Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term follow-up of a hospital-based, multi-intervention programme in type 2 diabetes mellitus: impact on cardiovascular events and death

Objective To report the long-term impact on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes and mortality of a 2-year hospital-based multi-interventional care programme as compared with general practitioner (GP)-provided standard care. Methods Patients with type 2 diabetes with ≥ 1 additional CV risk factor were randomized to 2 years of specialist-based, multi-intervention comprising lifestyle modification and specific pharmacological treatment, or GP-based standard care. After the 2-year intervention period, all participants returned to pre-study care, but were followed up for CV outcomes and mortality. The primary outcome was time to any first severe CV event or death. Results A total of 120 patients (31 women) were enrolled in the study. During the mean ± SD observational period of 8.7 ± 2.0 years, 27 patients (16 and 11 in the multi-intervention and standard care groups, respectively) experienced at least one primary outcome event, with a hazard ratio (HR) if allocated to the multi-intervention group of 1.73 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80, 3.75). The HR for total mortality was 1.82 (95% CI 0.66, 5.01). Conclusions Hospital-based multi-intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus improved long-term glycaemic control, but failed to reduce CV outcomes and deaths. Clinical trials.gov id: NCT00133718.
Macroeconomic Conditions and Capital Raising

Do macroeconomic conditions affect firms' abilities to raise capital? If so, how do they affect the manner in which the capital is raised? We address these questions using a large sample of publicly-traded debt issues, seasoned equity offers, bank loans and private placements of equity and debt. Our results suggest that a borrower's credit quality significantly affects its ability to raise capital during macroeconomic downturns. For noninvestment-grade borrowers, capital raising tends to be procyclical while for investment-grade borrowers, it is countercyclical. Moreover, proceeds raised by investment grade firms are more likely to be held in cash in recessions than in expansions. Poor market conditions also affect the structure of securities offered, shifting them towards shorter maturities and more security. Overall, our results suggest that macroeconomic conditions influence the securities that firms issue to raise capital, the way in which these securities are structured and indeed firms' ability to raise capital at all. This influence likely occurs primarily through the effect of macroeconomic conditions on the supply of capital.
Perceptions of innovation focused HRM and its impact on employee outcomes and organizational innovation in technology firms

This research focuses on the employees' perceptions of innovation focused HRM and the impact on creativity, innovative work behavior and organizational innovation. It integrates a number of streams of research and develops an innovation focused HRM system that particularly aims at employees’ perceptions. A measure for that system in form of a questionnaire is presented. The study further suggests a multi-level research model in which a positive relationship between employees' perceptions of such a system and organizational innovation is hypothesized, and creativity and innovative work behavior are introduced as mediating variables. The research is conducted with 54 employees from 4 manufacturing firms in the Netherlands and is able to provide a test for validity for the measure, resulting in a reliable index for employees' perceptions of an innovation focused HRM system. By means of correlation and regression analyses it is shown that on the individual level the perception of the presented system does positively influence employees' innovative work behavior. Some support is provided for the hypothesis regarding the impact on creativity as well. On the organizational level and regarding the impact on organizational innovation the data was inconclusive. Here, further research is merited and recommended.
Corporate Governance, Disclosure and Market Liquidity

This paper investigates how corporate decisions such as the choice of corporate governance mechanisms or information disclosure by management, affect firm stock liquidity. The model studies the interaction between a firm's manager and its shareholders and shows that the quality of the firm's dividend report, a result of this interaction, affects information asymmetry in the financial market, and therefore, liquidity. Interestingly, the effect of disclosure quality on liquidity is non-monotonical. The model also highlights the complementarity between internal and external corporate governance mechanisms. Thus, the optimal level of disclosure required to maximize market liquidity increases in the quality of the firm's internal corporate governance mechanisms.
Quality Online Banking Services

Using an already developed model for measuring the quality of online services, the authors of this thesis have developed and later on modified a theoretical model (instrument) for measuring the quality of online banking services in particular. Using quantitative research method including the design and distribution of a questionnaire, empirical data was collected on which statistical analysis has been performed. As a result of the conducted analysis, the initial theoretical model has been modified, so that the final version of the model (instrument) for measuring quality of online banking services includes four quality dimensions (Service Performance, Website Characteristics, Communication and Efficiency) with total of 17 items (questions). Furthermore, based on the modified theoretical model, customer satisfaction with different aspects of the online banking services has been evaluated. Based on the results of the Analysis of the Empirical Data, managerial recommendations are given. Suggestions for further research on quality of online banking services are also offered.
In Vitro Hydroxyurea Decreases Th1 Cell-Mediated Immunity

