Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant Vaccine Immunotherapy of Resected, Clinically Node-Negative Melanoma: Long-term Outcome and Impact of HLA Class I Antigen Expression on Overall Survival

A final report of trial S9035 by Carson and colleagues indicates a significant overall benefit from the lysed adjuvant vaccine melacrine for patients with stage II to IV melanoma with HLA A2 and/or HLA Cw3 serotypes, implicating interactions between HLA haplotype and clinical outcome. Associations between HLA class I antigen expression and the efficacy of a melanoma vaccine (Melacine; Corixa Corp.) were initially described in stage IV melanoma. Similar associations were observed in S9035, a phase III adjuvant trial evaluating Melacine for 2 years compared with observation in patients with stage II melanoma. This report provides long-term results. The effects of treatment on relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated, and prespecified analyses investigated associations between treatment and HLA expression. Multivariable analyses were adjusted for tumor thickness, ulceration and site, method of nodal staging, and sex. P = 0.01 was considered statistically significant in subset analyses to account for multiple comparisons. For the entire study population of 689 patients, there were no significant differences in RFS or OS by treatment arm. HLA serotyping was performed on 553 (80%) patients (vaccine, 294; observation, 259). Among the subpopulation with HLA-A2 and/or HLA-Cw3 serotype, vaccine arm patients (n = 178) had marginally improved RFS (adjusted P = 0.02) and significantly improved OS compared with observation arm patients (n = 145), with 10-year OS of 75% and 63%, respectively [hazard ratio (HR), 0.62; 99% confidence interval (CI), 0.37–1.02; P = 0.01]. There was no impact of HLA-A2 and/or HLA-Cw3 expression on observation arm patients. An analysis of mature data from S9035 indicates a significant OS benefit from adjuvant vaccine therapy for patients with HLA-A2– and/or HLA-Cw3–expressing melanoma. The possibility of interactions between HLA type and outcome should be considered in future immunotherapy trials. Further investigations of melanoma-associated antigens present in Melacine and presented by HLA-A2 and HLA-Cw3 may be warranted. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(10); 981–7. ©2014 AACR.
Menu Nutrition Labels' Effects on Customers' Attitudes toward Menu and Restaurant Dining Intentions—The Moderating Role of Psychosocial Factors

The aims of the current study are to examine the effects of different formats for nutrition information and the moderating effects of psychosocial factors on attitudes toward menus and dining intentions. The results revealed that descriptive nutrition information and psychosocial factors significantly affected consumers' attitudes toward menu and dining intentions, while quantitative nutrition information did not. In addition, there was a significant three-way interaction of quantitative nutrition information, descriptive nutrition information, and psychosocial factors on dining intentions. Furthermore, the main effects of descriptive nutrition information and psychosocial factors on dining intentions were fully mediated by menu attitudes. It is recommended that restaurateurs employ descriptive explanations for menu items to promote healthy eating behaviors.
Correlation between morphological and functional retinal impairment in multiple sclerosis patients.

PURPOSE To assess whether a correlation exists between optic nerve fiber layer (NFL) thickness and the retinal or visual pathway function in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients previously affected by optic neuritis. METHODS Fourteen patients with a diagnosis of definite MS were examined. All had been affected by optic neuritis (MSON) with complete recovery of visual acuity (14 eyes included in study). These were compared with 14 eyes from 14 age-matched control subjects. NFL thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Three different measurements in each quadrant (superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal) were taken and averaged. The data in all quadrants (12 values averaged) were identified as NFL Overall, whereas the data obtained in the temporal quadrant only (3 values averaged) were identified as NFL Temporal. Retinal and visual pathway function was assessed by simultaneously recording pattern electroretinograms (PERGs) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) using high-contrast (80%) checkerboard stimuli subtending 15 minutes and 60 minutes of the visual arc (min arc) and reversed at the rate of two reversals per second. RESULTS In MSON eyes there was a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in NFL thickness in both NFL Overall and NFL Temporal evaluations compared with the values observed in control eyes. PERG, (15-min arc checks) and VEP (15-min arc and 60-min arc checks), showed a significant (P < 0.01) delay in latency and reduction in amplitude. NFL Overall and NFL Temporal values were significantly correlated (P < 0.01) to the PERG P50 latency and P50 to N95 amplitude recorded with 15-min arc checks. No correlations (P > 0.01) between NFL values and the other electrophysiological data (PERG recorded with 60-min arc checks and VEP recorded with 15-min arc and 60-min arc checks) were found. CONCLUSIONS There is a correlation between PERG changes and NFL thickness in MS patients previously affected by optic neuritis, but there is no correlation between VEP changes and NFL thickness.
The Relationship between Voluntary Disclosure and Independent Directors in the Presence of a Dominant Shareholder

