Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A phase II trial of single-agent bevacizumab given every 3 weeks for recurrent malignant gliomas.

2044 Background: Increasingly target specific agents are used in the treatment of malignant gliomas (MG). Among targeted agents, bevacizumab appears most promising and when combined with CPT-11. As CPT-11 has limited activity in recurrent MG, a single agent phase II trial of bevacizumab given every 3 weeks in with recurrent MG was performed. METHODS All patients (pts) had to sign an IRB informed consent except six pts who were treated at a different site in a similar fashion. All pts had to have at least one relapse with the first sixteen required to have two relapses before protocol amendment. Inclusion criteria required > 18 year of age, KPS > 60, on a non-enzyme inducing anticonvulsant, adequate bone marrow, liver and renal function, and normal urine protein and creatinine. MRI with perfusion was done at baseline (if patient consented) and then every 6 weeks. Patients were assessed using Macdonald criteria and continued on trial until tumor progression or toxicity. Treatment was bevacizumab 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks. RESULTS 61 patients (35 male; 26 female; 50 GBM, 5 AA, 6 AO/AOA) with a median age of 51 were treated. Median number of doses given was 4 (range 1-18). PFS-6 was 32% (median PFS was 3.9 m; median OS was 6.6 m). Best radiographic response included 0% CR, 25% PR and 50% SD. Grade 3+ toxicities were non-fatal intracranial hemorrhage (1), fatal GI perforation (1), DVT (1), fatigue (4), rectal bleeding (1), weakness (1), and lack of drive (1). CONCLUSIONS Bevacizumab as a single agent given every 3 weeks at 15 mg/kg is effective and safe for recurrent MG. The observed PFS-6 and OS is lower than reported bevacizumab regimens administered every 2 weeks; this difference may be related to patient selection. [Table: see text].
Organizational Drivers of Relationship Trust: An Investigation of Service Exporters

Trust has been extensively researched in the business-to-business relationship marketing literature and is considered a critical factor in fostering optimal relationships between a firm and its business partners. However, research into determinants of inter-organizational trust in an international service setting has been very limited. This study investigates firm-specific drivers of relationship trust between service exporters and their overseas customers. The researcher collected data from 254 service exporters in Australia. Research findings indicate that international experience, management commitment, and resource commitment can significantly influence the level of trust in cross-border relationships between service exporters and their overseas customers. This research enriches both business-to-business relationship marketing and export marketing literature streams and has important implications for international business practitioners.
Hotel Performance Impact of Socially Engaging with Consumers

User reviews have become a critical aspect of the travel research process, as evidenced, for instance, by TripAdvisor having over 350 million unique monthly visitors.1 One benefit of these posted reviews is that hotels can address issues raised by consumers in an effort to improve consumer satisfaction along with review scores. Given the importance of consumer reviews, one goal for hotels is to find ways to improve their social media performance (with a goal of boosting financial outcomes). In this report we examine the effects of reviews posted on TripAdvisor to look at non-operational and relatively inexpensive ways in which hoteliers can improve their performance, both on the review sites themselves and in terms of actual hotel revenue and sales performance.
An Empirical Analysis of the Correlation between CK Metrics, Test Coverage and Mutation Score

In this paper we investigate the correlation between test coverage, mutation score and object-oriented systems metrics. First we conducted a literature review to obtain an initial model of testability and existing object-oriented metrics related to testability. Thus we selected four open source system whose test cases were available and calculated the correlation between the metrics collected and the line coverage, branches coverage and mutation score. Preliminary results show that some CK metrics, which are strongly related to system’s design, influence mainly line coverage and mutation score, thus they can influence systems testability.
Augmenting Text Mining Approaches with Social Network Analysis to Understand the Complex Relationships among Users' Requests: A Case Study of the Android Operating System

Text mining approaches are being used increasingly for business analytics. In particular, such approaches are now central to understanding users' feedback regarding systems delivered via online application distribution platforms such as Google Play. In such settings, large volumes of reviews of potentially numerous apps and systems means that it is infeasible to use manual mechanisms to extract insights and knowledge that could inform product improvement. In this context of identifying software system improvement options, text mining techniques are used to reveal the features that are mentioned most often as being in need of correction (e.g., GPS), and topics that are associated with features perceived as being defective (e.g., inaccuracy of GPS). Other approaches may supplement such techniques to provide further insights for online communities and solution providers. In this work we augment text mining approaches with social network analysis to demonstrate the utility of using multiple techniques. Our outcomes suggest that text mining approaches may indeed be supplemented with other methods to deliver a broader range of insights.
Dimensions of Satisfaction in Retail Settings: A Research Note

