Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EU treaty reform as a three-level process

This Special Issue of the Journal of European Public Policy aims to shed new light on European Union (EU) treaty reform, both theoretically and empirically. To do so, two avenues seem of great potential: to go beyond formal treaty reform, and to transcend economic interests and bargaining power. First, treaty reform is not only effectuated at Intergovernmental Conferences (IGCs) but can also happen between such formal summits. Most importantly, decisions by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) can amount to constitutional changes and should not be excluded from the analysis. They are cases of treaty reform of a de facto (though not de jure) quality since the meaning but not the letter of rules is changed. Furthermore, the European Commission can, in co-operation with some governments, redene existing treaty rules in the dayto-day policy process. One example is the extensive reinterpretation of the preAmsterdam Article 118a EEC Treaty on health and safety at the workplace to include more general working conditions, hence allowing for Directives under the quali ed majority rule. In this Special Issue, such instances of treaty reform outside IGCs are studied in depth by Greve and Jørgensen, and examples are outlined by Sverdrup. Finally, formal treaty reform may be predetermined in day-to-day policy-making between IGCs. This happens in cases where changes are decisively shaped before the formal treaty reform instance is opened or even near. Social policy at Maastricht is one case where focusing solely on the IGC cannot fully explain the outcome, for developments between the Single European Act and the pre-Maastricht IGC were crucial (see Falkner, in this issue). This underlines the fact that European integration should not be perceived as a series of ‘big bangs’ (see Christiansen and Jørgensen 1999). Indeed, there are spillovers from the troughs between formal constitutional bargains to IGCs (as there are, increasingly, spillovers from one IGC to the next). This leads to the conclusion that constitutional bargaining and day-to-day politics are ideal
IgG1 antibodies to acetylcholine receptors in ‘seronegative’ myasthenia gravis†

Only around 80% of patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) have serum antibodies to acetylcholine receptor [AChR; acetylcholine receptor antibody positive myasthenia gravis (AChR-MG)] by the radioimmunoprecipitation assay used worldwide. Antibodies to muscle specific kinase [MuSK; MuSK antibody positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG)] make up a variable proportion of the remaining 20%. The patients with neither AChR nor MuSK antibodies are often called seronegative (seronegative MG, SNMG). There is accumulating evidence that SNMG patients are similar to AChR-MG in clinical features and thymic pathology. We hypothesized that SNMG patients have low-affinity antibodies to AChR that cannot be detected in solution phase assays, but would be detected by binding to the AChRs on the cell membrane, particularly if they were clustered at the high density that is found at the neuromuscular junction. We expressed recombinant AChR subunits with the clustering protein, rapsyn, in human embryonic kidney cells and tested for binding of antibodies by immunofluorescence. To identify AChRs, we tagged either AChR or rapsyn with enhanced green fluorescence protein, and visualized human antibodies with Alexa Fluor-labelled secondary or tertiary antibodies, or by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS). We correlated the results with the thymic pathology where available. We detected AChR antibodies to rapsyn-clustered AChR in 66% (25/38) of sera previously negative for binding to AChR in solution and confirmed the results with FACS. The antibodies were mainly IgG1 subclass and showed ability to activate complement. In addition, there was a correlation between serum binding to clustered AChR and complement deposition on myoid cells in patients’ thymus tissue. A similar approach was used to demonstrate that MuSK antibodies, although mainly IgG4, were partially IgG1 subclass and capable of activating complement when bound to MuSK on the cell surface. These observations throw new light on different forms of MG paving the way for improved diagnosis and management, and the approaches used have applicability to other antibody-mediated conditions.
Jumonji/Arid1b (Jarid1b) protein modulates human esophageal cancer cell growth

Although esophageal cancer is highly heterogeneous and the involvement of epigenetic regulation of cancer stem cells is highly suspected, the biological significance of epigenetically modified molecules that regulate different subpopulations remains to be firmly established. Using esophageal cancer cells, we investigated the functional roles of the H3K4 demethylase Jumonji/Arid1b (Jarid1b) (Kdm5b/Plu-1/Rbp2-h1), an epigenetic factor that is required for continuous cell growth in melanoma. JARID1B knockdown resulted in the suppression of esophageal cancer cell growth, sphere formation and invasion ability and was associated with loss of epithelial marker expression. However, these inhibitory effects observed on tumor formation were reverted subsequent to subcutaneous inoculation of these cells into immune-deficient mice. These results indicated that JARID1B plays a role in maintaining cancer stem cells in the esophagus and justifies the rationale for studying the effects of continuous inhibition of this epigenetic factor in esophageal cancer.
DETERMINATION OF YOUNG'S MODULUS OF PZT - INFLUENCE OF CANTILEVER ORIENTATION