Abstract Differently from prior studies that examine the role of stand-alone control systems within the relationship between owners and managers, our study investigates the correlation between two control mechanisms – voluntary disclosure and independent directors – in companies characterized by the presence of a dominant shareholder that is supposed to mitigate the classical agency problem. Based on agency theory, we hypothesize that the two mechanisms tend to coexist, since the presence of either one reduces the costs of introducing the other. Two further effects – the reputation and the domino effect – contribute to determine a positive relationship between the two mechanisms. We carried out the empirical analysis on 175 non-financial Italian listed companies, all controlled by a dominant shareholder. Voluntary disclosure is measured through three alternative disclosure indexes. Independent directors are identified not only according to a formal/legal definition, but also through stricter criteria. The empirical test is based on a multivariate analysis controlling for size, residual ownership diffusion, leverage, profitability and labour pressure. Results support our hypothesis and are robust to alternative criteria to identify dominant shareholders. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between different control mechanisms in particular agency settings.
Human γ enolase: Isolation of a cDNA clone and expression in normal and tumor tissues of human origin

We have isolated and sequenced a cDNA clone encod‐ ing the human γ enolase. Comparison of our cDNA sequence and the rat γ enolase sequence revealed 97% homology at the level of amino acid sequence. The two coding regions were 91% homologous on the nu‐ cleotide level, whereas the 3′ noncoding regions were much less homologous (32%). Further comparison of our cDNA sequence with the human a enolase re‐ vealed an 82% homology at the amino acid level and a 75% homology at the nucleotide level for the two coding regions, whereas the 3′ nontranslated regions were only 30% homologous. Using a portion of the 3′ nontranslated region of our cDNA, shown to be spe‐ cific for human γ enolase, a single 2.5 kb mRNA was detected in human brain tissue. This same γ enolase message was also found in a number of human normal nonneuronal tissues, and in several human tumor‐ derived cell lines. Expression of the mRNA for the γ enolase subunit should thus be used with caution when identifying the cells of neuronal or neuroendocrine origin.
The Role of Complexity in Preparing for Municipal Decision-Making

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the theories of complexity may give insight and a new perspective into the preparation of decision-making at the municipal level. Based on concepts like emergence, self-organization, far-from- chaos, connectivity and feedback processes, the paper suggests that more attention should be paid to the invisible dynamics of the preparation process. Municipalities are regarded as open and complex social systems that must ensure democracy and make effective decisions at the same time. Furthermore, municipalities should be able to analyze information and to construe the meaning of their operational environment. Among other things, officeholders and politicians should also be creative and innovative. This paper is based on a conceptual analysis done by the author. The literature of that analysis included several dissertations concerning decision-making at the local government level in Scandinavian countries, particularly in Finland 1 . This paper is based also on other sources. This paper
Packing Odd Paths

Let s, t be vertices of a graph G, and let each edge e have a "capacity" c(e) ∈ R+. We prove a conjecture of Cook and Sebő that for every k ∈ R+, the following two statements are equivalent: (i) there is a "fractional packing" of value k of the odd length s - t paths, so that no edge is used more than its capacity; (ii) for every subgraph H of G with s, t ∈ V(H) in which there is no odd s - t path, [formula] ∑ (c(e): e ∈ E(G) − E(H), and e is incident with v ≥ 2k.
Distinctiveness and Expertise Effects with Homogeneous Stimuli: Towards a Model of Configural Coding

Recent studies using Brennan's computerized caricature generator have demonstrated distinctiveness effects consistent with the idea that faces are coded in terms of their individual distinctive properties. Based on these findings it is suggested that, for homogeneous classes whose members share a common configuration, distinctive configural information may be coded as metric deviations from a spatial norm. Experiments are described which demonstrate similar distinctiveness effects in bird identification. Transformations that increase distinctiveness (caricatures) produced faster identification and a higher recognition proportion, for both experts and nonexperts, than transformations that reduce distinctiveness (anticaricatures). This distinctiveness advantage is consistent with the norm-based coding idea. Furthermore, within certain limits, increasing distinctiveness did not impair performance relative to that for veridical drawings. For experts there was also a caricature advantage, such that 50% caricatures of birds in a highly homogeneous and familiar class (passerines) were identified more quickly, provided that they were recognized at all, than uncaricatured veridical drawings. The significance of a caricature advantage for the visual coding of configural information is discussed.
Enteroviruses, type 1 diabetes and hygiene: a complex relationship