ABSTRACT Taking issue with the prevalent practice of measuring customer satisfaction with a single global measurement item, this article stresses the importance of measuring customer satisfaction through its underlying dimensions, especially in retail settings. Empirical results of a survey of 351 consumers demonstrate that (a) consumer satisfaction with retail stores has 6 key dimensions, (b) the suggested dimensions of retail satisfaction predict overall satisfaction, and (c) the dimensions of retail satisfaction have a greater effect on overall satisfaction than SERVQUAL dimensions. However, the predictive power of the dimensions of retail satisfaction is still fairly low. Implications for retail management as well as academic research are outlined.
To Buy or Not to Buy: Indian Consumers' Choice of Online Versus Offline Channels for Air Travel Purchase

The Indian aviation industry has seen significant developments since the deregulation in 1994. The industry now has several major airline firms operating in both full-service and limited service (low cost) segments. By 2014, it is projected that India's airline sector will service nearly 100 million passengers spread over 200 million flight tickets. The Internet has also accentuated the growth and evolution of the market by facilitating greater transparency of prices combined with ubiquitous reach. However, little is known about this evolving domain of purchase behavior in the Indian context where multiple channels (both offline and online) prevail. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that determine offline versus online purchase behaviors of air travel tickets. Findings indicate that age, education, nature of Internet usage orientation, and the time spent online serve as key differentiators between offline and online options in the purchase of air travel tickets. Conceptual and practical implications for industry are discussed.
Improving Board Performance in Emerging Markets

The need for well-functioning boards is especially urgent in emerging markets because institutions that wish to promote good corporate behavior are often weak there. But since directors and shareholders in these regions face unique challenges, the wholesale adoption of Western corporate governance practices isn't necessarily the right answer. Six features of emerging markets significantly influence the effectiveness of boards there: a high concentration of ownership, weak recruitment processes and a shortage of experienced directors, poor focus, an inadequate supply of information, complex cultural traditions, and underdeveloped legal regimes. Overcoming these problems and creating a vibrant and constructive board environment will probably pay off in better performance and a lower cost of capital.
[Preoperative and postoperative serum VEGF-C levels and its clinical significance].

AIM To investigate the breast cancer patients before and after vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) levels and their clinical significance. METHODS Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) determination of 64 cases of breast cancer patients before surgery, serum levels of VEGF-C change, while the control group of 30 patients measured serum VEGF-C levels. RESULTS Breast cancer patients a month serum levels of VEGF-C expression compare to preoperative, and its expression level decreased significantly and showed statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Metastasis of breast cancer patients before serum levels of VEGF-C expression tha those without metastasis, showed statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Breast cancer preoperative serum VEGF-C expression was significantly higher than the normal control group, showed statistically significant difference (P<0.01). CONCLUSION VEGF in breast cancer growth and plays an important role in the increase of serum VEGF-C show a more aggressive biological behavior.
Beyond Remittances : The Effects of Migration on Mexican Households

The number of international migrants in the world increased by 21 million between 1990 and 2000, a 14 percent increase, resulting in 175 million people living in a country outside their birth (United Nations 2002). Remittances from migrants have grown rapidly over the same time, with developing countries receiving $126 billion in 2004 (Ratha 2005). The United States holds the largest stock of immigrants and is the source of the largest share of remittances. Mexicans are by far the largest immigrant group in the United States, and are estimated to amount to approximately 15 percent of Mexico’s working age population (Mishra 2003). The scale and growth in remittances has attracted increased intention regarding the development impact of these flows (for example, Ratha 2005; International Monetary Fund 2005). However, identifying the effects of remittances on households is difficult, because both the decision to migrate, and the decision among migrants of how much to remit, are likely to be related to the outcomes of interest. The chapter estimates the overall impact of Mexican migration to the United States on several household outcomes, and shows that migration has a number of impacts that are distinct from the direct effects of remittances. I draw on the findings of recent research I have conducted with Nicole Hildebrandt and Hillel Rapoport on the impact of migration on child health (Hildebrandt and McKenzie forthcoming), the probability of other community members migrating and on inequality in the sending community (McKenzie and Rapoport 2004), and education (McKenzie and Rapoport 2005).
Final results of the phase III, randomized, double-blind AVOREN trial of first-line bevacizumab (BEV) + interferon-α2a (IFN) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

