Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
User-Oriented National Forest Monitoring Planning: A Contribution to More Policy Relevant Forest Information Provision

SUMMARY Political and socioeconomic settings for policy decision-making about forests are increasingly complex and characterised by growing user demands, the strong influence of non-state actors and an expanding internationalisation of forest policy issues. In this context, efforts in information provision must produce data that are not only technically reliable and cost-efficient but also relevant to and accessible by stakeholders. Based on the experiences gained in national forest inventory projects as well as national forest programmes and forest policy processes in several countries, this paper proposes a set of principles and their application in key action areas of planning to help guide the process of designing national forest monitoring and inventory projects or programmes from the perspective of users of information in forest-related policy processes.
Employee Gender vs. Supervisor Gender: Gender Interaction Effects in Employees’ Upward Influence Behavior in Hotels

This study examined gender interaction effects in employees’ use of upward influence tactics. Employee and supervisor genders were paired up in a 2 × 2 design containing four cells. Data were collected from 108 employees in a Dutch hotel. Hypotheses were tested using both the traditional ANOVAs and the more robust Orthogonal Contrasts Approach. Results showed gender interaction effects existed in hard influence tactics. Specifically, assertiveness was used the least by female employees on male supervisors, and coalition was used the most by male employees on female supervisors. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings were discussed.
Differential conditions for early after‐depolarizations and triggered activity in cardiomyocytes derived from transgenic LQT1 and LQT2 rabbits

Non‐technical summary Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a genetic disorder characterized by recurrent syncope and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Type 1 (LQT1) and Type 2 (LQT2) LQTS account for 90% of the genotyped mutations in patients with this disorder. These syndromes have been associated with different sympathetic modes for initiation of cardiac arrest. Using isolated cardiomyocytes and Langendorff‐perfused hearts from transgenic rabbit models of LQT1 and LQT2, we have identified differential conditions and cellular mechanisms for the generation of early afterdepolarizations (EADs), abnormal depolarizations during the plateau and repolarization phase of action potentials and the hallmark of the arrhythmias in LQTS. These differences explain why different types of increased autonomic nervous system activity, i.e. sympathetic surge vs. high sympathetic tone, are associated with the initiation of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in LQTS patients with different genetic background.
An analysis of the distribution of extremes in indices of share returns in the US, UK and Japan from 1963 to 2000

This paper seeks to characterize the distribution of extreme returns for US, UK and Japanese equity indices over the years 1963-2000. In particular, the suitability of the following distributions is investigated: Normal, Frechet, Gumbel, Weibull, Generalized Extreme Value (GEV), Generalized Pareto and Generalized Logistic (GL). Daily returns were obtained for each of the countries, and the minima over a variety of selection intervals were calculated. Plots of higher moment statistics for the minima on statistical distribution maps suggested that the best fitting distribution would be either the GEV or the GL. The results from fitting each of these distributions to extremes of a series of US, UK and Japanese share returns supported the preliminary evidence that the GL distribution best fitted the data in all three countries over the period of study. The GL distribution has fatter tails than the GEV distribution; hence this finding is of importance to investors who are concerned with assessing the risk of a portfolio. The paper highlights the important finance implications and in particular the potential for underestimation of risk if distributions without fat enough tails are employed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring the brain: processed electroencephalogram and peri‐operative outcomes

Although the brain is the target organ of general anaesthesia, the utility of intra‐operative brain monitoring remains controversial. Ideally, the incorporation of brain monitoring into routine practice would promote the maintenance of an optimal depth of anaesthesia, with an ultimate goal of avoiding the negative outcomes that have been associated with inadequate or excessive anaesthesia. A variety of processed electroencephalogram devices exist, of which the bispectral index is the most widely used, particularly in the research setting. Whether such devices prove to be useful will depend not only on their ability to influence anaesthetic management but also on whether the changes they promote can actually affect clinically important outcomes. This review highlights the evidence for the role of bispectral index monitoring, in particular, in guiding anaesthetic management and influencing clinical outcomes, specifically intra‐operative awareness, measures of early recovery, mortality and neurocognitive outcomes.
Relationships between Top Management Team Characteristics and International Diversification: An Empirical Investigation

Drawing on the executive demography and the upper-echelons perspectives, this paper examines the relationships between top management team (TMT) characteristics (educational level, tenure, age, international experience and functional background) and firm international diversification. The study is based on a sample of 112 relatively large, internationally diversified US-based firms in the manufacturing sector. Findings indicate that firms with higher levels of international diversification are likely to have TMTs characterized by higher educational level, shorter organizational tenures, younger executives and greater international experience. In addition, findings indicate that the relationships between TMT characteristics and international diversification are more dominant in better-performing than in lower-performing firms.
Nonlinear decomposition analysis of risk aversion and stock-holding behaviour of US households

