Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The evolution of the large firm as a political actor in the European Union

The establishment of the European single market, the Maastricht accords and the development of a pan-European firm have all contributed to the creation of a European political marketplace with a myriad of access points. Why the large firm has changed its locus of political activity towards the European Union (EU), and what form this new political action has taken are the focus of this article. Based on a study of ninety-four of Europe's largest firms, this article outlines how firms, as individual actors, have come to play such a prominent role in the EU policy process, and assesses their current lobbying preferences for political channels to the EU. In recognizing the political sophistication of firms, the article concludes that firms are now able to recognize and construct strategic alliances with rival firms and countervailing interests to create European identities and facilitate access to new European policy forums.
Receptors for the incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 are expressed on neurons in the central nervous system

Glucagon-like-peptide-1 is an incretin hormone that also has neuroprotective properties. Here we analyse where glucagon-like-peptide-1receptors are expressed in the brain. The receptor is found only on neurons, not on glia cells. The pyramidal cell layer of the CA region and the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus show intense staining. In the neocortex, larger pyramidal neurons express the receptor. In the cerebellum, only Purkinje neurons express the receptor. Dendrites of larger neurons were stained; in particular, pyramidal cells in area CA and dendrites of Purkinje cells. The fact that the receptor is located on neurons and dendrites suggests that the neuroprotective action is caused by the modulation of neuronal excitation.
The European cobalt STent with Antiproliferative for Restenosis trial (EuroSTAR): 12 month results.

AIMS To demonstrate the safety, performance and efficacy of the Conor CoStar(R) cobalt chromium paclitaxel-eluting Stent System in the treatment of de novo coronary lesions in up to two native coronary arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS Two groups of patients were treated with the CoStar(R) stent in a prospective multicentre two arm registry; 145 patients received 194 stents releasing 10 microgm of paclitaxel over 30 days (Arm 1), and 137 patients were treated with 158 stents releasing 30 microgm of paclitaxel over 30 days (Arm 2). Baseline demographics were well matched. Overall device success was 98.2%. Intention-to-treat in-segment late loss at six months was 0.09+/-0.40 mm in Arm 1, and 0.22+/-0.46 mm in Arm 2 (p=0.015), with an in-stent late loss of 0.28+/-0.42 mm and 0.40+/-0.48 mm in Arm 1 and Arm 2 respectively (p=0.028), with no deleterious edge effect in either group. Cumulative MACE at 12 months in Arm 1 was 8.3%, with a stent thrombosis rate of 0.7%, and in Arm 2, 10.2% and 1.4% respectively (MACE: p=0.682). Hierarchical target lesion revascularisation (TLR) at 12 months was 2.8% in Arm 1 and 3.4% in Arm 2 respectively (p=0.759). CONCLUSIONS The Conor CoStar(R) cobalt chromium stent system is highly deliverable and when loaded with low dose slow release paclitaxel (10 microgm released over 30 days), the stent appears safe and efficacious as judged by angiographic and clinical variables assessed at six and 12 months respectively.
Crossvalidation of Two Heart Rate–based Equations for Predicting V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in White and Black Men

