Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of haematological parameters with bortezomib–melphalan–prednisone versus melphalan–prednisone in newly diagnosed myeloma, with evaluation of long‐term outcomes and risk of thromboembolic events with use of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents: analysis of the VISTA trial

Although haematological toxicities, such as anaemia, are common in multiple myeloma (MM), no clear consensus exists on the use and impact of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESA) on outcomes in MM. This analysis characterizes haematological toxicities and associated interventions in the phase III VISTA (Velcade® as Initial Standard Therapy in Multiple Myeloma: Assessment with Melphalan and Prednisone) study of bortezomib plus melphalan/prednisone (VMP, n = 344) versus MP (n = 338) in previously untreated MM patients ineligible for high‐dose therapy, and evaluates the impact of ESA use or red‐blood‐cell (RBC) transfusions on outcomes and thromboembolic risk. Incidence of haematological toxicities was similar with VMP and MP; similar rates of interventions and associated complications (e.g. bleeding, febrile neutropenia) were observed. Two hundred thirty three patients received ESA; 204 had RBC transfusions. Frequency of thromboembolic events was low and not affected by ESA use. Median time‐to progression (TTP) was similar between ESA/non‐ESA [hazard ratio: 1·03 (95% confidence interval 0·76–1·39); P = 0·8478] in both arms (VMP: 19·9/not reached; MP: 15·0/17·5 months). Three‐year overall survival (OS) rates were similar between ESA/non‐ESA in each arm. Patients receiving RBC transfusions had significantly shorter OS (P < 0·0001) versus non‐RBC‐transfusion patients. In conclusion, bortezomib did not add to melphalan haematological toxicity. Concomitant ESA use with VMP/MP in previously untreated MM patients did not adversely affect TTP or OS, or increase thromboembolic risk. However, RBC transfusion was associated with significantly shorter survival.
Brain Drain and Brain Gain: The Global Competition to Attract High-Skilled Migrants

The worldwide race to attract talents is getting tougher. The US has been leading the race, with its ability to attract PhD candidates and graduates not only from emerging countries, but also from the European Union. However, a growing number of countries have adopted immigration policies specifically aimed at selecting and attracting skilled workers. This book describes the global competition to attract talents. It focuses in particular on two phenomena: the brain gain and brain drain associated with high-skilled migration. Part I provides an overview of immigration policies designed to draw in skilled workers. It describes the economic gains associated with skilled immigration in the destination countries and the main determinants of the inflows of skilled immigrants (such as wage premia on education and R&D spending). It also discusses why skill-selective immigration policies do not find more support in receiving countries and shows that interest groups are actively engaged in affecting policies towards skilled migrants. Part II examines the consequences of brain drain for the sending countries. It reviews the channels through which skilled emigration can affect the source countries and looks at remittances, return migration, diaspora externalities, and network effects that may compensate the sending countries for their loss of human capital. Contrary to traditional wisdom, the results indicate that most developing countries experience a net gain from skilled emigration.
Appendix Not Seen: The Predictive Value of Secondary Inflammatory Sonographic Signs

