Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oral Mucosal Lesions in Adult Chinese

The objectives of this analysis were to determine the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (OML) among adults in Southern China and to determine possible associations between OML and reported tobacco-smoking and alcohol-drinking habits. The sample consisted of 1573 35- to 44-year-old and 1515 65- to 74-year-old Chinese from both urban and rural areas of Guangdong Province. The subjects were interviewed by trained interviewers and underwent a clinical examination of the oral mucosa performed according to WHO guidelines. A specially prepared color atlas of OML was used for lesion recognition and confirmation during the survey. Among the 35- to 44-year-old subjects, the overall prevalence of OML was found to be 13% in urban men, 6% in urban women, 15% in rural men, and 4% in rural women. The corresponding figures for the 65- to 74-year-olds were 22%, 12%, 26%, and 19%. Tongue lesions and white lesions were relatively common, but denture-related lesions were not. No malignancies or erythroplakia was observed. Age and gender were found to relate to the occurrence of OML. In elderly men, smoking was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with some white lesions and tongue lesions, and alcohol drinking was also associated with some white lesions. In conclusion, tongue lesions and white lesions were relatively common in men, but pre-cancerous lesions were not prevalent.
A Cross-cultural comparison of customer complaint behavior in restaurants in hotels

This study documented consumer complaint behavior in hotel restaurants in two diverse cosmopolitan cities, Hong Kong, SAR and Houston, USA. It was found that in the area of food and beverage attributes, the Hong Kong group rated tastiness, temperature and freshness less important to make a complaint about the Houston group. As for service, service efficiency, greetings, attentiveness and helpfulness were rated differently, with the Hong Kong group rated “greetings” higher than the Houston counterparts. Regarding atmospherics, the two groups were most alike, though the Hong Kong group would be more likely to complain about the noise level while the Houston group, temperature and décor of hotel restaurants.
Public Spending and the Paradox of Supermajority Rule

This article examines the paradox that a supermajority rule in a legislature promotes excessive government spending. We propose a simple conjecture: If rent-seeking coalitions dominate legislative politics and if individual legislators' demands for rent-seeking activities are price-inelastic, a change of legislative rules from simple majority to a supermajority will lead to greater public spending, other things equal. Using data from U.S. state legislatures, 1970 to 2007, we find that the adoption of a supermajority rule has a robust, positive impact on various types of tax revenues and government expenditures.
Contractual Resolution of Bondholder-Stockholder Conflicts in Leveraged Buyouts

L EGAL scholars and economists have long recognized that the interests of stockholders and bondholders often conflict. Since bondholders own fixed claims that are senior to the residual and limited liability claims of stockholders, the two classes of security holders often differ over corporate policies, including policies about cash distributions to stockholders, the issuance of additional debt, and the riskiness of investment projects. ' Although bondholder-stockholder conflicts have been the source of much litigation during this century, U.S. courts generally have maintained that these conflicts should be resolved explicitly in bond contracts. For example, in 1981 in Broad v. Rockwell International Corp.,2 a federal court stated that it "will not rewrite a term of a [bond] contract by interpretation when that term is clear and unambiguous on its face. " In Katz v. Oak Industries3 the Delaware Court of Chancery restated the common-law tradition: "Arrangements among a corporation, the under-
Wildlife in Jeopardy Inside and Outside Protected Areas in Côte d ' Ivoire: The Combined Effects of Disorganization, Lack of Awareness, and Institutional Weakness

having been hunted to near extinction or even extinction. If the enormous human pressures on natural resources in Cote d ’ Ivoire are inherently related to population growth and poverty, the chaotic situation just described shows the ineffectiveness of conservation policies in the country. This chapter demonstrates that the failure of conservation policies in Cote d ’ Ivoire can be attributed to the lack of synergy between governmental institutions, a lack of awareness about the importance of nature conservation, and a glaring institutional weakness.
The New Business of Government Budgeting: Reporting Non-Financial Performance Information in Victoria

Since the early 1990s the general and financial management of the Victorian public sector has been significantly transformed. This research examines and explains the content, nature and quality of non-financial disclosures, including those related to performance indicators, through a disclosure indicator analysis of reporting practices in recent government budget papers. It reports the results of its application to the last three years' budget papers. The findings highlight the problems in the reporting of non-financial performance indicators in the Victorian budget papers. These results indicate a significant gap between “official” expectations of the type of items required to be reported and actual budgetary reporting practices – some many years after regulation and major financial accountability reforms have taken place.
Inhibitors of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) induce apoptosis of myeloid leukemic cells: potential for therapy of myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes

Hematopoietic cells from patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome often have defects in DNA repair processes. This study shows that these defects make the cells susceptible to induction of apoptosis by poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Background Aberrant or impaired repair of double-strand DNA breaks is a common feature of de novo acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Since poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have been recently shown to selectively target cells with defects in double-strand DNA repair, the aim of this study was to explore the possibility of exploiting defects in DNA repair in leukemic cells using PARP inhibitors. Design and Methods Leukemic cell lines were exposed to various PARP inhibitors alone and in combination with non-cytotoxic concentrations of DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5’ aza-2’-deoxycytidine and/or the histone deacetylase inhibitor, MS275, to test for potentiation of apoptosis with these agents. Results PARP inhibitors, KU-0058948 and PJ34, induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of primary myeloid leukemic cells and myeloid leukemic cell lines in vitro. Immunofluorescence analysis also revealed that PARP inhibitor sensitivity in these leukemic cells was due to a defect in homologous recombination DNA repair. Addition of 5’ aza-2’-deoxycytidine failed to increase the cytotoxicity of PARP inhibitors. In contrast, MS275 potentiated the cytotoxic effect of KU-0058948 and PJ34 in all PARP inhibitor-sensitive leukemic cells. Immunofluorescence analysis supported the idea that histone deacetylase inhibitors potentiate cytotoxicity by inhibiting DNA repair processes. Conclusions On the basis of the data presented here, we suggest that PARP inhibitors can potentially exploit defects in double-strand DNA break repair in leukemic cells, paving the way for testing the therapeutic potential of these agents in myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia.
The Response of Household Consumption to Income Tax Refunds

A central implication of the life-cycle (or permanent-income) theory is that consumption should not respond to predictable fluctuations in income. Tests of this implication have yielded mixed results, especially on micro data (Angus Deaton, 1992; Martin Browning and Annamaria Lusardi, 1996). In large part this might be due to the difficulties of isolating the predictable component of income at the micro level. Most tests proceed by instrumenting for income, but since the available instruments are typically poor, such tests might be prejudiced against finding significant excess sensitivity of consumption to income (John Shea, 1995). ' Also, it is not clear how closely the resulting econometric predictions of income coincide with agents' actual expectations of income. To avoid these difficulties this paper examines the response of household consumption to a particular type of income that is both predictable and transitory-income tax refunds. Since a refund depends on events in the previous calendar year, it is predictable income as regards consumption in the year of its receipt. Consequently, under the life-cycle theory consumption should not increase on receipt of a refund.2 In addition to testing the canonical model of consumption, this paper provides estimates interpretable as the marginal propensity to consume (MPC) out of refunds. Since federal tax refunds now amount to over $80 billion per year (averaging well over $1,000 per refund), these estimates are of interest in themselves. More generally they bear on the impact of even preannounced and temporary changes in fiscal policy. The paper begins by surveying related studies in Section I. Section II describes the data, the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX), which of the leading U.S. micro data sets has the most comprehensive coverage of expenditure. The empirical specification is set out in Section HI. Section IV reports the results, and Section V concludes.
Oscillopsia and horizontal nystagmus with accelerating slow phases following lumbar puncture in the Arnold‐chiari malformation

Oscillopsia and nystagmus began in a woman 2 weeks after an inadvertent lumbar puncture during anesthesia for childbirth. Examination showed horizontal‐torsional jerk nystagmus in all positions of gaze. Magnetic‐search‐coil oculography revealed accelerating slow phases, with an increase in nystagmus amplitude in darkness. Magnetic resonance images showed type 1 Arnold‐Chiari malformation. Three months after occipital decompressive surgery, nystagmus had almost disappeared. Accelerating slow phases should not be considered diagnostic of congenital nystagmus, especially with an onset of oscillopsia in adult life; imaging should be considered to exclude treatable hindbrain anomalies. Lumbar puncture in patients with the Arnold‐Chiari malformation may accentuate craniospinal pressure dissociation and precipitate neurological signs.
Location-Dependent Patterns in Cardio-Autonomic Dysfunction in Ischaemic Stroke