ABSTRACT Hydroxyurea (HU) is used in the treatment of hematologic disorders and is sometimes added to antiretroviral combination therapy to potentiate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) suppression. However, HU has toxic effects on rapidly dividing cells, including the effectors of the immune response. To determine whether HU affects specific T-cell responses, we measured lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production in response to microbial antigen and mitogen stimulation in the presence of added HU (10 to 1,000 μM). HU treatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from HIV-infected patients and uninfected controls decreased lymphocyte proliferation and gamma interferon production compared with untreated cells. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-10 production was not affected by HU. The HU-mediated decrease of lymphocyte proliferation was similar in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV-infected patients and from uninfected controls. The inhibitory effect of HU required continuous exposure to the drug and could be reverted by washing the drug out of the culture environment. These findings suggest that HU-containing therapeutic regimens might decrease Th1-cell-mediated immune responses in vivo.
Effects of the triple reuptake inhibitor amitifadine on extracellular levels of monoamines in rat brain regions and on locomotor activity

Major depressive disorder is a prevalent disease, and current pharmacotherapy is considered to be inadequate. It has been hypothesized that a triple reuptake inhibitor (TRI) that activates dopamine (DA) neurotransmission in addition to serotonin and norepinephrine (NE) circuitries may result in enhanced antidepressant effects. Here, we investigated the pharmacological effects of a serotonin‐preferring TRI‐amitifadine (EB‐1010, formerly DOV 21947). The effects of amitifadine (10 mg/kg ip.) on extracellular concentrations of monoamines and their metabolites in rat brain regions were investigated using the in vivo microdialysis technique. The effects of amitifadine on locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior were also evaluated. A major metabolite of amitifadine, the 2‐lactam compound, was investigated for inhibition of monoamine uptake processes. Amitifadine markedly and persistently increased extracellular concentrations of serotonin, NE, and DA in prefrontal cortex. The extracellular concentrations of DA were also increased in the DA‐rich areas striatum and nucleus accumbens. The extracellular concentrations of the metabolites of serotonin, 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and DA, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic and homovanillic acid, were also markedly decreased in brain regions. Amitifadine did not increase locomotor activity or stereotypical behaviors over a broad dose range. The lactam metabolite of amitifadine weakly inhibited monoamine uptake. Thus, amitifadine increased extracellular concentrations of serotonin, NE, and DA, consistent with TRI. Although amitifadine significantly increased DA in the nucleus accumbens, it did not induce locomotor hyperactivity or stereotypical behaviors. The enhancement of serotonin, NE, and DA in rat brain regions associated with depression suggest that amitifadine may have novel antidepressant activity. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patterns of Chromosomal Aberrations in Metastasizing and Nonmetastasizing Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Oropharynx and Hypopharynx

Although several cytogenetic events of the tumor progression cascade have been identified in the past, the specific types of chromosomal alterations that lead to the development of lymph node metastases are still unknown. Operative specimens of 20 patients (10 patients with metastasizing tumors, 10 patients with nonmetastasizing tumors) with squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx and hypopharynx, along with the corresponding lymph node metastases, were investigated by quantitative DNA measurements and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Nonmetastasizing tumors (N0) displayed overrepresentations on chromosomes 10q (8 cases); 5p (7 cases); 3q and 20q (6 cases each); 8q (5 cases); 1p and 21q (4 cases each); 7p and 20p (3 cases each); and 2p, 15q, and 19q (2 cases each). Loss of chromosomal material was found on 5q, 9p, and 14q (2 cases each). Metastasizing tumors (N+) demonstrated overrepresentations on chromosomes 5p, 15q, and 22q (6 cases each); 3q and 11q13 (5 cases each); 20p and 21q (4 cases each); and 10q (3 cases). In 2 cases, an overrepresentation of the chromosomal arm 3q was accompanied by a loss of chromosomal arm 3p. Less frequent overrepresentations were observed on chromosomes 1q and 17q. Deletions were found on chromosomes 18q (3 cases), 3p, 4q, 5q, and 19p (2 cases each); and sporadic deletions occurred on 2q, 6q, 8p, 9p, 10p, 13q, 14q, 15q, and 16q. Whereas overrepresentations on chromosomes 1p and 7p occurred exclusively in N0 tumors, overrepresentations on chromosomes 1q, 11q, and 22q, along with deletions on 18q, were only observed in N+ tumors. Quantitative DNA measurements revealed a significantly higher percentage of aneuploid cells and a higher degree of DNA entropy in the N+ tumors. Chromosomal overrepresentations on chromosomes 1q, 8q, 11q, 18q, and 19q occurred more frequently in the metastases than in the corresponding primary tumors. Pairwise analysis of chromosomal alterations in the primary tumors and associated lymph node metastases revealed a genetic relationship, although a greater number of chromosomes on average were affected in the lymph node metastases. Quantitative DNA measurements demonstrated greater aneuploid values in the metastases. Recurring patterns of chromosomal alterations in N0 and N+ tumors were demonstrated in this study. In general, metastasizing tumors are characterized by overrepresentations on chromosomes 11q13 and 22q, and deletions on 18q. These aberrations suggest an elevation along the tumor progression cascade.
Effects of tension at the site of coaptation on recovery of sciatic nerve function after neurorrhaphy: Evaluation by walking‐track measurement, electrophysiology, histomorphometry, and electron probe X‐ray microanalysis