Background Acute appendicitis is the most prevalent emergency surgical diagnosis in children. Although traditionally a clinical diagnosis, the diagnosis of acute appendicitis is uncertain in approximately 30% of pediatric patients. In attempts to avoid a misdiagnosis and facilitate earlier definitive care, imaging modalities such as ultrasonography have become important tools. In many pediatric studies, the absence of a visualized appendix with no secondary sonographic features has been reported as a negative study result, and a study where the appendix is not seen but demonstrates secondary features is often deemed equivocal. With ultrasound appendiceal detection rates reported at 60% to 89%, the dilemma of the nonvisualized appendix or equivocal study is frequently faced by clinicians. Objective This study aimed to assess the value of the nonvisualized appendix on ultrasound and the association of secondary sonographic findings in pediatric patients with acute right lower quadrant pain undergoing ultrasound, in whom acute appendicitis was a diagnostic consideration. Methods Retrospective case review of 662 consecutive children (age < 18 years) presenting to a pediatric emergency department with clinically suspected appendicitis, who had graded compression sonographic studies during the 24-month study period, was performed. Results The appendix could not be visualized in 241 studies (37.7%). An alternate diagnosis was identified via sonography in 47 patients (19.5%). Twenty-five patients (12.9%) were taken for surgery where 17 (8.8%) had acute appendicitis confirmed via pathology. The specificity of moderate-to-large amounts of free fluid is 98%, phlegmon at 100%, pericecal inflammatory fat changes at 98%, and any free fluids with prominent lymph nodes at 81%. The odds ratio of appendicitis increases from 0.56 to 0.64 to 2.3 and 17.5, respectively, when there were 2 and 3 ultrasonographic inflammatory markers identified. Conclusions Although uncommonly seen, large amounts of free fluid, phlegmon, and pericecal inflammatory fat changes were very specific signs of acute appendicitis. In the absence of a distinctly visualized appendix, the presence of multiple secondary inflammatory changes provides increasing support of a diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
Monte carlo sampling approach to testing nonnested hypothesis: monte carlo results

Alternative ways of using Monte Carlo methods to implement a Cox-type test for separate families of hypotheses are considered. Monte Carlo experiments are designed to compare the finite sample performances of Pesaran and Pesaran's test, a RESET test, and two Monte Carlo hypothesis test procedures. One of the Monte Carlo tests is based on the distribution of the log-likelihood ratio and the other is based on an asymptotically pivotal statistic. The Monte Carlo results provide strong evidence that the size of the Pesaran and Pesaran test is generally incorrect, except for very large sample sizes. The RESET test has lower power than the other tests. The two Monte Carlo tests perform equally well for all sample sizes and are both clearly preferred to the Pesaran and Pesaran test, even in large samples. Since the Monte Carlo test based on the log-likelihood ratio is the simplest to calculate, we recommend using it.
Direct Observation of G-protein Binding to the Human δ-Opioid Receptor Using Plasmon-Waveguide Resonance Spectroscopy*

Using a recently developed method (Salamon, Z., Macleod, H. A., and Tollin, G. (1997) Biophys. J. 73, 2791–2797), plasmon-waveguide resonance spectroscopy, we have been able, for the first time, to directly measure the binding between the human brain δ-opioid receptor (hDOR) and its G-protein effectors in real-time. We have found that the affinity of the G-proteins toward the receptor is highly dependent on the nature of the ligand pre-bound to the receptor. The highest affinity was observed when the receptor was bound to an agonist (∼10 nm); the lowest when receptor was bound to an antagonist (∼500 nm); and no binding at all was observed when the receptor was bound to an inverse agonist. We also have found direct evidence for the existence of an additional G-protein binding conformational state that corresponds to the unliganded receptor, which has a G-protein binding affinity of ∼60 nm. Furthermore, GTP binding to the receptor·G-protein complex was only observed when the agonist was pre-bound. Similar studies were carried out using the individual G-protein subtypes for both the agonist and the unliganded receptor. Significant selectivity toward the different G-protein subtypes was observed. Thus, the unliganded receptor had highest affinity toward the Gαo (Kd ∼ 20 nm) and lowest affinity toward the Gαi2 (∼590 nm) subtypes, whereas the agonist-bound state had highest affinity for the Gαo and Gαi2 subtypes (Kd ∼ 9 nm and ∼ 7 nm, respectively). GTP binding was also highly selective, both with respect to ligand and G-protein subtype. We believe that this methodology provides a powerful new way of investigating transmembrane signaling.
Resident attitudes towards gaming and tourism development in Macao: Growth machine theory as a context for identifying supporters and opponents

Despite global recession, Macao continues to develop as an international gaming destination. However, as the intensity of development increases, the government is losing support for the gaming industry among some residents. This loss of support may be examined within the context of growth machine theory. This paper surveys residents regarding their attitudes towards gaming and development. The findings suggest residents can be divided into two groups — gaming supporters and gaming opponents. From these findings, recommendations are made for future planning, development and marketing in Macao. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuropsychological Tests for Monitoring Delirium Severity in Elderly Patients.

