Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactions of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor Axis and Vitamin D in Prostate Cancer Risk in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial

Some, but not all, epidemiologic studies report an association between vitamin D and prostate cancer risk. The inconsistent findings might be explained in the context of modification by members of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis. Data and specimens for this nested case-control study (n = 1695 cases and n = 1682 controls) are from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT). Baseline serum samples were assayed for 25(OH)D, IGF-1, IGF-2, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, and the ratio of IGF1:BP3, along with insulin-related markers c-peptide and leptin. The presence of prostate cancer was assessed by prostate biopsy. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for prostate cancer risk. There were no interactions between serum 25(OH)D and IGF analytes in relation to prostate cancer risk when PCPT treatment arms were combined. In the placebo arm, above median serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with increased risk of prostate cancer among men with higher IGF-2 (OR:1.33, 95% CI: 1.00–1.65), with a significant interaction between 25(OH)D and treatment arm (Pinteraction = 0.04). Additionally, there was an interaction between treatment arm and serum IGFBP-3 (Pinteraction = 0.03). Higher serum 25(OH)D may increase risk of prostate cancer in the presence of higher circulating IGF-2.
Relationship Characteristics as Moderators of the Satisfaction-Loyalty Link: Findings in a Business-to-Business Context

ABSTRACT The paper presents empirical evidence for conditions under which the relationship between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty will be stronger or weaker. Drawing on relational exchange theory the authors suggest that the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty will be weaker in the case of a highly relational exchange. Empirical findings in an international business-to-business context support this reasoning. The paper provides implications for practice and suggests a set of issues for future research.
Should patients reach certain knee function benchmarks before anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? Does intense ‘prehabilitation’ before anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction influence outcome and return to sports?

Recovery after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains imperfect, as shown by mediocre return to sports results in recent systematic reviews.1 In the March 2015 issue, Grindem et al 2 asked whether intense preoperative rehabilitation could improve outcome after ACL reconstruction. They compared preoperative and 2-year postoperative patient-reported knee function in two different cohorts of patients undergoing primary unilateral ACL reconstruction. One cohort included patients who underwent rehabilitation at a sports medicine clinic, ‘rehabilitation cohort’, and the other cohort consisted of patients in the Norwegian national registry, representing ‘usual care’. Patients in both cohorts were considered similar with respect to sex, age, time to surgery, graft and prevalence of concomitant injuries. In the rehabilitation cohort, patients underwent an intense 5-week preoperative rehabilitation programme, with the aim to regain at least 90% hamstring and quadriceps strength (as measured isokinetically in a seated position) and 90% hop performance, prior to surgery. ACL reconstruction was performed at one of seven different hospitals. The postoperative rehabilitation was …
The Composition and Organization of Photosystem I

Photosystem I, extensively studied in the past decade, was shown to be homologous in all photosynthetic organisms of the higher plants type. Its core complex was found to be highly conserved through evolution from cyanobacteria to higher plants. The genes coding for the subunits of CCI were isolated and the resulting sequences provided information about secondary structural elements. These suggested secondary structures enabled the prediction of the topology of these subunits in the photosynthetic membrane. Structural studies using both electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, on isolated particles as well as on the complexes in the photosynthetic membrane, led to a better understanding of the overall structure of CCI. Recently two forms of three dimensional crystals of CCI were obtained. These crystals contain all the original components of CCI (both protein and pigments); these components have not been altered by crystallization. It is expected that a detailed crystallographic analysis of these crystals, together with biochemical, spectroscopical and molecular biology studies, will eventually lead to the elucidation of the high resolution structure of the photosystem I core complex and to the understanding of the exact role and mode of action of this complex in the photosynthetic membrane.
Predicting telecare adoption on senior citizens in institution: Application of the technology acceptance model

Abstract Telecare is a twenty-first century trend. This study focuses on senior citizens in institution in Taiwan—its subjects of research—to investigate their prediction of telecare. This study is based on the definition as well as on the constructs related to technology acceptance model (TAM). The senior citizens in institution aged over 60 years, were selected as the subjects of this research. A total of 400 copies of a questionnaire were collected. A Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is employed to examine the reliability and validity of the measurement model. Furthermore, the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique is employed to interpret the causal model. The results of this research reveal that the attitude toward using (ATT) is the most critical factor that affects the behavioral intention to use (BI) of telecare, followed by perceived usefulness (PU). This study discovers that the impact of perceived ease of use (PEOU) on the ATT of telecare is not yet statistically significant. This result isn’t consistent with other researches. The results of this research can help enhance the understanding pertaining to the relationship and reference of other important user variables in the choice of telecare by relevant researchers, technology developers, and policy makers.
Equity Issues in the Spanish Stock Market: Windows of Opportunity, Earnings Management or Market Timing?

