Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Memory Outcome after Selective Amygdalohippocampectomy: A Study in 140 Patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Summary: Purpose: The technique of selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH) was originally developed in epilepsy surgery to spare unaffected brain tissue from surgery, thus minimizing the cognitive consequences of temporal lobe surgery. The results of previous studies, however, are equivocal in this regard. This study evaluated memory after SAH in a large sample of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
Reference intervals for thyroid hormones in pregnant Chinese women

Objective: To establish gestation-related reference intervals for thyroid hormones in a Chinese population. Materials and methods: A prospective study with 343 healthy pregnant women (5-41 weeks) and 63 non-pregnant controls. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) (and human chorionic gonadotrophin) were measured by immunoassays. The median, 2·5th and 97·5th percentiles at 4-week intervals werecalculated. Data were also analysedfor significant trends using ANOVA. Results: Free T3 decreased during pregnancy, whereas free T4 initially increased, peaking between 9-13 weeks and then decreased, the decline becoming significant by week 21. TSH mirrored changes in free T4. Conclusion : The gestation-related reference intervals for thyroid hormones should alleviate the misinterpretation of thyroid function in pregnancy.
murH, a new genetic locus in Escherichia coli involved in cell wall peptidoglycan biosynthesis

A temperature-sensitive mutant of Escherichia coli defective in peptidoglycan synthesis was characterized. The incorporation of radiolabeled meso-diaminopimelate into peptidoglycan by the mutant was inhibited at the restrictive growth temperature, resulting in autolysis. The defective step appeared to be part of the terminal stage in peptidoglycan synthesis involving the incorporation of disaccharide peptide units into the wall peptidoglycan. The mutation was assigned to a new locus, designated murH, at 99.2 min on the E. coli linkage map.
Open Source Development and Software Innovation

The rapid emergence of open source software has generated significant debate over its effect on software innovation. The goal of this paper is to explore the impact of open source software innovation on a mixed market also containing proprietary software, and to compare this market with a pure market in which only proprietary software firms exist. Building upon Hotelling's model of horizontal differentiation, open source innovation is characterized as the result of contributions from utility maximizing consumer-programmers. While I find that a mixed market can have more innovation than a pure market, increased open source innovation may decrease overall innovative activity and lead to lower welfare within a mixed market. These results are driven by the finding that innovation in open source software crowds out proprietary software innovation. The innovation and welfare effects of government policies such as subsidies or compulsory usage schemes are also considered.
GeoTime Retrieval through Passage-based Learning to Rank

The NTCIR-9 GeoTime task is to retrieve documents to answer such questions as when and where certain events happened. In this paper we propose a Passage-Based Learning to Rank (PGLR) method to address this task. The proposed method recognizes texts both strongly related to the target topics and containing geographic and temporal expressions. The implemented system provides more accurate search results than a system without PGLR. Performance, according to the official evaluation, is average among submitted systems.
Autonomous Agents for Participating in Mulitple On-line Auctions

The increasing number of online auctions poses a big challenge to e-consumers, especially to those who are actively looking for good deals. In this paper, we present the deisgn of an autonomous agent that can alleviate some of these problems by participating across multiple online auctions (in particular, English, Dutch, and Vickrey auctions). The agent makes decisions on behalf of the consumer and endeavours to guarantee the delivery of the item according to the user's preferences. Our agent monitors and collects information from the ongoing auctions and determines which auction it wishes to participate in. The decision on how much to bid in the selected auction is made based on a series of tactics and strategies. The proposed bidding algorithm has been implemented in a simulated marketplace environment and its performance has been evaluated empirically.
Echocardiographic Evaluation of the Cardiovascular Effects of Short‐Duration Spaceflight

Results are presented of echocardiographic investigations and hemodynamic measurements performed on 24 astronauts before and after short-duration (4-5 days) spaceflight, including data on the heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac volumes. Cardiovascular changes which were found to occur after 4-5 day long spaceflight included decreased the left ventricular end-diastolic volume and the stroke volume indices, with a compensatory increased heart rate and the cardiac output being maintained; in addition, altered total peripheral vascular resistance was found to occur, with an apparent reduction in the ability to augment the peripheral vascular tone upon assuming the standing position. These cardiovascular characteristics normalized within 48 hrs of landing.
Cooperative Data Delivery in Sparse Cellular-VANET Networks