Background and Study Purpose: Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is a common complication of acute cerebrovascular disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible location-dependent difference in cardio-autonomic function in patients with ischaemic stroke. Patients and Methods: Sympathetic function was prospectively assessed by determining plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine in 19 patients with left-hemisphere (LH), 14 with right-hemisphere (RH) and 6 with brainstem/cerebellar (BS) stroke. Blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output and transcranial flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery were recorded during the first 5 days after stroke. Results: Stroke caused an initial increase in sympathetic function in all 3 groups with a spontaneous decrease in norepinephrine in LH (p < 0.01) and BS stroke (p < 0.05) only. Norepinephrine was significantly higher in RH than in BS stroke (p < 0.05). The alterations in autonomic function were paralleled by a sustained elevation in cardiovascular parameters mainly in RH stroke. Conclusions: Plasma catecholamines are feasible in monitoring location-dependent autonomic dysfunction in ischaemic stroke. Hemispheric lateralization in autonomic control should be taken into account in the management of stroke because of an increased susceptibility to cardio-autonomic dysfunction in patients with RH stroke.
Where M&A Pays and Where it Strays

This article uses a large and growing body of academic studies to refute the popular notion that corporate mergers and acquisitions generally fail to increase productivity and end up reducing shareholder value. A careful review of the evidence starts by con. rming the obvious-namely, that the shareholders of selling firms earn large returns from M&A-and goes on to demonstrate an economic reality that is not widely understood: shareholders of acquirers generally earn about the required rate of return on investment, and hence M&A is at least a value-maintaining proposition. 2004 Morgan Stanley.
Evidence of pathway‐specific basophil anergy induced by peanut oral immunotherapy in peanut‐allergic children

In Westernized countries, over 1% of the population is allergic to peanuts or tree nuts, which carries a risk of severe allergic reactions. Several studies support the efficacy of peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) for reducing the clinical sensitivity of affected individuals; however, the mechanisms of this effect are still being characterized. One mechanism that may contribute is the suppression of effector cells, such as basophils. Basophil anergy has been characterized in vitro as a pathway‐specific hyporesponsiveness; however, this has not been demonstrated to occur in vivo.
Nurses' perceived facilitators and barriers to assessing for alcohol use in Taiwan.

AIMS To explore nurses' perceived facilitators and barriers to assessing for alcohol use in Taiwan. BACKGROUND Excessive alcohol use has been associated with health, social and legal problems. Helping health care providers to detect and treat hazardous or harmful drinkers is an important worldwide issue. DESIGN A cross-sectional design was used. METHODS Nurse participants (n = 741) were recruited from 10 randomly selected hospitals in Taiwan. In these hospitals, nurses were selected from the Emergency Department, psychiatric and gastrointestinal medical-surgical units where most patients with alcohol problems are seen. Data were collected by facilitator and barrier scales as well as a background information form. RESULTS Nurses identified the top facilitator and barriers to assessing for alcohol use as 'want to know if patients' drinking problems are related to their illness' and 'patients' purposefully conceal information', respectively. Older nurses and those with longer general clinical experience had more perceived facilitators to assessing for alcohol use. Nurses' perceived facilitator scores were significantly and positively related to their intention scores, whereas their perceived barrier scores were significantly and negatively related to their intention scores. In addition, scores for perceived facilitators and barriers differed significantly by nurses' education level, work unit, experiences with assessing for alcohol use and previous attendance at training courses for assessing alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a need to strengthen nurses' education and training on the assessment of alcohol use in Taiwan. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Education and training programmes should aim to enhance Taiwanese nurses' alcohol knowledge, to emphasise the impact of alcohol use on illness and treatment and to enhance nurses' perceived facilitators and decrease their perceived barriers to assessing for alcohol use.
Relations and regulations in local gold trade networks in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract This article aims to contribute to a better understanding of the local gold trade in Eastern DRC, a sector in which most activities are not officially registered and take place outside the regulatory framework of the state. Starting with the research on informal economies and networks, we find that in the absence of strong public and market institutions, personal relations are valued higher than pure market exchange. This is also demonstrated in the study of the local gold trade network. On the basis of fieldwork and in-depth interviews with traders and diggers, we describe how and why relationships are built in this context, what their nature is (credit and debt) and how they are maintained, reinforced and regulated. In order to fully understand the functioning of the network we also have to frame it in its specific local and historical context. The close connection between context and network dynamics is epitomized in a number of structural characteristics, which shape and are given shape by the network dynamics. This connection, and the specific relations and regulations in the network, need to be recognized if we want to make sense of formalization, a topical issue in Eastern DRC.
Determinants of e-Learning Acceptance in Higher Education Environment Based on Extended Technology Acceptance Model

The purpose of the research is to identify the determinants of students' acceptance of e-learning and to investigate how these determinants can shape students' intention to use e-learning. A conceptual framework based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was modified. Data from a survey of 224 students were used to test the research model. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to examine the reliability and validity of the measurement model, and multiple regression analysis was used to test the research model. The results of this study suggest that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, university support, and computer self-efficacy are important determinants of e-learning acceptance in higher education environment.
Influence of the mass distribution on the magnetic field topology