Calculation of the resonance frequency of cantilevers fabricated from an elastically anisotropic material requires the use of an effective Young’s modulus. In this paper a technique to determine the appropriate effective Young’s modulus for arbitrary cantilever geometries is introduced. This technique is validated using a combined analytical and finite element simulations (FEM) approach. In addition, the effective Young’s modulus of PbZr0.52Ti0. 48O3 (PZT) thin films deposited on dedicated micromachined cantilevers was investigated experimentally. The PZT films were deposited on the cantilevers by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The change in flexural resonance frequency of the cantilevers was measured both before and after deposition of the PZT thin film. From this frequency difference we determined the Young’s modulus of PZT deposited by PLD to be 103 ± 2 GPa. Even though the PZT is grown epitaxially, this value is independent of the in-plane orientation.
The Need for a Corporate Global Mind-Set

Many international business leaders consider a global mind-set desirable, but few know how to embed it companywide. A corporate global mind-set differs from having a few managers think globally. That comes first. But global thinking must be incorporated into an organization's processes so that everyone knows how to handle the tug-of-war between local responsiveness and corporate efficiency. Two Northeastern University professors studied global companies and found that inculcating a corporate global mind-set lagged behind the will to do so. IBM made the most progress. Having originally overemphasized global consistency, it learned to embrace a more flexible approach, adopting global-policy-development teams, worldwide knowledge networks and appropriate performance measures. Unfortunately, many American executives regard globalization as pursuing standardized products through centralized decision making. In favoring global consistency, they often fail to secure local cooperation. Through a global mind-set, corporate-decision-making processes become more permeable to influences from beyond the home country. The authors show how managers can determine when an issue calls for a locally adaptive response, when it calls for a globally consistent response and when both elements are needed. The corporate global mind-set is a requirement for motivating a diverse and sprawling work force and giving it a common purpose.
Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy as treatment for lower lacrimal pathway obstructions in adults: Review article

Obstruction of the lacrimal pathway is manifested by epiphora, infection, and blurred vision as well as ocular and facial pain. Conservative treatments only achieve temporary relief of symptoms, thus surgery is the treatment of choice. Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is recognized as the most suitable treatment for patients with obstructions of the lacrimal system at the level of the sac or in the nasolacrimal duct. The aim of this operation is to create a bypass between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity. During the past 2 decades, advances in rigid endoscopic equipment and other instruments have made it possible to obtain more information about the anatomic landmarks of the nasolacrimal system, which led to the development of less-invasive and safer endoscopic techniques. However, many parts of the treatment process related to endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) still remain controversial. This article reviews the published literature about the technical issues associated with the success of EN-DCR, and clarifies the pros and cons of different pre- and postoperative procedures in adults with lower lacrimal pathway obstructions.
Why do people buy virtual items in virtual worlds? an empirical test of a conceptual model

In the past few years, virtual worlds – such as Second Life, World of Warcraft and RuneScape – have demonstrated the potential to be a promising online business model. Millions of paying users around the world now participate in virtual worlds and trade virtual items with each other. However, little empirical research has been conducted into players’ purchase behaviour in virtual worlds. To address this research gap, the current study develops and tests a conceptual model of purchase behaviour in the context of virtual worlds. An online survey was conducted within Second Life (n=250) and SEMPLS (Structural Equation Models by Partial Least Squares) was used to confirm the conceptual model. Among the statistically significant paths found in the conceptual model, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, perceived value, customisation, habit, advancement and enjoyment all have strong impact on virtual world residents’ purchase intention. The study rounds off with a discussion and conclusions, highlighting implications for practice, research limitations and promising areas for
Two Essays on Property-Liability Insurer Rating Transitions