The effects of tension at the site of coaptation on recovery of sciatic nerve function after neurorrhaphy were studied by evaluating walking‐track measurements, nerve conduction velocity measurements, histomorphometry, and electron probe X‐ray microanalysis. Forty adult male Lewis rats underwent right sciatic nerve (SN) transection followed by one of four different nerve repair procedures (N = 10 rats per group). In Group 1, the gap was repaired by end‐to‐end epineural coaptation. In Group 2, a 5‐mm segment of SN was resected, and the defect was repaired under high tension by epineural neurorrhaphy. In Group 3, a 5‐mm segment of SN was resected, and the defect was repaired with a 5‐mm interposition nerve graft. In Group 4, a 5‐mm segment of SN was resected. Then, to lessen the tension that follows neurorrhaphy, an anchoring suture was added. Finally, end‐to‐end coaptation was performed. Walking‐track analysis showed better functional recovery in Group 1 than in Group 2, and better recovery in Group 3 than in Group 2. Group 4 showed a tendency toward better recovery comparing with Group 2. Electron probe X‐ray microanalysis revealed higher Na, Cl, and K peaks in axoplasm accompanied by increase in the endoneural fluid pressure (EFP) in Group 2 than those of Group 1. This higher level of Na, Cl and K may be due to impairment of axonal sodium and potassium transport mechanism in Group 2. Increase in EFP may affect nerve regeneration. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 19:200–207 1999
Metallothionein Induction by Hypoxia Involves Cooperative Interactions between Metal-Responsive Transcription Factor-1 and Hypoxia-Inducible Transcription Factor-1α

Mammalian metallothionein (MT) genes are transcriptionally activated by the essential metal zinc as well as by environmental stresses, including toxic metal overload and redox fluctuations. In addition to playing a key role in zinc homeostasis, MT proteins can protect against metal- and oxidant-induced cellular damage, and may participate in other fundamental physiologic and pathologic processes such as cell survival, proliferation, and neoplasia. Previously, our group reported a requirement for metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) in hypoxia-induced transcription of mouse MT-I and human MT-IIA genes. Here, we provide evidence that the protumorigenic hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1α (HIF-1α) is essential for induction of MT-1 by hypoxia, but not zinc. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that MTF-1 and HIF-1α are both recruited to the mouse MT-I promoter in response to hypoxia, but not zinc. In the absence of HIF-1α, MTF-1 is recruited to the MT-I promoter but fails to activate MT-I gene expression in response to hypoxia. Thus, HIF-1α seems to function as a coactivator of MT-I gene transcription by interacting with MTF-1 during hypoxia. Coimmunoprecipitation studies suggest interaction between MTF-1 and HIF-1α, either directly or as mediated by other factors. It is proposed that association of these important transcription factors in a multiprotein complex represents a common strategy to control unique sets of hypoxia-inducible genes in both normal and diseased tissue. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(3):483–90)
How can commercial banks in Laos promote and sustain competitive advantage through practicing strategic leadership

i ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . ii TABLE OF CONTENTS . iii LIST OF TABLE AND FIGURES . vi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . vii Chapter One: Introduction . 1 1.1 Background . 1 1.2 Problem description . 2 1.3 Research aim and objectives . 5 1.3. 1 Research aim . 5 1.3. 2 Research objectives . 5 1.4 Research questions . 6 1.5 Hypothesis . 6 1.6 Data collection . 7 1.7 Outline of thesis . 7 Chapter Two: Literature Review . 9 2.1 Overview . 9 2.2 Concept of strategic leadership . 9 2.3 The important role of strategic leadership . 14 2.3. 1 The role of strategic leadership in promoting competitive advantage for an organisation . 14 2.3. 2 The role of strategic leadership in creating the effective strategic management process . 16 2.3. 3 The role of strategic leadership in increasing the effectiveness of top management teams . 18 2.4 Key capabilities of effective strategic leaders . 19 2.4. 1 Capability to develop and communicate a vision . 22 2.4. 2 Capability to build core competencies . 23 2.4. 3 Capability to develop and use human capital . 24 2.4. 4 Capability to invest and use the development of new technologies . 26 2.4. 5 Capability to engage in formulating and implementing strategy . 26 2.4. 6 Capability on building and maintaining an effective organisational culture . 28 2.4. 7 Capability on developing and implementing balanced controls . 29 iv 2.4. 8 Capability on engaging in ethical practices . 32 2.5 Summary . 34 Chapter Three: Research Methodology . 35 3.
The C‐terminal flavin domain of gp91phox bound to plasma membranes of granulocyte‐like X‐CGD PLB‐985 cells is sufficient to anchor cytosolic oxidase components and support NADPH oxidase‐associated diaphorase activity independent of cytosolic phospholipase A2 regulation