Context. Three-dimensional spherical dynamo simulations carried out within the framework of the anelastic approximation have revealed that the established distinction between dipolar and multipolar dynamos tends to be less clear than it was in Boussinesq studies. This result was first interpreted as a direct consequence of the existence of a larger number of models with a high equatorial dipole contribution, together with an intermediate dipole field strength. However, this finding has not been clearly related to specific changes that would have been introduced by the use of the anelastic approximation. Aims. In this paper, we primarily focus on the effects of choosing a different mass distribution. Indeed, it is likely to have as large consequences as taking a stratified reference state into account would, especially when comparing our results to previous Boussinesq studies. Methods. Our investigation is based on a systematic parameter study of weakly stratified anelastic dynamo models. Results. We show that the tendencies highlighted in previous anelastic dynamo simulations are already present in the Boussinesq limit. Thus they cannot be systematically related to anelastic effects. Actually, a central mass distribution can result in changes in the magnetic field topology that are mainly due to the concentration of convective cells close to the inner sphere.
Charitable trusts: municipal leisure's "third way'?

This paper critically examines whether charitable leisure trusts reflect a "third way' approach to service delivery. The research found that the trust investigated benefited from an enhanced leisure focus and the combination of a "business- like' approach and public sector ethos to produce: £2 million investment in facilities; a substantial reduction in council subsidy; reduced staff absenteeism; and a cultural change that extended middle managers' decision-making responsibilities to generate greater service ownership and customer focus. In addition, the knowledge and experience of those invited onto the trust's board of management provided quicker and better decisions more applicable to the prevailing leisure industry. However, the trust hadn't realized its "third way' potential because the council didn't appreciate the wider implications of New Labour's modernizing agenda. Its prime concern was with the pragmatic (financial) benefits from externalizing leisure facilities, rather than extensive strategic thought about the nature of the new organization being created, its environment, or role in the local area. This led to decisions that mitigated against a joined-up service.
Portfolios versus State Mandated Testing.

The use of portfolios in assessing student achievement is contrasted with the use of standardized tests. Portfolios are considered more subjective than scores from standardized tests, and they present different issues in assessing and reporting student progress. Interscorer reliability may be a problem because of a lack of agreement about the results of each portfolio. State mandated tests with multiple choice items may be either standardized (norm-referenced) or criterion-referenced tests. There are many problems with the use of standardized tests, including a high degree of mismatch between what is tested and what may have been taught in the classroom. Much of what is tested has been learned outside of school, and students from disadvantaged environments may be penalized in test taking. Such problems should not eliminate the use of testing to determine student achievement, but improvements must be made in the use of standardized tests. As the assessment of student problems takes on an increased role in society, better means of evaluation must be discovered and implemented. (SLD) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Portfolios Versus State Mandated Testing
Amicable agreement versus majority rule;: Conflict resolution in Switzerland

When the German edition of Steiner's masterful analysis of Switzerland's political system was first published in 1970 as Gewaltlose Politik und kulturelle Vielfalt, it was greeted by the American Political Science Review as a laudable departure from conventional comparative series. " This new edition, extensively revised and expanded, makes Steiner's innovative study available to political theorists in the English-speaking world. "Originally published 1974.A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
Bureaucracy and Entrepreneurship: Workplace Effects on Entrepreneurial Entry

Using a study of the relationship between bureaucratic work environments and individual rates of entrepreneurship, I revisit a fundamental premise of sociological approaches to entrepreneurship, namely, that the social context shapes the likelihood of entrepreneurial activity, above and beyond any effects of individual characteristics. Establishing such contextual effects empirically is complicated by the possibility that unobserved individual traits influence both the contexts in which people are observed and their likelihood of becoming entrepreneurs. This paper presents the first systematic study of the effects of bureaucracy on entrepreneurship that accounts for such unobserved sorting processes. Analyses of data on labor market attachments and transitions to entrepreneurship in Denmark between 1990 and 1997 show that people who work for large and old firms are less likely to become entrepreneurs, net of a host of observable individual characteristics. Moreover, there is strong evidence to suggest that this negative effect of bureaucracy does not spuriously reflect self-selection by nascent entrepreneurs into different types of firms. An important implication of this finding is that the structure of organizational populations affects the supply of nascent entrepreneurs, as well as the availability of entrepreneurial opportunities.