Abstract Esco, MR, Olson, MS, Williford, HN, Mugu, EM, Bloomquist, BE, and McHugh, AN. Crossvalidation of two heart rate-based equations for predicting V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in white and black men. J Strength Cond Res 26(7): 1920–1927, 2012—The purpose of this investigation was to crossvalidate 2 equations that use the ratio of maximal heart rate (HRmax) to resting HR (HRrest) for predicting maximal oxygen consumption (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) in white and black men. One hundred and nine white (n = 51) and black (n = 58) men completed a maximal exercise test on a treadmill to determine V[Combining Dot Above]O2max. The HRrest and HRmax were used to predict V[Combining Dot Above]O2max via the HRindex and HRratio equations. Validity statistics were done to compare the criterion versus predicted V[Combining Dot Above]O2max values across the entire cohort and within each race separately. For the entire group, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max was significantly overestimated with the HRindex equation, but the HRratio equation yielded no significant difference compared with the criterion. In addition, there were no significant differences shown between V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and either HR-based prediction equation for the white subgroup. However, both equations significantly overestimated V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in the black group. Furthermore, large standard error of estimates (ranging from 6.92 to 7.90 ml·kg−1·min−1), total errors (ranging from 8.30 to 8.62 ml·kg−1·min−1), and limits of agreement (ranging from upper limits of 16.65 to lower limits of −18.25 ml·kg−1·min−1) were revealed when comparing the predicted to criterion V[Combining Dot Above]O2max for both the groups. Considering the results of this investigation, the HRratio and HRindex methods appear to crossvalidate and prove useful for estimating the mean V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in white men as a group but not for an age-matched group of black men. However, because of inflated values for error, caution should be exercised when using these methods to predict individual V[Combining Dot Above]O2max.
The NOTCH4–HEY1 Pathway Induces Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: Recently, several comprehensive genomic analyses demonstrated NOTCH1 and NOTCH3 mutations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in approximately 20% of cases. Similar to other types of cancers, these studies also indicate that the NOTCH pathway is closely related to HNSCC progression. However, the role of NOTCH4 in HNSCC is less well understood. Experimental Design: We analyzed NOTCH4 pathway and downstream gene expression in the TCGA data set. To explore the functional role of NOTCH4, we performed in vitro proliferation, cisplatin viability, apoptosis, and cell-cycle assays. We also compared the relationships among NOTCH4, HEY1, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes using the TCGA data set and in vitro assays. Results: HEY1 is specifically upregulated in HNSCC compared with normal tissues in the TCGA data set. NOTCH4 is more significantly related to HEY1 activation in HNSCC in comparison with other NOTCH receptors. NOTCH4 promotes cell proliferation, cisplatin resistance, inhibition of apoptosis, and cell-cycle dysregulation. Furthermore, NOTCH4 and HEY1 upregulation resulted in decreased E-cadherin expression and increased Vimentin, Fibronectin, TWIST1, and SOX2 expression. NOTCH4 and HEY1 expression was associated with an EMT phenotype as well as increased invasion and cell migration. Conclusions: In HNSCC, the NOTCH4–HEY1 pathway is specifically upregulated, induces proliferation and cisplatin resistance, and promotes EMT. Clin Cancer Res; 24(3); 619–33. ©2017 AACR.
Japan's Different Trade Regime: An Analysis with Particular Reference to Seiretsu

Many claim that although formal trade barriers have been removed at the border, Japanese markets remain unusually closed because of non-tariff barriers. After describing Japan's development strategy and the debate over the sources of Japanese growth, we consider current trade barriers. Recent research has made some headway investigating the impact of one of the alleged "invisible" barriers. In particular, efforts have been made to test if the behavior of Japanese corporate groups, known as keiretsu, creates a barrier to trade. Finally we consider whether private sector trade restrictions warrant a public response; what, if anything, should be done about keiretsu?
International Students’ Views of Relationship Influences on Career Transitions

Little attention has been paid to the career trajectories of international students as they complete their academic programs and implement career decision plans post-graduation. The specific aim of this study was to identify what factors contributed to international students’ success in pursuing employment in the destination country post-graduation. Our study examined the experiences of international students who had successfully transitioned from university to employment post-graduation in Canada. We used the Feminist Biographical Method to examine the individual stories of international students as a way of understanding the contextual influences on their lives and on their career decision-making. Individual interviews were conducted with 19 international students, two in their last semester, and 17 who had graduated and who were working in Canada. All students were graduates of one university in Western Canada. The key influences related to international students’ implementing their career plans post-graduation were organized around 5 themes that ranged from macro and systems influences to interpersonal and intrapersonal influences: (1) Systemic and Institutional Barriers, (2) Employment Challenges, (3) Perceived Career Opportunities, (4) Importance of Relationships, and, (5) Personal Growth and Discovering Strengths. Relationships were the key influences for helping international students overcome perceived barriers. Relationships offered international students emotional and instrumental support in making career decisions, in gaining relevant employment experience, and in persisting with plans to implement their career goals. International students benefit from connections, networking, and learning experiences that help them to successfully implement their career plans. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013. v3n7p273
The future shape of harmonization: the EU versus the IASC versus the SEC

The paper analyses the implications of the EUs proposal to permit large multi-national corporations (global players) to present their consolidated accounts in accordance with the IASs of the IASC. After an analysis of the problems faced by both the EU and the global players, it considers the chances of the EU and the IASC reaching agreement. A major problem is identified as being that the IASC is dominated by the Anglo-American approach to financial reporting which is fundamentally different from the Continental European approach followed in the EUs directives. It is felt that a compromise might be achieved if both the EU and the IASC agreed to restrict the application of IASs to the consolidated accounts of the global players. Finally the position of the American SEC is considered in the light of the IASC-IOSCO agreement. The paper concludes that it is improbable that the SEC will accept the IASs for listing purposes on Wall Street.
Analysis of Yield Spreads on Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