Due to its own features including variability of network topology, instable vehicle density and so on, Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs) can hardly guarantee efficient and reliable network connectivity which plays an important role in data dissemination. Compared with VANET, cellular networks is of great advantage to provide timely data propagation. To solve the problem of disconnection in VANET, we propose a cooperative data propagation protocol based on store-carry-forward(SCF) mechanism. In the heterogeneous Cellular-VANET networks, we choose base station as relay node to ensure reliable data dissemination. The simulation results show that the protocol works well in shortening healing time and providing reliable data dissemination.
Direct Integration of Government Funding and Family Support for Musculoskeletal Tumor Care in a Resource-Constrained Country

Background: Malignant musculoskeletal tumor (MMST) outcome reflects the level of supportive care provided. In Nigeria, the supportive care available to patients with MMST is limited by a lack of funding. Patients often present late, and receive only orthodox care as psychosocial care is not available. We evaluated the effect of direct incorporation of government funding and family support on MMST patient acceptance and completion of treatment. Methods: A 3-year prospective multicenter intention-to-treat study was undertaken in a tertiary care setting. The first step was a nonselective randomization of MMST patients into 2 groups, Wesley Guilds Hospital Firm A (WGHFA) and Wesley Guilds Hospital Firm B (WGHFB) using the computer software Excel. The control group was WGHFA, which consisted of patients who self-financed their oncology care. The WGHFB patients’ governments (local or state) provided funds according to medical reports and the patients had relatives who offered psychosocial support. The second step entailed treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy) and follow-up. Outcome measures were the interval between presentation at hospital and surgical intervention, acceptability of limb amputation, completeness of treatment courses, duration of hospital stay and mortality. The reproducibility of the methodology was reappraised at the Federal Medical Center. Kruskal-Wallis analysis was used, and an alpha error of <0.05 at a CI of 95% was taken to be significant. Results: A total of 112 cases of MMST were managed during the study period. Seventy-one (63.4%; 37 WGHFA; 34 WGHFB) met the inclusion criteria. Age, sex, tribe, religion, comorbid factors and mean weekly income were not significant factors influencing improved MMST care among the WGHFB patients. 32 WGHFB versus 7 WGHFA patients accepted the treatment plan. The mean duration of hospital stay before surgery (p < 0.001), discharge against medical advice (p < 0.000), limb salvage (21 vs. 2, p < 0.001), limb amputation (3 vs. 12, p < 0.05, 95% CI 8.3–37.9), completeness of treatment (33 vs. 7, p < 0.05), mean duration of hospital stay, in days (23 vs. 39, p < 0.05) and mortality at 1-year follow-up (13 vs. 28, p < 0.02) were significant. Conclusion: The cost of cancer care is a challenge for patients with MMST in a resource-constrained country such as Nigeria. Direct integration of the government and family into MMST care will serve as a link between the cancer patient and the source of funds. It raises the possibility of an effective psychosocial approach to improve patient outcome through enhanced treatment acceptability and completion, and so reduce morbidity and short-term mortality.
Knowledge Management in IT Companies in Poland

Globalisation and the development of high technology, in particular telecommunications technologies, have contributed to an increase in the significance of knowledge to economy. We started perceiving it as a source of competitive advantage, which induced the need for knowledge management in enterprises. This phenomenon is stronger or weaker, depending on the sector of business, but it has a clear influence on the development of information technology industry. This article presents results of surveys concerning the status of knowledge management in Polish IT companies, according to the size of the analysed enterprises. Enterprise size was selected as a test criterion due to the authors' research assumption that the status of knowledge management would be different in small, medium-sized and large enterprises in the IT sector in Poland.
Predictors of treatment response in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder.

OBJECTIVE To examine predictors of treatment response in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). METHOD A literature review of psychotherapy (i.e., cognitive-behavioral therapy) and medication studies for pediatric OCD published from 1985 to 2007 was conducted using several databases. RESULTS The literature search produced a total of 21 studies (6 cognitive-behavioral therapy, 13 medication, and 2 combination studies) that met specific methodological criteria. Across studies, the following nine predictors were examined: child sex, child age, duration of illness/age at onset, baseline severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, type of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, comorbid disorders/symptoms, psychophysiological factors, neuropsychological factors, and family factors. Among all of the studies, there was little evidence that sex, age, or duration of illness (age at onset) was associated with treatment response. Baseline severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and family dysfunction were associated with poorer response to cognitive-behavioral therapy, whereas comorbid tics and externalizing disorders were associated with poorer response in medication-only studies. CONCLUSIONS Overall, there are limited data on predictors of treatment response for pediatric OCD. The majority of studies are plagued with methodological limitations and post hoc approaches. Additional research is needed to better delineate the predictors of treatment response in pediatric OCD with the goal of developing individualized treatment approaches.
Small but Perfectly Formed — The Parent Child Dilemma