My dissertation examines property-liability insurer rating transitions for the period 1995 through 2006. The sample includes over 2,000 US insurers and 10 years of ratings data from A.M. Best. Rating transitions reflect changes in insurer “default risk”, and this area has not been fully explored in the insurance literature. This dissertation studies the predictors of insurer rating transitions and the non-Markovian behaviors within insurer rating movements. The research questions and results are presented in two essays. The first essay, Macroeconomic Factors and Property-Liability Insurer Rating Transitions, identifies the exogenous macroeconomic and market factors that predict rating transitions, while controlling for certain firm-specific characteristics such as rating history, firm size, business mix, and organization types. Realizing the possible multiple spells (multiple upgrade or downgrade transitions for an insurer during the sample period), I apply the PWP-Gap model, a powerful survival analytical technique. The results suggest that the intensities of insurer rating transitions, including upgrade and downgrade transitions, are linked to macroeconomic and market covariates. Macroeconomic factors are more influential in the upgrade intensity, while market factors are more influential in the downgrade intensity. The second essay, The Importance of Rating Drift Among Property-Liability Insurers, detects rating drift phenomena, which have been explored in the bond literature, but not yet in insurer rating transitions. With a survival analytical technique—Cox Proportional Hazard Model--three main rating drift phenomena are examined: first-rating phenomenon, momentum drift phenomenon, and time dependence phenomenon. I find that those rating drift phenomena observed in the bond rating movements are present for insurer rating migrations. The findings of the current study carry implications for various parties in the insurance market. For regulators, this study suggests that information about rating changes can be used as potential early indicators of insurer financial strength. For consumers and agents, this study suggests consumers and agents should be especially observant of insurer rating downgrades, especially when in turbulent economic environments and severe industry conditions. For insurers, this study suggests insurers
Effects of fasting and transportation on pork quality development and extent of postmortem metabolism 1

One hundred seventy-seven pigs were used to determine the interaction effects of fasting and length of transport prior to harvest on pork muscle quality. The study design was a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial, which involved two genetic sources, fasting (F) or no fasting (N) of pigs 48-h prior to harvest, and three transport times (0.5, 2.5, or 8.0 h) on a semitrailer to the packing plant. Genetic source was a significant source of variation (P < 0.05) for most composition and muscle quality variables. Fasting reduced hot carcass weight 3.6% (P < 0.05), but length of transport did not affect hot carcass weight (P > 0.05). There were no differences (P > 0.05) in percent lean among fasting and transport treatments. Fasted pigs had higher longissimus dorsi (LD) ultimate pH (pHu), darker lean color, higher marbling score and lower 7-d purge loss, 24-h drip loss, and cooking loss (P < 0.05) than nonfasted pigs. Meat from pigs that were transported 8.0 h had lower glycolytic potential (GP), higher LD and semimembranosus (SM) pHu, darker lean color, and lower L*, 7-d purge loss, 24-h drip loss, cooking loss, and shear force values than meat from pigs transported 0.5 h (P < 0.05). Meat from pigs transported 2.5 h had higher LD and SM pHu and
On Building a Data Broadcast System in a Wireless Environment

Data broadcasting is a scalable mechanism to disseminate information to a large number of mobile clients in a wireless environment. This paper concerns the development of a data broadcast system in a wireless environment. The broadcast data is retrieved from a central database server. We apply three different data broadcast schemes in the following order: first, we implement a filtering technique for a mobile device to select and display the desired data from incoming broadcast data items; second, the index broadcasting scheme is designed to predict the arrival of the desired data to appropriately execute the power conserving mode; third, we incorporate multiple channel environments to allow a mobile device to tune into multiple broadcast channels in order to receive the desired data. The proposed model uses a shared indices price context to demonstrate the effective use of these data broadcast schemes in order to provide efficient data retrieval. In order to develop this model, a wireless ad-hoc network infrastructure is used.
System for estimating sclerosis of in vivo arteries based on ultrasound B-mode image analysis

A new system has been developed for estimating hardening of the carotid artery by B-mode (Brightness-mode) image analysis. The method is based on in vivo stiffness, Eth, calculated from the variation of carotid-duct-diameter with changing of systolic and diastolic blood pressures. In addition from the results of tensile and internal pressure tests using in vitro human and animal arteries specimens, we found a correlation between Eth estimated from radial bulge of artery and mechanical tensile strength. Thus, using a correlation curve a technique for estimating in vivo Eth as well as tensile strength of carotid artery can be predicted. Then, to be a simple routine medical examination, a prototype software was developed, which is capable to measure the diameter changes by the image processing based on 30-image/s and one pixel size data (in case of the report, 0.0713 mm/pixel) of an ultrasound device. The total examination time for both sides of the common carotid arteries was within 300 seconds. To examine the validity of this technique, some clinical data were also shown. The result indicated that the stiffness Eth, strength, and critical burst pressure are useful symptom indices for arterial sclerosis, especially for finding the beginning sclerosis that would start early twenties.
Regulation of T Cell Receptor 8 Gene Rearrangement by c-Myb By