5020 Background: In the AVOREN trial, BEV (Avastin) + IFN significantly improved PFS and ORR compared with placebo + IFN in pts with mRCC [Escudier, Lancet. 2007]. The study was unblinded after interim analysis due to significant superiority of BEV + IFN and the DSMB recommended crossover of pts from placebo to BEV (n = 13). We report here the results of the final analysis. METHODS Eligible pts had predominantly clear-cell mRCC, prior nephrectomy, no prior systemic therapy for metastatic disease, KPS ≥70%, no CNS metastases and adequate organ function. Pts were randomised to IFN (9MIU tiw) + BEV (10 mg/kg q2w) or placebo until disease progression. Primary endpoint was OS, with pre-planned stratified and unstratified analyses according to regional regulatory requirements. RESULTS 649 pts were randomised to BEV + IFN (n = 327) or placebo + IFN (n = 322). An independent radiological review confirmed previous investigator assessments, showing PFS of 10.4 vs 5.5 months (HR 0.57) and a response rate of 31% vs 12% in the two arms, verifying the robustness of the investigator analysis. At the time of final OS analysis (444 events), median follow-up was 22.9 months in the BEV arm and 20.6 months in the placebo arm. Final median OS stratified for region and Motzer score was 23.3 months in the BEV + IFN arm and 21.3 months in the IFN + placebo arm (HR 0.86 [95% CI: 0.72-1.04], p = 0.1291). No new or unexpected AEs were observed. More pts in the IFN + placebo arm than the BEV + IFN arm received post-protocol therapy, including TKIs, mTOR inhibitors, cytokines and chemotherapy: 180 (55%) in the BEV + IFN arm and 202 (63%) in the IFN + placebo arm. Exploratory analysis showed that median OS in pts receiving second-line TKI therapy (BEV + IFN, n = 96; IFN + placebo, n = 81) was 38.6 months vs 33.2 months (HR = 0.77 [95% CI: 0.51-1.15], p = 0.1948). Further subgroup analyses will be presented. CONCLUSIONS BEV + IFN is a first-line standard of care for pts with mRCC, improving PFS and ORR, with a trend toward improved OS, compared with IFN. The observed OS results may have been influenced by subsequent anti-neoplastic therapy, which was not prespecified in the protocol and represents an uncontrolled element of the OS analysis. [Table: see text].
Vector network analyzer (VNA) based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is an all-weather, day and night imaging tool. It can penetrate ground and foliage. In SAR imaging, a small antenna is mounted on platforms like aircraft, UAV or satellite and range profiles are collected along flight path and after applying SAR reconstruction algorithm to the recorded data, SAR image is obtained. In this work an X-band Step Frequency Continuous Wave (SFCW) based SAR imaging system has been developed using Rhode & Schwarz ZVB20 Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and antenna linear positioning system. The motor drive of antenna linear positioning system moves transmit and receive antennas to a cross-range position, stops and the antennas acquire range profile in frequency domain. This process is repeated at regular intervals along the guide-rail until the antennas reach the end of the rail. The recorded data is in the form of 2D data matrix. After the application of Range Migration Algorithm (RMA) to the recorded phase history data of range profiles, SAR image is reconstructed.
Cre reporter mouse expressing a nuclear localized fusion of GFP and β‐galactosidase reveals new derivatives of Pax3‐expressing precursors

A new Cre‐reporter strain of mouse has been developed that expresses a fusion protein derived from the lacZ gene fused to GFP with a nuclear localization signal. This construct is expressed from the ROSA26 locus upon Cre‐mediated recombination that removes a loxP‐flanked PGK‐neo cassette, thus allowing for detection of Cre activity in all tissues. This reporter strain, which is similar to prior R26R and R26EGFP strains, has certain advantages related to the nuclear expression and the combined expression of both β‐galactosidase and GFP activities. We show that the use of this newly developed reporter line allows for enhanced resolution, detection and co‐localization. Thus, we report a previously unrecognized subset of venous endothelial cells derived from Pax3 expressing precursors. genesis 46:200–204, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regional survey of temporary transvenous pacing procedures and complications

Objective: A prospective regional survey was carried out to describe the current practice of temporary transvenous pacing in five hospitals in the Wessex region and identify factors that predispose to complications. Methods: Data were collected on patient characteristics, pacing indication and setting, operator grade, training, experience and supervision, venous access, procedure time, duration of pacing, complications, and eventual outcome. Results: A total of 144 procedures were performed on 111 patients (age 75 (12) years). Median procedure time was 30 (1–150) min. Trainees performed 129 (91.5%) procedures. The senior physician present was a cardiologist/cardiology trainee for 65/144 (45.1%), and had experience of >20 procedures for 81/144 (57.9%). Venous access was by the subclavian in 52 (46.8%), internal jugular in 37 (33.3%) and femoral in 22 (19.8%), requiring multiple stabs or multiple sites in 41(33.1%). Pacing wires remained in place for a median of 2 (0.04–20) days. Overall procedure times were shorter for cardiologists/cardiology trainees (24[1–90] v 45[10–150] min, p<0.0001), and experienced physicians (30[1–150] v 40[10–120] min, p<0.01). There were 50 complications in 46/144 (31.9%) procedures, affecting 31/111 (27.9%) patients. Immediate complications were less common with experienced physicians (1/81 v 5/59, p<0.05). Infection occurred more often with wires left in situ for >48 hours (17/86 v 2/55, p<0.01) and with longer procedure times (55[8–150] v 30[1–120] min, p<0.005). No factors predicted displacement, which occurred at a median time of 1 (0.04–8) day. Complications delayed permanent pacemaker insertion in 19/63 (22.9%) patients. Conclusions: Temporary pacemaker insertion is performed by physicians with variable experience and training. The presence of an experienced cardiologist/cardiology trainee and decreasing the time that pacing wires remain in situ may reduce complications.
Continuous Infusion Vancomycin Through the Addition of Vancomycin to the Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Solution in the PICU: A Case Series*