We investigate whether the market sentiment and/or the specific operating performance of firms that conducted an equity issue on the Spanish stock market during the period 1993-2000 are related to the long-run stock-return underperformance in the year following the issue of small and medium firms. Our results reveal that equity issues were conducted by large firms just when the market showed optimistic expectations towards large firms in general. This overoptimism towards large issue firms was related to the 1990s technology boom in the case of initial public offerings (IPO), but we detect earnings management by large firms that conducted a seasoned equity offering (SEO). In this context, small and medium issuers took advantage of the investors' sentiment towards large firms in order to conduct their overpriced stock issues.
Unlabelled extra data do not always mean extra performance for semi‐supervised fault prediction

Abstract: This research focused on investigating and benchmarking several high performance classifiers called J48, random forests, naive Bayes, KStar and artificial immune recognition systems for software fault prediction with limited fault data. We also studied a recent semi‐supervised classification algorithm called YATSI (Yet Another Two Stage Idea) and each classifier has been used in the first stage of YATSI. YATSI is a meta algorithm which allows different classifiers to be applied in the first stage. Furthermore, we proposed a semi‐supervised classification algorithm which applies the artificial immune systems paradigm. Experimental results showed that YATSI does not always improve the performance of naive Bayes when unlabelled data are used together with labelled data. According to experiments we performed, the naive Bayes algorithm is the best choice to build a semi‐supervised fault prediction model for small data sets and YATSI may improve the performance of naive Bayes for large data sets. In addition, the YATSI algorithm improved the performance of all the classifiers except naive Bayes on all the data sets.
The ef fi cacy of azithromycin in pityriasis rosea : A randomized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial

Background: Macrolides are prescribed in the treatment of pityriasis rosea despite confl icting results of the limited number of studies evaluating their role in its treatment.Aim: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of azithromycin on the clinical course of pityriasis rosea. Methods: Seventy patients of pityriasis rosea were given either azithromycin (n = 35) or placebo (n = 35) and were followed-up at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Pruritus was assessed in both groups using the visual analogue scale (VAS) . Change in the pityriasis rosea severity score (PRSS) and in the VAS were recorded as outcome measures and were compared statistically. Results: The decrease in PRSS from baseline through 2, 4 and 6 weeks within both treatment (P < 0.001) and placebo (P < 0.001) arms was found to be statistically signifi cant; however, this change was not signifi cantly different in the two groups (P = 0.179). Similarly, the decrease in VAS was found to be statistically signifi cant within both groups (P < 0.001); however, the change was comparable between the two groups (P < 0.937). Analysis by Fisher’s exact test did not fi nd a signifi cant difference between the two groups for PRSS and VAS. Conclusion: Azithromycin is not effective in pityriasis rosea and the use of macrolides for this disease should not be encouraged in clinical practice.
Shareholder Value Creation and Corporate Governance: Evidence on Acquisitions from EU 2004 Accession Countries

This thesis focuses on analyzing the short-term wealth effects of mergers and acquisitions of firms from 2004 EU accession countries (the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Slovak Republic, and Slovenia), announced over a period from 1999 to 2010, to the shareholders of the acquiring companies. The analysis performed shows that over the last decade the acquirers, on average, experienced a positive and statistically significant abnormal return of 1.11% over a three-day event window around the announcement of acquisitions. These results suggest that M&As performed on the markets of the eight recent EU member states are expected to generate value to the acquirers. The documented wealth effects of M&As in 2004 EU accession countries are similar to the returns detected in other European studies. Next, value gains for domestic and cross-border acquisitions are differentiated in order to determine if the shareholders of foreign firms experience significantly lower value gains relative to shareholders of local acquirers on the announcement of acquisitions in 2004 EU accession countries. Weakly significant announcement effect of 2.17% was estimated for domestic acquirers relative to a statistically significant announcement effect of 0.67% for foreign acquirers. However, the analysis does not show a statistically significant difference between these returns. The results from an analysis of the corporate governance determinants of the market reactions shows that the differences in the quality of investor protection between the acquirer and target countries are partially accountable for explaining the short-term wealth effects to the acquiring shareholders in cross-border acquisitions on the markets of the eight recent EU member countries. The results suggest that firms from the 2004 EU accession countries which have a strong minority shareholder rights protection and that were acquired by firms from countries with a low minority shareholder protection will generate lower abnormal returns for the acquirer in cross-border acquisitions.
Neural progenitor cells engineered to secrete GDNF show enhanced survival, neuronal differentiation and improve cognitive function following traumatic brain injury