The objectives of this paper are to provide marketers with a wider perspective on how children and parents judge and evaluate purchasing decisions of consumer goods. It is often the case that when marketing a product in a specific sector you become so blinkered on that sector that you omit to take a 360°perspective. This paper's aim is to challenge and provide a wider view looking at purchasing decisions through the purchasers eyes rather than the marketers.
Genetic Variation in the Capsid Region of Human Astrovirus Serotype 4 Isolated in Japan

The entire capsid regions of 12 serotype‐4 astroviruses from Japan were sequenced and compared with those of other serotypes. Serotype‐4 isolates were divided into two new subgroups. The intrasubgroup nucleic acid and deduced amino acid sequences were quite homologous (more than 93%), but slightly less so between subgroups (almost 85%). However, the serotype‐4 sequences differed from those of serotypes 1,2,3,5,6,7 and 8 (less than 50%). Determining whether these differences significantly alter the epidemiology and antigenicity will require further investigation.
Least Square Support Vector Machines as an Alternative Method in Seasonal Time Series Forecasting

The least square support vector machines (LSSSVM) model is a novel forecasting approach and has been successfully used to solve time series problems. However, the applications of LSSVM model in a seasonal time series forecasting has not been widely investigated. This study aims at developing a LSSVM model to forecast seasonal time series data. To assess the effectiveness of this model, the airline passenger series exhibits nonlinear behaviour and shows multiplicative seasonal behaviour was applied. In order to obtain the optimal model parameters of the LSSVM, a grid search algorithm and cross-validation method were employed. In this study, seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) and artificial neural network (ANN) models are employed for forecasting the same data sets. Empirical results indicate that the LSSVM yields well forecasting performances. Thus, the LSSVM model provides a promising alternative for seasonal time series forecasting.
The Study on the Innovation Ecosystem Construction of China's New Energy Automotive Industry

The paper analyzes the current situation of new energy automotive industry in America,Japan and European countries,points out the urgency of development for new energy automotive industry. The most important task in the development of new energy automotive industry is innovation. The paper combines the innovation ecosystem theory,constructs an ecosystem model of new energy automotive industry innovation,and comprehensive analyzes the model.
Locoregional relapse and distant metastasis in conservatively managed triple negative early-stage breast cancer.

PURPOSE To determine the prognostic significance of triple negative breast cancers with respect to locoregional relapse and distant metastasis in conservatively managed breast cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A database of conservative managed (conservative surgery followed by radiation) patients, in whom all three markers (estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2/neu) were available, was reviewed. Patients were classified as triple negative if they tested negative for all three markers. Of 482 patients with all three markers available, 117 were classified as triple negative. RESULTS As of September 2005, with a median follow-up time of 7.9 years, of the 482 patients in the study, there have been 53 in-breast relapses, 10 nodal relapses, 77 distant relapses, and 69 deaths. At 5 years, the triple negative cohort had a poorer distant metastasis-free rate compared with the other subtypes (67% v 82%, respectively; P = .002). Triple negative subtype was an independent predictor of distant metastasis (hazard ratio = 2.14; 95% CI, 1.31 to 3.53; P = .002) and cause-specific survival (hazard ratio = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.03 to 3.22; P = .047). There was no significant difference in local control between the triple negative and other subtypes (83% v 83%, respectively). Of 99 BRCA-tested patients in this cohort, 10 had deleterious mutations in BRCA1, and seven had mutations in BRCA2. Of 10 BRCA1 patients, eight were triple negative, whereas only one of seven BRCA2 patients was triple negative (P < .001). CONCLUSION Patients classified as triple negative have a poor prognosis. However, there was no evidence that these patients are at higher risk for local relapse after conservative surgery and radiation. Patients with BRCA1 mutations develop predominantly triple negative tumors.
Retaining and divesting customers: an exploratory study of right customers, “at‐risk” right customers, and wrong customers