Objectives: To describe our experience with achieving therapeutic serum vancomycin concentrations in pediatric continuous renal replacement therapy by using continuous infusion vancomycin by mixing vancomycin into the continuous renal replacement therapy solution. Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: A 189-bed, freestanding children’s tertiary care teaching hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Patients: Pediatric patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy from April 1, 2009, through December 31, 2014. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: There were a total of 21 patients who received continuous renal replacement therapy during the study period. Of these, 11 (52.3%) received vancomycin in the continuous renal replacement therapy solution. The median (range) concentration of vancomycin added to the continuous renal replacement therapy solution was 25 mg/L (18–35 mg/L). The mean vancomycin plateau level was 22.8 ± 3.3 mg/L. All patients achieved a serum vancomycin plateau level that was greater than 15 mg/L. There were no adverse events related to the addition of vancomycin to the continuous renal replacement therapy solution. Conclusions: The addition of vancomycin to the continuous renal replacement therapy solution(s) is an effective modality that is used for delivering vancomycin continuous infusion and for ensuring therapeutic vancomycin serum plateau levels in the setting of pediatric continuous renal replacement therapy. Further studies are required to evaluate whether this delivery method can lead to improved patient outcomes.
A Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway Is Required for μ-Opioid Receptor Desensitization*

The μ-opioid receptor mediates not only the beneficial painkilling effects of opiates like morphine but also the detrimental effects of chronic exposure such as tolerance and dependence. Different studies have linked tolerance to opioid receptor desensitization. Agonist activation of the μ-opioid receptor stimulates a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, but the functional significance of this pathway remains unclear. We have focused on the MAPK signaling cascade to study μ-opioid receptor desensitization. We report that inhibition of the MAPK pathway blocks desensitization of μ-opioid receptor signaling as well as the loss of receptor density due to internalization. Our results suggest that a feedback signal emanating from the MAPK cascade is required for μ-opioid receptor desensitization.
Underpricing of Seasoned Equity Offerings by Canadian Cross-Listed Firms in the Pre- and Post-Sarbanes-Oxley Periods

This paper examines the impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on underpricing of seasoned equity offerings by Canadian cross-listed firms and its determinants. It finds underpricing is not significantly different between the pre- and post-Sarbanes-Oxley periods. When distinguishing underpricing by two methods of choice for underwriting seasoned equity offerings -bought deals vs. firm commitment-, underpricing is higher for firm commitment than for bought deals during the overall period 1995-2008 and the post-Sarbanes period, after controlling for offer and firm characteristics. In addition, underpricing of bought deals and firm commitment are subject to different determinants for the pre- and post-Sarbanes periods, respectively. The main reason underpricing is high on firm commitment, after the passage of the Act, is for global offers. This suggests issuing equity globally has been unfavorable for firm commitment after the passage of the Act.
Remyelination after transient experimental compression of the spinal cord

The lesion produced in the cat by experimental transient spinal cord compression was examined by electron microscopy. Compression sufficient to produce reversible paraparesis is associated with a predominantly demyelinating lesion; more severe compression produces an increased amount of wallerian degeneration. Remyelination by oligodendrocytes commences in the third week. Complete myelin segments with many normal ultrastructural features are formed. The thickness of the new myelin increases with time but has still not reached adult values after 18 months. Schwann cells of peripheral origin remyelinate some central axons in the more severe lesions.
Leading to customer loyalty: a daily test of the service-profit chain

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore a dynamic version of the service-profit chain. The paper examines the relationship between daily leadership behaviors, daily job satisfaction and daily employee engagement on customer outcomes in a service-based context. Design/methodology/approach – Using multi-level, dyadic data from employees and customers, the paper used a diary (within-person) approach to investigate the proposed relationships on a daily basis. Data from employees (n = 29) collected over five days were matched specifically to customer data (n = 592) during the same time period. Findings – The findings suggest that daily transformational leadership behaviors positively affect daily job satisfaction and employee engagement, which subsequently affect beneficial customer outcomes (i.e. perceptions of quality, satisfaction and loyalty). Research limitations/implications – The relationship between employee attitudes and performance may have been underestimated in the past due to the way the.