The authors identified neuropsychological tests appropriate for use in monitoring delirium severity in elderly patients. Ten elderly patients were administered a battery of tests while they were delirious and later during their recovery. All of the measures showed significant improvement across the two occasions (P < 0.05). Examination of components of variance suggests that modified versions of the Forward Digit Span, Similarities, or Oral Sentence Spelling tests or a combination of Forward Digit Span and Similarities or Oral Sentence Spelling are likely to be most effective in monitoring delirium severity.
Cortisol enhances structural maturation of the hypoplastic fetal lung in sheep

Although exogenous corticosteroids advance structural maturation of the fetal lung, they can adversely affect fetal lung and body growth. Our aim was to determine whether cortisol, at physiological doses, can enhance structural maturation of the hypoplastic fetal lung without affecting fetal lung growth. Fetal sheep were divided into four groups (n= 5 for each) and lung hypoplasia (LH) was induced in two groups. Increasing doses of cortisol (1.5–4.0 mg) were infused into one group of fetuses with LH and one group without LH; the other two groups received saline. LH retarded structural development, reduced tropoelastin mRNA levels, reduced hydroxyproline and elastin contents, and increased active matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) levels in the fetal lung. Cortisol infusions had no effect on fetal lung growth or body weights. In fetuses with LH, cortisol increased the percentage airspace, reduced the interalveolar wall thickness, increased alveolar number and reduced the increase in active MMP‐2 levels. Thus, relatively low doses of cortisol can enhance structural maturation of the fetal lung without adversely affecting fetal lung growth. However, cortisol did not correct the abnormal deposition of elastin within the alveolar parenchyma associated with LH, indicating that secondary septal crest formation remained abnormal.
Comparison of Plantar Loads During Running on Different Overground Surfaces

The objective of this study is to compare plantar loads during running on different overground surfaces. Fifteen heel-to-toe runners participated in the study. Plantar load data were collected and analyzed using an insole sensor system during running on concrete, synthetic rubber, and grass surfaces at a running speed of 3.8 m/s. Compared with running on concrete surface, running on natural grass showed a lower magnitude of maximum plantar pressure at the total foot (451.8kPa vs. 401.7kPa, p = 0.016), lateral midfoot (175.3kPa vs. 148.0kPa, p = 0.004), central forefoot (366.3kPa vs. 336.8kPa, p = 0.003), and lateral forefoot (290.2kPa vs. 257.9kPa, p = 0.004). Moreover, running on natural grass showed a longer relative contact time compared with running on a concrete surface at the central forefoot (81.9% vs. 78.8%, p = 0.017) and lateral forefoot (75.2% vs. 73.1%, p = 0.007). No significant difference was observed in other multiple comparisons. Different surfaces affected the plantar loads while running. The differences may help us to understand potential injury mechanisms.
An analysis of cost of capital, capital structure and capital budgeting practices: a survey of South African listed companies

This study employs a sample survey to determine and analyse the corporate finance practices of South African listed companies in relation to cost of capital, capital structure and capital budgeting decisions.The results of the survey are mostly in line with financial theory and are generally consistent with a number of other studies. This study finds that companies always or almost always employ DCF methods such as NPV and IRR to evaluate projects. Companies almost always use CAPM to determine the cost of equity and most companies employ either a strict or flexible target debt‐equity ratio. Furthermore, most practices of the South African corporate sector are in line with practices employed by US companies. This reflects the relatively highly developed state of the South African economy which belies its status as an emerging market. However, the survey has also brought to the fore a number of puzzling results which may indicate some gaps in the application of finance theory. There is limited use of relatively new developments such as real options, APV, EVA and Monte Carlo simulation. Furthermore, the low target debt‐equity ratios reflected the exceptionally low use of debt by South African companies.
Dynamic electromyographic analysis of the throwing shoulder with glenohumeral instability.