The axiom that “the customer is always right” is no longer valid when companies realize that some of their customers are not right at all. Paying too much attention to these so‐called “wrong” customers may jeopardize a company's survival and profitability. Right customers have to be retained, “at‐risk” right customers have to be recovered, and wrong customers have to be divested. This study attempts to operationalize the concept of customer “rightness” and “wrongness” in terms of different configurations of attribute satisfaction and overall satisfaction. Based on the result of a discriminant analysis of satisfaction survey data, customers with different configurations of attribute satisfaction and overall satisfaction are re‐examined in terms of switching intention, behavioral patterns and demographic characteristics in order to highlight any significant descriptor.
Post-NPM Themes In Public Sector Governance

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the application of the principles of New Public Management (NPM) is being crystallised around three emerging themes: (a) a re-emphasis on the values of public sector standards and ethical behaviour; (b) a fresh look at how the centre of government can be strengthened so as to not only veer away from the apparent haphazard and vertical-silo nature of policy-making and service delivery but also to provide much-needed coherence and impetus on instituting a whole-of-government ethos in the public sector; and (c) the application of the principles of good corporate governance in the business, economic, and public management domains. This paper looks at these three emerging themes from the conceptual framework of NPM and agencyfication, and seeks to find a convergence point among them that might give cues as to the future directions in public sector governance. Gambhir Bhatta is Senior Advisor at the State Services Commission. This, and other, Working Papers are available through the State Services Commissions website: http://www.ssc.govt.nz The State Services Commission welcomes any comments and suggestions you have about this paper. If you require further information about this paper please let us know. In both instances please contact: Derek Gill, Branch Manager Strategic Development Branch State Services Commission Email: derek.gill@ssc.govt.nz Facsimile: +64 4 495 6699 Note: Information contained in this paper may be reproduced for personal or in-house use without formal permission or charge. However, it must not be used in a commercial context unless written permission has been given by the State Services Commission. Where any material from this paper is quoted in any context, it must be sourced  preferably to the Commissions website. Publication of the Working Papers Series recognises the value of developmental work in generating policy options. The papers in this series are prepared for the purpose of informing policy development. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be taken to be the views of the State Services Commission. The SSC view may differ in substance or extent from that contained in this paper
Kampala’s Small-Scale Industries: An Empirical Investigation Of Investments In The Manufacturing Sub-Sector

This is a study on investments, in Kampala's small scale industries. The study concentrates on metal workand woodwork activities of the manufacturing scale industries. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data in Kampala area lone. Besides verbal interviews were held in liaison with relevant government organs on the financial set-up of Uganda as it relates to small scale industries. An investment determination model was developed from existing literature and the model was estimated using 2SLS. The significant variables in the general model are output, credit and training. Significant variables in the metal work activity are output, income and savings while those of the woodwork are output and credit. The financial set up in Uganda was found to be strangling and less accommodative to the small scale industry sector. The SSI was found to be the largest employer of Ugandans and capable of generating employment faster than the large scale sector. Several recommendations are prescribed which include formation of co-operatives among SSI, government involvement in the marketing of SSI products, encouraging subcontracting to large scale firms, increased training and revision of local laws to become more regulatory other than control of SSI.
Critical Acclaim and Commercial Success in Mobile Free-to-Play Games

Critical acclaim is considered to be one of the main predictors of profitability of game products. Major game publishers face tremendous hurdles in order to fare well in different forums that review and rate their products. However, little evidence exists on the relationship between ratings and profitability beyond anecdotal assumptions. In this study we investigate the relationship between critical acclaim and commercial success in mobile free-to-play games via a mixed-method study. First we look at the correlation of reviews and profitability, and then present an exploratory qualitative inquiry, analyzing games with high Metascores and games with high grossing. The results reveal that the relationship between review ratings and profitability is even more problematic in mobile free-to-play games than in many other game categories. Games with high Metascores differ substantially from the top-grossing games, being closer to traditional single-player games than typical free-to-play games, with little emphasis on monetization mechanics.
The power of perceived service quality in international marketing channels

States that providing quality customer service is increasingly regarded as an important basis for establishing and maintaining solid and long‐term relationships between manufacturers and distributors in marketing channels. Discusses the results of a research project which was undertaken to study the relationship between perceived service quality, supplier power bases and perceived relationship strength in international marketing channels. Finds that two dimensions can be used for characterizing perceived service quality in international marketing channels: service elements controlled by intermediary personnel; and service elements controlled by management. Moreover reveals that perceived service quality is an important determinant of perceived relationship strength, in contrast to coercive power bases such as offering rewards or undertaking punitive action. Concludes that, particularly in long channel structures, perceived service quality forms an important marketing channel instrument for relationship marketing.