Yield spreads on commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) are defined as the difference between the yield on CMBS and the yield on comparable-maturity Treasuries. CMBS yield spreads declined dramatically from 1992 until 1997, then increased in 1998 and 1999. The relationship between CMBS yield spreads and other variables is estimated in an effort to explain recent trends. Results identify several variables that are related to yield spreads on both fixed-rate and variable-rate CMBS. However, even after controlling for other observable factors, the yield spread on CMBS still declined from 1992 until 1997, then increased each of the next two years. Possible explanations for this phenomenon are explored.
Opportunities and challenges in using studies without a control group in comparative effectiveness reviews

When examining the evidence on therapeutic interventions to answer a comparative effectiveness research question, one should consider all studies that are informative on the interventions' causal effects. “Single group studies” evaluate outcomes longitudinally in cohorts of subjects who are managed with a single treatment strategy. Because these studies are “missing” a direct, concurrent comparison group, they are typically deemed non‐informative on comparative effectiveness. However, in principle, single group studies can provide information on causal treatment effects by extrapolating expected outcomes in the “missing” untreated arm. Single group studies rely on before–after, implicit, or historical comparisons as a proxy for an ideal comparison group. The validity of these comparisons must be carefully examined on a case‐by‐case basis. While in many cases, researchers will disagree on whether such extrapolations are reasonable; circumstances exist where such studies are generally acceptable as a source of evidence. This article provides an overview of issues related to the interpretation of single group studies with a focus on the assumptions required to support their consideration in comparative effectiveness reviews. We discuss the various settings in which single group studies are employed, common research designs that systematic reviewers need to interpret, and challenges associated with using these designs to inform comparative effectiveness questions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the WHO criteria for antiretroviral treatment failure among adults in South Africa

Objective:To assess the performance of WHO clinical and CD4 cell count criteria for antiretroviral treatment (ART) failure among HIV-infected adults in a workplace HIV care programme in South Africa. Design:Cohort study. Methods:We included initially ART-naive participants who remained on first-line therapy and had an evaluable HIV viral load result at the 12-month visit. WHO-defined clinical and CD4 cell count criteria for ART failure were compared against a gold standard of virological failure. Results:Among 324 individuals (97.5% men, median age 40.2, median starting CD4 cell count and viral load 154 cells/μl and 47 503 copies/ml, respectively), 33 (10.2%) had definite or probable virological failure at 12 months, compared with 19 (6.0%) and 40 (12.5%) with WHO-defined CD4 and clinical failure, respectively. CD4 criteria had a sensitivity of 21.2% and a specificity of 95.8% in detecting virological failure, and clinical criteria had sensitivity of 15.2% and specificity of 88.1%. The positive predictive value of CD4 and clinical criteria in detecting virological failure were 36.8 and 12.8%, respectively. Exclusion of weight loss or tuberculosis failed to improve the performance of clinical criteria. Conclusion:WHO clinical and CD4 criteria have poor sensitivity and specificity in detecting virological failure. The low specificities and positive predictive values mean that individuals with adequate virological suppression risk being incorrectly classified as having treatment failure and unnecessarily switched to second-line therapy. Virological failure should be confirmed before switching to second-line therapy.
EUROPEAN EVIDENCE ON INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL: LINKING METHODOLOGIES WITH FIRM DISCLOSURES

The aim of this research is to examine the degree to which different categories of intellectual capital are disclosed in the annual reports of a sample of large European companies. The sample comprises 18 companies included in the STOXX® Europe TMI Software & Computer Services Index, from six countries. Keeping with the previous literature, the present study has analysed the disclosed items of intellectual capital outside the financial reports of these entities; this methodological choice assumes that disclosure outside the requirements of accounting standards shows the true commitment of managers in the creation and development of intellectual capital. Therefore, we have collected the cross-sectional raw data from the management review section of selected annual reports for one fiscal year. We have used relevant methodologies from the earlier literature for the content analysis of intellectual capital disclosures. The elements disclosed in narrative form were coded as binary variables on an index scale, and several frequencies and charts are included in the discussion section. Frequencies found are only poorly comparable with the results of previous studies
Failure To Detect Helicobacter pylori DNA in Drinking and Environmental Water in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Using Highly Sensitive Real-Time PCR Assays