Using the Survey of Consumer Finances of 2001 and 2004, this article provides a nonlinear decomposition analysis to find the relative importance of household risk preference characteristics after allowing adjustment for distribution of other household characteristics. We find significant contributions of net worth, college education, inherited wealth, managerial and low unemployment risk occupation in explaining the differences in probability of stockholding among the least and higher risk-averse households. The results show the impact of internet bubble and recession in post-9/11 environment on risk preference groups in terms of their stockholding behaviour.
Transmissibility of systemic amyloidosis by a prion-like mechanism

The generation of amyloid fibrils from an amyloidogenic polypeptide occurs by a nucleation-dependent process initiated in vitro by seeding the protein solution with preformed fibrils. This phenomenon is evidenced in vivo by the fact that amyloid protein A (AA) amyloidosis in mice is markedly accelerated when the animals are given, in addition to an inflammatory stimulus, an i.v. injection of protein extracted from AA amyloid-laden mouse tissue. Heretofore, the chemical nature of this “amyloid enhancing factor” (AEF) has not been definitively identified. Here we report that the active principle of AEF extracted from the spleen of mice with silver nitrate-induced AA amyloidosis was identified unequivocally as the AA fibril itself. Further, we demonstrated that this material was extremely potent, being active in doses <1 ng, and that it retained its biologic activity over a considerable length of time. Notably, the AEF was also effective when administered orally. Our studies have provided evidence that AA and perhaps other forms of amyloidosis are transmissible diseases, akin to the prion-associated disorders.
Finnish earnings response coefficients: the information content of losses

This paper provides new evidence on the information content of losses in the relation between stock returns and annual accounting earnings. Consistent with earlier US evidence, accounting losses are not significantly related to stock returns in Finland. Moreover, it is shown that the different methods used to measure earnings in Finland affect the frequency of losses, substantially altering the estimated return-earnings relation. The results suggest that earnings adjusted in accordance with the recommendations of the Finnish Committee for Corporate Analysis are not more useful than the unadjusted reported earnings in explaining stock returns in Finland.
Production and Sales Planning in Capacitated New Product Introductions

How should a firm with limited capacity introduce a new product? Should it introduce the product as soon as possible or delay introduction to build up inventory? How do the product and market characteristics affect the firm's decisions? To answer such questions, we analyze new product introductions under capacity restrictions using a two‐period model with diffusion‐type demand. Combining marketing and operations management decisions in a stylized model, we optimize the production and sales plans of the firm for a single product. We identify four different introduction policies and show that when the holding cost is low and the capacity is low to moderate, a (partial) build‐up policy is indeed optimal if consumers are sensitive to delay. Under such a policy, the firm (partially) delays the introduction of its product and incurs short‐term backlog costs to manage its future demand and total costs more effectively. However, as either the holding cost or the capacity increases, or consumer sensitivity to delay decreases, the build‐up policy starts to lose its appeal, and instead, the firm prefers an immediate product introduction. We extend our analysis by studying the optimal capacity decision of the firm and show that capacity shortages may be intentional.
Phase Ib Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Dose Escalation Study of Polyphenon E in Patients with Barrett's Esophagus

This study was conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of the green tea–derived Polyphenon E (Poly E) in patients with Barrett's Esophagus (BE). Subjects were randomized to a 6-month, twice daily (BID) oral treatment of placebo or Poly E (200, 400, or 600 mg). Endoscopic evaluation, including biopsies, was performed before and after treatment. The primary objective was to demonstrate safety; secondary objectives investigated catechin accumulation and effects in clinical specimens. Of the 44 enrolled subjects, 11 received placebo, and 33 received Poly E. No dose-limiting toxicities were encountered, and a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not reached. The recommended phase II dose was 600 mg twice daily. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AE) in Poly E–treated subjects were grade I and II nausea, grade I belching, and grade I lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) elevation. No treatment-related AEs were reported in placebo-treated subjects, aside from grade I laboratory abnormalities. Pill counts and subject diaries were not consistently collected, and compliance was difficult to determine. However, on the basis of an intention-to-treat analysis, there was a significant relationship between Poly E dose and esophageal EGCG level—mean changes (pmol/g) of 0.79 (placebo), 6.06 (200 mg), 35.67 (400 mg), and 34.95 (600 mg); P = 0.005. There was a possible relationship between Poly E dose and urine PGE-M concentration. In conclusion, Poly E was well-tolerated, and treatment with Poly E (400 and 600 mg) but not Poly E (200 mg) or placebo resulted in clinically relevant and detectable EGCG accumulation in the target organ, esophageal mucosa. Cancer Prev Res; 8(12); 1131–7. ©2015 AACR.
Allele 4G of gene PAI-1 associated with prothrombin mutation G20210A increases the risk for venous thrombosis