Fifteen male athletes who were skilled in throwing and who had chronic anterior instability of the shoulder (Group 1) were evaluated by dynamic intramuscular electromyography while pitching a baseball. Indwelling wire electrodes recorded the levels of activity in the biceps, middle deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, pectoralis major, subscapularis, latissimus dorsi, and serratus anterior throughout the entire pitching sequence. These signals were synchronized electronically with records of the pitch that were made using high-speed photography. The pitch was divided into five phases: wind-up, early cocking, late cocking, acceleration, and follow-through. The results were compared with previous identical studies of twelve healthy, uninjured male athletes who were skilled in throwing (Group 2). Activity increased mildly in the biceps and supraspinatus in Group 1 as compared with Group 2. Similar patterns of activity were demonstrated in the deltoid. In Group 1 the infraspinatus had increased activity during early cocking and follow-through but had decreased activity during late cocking. The pectoralis major, subscapularis, latissimus dorsi, and serratus anterior in Group 1 all were shown to have markedly decreased activity. The study revealed a difference between Groups 1 and 2 in all of the muscles of the shoulder that were tested with the exception of the deltoid. The mildly increased activity levels of the biceps and supraspinatus that were found in Group 1 may compensate for anterior laxity. The marked reduction in activity in the pectoralis major, subscapularis, and latissimus dorsi added to the anterior instability by decreasing the normal internal-rotation force that is needed during the phases of late cocking and acceleration. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: comprehensive imaging and survival analysis in a 172-patient cohort.

PURPOSE To determine comprehensive imaging and long-term survival outcome following chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred seventy-two patients with HCC treated with chemoembolization were studied retrospectively in an institutional review board approved protocol; this study was HIPAA compliant. Baseline laboratory and imaging characteristics were obtained. Clinical and laboratory toxicities following treatment were assessed. Imaging characteristics following chemoembolization were evaluated to determine response rates (size and necrosis) and time to progression (TTP). Survival from the time of first chemoembolization treatment was calculated. Subanalyses were performed by stratifying the population according to Child-Pugh, United Network for Organ Sharing, and Barcelona Clinic for Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging systems. RESULTS Cirrhosis was present in 157 patients (91%); portal hypertension was present in 139 patients (81%). Eleven patients (6%) had metastases at baseline. Portal vein thrombosis was present in 11 patients (6%). Fifty-five percent of patients experienced some form of toxicity following treatment; 21% developed grade 3 or 4 bilirubin toxicity. Post-chemoembolization response was seen in 31% and 64% of patients according to size and necrosis criteria, respectively. Median TTP was 7.9 months (95% confidence interval: 7.1, 9.4) but varied widely by stage. Median survival was significantly different between patients with BCLC stages A, B, and C disease (stage A, 40.0 months; B, 17.4 months; C, 6.3 months; P < .0001). CONCLUSION The determination of TTP and survival in patients with HCC is confounded by tumor biology and background cirrhosis; chemoembolization was shown to be a safe and effective therapy in patients with HCC.
Quality Management in Multi‐Level Supply Chains with Outsourced Manufacturing