We sought to evaluate the potential of C17.2 neural progenitor cells (NPCs) engineered to secrete glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to survive, differentiate and promote functional recovery following engraftment into the brains of adult male Sprague–Dawley rats subjected to lateral fluid percussion brain injury. First, we demonstrated continued cortical expression of GDNF receptor components (GFRα‐1, c‐Ret), suggesting that GDNF could have a physiological effect in the immediate post‐traumatic period. Second, we demonstrated that GDNF over‐expression reduced apoptotic NPC death in vitro. Finally, we demonstrated that GDNF over‐expression improved survival, promoted neuronal differentiation of GDNF‐NPCs at 6 weeks, as compared with untransduced (MT) C17.2 cells, following transplantation into the perilesional cortex of rats at 24 h post‐injury, and that brain‐injured animals receiving GDNF‐C17.2 transplants showed improved learning compared with those receiving vehicle or MT‐C17.2 cells. Our results suggest that transplantation of GDNF‐expressing NPCs in the acute post‐traumatic period promotes graft survival, migration, neuronal differentiation and improves cognitive outcome following traumatic brain injury.
Relevance of urinary S100B protein levels as a short-term prognostic biomarker in asphyxiated infants treated with hypothermia

Abstract The initial diagnosis of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is based on nervous system clinical manifestations. The use of biomarkers to monitor brain injury and evaluate neuroprotective effects allows early intervention and treatment. This study was designed to determine the short-term prognostic significance of urinary S100B calcium-binding protein (S100B) in asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia. An observational prospective study was conducted over a period of 5 years in 31 newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy who received therapeutic hypothermia. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A (13 newborns with a normal neurological examination before discharge) and Group B (18 newborns who died during admission or had an abnormal neurologic examination before discharge). Urinary S100B was the main variable, serum S100B and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were considered as secondary variables, and all of them were assessed on the first 3 days of life. The newborns were subsequently divided into groups with normal and abnormal electrophysiological and imaging findings. Mean urinary S100B levels were significantly higher in group B than group A on day 1 (10.58 ± 14.82 vs 4.65 ± 9.16 &mgr;g/L, P = .031) and day 2 (5.16 ± 7.63 vs 0.88 ± 2.53, P = .002). The optimal cutoff for urinary S100B on day 1 was >1.11 &mgr;g/L of (sensitivity, 100%; specificity 60%) for the prediction of neonatal death and < 0.66 &mgr;g/L (sensitivity 83% and specificity 70%) for the prediction of a normal neurological examination before discharge. It was not possible to calculate cutoffs with a similar accuracy for serum S100B or NSE. Urinary S100B on day 1 was higher in patients with abnormal magnetic resonance imaging findings (7.89 ± 8.09 vs 4.49 ± 9.14, P = .039) and abnormal positron emission tomography findings (8.60 ± 9.29 vs 4.30 ± 8.28, P = .038). There were no significant differences in S100B levels between patients with normal and abnormal electroencephalography results. Urinary S100B measured in the first days of life can predict neonatal death and short-term prognosis in asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia. The method is convenient, noninvasive, and has a higher sensitivity and specificity than measurement of serum S100B or NSE.
HANDLING NONRESPONSE IN LOGISTICS RESEARCH

Assessing and controlling for nonresponse bias is critical for the validity and reliability of survey-based logistics research. In order to gain a better understanding of how researchers assess and report nonresponse bias in their studies, we analyzed articles published from 1998 through 2007 in three top logistics journals (International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, Journal of Business Logistics, Transportation Journal). We describe and explore how nonresponse has been handled in these articles. Our findings show that first, survey response rates have declined over time; this influences the generalizability of survey results in case of nonresponse. Second, an average of 44% of published mail survey articles does not mention tests for detecting nonresponse bias.
Tourist Transportation Problems and Guidelines for Developing the Tourism Industry in Khon Kaen, Thailand