ABSTRACT The main transmission pathway of Helicobacter pylori has not been determined, but several reports have described detection of H. pylori DNA in drinking and environmental water, suggesting that H. pylori may be waterborne. To address this possibility, we developed, tested, and optimized two complementary H. pylori-specific real-time PCR assays for quantification of H. pylori DNA in water. The minimum detection level of the assays including collection procedures and DNA extraction was shown to be approximately 250 H. pylori genomes per water sample. Using our assays, we then analyzed samples of drinking and environmental water (n = 75) and natural water biofilms (n = 21) from a high-endemicity area in Bangladesh. We could not identify H. pylori DNA in any of the samples, even though other pathogenic bacteria have been found previously in the same water samples by using the same methodology. A series of control experiments were performed to ensure that the negative results were not falsely caused by PCR inhibition, nonspecific assays, degradation of template DNA, or low detection sensitivity. Our results suggest that it is unlikely that the predominant transmission route of H. pylori in this area is waterborne.
Brief Screening Tests for the Diagnosis of Dementia: Comparison With the Mini-Mental State Exam

Dementia is a common and under-diagnosed problem among the elderly. An accurate screening test would greatly aid the ability of physicians to evaluate dementia and memory problems in clinical practice. We sought to determine whether simple and brief psychometric tests perform similarly to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in screening for dementia. Using a retrospective analysis, a series of standard, brief, psychometric tests were compared with each other and to the MMSE as screening tests for very mild dementia, using DSM-III-R criterion as the gold standard. Two independent cohorts from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging and the Washington University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center were evaluated. We found that two brief and simple-to-administer tests appear to offer similar degrees of sensitivity and specificity to the MMSE. These are the recall of a five-item name and address, “John Brown 42 Market Street Chicago” and the one-minute verbal fluency for animals. Combining these two tests further improves sensitivity and specificity, surpassing the MMSE, to detect dementia in individuals with memory complaints.
Labour Market Activity of Foreign Spouses in Taiwan: Employment Status and Choice of Employment Sector

The present study examines the employment status and choice of employment sector of female foreign spouses from Southeast Asia and Mainland China in Taiwan. The conceptual framework is based on the family labour supply model, human and social capital theory, and immigrant assimilation theory. Our findings indicate that in regard to employment status, family background variables, including the presence of small children and husbands' characteristics, play a more significant role in determining the employment probability for these foreign spouses than do human capital variables. In particular, for spouses from Southeast Asia, each additional child is correlated with a decrease in working probability of 11.3%, whereas college education has an insignificant effect on their employment probability. Employment assimilation for these marriage immigrants may be confirmed by the finding that the employment probability of foreign spouses rises rapidly with the number of years that have elapsed since migration. As for the choice of employment sector, a strong linkage between the employment sector of the foreign spouses and their husbands' employment sector is found in this study.
‘If the Facts Don't Fit the Theory … ’: The Security Design Puzzle in Venture Finance

When confronting theory with evidence, divergent results surface with reference to the optimal securities that should be adopted in venture capital (VC) finance. The vast majority of the theoretical models on VC consistently predict that convertible securities, especially in the form of convertible preferred stocks, represent the optimal form of finance. While the theoretical literature seems to be supported by empirical studies in the US, the evidence outside the US shows the opposite results. Puzzling patterns emerge, especially when comparing the evidence from the US, Canada and Europe, and an intensive academic debate is under way. The evidence becomes even more challenging when considering the contrasting financing behaviour of US venture capitalists (VCs) investing in Canada. It has been documented that US VCs investing in Canada adopt a wide range of securities other than convertible stocks. If convertible securities truly represent the optimal form of VC finance, why would US VCs use different types of securities when investing in Canada? At present, researchers are still arguing about which factors would have the most significant impact on explaining the different financing behaviour of VCs around the world. The purpose of this paper is to shed some light on the ongoing international debate on the optimal security design and contracting behaviour in venture finance. With this review, the authors intend to contribute to the VC literature by identifying current trends, explanations and determinants underlying the puzzling empirical evidence on the financing structure adopted by VCs around the world.
Working time flexibility components and working time regimes in Europe: using company-level data across 21 countries

Working time flexibility comprises a wide variety of arrangements, from part-time, overtime, to long-term leaves. Theoretical approaches to grouping these arrangements have been developed, but empirical underpinnings are rare. This article investigates the bundles that can be found for various flexible working time arrangements, using the Establishment Survey on Working Time and Work–Life Balance, 2004/2005, covering 21 EU member states and 13 industries. The results from the factor analyses confirmed that working time arrangements can be grouped into two bundles, one for the employee-centred arrangements and second for the employer-centred arrangements, and that these two bundles are separate dimensions. We also tested the stability of the factor analysis outcome, showing that although we find some deviations from the pan-Europe and pan-industry outcome, the naming of the components as flexibility for employees and flexibility for employers can be considered rather stable. Lastly, we find three country clusters for the 21 European countries using the bundle approach. The first group includes the Northern European countries along side Poland and Czech Republic, the second group the continental European countries with UK and Ireland, and lastly, the southern European countries with Hungary and Slovenia.