Summary Several studies have tried to clarify the role of polymorphism 4G/5G of the PAI-1 gene in venous thromboembolism without reaching any final conclusion. It has been demonstrated that this polymorphism may induce an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with thrombophilic defects. We studied the association of prothrombin mutation G20210A with 4G/5G polymorphism in 402 VTE patients and 466 healthy controls. Patients affected by prothrombin mutation G20210A, with or without the concomitant presence of allele 4G, had a 3.7 thrombotic risk (C.I. 95% 2.3–6.0; p<0.0001). Moreover, genotype 4G/4G is a mild risk factor for VTE, irrespectively of whether the prothrombin mutation was present. Logistic regression analysis showed that patients carrying the G20210A prothrombin mutation with allele 4G gave an odds ratio for VTE of 6.1 (C.I. 95% 3.2 – 11.4; p<0.001). The risk increased up to 13.0 (C.I. 95% 3.0 – 60.4; p<0.001) when we considered the association of the prothrombin mutation with genotype 4G/4G. The G20210A mutation without allele 4G (5G/5G) was not a risk factor for VTE. In conclusion, we believe that patients affected by VTE with concomitant presence of the G20210A prothrombin mutation could be tested for genotype 4G/4G to better define their thrombotic risk.
Ticking Bomb: Asymptomatic Mirizzi Syndrome

Mirizzi syndrome, also known as extrinsic biliary compression syndrome, is a rare clinical entity in which the common bile duct is obstructed by compression by the impaction of one or more gallstones in the cystic duct or gallbladder infundibulum. This case illustrates an absolutely asymptomatic presentation of Mirizzi syndrome in a 62-year-old, otherwise healthy, woman. Mirizzi syndrome was treated with preemptive laparotomy cholecystectomy. The present case is exemplary for careful evaluation with the proper index of suspicion in establishment of preoperative diagnosis as well as prompt treatment prior to development of complications.
Multifarious roles of sialic acids in immunity

Sialic acids are a diverse family of monosaccharides widely expressed on all cell surfaces of vertebrates and so‐called “higher” invertebrates, and on certain bacteria that interact with vertebrates. This overview surveys examples of biological roles of sialic acids in immunity, with emphasis on an evolutionary perspective. Given the breadth of the subject, the treatment of individual topics is brief. Subjects discussed include biophysical effects regulation of factor H; modulation of leukocyte trafficking via selectins; Siglecs in immune cell activation; sialic acids as ligands for microbes; impact of microbial and endogenous sialidases on immune cell responses; pathogen molecular mimicry of host sialic acids; Siglec recognition of sialylated pathogens; bacteriophage recognition of microbial sialic acids; polysialic acid modulation of immune cells; sialic acids as pathogen decoys or biological masks; modulation of immunity by sialic acid O‐acetylation; sialic acids as antigens and xeno‐autoantigens; antisialoglycan antibodies in reproductive incompatibility; and sialic‐acid–based blood groups.
A critical account of knowledge management: agentic orientation and SME innovation

Purpose – In offering a critical account of knowledge management in a small- and medium-sized enterprise this paper aims to theorise the creation and sharing of knowledge from a relational perspective. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on the findings of an in-depth longitudinal study of a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) the paper assesses the role and impact of exogenous change events on the innovation process. Findings – The case indicates that knowledge management constitutes an ongoing process of social engagement when the unfolding social context presents actors with greater and/or fewer opportunities for critical reflection and strategic choice. Failure to adopt knowledge often relates to the way exogenous change events disrupt how actors connect with their social context and as such are able to manage knowledge and uncertainty. Research limitations/implications – Based on a single case study this research provides insights that are context specific. In this respect, future work should involve a broader assessment of the changing social context of innovation and knowledge management. Originality/value – This critical account of knowledge management is in contrast to mainstream and positivist accounts found in the literature.
The China Quarterly