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mounts an attack on the host's insulin‐producing β cells. Because most cases of T1D cannot be attributed only to individual genetics, it is strongly inferred that there is a significant environmental contribution, such as infection, impacting disease development. The human enteroviruses (HEV) are common picornaviruses often implicated as triggers of human T1D, although precisely which of the numerous HEV may be involved in human T1D development is unknown. Experiments using non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice, commonly used to model T1D, show that induction of T1D by HEV infection in NOD mice is a multifactorial process involving both the virus and the host. Interestingly, results demonstrate that HEV infection of NOD mice can also induce long‐term protection from T1D under certain conditions, suggesting that a similar mechanism may occur in humans. Based upon both experimental animal and observational human studies, we postulate that HEV have a dual role in T1D development and can either cause or prevent autoimmune disease. Whichever outcome occurs depends upon multiple variables in the host‐virus equation, many of which can be deduced from results obtained from NOD mouse studies. We propose that the background to the sharply rising T1D incidences observed in the 20th century correlates with increased levels of hygiene in human societies. Viewing T1D in this perspective suggests that potential preventative options could be developed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Interaction of Real and Financial Decisions of the Firm Under Uncertainty

This study analyzes the interaction between the optimal level of investment and debt financing. For this purpose, a model is structured in which a firm, facing an uncertain price, has to decide on its optimal level of investment and debt. The amount of investment sets a limit on output whose optimal level is determined after price is realized. The debt involved is risky (there exists a possibility of bankruptcy). The analysis proves that investment and its optimal financing have to be simultaneously determined and that a negative relationship exists between operating and financial leverage. We also demonstrate that as the tax rate increases, optimal capacity decreases and optimal leverage increases. An analysis of the impact of changes in the expected price shows that under some conditions, an increase in expected price would lead to an increase in optimal investment (firm size) and a decrease in optimal debt.
Wrongful Discharge Laws and Innovation

We show that wrongful discharge laws - laws that protect employees against unjust dismissal - spur innovation and new firm creation. Wrongful discharge laws, particularly those that prohibit employers from acting in bad faith ex post, limit employers' ability to hold up innovating employees after the innovation is successful. By reducing the possibility of hold-up, these laws enhance employees' innovative efforts and encourage firms to invest in risky, but potentially mould-breaking, projects. We develop a model and provide supporting empirical evidence of this effect using the staggered adoption of wrongful discharge laws across the U.S. states.
Measurement based nonlinear electrothermal modeling of GaAs FET with dynamical trapping effects

This paper presents MESFET measurement methods based on pulsed measurements that separate trapping and thermal effects. Derived from these measurements, a model of the trapping effect is determined, as well as a thermal model. The proposed nonlinear model is validated from DC to RF frequencies, it handles dynamical dispersive effects and does not depend on the hot bias point.
Why the Keynesian Multiplier Increases During Hard Times: A Theoretical Explanation Based on Rentiers' Saving Behaviour

This article analyses the Keynesian multiplier from a new perspective. Recent empirical studies emphasize that the multiplier is endogenous to the level of economic activity, increasing during recessions and declining in expansions. Here, we propose a plausible explanation for this established fact based on the procyclicality of capitalists' propensity to save. Then, using a standard Kaleckian model of growth and distribution, we perform some simple simulations showing that fiscal multipliers increase during turbulent times. Consequently, this argues against cutting public spending for economies in recession.
Orders to Supply as Substitutes for Commitments to Aftermarkets

A number of recent antitrust cases in Canada and other countries have involved durable goods manufacturers refusing to supply proprietary parts to independent service organizations. Earlier work suggested that the inability of manufacturers to commit to low aftermarket prices creates an inefficiency that might be removed by a judicial order to supply. This paper examines this view critically with a specific model of repairs and demonstrates that under plausible conditions there is no welfare loss due to the inability to commit. It goes on to show that an order to supply can create its own distortion and welfare loss if it encourages inefficient substitution of inputs in the production of repairs.
Mortality after hemorrhagic stroke

Objective: To investigate short-term case fatality and long-term mortality after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) using data from The Health Improvement Network database. Methods: Thirty-day case fatality was stratified by age, sex, and calendar year after ICH and SAH using logistic regression. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to estimate the risk of death during the first year of follow-up and survivors at 1 year. Results: Case fatality after ICH was 42.0%, compared with 28.7% after SAH. It increased with age (ICH: 29.7% for 20–49 years, 54.6% for 80–89 years; SAH: 20.3% for 20–49 years, 56.7% for 80–89 years; both p-trend < 0.001), and decreased over the period 2000–2001 to 2006–2008 (ICH: from 53.1% to 35.8%, p-trend < 0.001; SAH: from 33.3% to 24.7%, p-trend = 0.02). Risk of death was significantly higher among stroke patients during the first year of follow-up compared with controls (ICH: hazard ratio [HR] 2.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.09–3.24, p < 0.01; SAH: HR 2.87, 95% CI 2.07–3.97, p < 0.01) and remained elevated among survivors at 1 year (ICH: HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.75–2.32, p < 0.01; SAH: HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02–1.69, p = 0.03). Conclusions: More than one-third of individuals die in the first month after hemorrhagic stroke, and patients younger than 50 years are more likely to die after ICH than SAH. Short-term case fatality has decreased over time. Patients who survive hemorrhagic stroke have a continuing elevated risk of death compared with matched individuals from the general population.
Drop Shock Reliability of Lead-Free Alloys - Effect of Micro-Additives