Developmental activation of VDJ recombination at the T cell receptor (TCR) 8 locus is controlled by an intronic transcriptional enhancer (Es). Transcriptional activation by E~ is dependent on c-Myb. To determine whether c-Myb plays a role in the activation of T C R 8 gene rearrangement, we compared VDJ recombination in transgenic mice carrying two versions of a human T C R 8 gene minilocus recombination substrate. One includes a wild-type Es, whereas the other carries an E 8 with a mutation that abrogates c-Myb binding. We demonstrate that an intact Myb binding site is necessary for efficient rearrangement of the minilocus substrate, suggesting that c-Myb plays a crucial role in activating VDJ recombination at the endogenous T C R 8 locus.
Current-Generation Youth Programs: What Works, What Doesn't, and at What Cost? Occasional Paper.

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Apraxia in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: Validity and Reliability of the Van Heugten Test for Apraxia

Aim: To assess the reliability and validity of the Van Heugten test for apraxia (VHA), developed for and used in stroke patients, in a memory clinic population. Furthermore, we assess the presence and severity of apraxia in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and investigate which AD patients are likely to develop apraxia. Methods: We included 90 controls (age: 60 ± 9 years, MMSE: 28 ± 2), 90 MCI patients (age: 65 ± 7 years, MMSE: 26 ± 2) and 158 AD patients (age: 66 ± 8 years, MMSE: 20 ± 5). Apraxia was evaluated by the VHA assessing ideational and ideomotor praxis. We retested 20 patients to assess reliability. Results: Intrarater reliability was 0.88 and interrater reliability was 0.73. AD patients performed worse on the VHA (median: 88; range: 51-90) than controls (median: 90; range: 88-90) and MCI patients (median: 89; range: 84-90) (both p < 0.001). Apraxia was prevalent in 35% of AD patients, in 10% of MCI and it was not observed in controls (0%; p < 0.001). In AD, dementia severity was the main risk for apraxia; 15% of mildly versus 52% of moderately demented patients had apraxia (OR = 6.7, 95% CI 2.9-15.6). The second risk factor was APOE genotype. APOE ε4 noncarriers (47%) were at increased risk compared to carriers (30%) (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1-4.7). Conclusion: Apraxia can be reliably measured with the VHA and is present in a proportion of patients with MCI and AD. The presence of apraxia in AD is related to dementia severity and APOE ε4.
BIODIVERSITY, INVASION RESISTANCE, AND MARINE ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION: RECONCILING PATTERN AND PROCESS

A venerable generalization about community resistance to invasions is that more diverse communities are more resistant to invasion. However, results of experimental and observational studies often conflict, leading to vigorous debate about the mechanistic importance of diversity in determining invasion success in the field, as well as other eco- system properties, such as productivity and stability. In this study, we employed both field experiments and observational approaches to assess the effects of diversity on the invasion of a subtidal marine invertebrate community by three species of nonindigenous ascidians (sea squirts). In experimentally assembled communities, decreasing native diversity in- creased the survival and final percent cover of invaders, whereas the abundance of individual species had no effect on these measures of invasion success. Increasing native diversity also decreased the availability of open space, the limiting resource in this system, by buffering against fluctuations in the cover of individual species. This occurred because temporal patterns of abundance differed among species, so space was most consistently and completely occupied when more species were present. When we held diversity constant, but manipulated resource availability, we found that the settlement and recruitment of new invaders dramatically increased with increasing availability of open space. This suggests that the effect of diversity on invasion success is largely due to its effects on resource (space) availability. Apart from invasion resistance, the increased temporal stability found in more diverse communities may itself be considered an enhancement of ecosystem func- tion. In field surveys, we found a strong negative correlation between native-species richness and the number and frequency of nonnative invaders at the scale of both a single quadrat (25 3 25 cm), and an entire site (50 3 50 m). Such a pattern suggests that the means by which diversity affects invasion resistance in our experiments is important in determining the distribution of invasive species in the field. Further synthesis of mechanistic and ob- servational approaches should be encouraged, as this will increase our understanding of the conditions under which diversity does (and does not) play an important role in deter- mining the distribution of invaders in the field.