IN this biography of the writer Pa Chin, Miss Lang traces the life of Pa Chin from his birth in Chengtu until the Chinese Communist takeover of the Mainland. She presents Pa Chin as representative of the intellectuals who lived through the revolutionary events of the first half of the twentieth century. In many ways Pa Chin was representative. He was born into a wealthy landlord family ruled by a dictatorial grandfather. He left his home in his teens to go to Nanking and Shanghai and from 1 there to study abroad in France. He also spent a short time in Japan * and then returned to Shanghai until the war with Japan, when he moved back and forth throughout the southern part of China. Miss Lang lucidly describes his works, which reflect his own experiences. She shows that his famous novel The Family developed from his own experience in a traditional Chinese family which suffocated him and his brothers. His depiction of the inner struggles in Chinese families, of the frustration of young love and youthful ambition, struck a responsive chord in the youth of the time who were trying to liberate themselves from the fetters of society. He idealized for them the rebellion of youth against authority. Pa Chin was certainly a representative intellectual in his family background and education as Miss Lang asserts, but was he as representative in his ideological beliefs? He identified with a small group of anarchists and did not belong to the Communist Party which had attracted most of China's outstanding writers. She does not adequately explain why he remained an anarchist while most of his close associates joined the Party. The ethical and idealistic principles that motivated him also motivated his fellow writers. Yet though he stood fast to his anarchistic philosophy, he was active in the fervent debates and bitter factional squabbles that permeated left-wing circles in Shanghai in the 1930s. Except for pointing to a few criticisms levelled against him, she does not evoke the lively intellectual atmosphere in which he moved nor the emotionally-charged confrontations in which he was engaged. It may be true, as she claims, that the Party's condemnation of Pa Chin for not joining the United Front had to do with his solidarity with the anarchists in the Spanish Civil War. But perhaps more important was the fact that he was allied with Lu Hsun in resisting the imposition of the United Front policy by the Party's bureaucrats in Shanghai. Despite her failure to re-create vividly Pa Chin's environment, Miss Lang discusses in greater detail and depth than has been done previously the Russian and western influences upon Pa Chin and his fellow writers. She is particularly expert in her discussion of the impact of Russian
Employer Size: The Implications for Search, Training, Capital Investment, Starting Wages, and Wage Growth

An employer must choose a procedure for screening job applicants, a rate of hire, a training program for new employees, a criterion for the retention of new employees after observing their on-the-job performance, a compensation package, and a rate of capital investment so as to minimize production costs across time. This paper examines the effects of employer size on these hiring and training decisions when larger employers have greater monitoring costs. A unique data set is employed to estimate the empirical relation among employer size and employer search, training, capital investment, and wages.
Bisphenol A Concentrates Preferentially in Human Uterine Leiomyoma and Induces Proliferation in Rat Myometrium

Objectives: To measure tissue levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in uterine leiomyoma (ULM), adjacent myometrium (Myo-F), and normal myometrium (Myo-N). Also, we tested the effect of BPA treatment on rat myometrium. Methods: Uterine leiomyomas and Myo-F tissues were isolated from hysterectomy specimens done to treat symptomatic ULMs (N = 30). Normal myometrium is isolated from hysterectomies done on ULM-free uteri for other benign indications (N = 25). Bisphenol A was measured in 1 g of tissue using solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography, with fluorescence detectors. Experimentally, adult female rats were fed BPA orally at a dose of 50 mg/kg/d for 90 days. Animals were killed, and their myometrial thickness and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunostaining were evaluated. Results: Tissue concentration of BPA in each of ULM (12.3 ± 2.8 µg/g) and Myo-F (10.1 ± 0.2 µg/g) was significantly higher than that of Myo-N (0.58 ± 0.2 µg/g). There was no statistically significant difference in BPA level between ULM and Myo-F within submucous or interstitial/subserous fibroid groups. Compared to control rats, BPA-treated animals showed significantly higher myometrial thickness (168.67 ± 5.7 µm and 281.6 ± 20.32 µm, respectively, P = .003) and increased myometrial PCNA immunoscores (1.5 ± 0.37 and 10.38 ± 0.67, respectively, P ≤ .001). Conclusion: Bisphenol A concentrates in human ULM tissue and its adjacent Myo-F compared to Myo-N. No significant difference is detected in BPA content of ULM tissue of different subtypes. Bisphenol A increases thickness and induces cellular proliferation in rat myometrium. Taken together, our results support a role of BPA in ULM development/growth.
Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Is a Simple Predictor of Mortality in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Malnutrition is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and it is associated with increasing risk of mortality. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) has been developed as a tool to assess the nutritional risk. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of the GNRI as a mortality predictor in a Japanese HD cohort. Methods: We prospectively examined the GNRI of 332 maintenance HD patients aged 65.4 ± 13.2, 213 males, and followed up on them for 36 months. The patients were divided into quartiles (Q) according to GNRI values (Q1: <91.6, Q2: 91.7-97.0, Q3: 97.1-102.2, Q4: >102.3). Predictors for all-cause mortality were examined using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazards analyses. Results: The GNRI presented a normal distribution. During the follow-up period of 36 months, 76 patients died. The overall mortality at the end of the 3-year observational period was 22.3%. At the 3-year follow-up period, Kaplan-Meier survival rates for all-cause mortality were 72.3, 79.3, 84.9 and 92.6% in Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively (p = 0.0067). Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards analysis demonstrated that the GNRI was a significant predictor of adjusted all-cause mortality (HR 0.958; 95% CI 0.929-0.989, p = 0.0073). Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrate that the GNRI is a strong predictor of overall mortality in HD patients. However, cardiovascular mortality was not associated with GNRI values, and did not differ among the GNRI quartiles. The GNRI score can be considered a simple and reliable marker of predictor for mortality risk in Japanese HD patients.