The drop shock reliability of solder joints has become a major issue for the electronic industry partly because of the ever increasing popularity of portable electronics and partly due the transition to lead free solders. Most of the commonly recommended lead-free are high Sn alloys which have relatively higher strength and modulus. This plays a critical role in the reliability of Pb-free solder joints. Further, even though metallugically it is the Sn in the solder alloys that principally participates in the solder joint formation, details of the IMC layers formed with SnPb and Pb-free alloys are different. The markedly different process conditions for SnPb and Pb-free alloys also bear on solder joint quality. Brittle failure of solder joints in drop shock occurs at or in the interfacial IMC layer(s). This is due to the inherent brittle nature of the IMC, defects within or at IMC interfaces or transfer of stress to the interfaces as a result of the low ductility of the bulk solder. In developing improved performance alloys, Cookson Electronics has addressed both issues -improved ductility and modification and control of the intermetallic layer. A broad range of base alloy compositions together with selected micro-alloying additions to SnAgCu alloys have been evaluated with the objective of controlling bulk alloy mechanical properties and the diffusion processes operating in the formation and growth of the intermetallic interfacial layer(s). In the present article a detailed study of a range of micro-alloy additives is presented. The alloy additives generally act as diffusion modifiers slowing interdiffusion between substrates and solder thereby reducing IMC thickness or the propensity for void formation. Alternatively additions can be made that act as diffusion compensatorscopy. It should be noted that the level of the micro-additions does not measurably modify the bulk mechanical properties of the base alloys. Our results show that dramatic improvements in the solder joint reliability, as demonstrated by high-speed ball pull and drop shock tests, can be achieved.
A Hierarchical End-to-End Model for Jointly Improving Text Summarization and Sentiment Classification

Text summarization and sentiment classification both aim to capture the main ideas of the text but at different levels. Text summarization is to describe the text within a few sentences, while sentiment classification can be regarded as a special type of summarization which ``summarizes'' the text into a even more abstract fashion, i.e., a sentiment class. Based on this idea, we propose a hierarchical end-to-end model for joint learning of text summarization and sentiment classification, where the sentiment classification label is treated as the further ``summarization'' of the text summarization output. Hence, the sentiment classification layer is put upon the text summarization layer, and a hierarchical structure is derived. Experimental results on Amazon online reviews datasets show that our model achieves better performance than the strong baseline systems on both abstractive summarization and sentiment classification.
THE EMPIRICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRADING VOLUME, RETURNS AND VOLATILITY

This paper presents an empirical analysis of the relationship between trading volume, returns and volatility in the Australian stock market. The initial analysis centres upon the volume-price change relationship. The relationship between trading volume and returns, irrespective of the direction of the price change, is significant across three alternative measures of daily trading volume for the aggregate market. This finding also provides basic support for a positive relationship between trading volume and volatility. Furthermore, evidence is found supporting the hypothesis that the volume-price change slope for negative returns is smaller than the slope for non-negative returns, thereby supporting an asymmetric relationship which is hypothesised to exist because of differential costs of taking long and short positions. Analysis at the individual stock level shows weaker support for the relationship. A second related hypothesis is tested in which the formation of returns is conditional upon information arrival which similarly affects trading volume. The hypothesis is tested by using the US overnight return to proxy for expected “news” and trading volume to proxy for news arrival during the day. The results show a reduction in the significance and magnitude of persistence in volatility and hence are consistent with explaining non-normality in returns (and ARCH effects) through the rate of arrival of information. The findings in this paper help explain how returns are generated and have implications for inferring return behaviour from trading volume data.
The venture capitalist and the board of directors in SMEs: Roles and processes

The paper provides an attempt to direct the research in the area of venture capitalists and the board of directors in SMEs. Issues about boards in venture capital-backed technology based industrials are explored, and various research designs are used to meet different research questions. Empirical results indicate that venture capital firms purposefully use boards in the portfolio firm, and boards in venture capital-backed firms are more active than boards in other firms. The venture capitalist and the entrepreneur/owner-manager of the portfolio firm may have diverging expectations to board roles. In this setting the board becomes an interesting meeting place for studying the processes and the dynamics between external and internal stakeholders. Future research in this area should integrate board role theories and board process theories.