Lack of public transportation and traffic jams are major issues in many tourist destinations. In this study, we present the tourism-related problems of Khon Kaen, Thailand, and provide guidelines to develop its tourism industry. We performed in-depth interviews with 30 tourists, 20 local residents, and 5 government agencies in the Khon Kaen municipality. In addition, we did a small group discussion by inviting 5 tourists, 5 local residents, 5 government agencies, and 3 academicians to discuss ways to improve tourist transportation in Khon Kaen. From the study, we found that Khon Kaen lacks public transportation. We also found that, although the city can be reached by air, the current flight options are not enough to meet the needs of passengers; furthermore, the city’s rail transportation needs to be developed, and there is no municipal bus service around the city or between the city and the airport. To develop transportation guidelines for the tourism industry, local governments, especially in the Khon Kaen municipality, should host an initiative and bring all stakeholders together to solve the problem. In addition, a city bus system needs to be developed immediately, and a public transportation network that links to tourist attractions is also important because it is difficult for tourists to access attractions if they do not have private transportation. Finally, public facilities such as toilets, as well as walkways for disabled people and elderly, also need to be developed, but with environmentally sustainable designs.
Steady as She Goes: Rethinking Dry Cow Nutrition

Too many dairy operations continue to struggle with a high incidence of metabolic disorders and infectious diseases around calving. Transition health problems have a large negative effect on profitability through increased veterinary expenses, decreased milk production, impaired reproductive performance, and premature culling or death. The transition period has been the subject of intense research and field emphasis; yet practical management strategies to minimize health problems, while still promoting high milk production, have remained controversial. Although not the focus of this paper, aspects of management such as overcrowding, feeding space, cow comfort, and movement among groups are emerging as likely the most important determinants of transition success (Cook and Nordlund, 2004; Cook, 2007).
Live recombinant Lactococcus lactis vaccine expressing aerolysin genes D1 and D4 for protection against Aeromonas hydrophila in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Aims: To evaluate a live recombinant Lactococcus lactis vaccine expressing aerolysin genes D1 (Lac‐D1ae) and/or D4 (Lac‐D4ae) in protection against Aeromonas hydrophila in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).
The Effective Tax Rate of the Largest US and EU Multinationals

This paper compares the effective tax rates of the 100 largest US multinationals to the 100 largest EU multinationals for the period 2001-2010, based on financial disclosures. The paper finds that despite the higher US statutory rate the effective tax rates are comparable and that EU multinationals tend to have a higher effective tax rate. The likely explanation is that EU corporate taxes have a broader base. The paper concludes that current US tax law does not subject US based multinationals to a competitive disadvantage against their EU based competitors.
Adaptive rejection of non-linear disturbances in extended non-linear output feedback systems

This paper deals with asymptotic rejection of disturbances generated from non-linear exosystems for uncertain nonlinear systems in an extended output feedback form, which allows the vector field coupled with the system input to have different nonlinear functions of the system output as its elements. A new internal model design is proposed to deal with nonlinear functions of the system output that are coupled with the input and the unknown disturbance. Adaptive control techniques are then used to deal with the uncertainty in the system. The proposed adaptive disturbance rejection algorithm with the new internal model design ensures the asymptotic rejection of the unknown nonlinear disturbance and the boundedness of all the variables.
Direct Protection by a Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analog from Doxorubicin-Induced Granulosa Cell Damage

Background/Aims: Recent clinical applications suggest a beneficial effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) as a gonadal protector from chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian failure. This study aimed to determine cellular mechanisms involved in the protective action of GnRHa against granulosa cell damage caused by doxorubicin. Methods: Granulosa cells were obtained by ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization, and screened for GnRH receptor expression prior to analyses. The cellular function was assessed by measuring the conversion of exogenously supplied androstenedione to estradiol-β (E2) in response to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (1 µM). Results: Exposing to doxorubicin for 12 h before FSH stimulation caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the E2 secretion to a minimum level of 20% of control. When the cells were incubated with a GnRHa for 12 h before and during exposure to doxorubicin, granulosa cells produced an equal level of E2 to that of control cells. The protective action of GnRHa was dose-dependent; a half-maximal effect occurred at 10 nM. Preincubation with GnRHa alone had no effect on FSH-induced E2 production. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that a GnRHa may retard doxorubicin-induced granulosa cell damage, suggesting an additional GnRH activity to protect the gonads during chemotherapy through GnRH receptor-mediated mechanism(s).
Revisiting the smiling service worker and customer satisfaction

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine if the service worker's display of smiles in the service encounter has an effect on customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach – An experimental design was used in which participants (N=220) were randomly allocated to one of four service encounters. Two variables were manipulated; the service worker with whom the participant interacted had either a neutral facial expression or a smiling facial expression, and the service worker was either male or female.Findings – The smiling service worker produced a higher level of customer satisfaction than the neutral service worker, regardless of the sex of the service worker (and the sex of the participant). In addition, the results indicate that this outcome involved both emotional contagion and affect infusion.Originality/value – This paper extends the service literature's discourse on the impact of the service worker's smile behavior on customer satisfaction by including intermediate variables such as appra.