We have previously established a model of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2)‐deficient PLB‐985 cells and demonstrated that cPLA2‐generated arachidonic acid (AA) is essential for reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activation and NADPH‐dependent diaphorase activity. The present study focuses on the C‐terminal cytoplasmic domain of gp91phox (residues 283–570), which contains the NADPH binding and flavin adenine dinucleotide‐reducing center, to determine if this portion is regulated by AA. The gp91phox C‐terminal reductase domain was expressed in X‐CGD PLB‐985 cells lacking normal gp91phox (X‐CGD PLB 91CT cells) and was detected in the plasma membrane. It appears to be bound electrostatically to the plasma membrane, as it is eluted by high salt. Permeabilized, granulocyte‐like X‐CGD PLB 91CT cells lacking cPLA2 protein and activity, as well as AA release after stimulation, supported NADPH‐dependent diaphorase activity after stimulation, similar to granulocyte‐like X‐CGD PLB 91CT cells. Normal translocation of p47phox and p67phox to the membrane fractions of both stimulated cell types indicated that the gp91phox C‐terminal region is sufficient to anchor the cytosolic oxidase components to the membranes. cPLA2 translocated to membranes and bound the assembled oxidase in granulocyte‐like X‐CGD PLB 91CT cells after stimulation. Therefore, the assembled membrane‐bound oxidase complex encompassing the flavin domain of gp91phox provides a docking site for cPLA2 but is not the site of AA‐based regulation of oxidase activity.
Modeling and queueing analysis of variable-bit-rate coded video sources in ATM networks

Traffic models and queuing performance of variable-bit-rate (VBR) video sources in an asynchronous transfer model (ATM) network are studied. The VBR video source characteristics of four different coding schemes are examined. A discrete-time, discrete-state Markov chain, which has been successfully applied in the analysis of packetized voice traffic, is used to model the aggregate video traffic, with each VBR-coded source being modeled by a renewal process. The analysis indicates that the aggregate random arrival process at the input of the multiplexer tends to be more predictable (less random) than that of packetized voice traffic for the same normalized bit rate. It is shown that the parameters (link utilization, average queue size, average delay and cell loss rate) obtained for the Poisson process provide an upper bound for the VBR-coded video sources under consideration. <<ETX>>
Exploring the performance effects of key‐supplier collaboration: An empirical investigation into Swiss buyer‐supplier relationships

Purpose – To examine the conditions under which the proposed benefits of collaboration between a firm and its suppliers will occur.Design/methodology/approach – This paper examines buyer‐supplier relationships from the point of view of the buying firm. The paper is based on a Swiss sample of OEM‐supplier relationships. The research question is empirically tested employing a sample of 135 Swiss buyer‐supplier relationships and using structured equation modelling as well as multi‐group comparison to test for quasi‐moderation effects. In this paper it is investigated under which condition collaboration with key suppliers is beneficial for buyers. By linking collaboration with key performance measures and contrasting its effects with relational constructs like trust and dependence it is hoped to add to the growing literature on inter‐organizational relationships in supply chain contexts.Findings – The results demonstrate that supplier collaboration has a positive effect on buyer performance both in terms of i.
Supervised learning for neural manifold using spatiotemporal brain activity

Objective. Determining the means by which perceived stimuli are compactly represented in the human brain is a difficult task. This study aimed to develop techniques for the construction of the neural manifold as a representation of visual stimuli. Approach. We propose a supervised locally linear embedding method to construct the embedded manifold from brain activity, taking into account similarities between corresponding stimuli. In our experiments, photographic portraits were used as visual stimuli and brain activity was calculated from magnetoencephalographic data using a source localization method. Main results. The results of 10 × 10-fold cross-validation revealed a strong correlation between manifolds of brain activity and the orientation of faces in the presented images, suggesting that high-level information related to image content can be revealed in the brain responses represented in the manifold. Significance. Our experiments demonstrate that the proposed method is applicable to investigation into the inherent patterns of brain activity.