Outsourcing stretches supply chains longer with added contract manufacturers responsible for the manufacturing of parts and final products. Should a firm change its quality management approach as its supply chain becomes longer with outsourced manufacturing? This paper studies a brand owner's optimal choice between two commonly used quality management approaches: an inspection‐based approach and an external failure‐based approach, in two supply chains – a dyadic supply chain and a multi‐level supply chain where the brand owner outsources manufacturing to an independent contract manufacturer. Our study finds that the brand owner's optimal choice between the two quality management approaches could be opposite in the two supply chains. Specifically, we show that if agency costs exist between the contract manufacturer and the brand owner, the brand owner may prefer an inspection‐based approach in the multi‐level supply chain in contrast to preferring an external failure‐based approach in the dyadic supply chain. In particular, inspections can be effective for the brand owner to limit the manufacturer's profit by excluding defective finished products and components, which in turn reduce agency costs in the multi‐level supply chain. Hence, the efficiency of an inspection‐based approach relative to an external failure‐based approach can be higher in the multi‐level supply chain as compared to the dyadic one. Our findings suggest that firms should adjust to changes in supply chain structures and re‐evaluate the efficiencies of different quality management approaches accordingly.
A risk model driven by Lévy processes

We present a general risk model where the aggregate claims, as well as the premium function, evolve by jumps. This is achieved by incorporating a Levy process into the model. This seeks to account for the discrete nature of claims and asset prices. We give several explicit examples of Levy processes that can be used to drive a risk model. This allows us to incorporate aggregate claims and premium fluctuations in the same process. We discuss important features of such processes and their relevance to risk modeling. We also extend classical results on ruin probabilities to this model. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Case for Global Governance Theory: Practitioners Avoid It, Academics Narrow It, the World Needs It

Manuscript Type: Perspective Research Question/Issue: This paper promotes the furtherance of global governance theory with sufficient universal applicability to open up an entirely new area of corporate governance research, both in theoretical effectiveness and in competing practices stimulated by theory. Research Findings/Insights: This paper does not arise from a research study, but from the argument that board governance suffers from lack of a theoretical base despite its crucial instruction and accountability function between owners and operators. Therefore, this paper is not to report research results, but to introduce a perspective on the need for conceptual coherence in the board's role, practices, and relationships – a perspective worthy of being called a global theory of governance. Theoretical/Academic Implications: The central theme of this paper is that a global theory of corporate governance is needed, can be highly practical, and has already begun. The case is made that global governance theory will not arise from research into the elements of current board practices, but by studied attention to: (1) the purpose of boards; (2) the irreducible minimum elements of accountability among varied governance venues; and (3) the concepts and principles that would enable those universal characteristics to be optimized. The case is made that isolating the relatively few essential components of responsible governance yields a foundation that enables all other elements to vary based on cultural, legal, and idiosyncratic variables for each board. Practitioner/Policy Implications: Any development of governance theory necessarily changes the light in which practices are viewed: board relationships with shareholders and with management; director discipline and training required to fulfill theory-based obligations; roles of chair and committees; advisability of combination directors/executives; distinction of directly board-controlled decisions versus those allowed to vary as management sees fit; nature and content of reporting and CEO evaluation; and a host of other issues of board practices and expressions of leadership.
Working capital management and firms’ performance in emerging markets: the case of Jordan

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of working capital management on firms’ performance for a sample of firms listed on a small emerging market, namely Amman Stock Exchange. , – The paper includes a conceptual as well as empirical analysis, in which data from a sample of listed firms for the period from 2000 to 2008 are analyzed to examine if more efficient working capital management improves firms’ accounting profitability and firms’ value. Cash conversion cycles as well as its components are used as measures of working capital management skills. In this study, two performance measures are used: one accounting and one market measure, believing that wealth maximization is shareholders’ main concern. To bring up more robust results, this study used more than one estimation technique, including panel data analysis, fixed and random effects, and generalized methods of moments. , – Using robust estimation techniques this study found that profitability is affected positively with the cash conversion cycle. This indicates that more profitable firms are less motivated to manage their working capital. In addition, financial markets failed to penalize managers for inefficient working capital management in emerging markets. , – The paper's originality and value lies in suggesting that policy makers in emerging markets need to motivate and encourage managers and shareholders to pay more attention to working capital through improving investors’ awareness and improving information transparency.