CSJD), China Journal Full-text Database (CJFD), Chinese Medical Association (CMA) digital periodicals and Google Scholar totally from January 1997 to April 2009 for diagnostic trials with RT-PCR detection of urine survivin mRNA for bladder cancer. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) items were used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Meta-disc software was used to calculate outcome indicators. RESULTS Twenty-six studies, totally 2 416 patients, were eligible. Meta-analysis showed that compared with pathologic examination, the summary values of sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) of urine-based survivin mRNA test using RT-PCR for bladder cancer were 88%, 94%, 14.56, 0.13 and 0.9736, respectively. Nested RT-PCR got the highest sensitivity, specificity and SROC and the values were 91%, 95% and 0.9805, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of general RT-PCR were the second highest, which were 87% and 94%, respectively. The sensitivity of quantitative RT-PCR was 80% and the specificity was 93%. CONCLUSIONS Comparing with pathologic examination, the sensitivity and specificity of urine-based survivin mRNA test using RT-PCR are relatively high. It can be used as an important adjunct method for cystoscope in early screening and postoperative monitoring of bladder cancer.
The Neuropathologic Basis of Different Clinical Subgroups of Parkinson's Disease

Clinical and neuropathologic data in 45 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) were compared. Twenty-seven patients suffered from marked akinesia and rigidity (AR-type) and 18 patients from predominant resting tremor (T-type). Dementia, depression, and psychosis occurred in 26, 18, and 18 patients, respectively. Neuronal counts were performed in denned areas of the medial and lateral substantia nigra (SNM, SNL), locus ceruleus (LC), and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). The AR-type (compared with the T-type) showed higher neuronal loss of LC, SNL, SNM, and more severe gliosis, extraneuronal melanin deposits, and neuroaxonal dystrophy in substantia nigra. Demented PD patients showed more intense cortical Alzheimer lesions and higher neuronal depletion in the SNM, whereas PD subjects with moderate or marked dementia differed from mildly or not demented ones only in the higher degree of cortical Alzheimer lesions. More severe neuronal cell loss of DRN was observed in PD patients with depression. Occurrence of psychosis was not associated with any pathologic feature. Our findings indicate that some major clinical features of PD are related to distinct neuropathologic lesions.