Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PD-L1 expression indicates favorable prognosis for advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients treated with pemetrexed

Conventional chemotherapy for lung cancer exerts anti-tumor effects through cytotoxicity, and through immunologic regulation by reducing specific T cell subsets and inducing the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) on tumor cells. Even though pemetrexed has shown huge potential in combination with other targeted or immune therapies, there is still little information about the values of specific immune checkpoint markers for advanced lung adenocarcinoma treated with pemetrexed. In the present study, a total of 56 patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma, who received pemetrexed-based chemotherapy, were included retrospectively. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess PD-L1, programmed death 1 (PD-1), thymidylate synthase, and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). In this cohort, the positive expression of PD-L1 and PD-1 were 26.8% and 33.9% respectively. PD-L1, PD-1, and thymidylate synthase expression were not significantly associated with any clinical features, while the expression of both PD-L1 and PD-1 were correlated with Ki-67 expression. Furthermore, the expression of PD-1 was significantly correlated with TILs. The progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with PD-L1+ specimens was significantly longer compared to PD-L1− specimens. Moreover, PD-L1 expression was an independent protective factor for PFS, and the smoking status was an independent risk factor. PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with better prognosis for patients with pemetrexed-based treatment. Our findings suggested that PD-L1 expression might be a favorable prognostic biomarker for pemetrexed-based regimen, which is a rationale for combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy for lung cancer.
Measuring the Impact of ACI in Cognitive Multi-Radio Mesh Networks

In this paper we address the impact of ACI on dynamic spectrum allocation in multi-radio systems. In particular, we present the benefits of dynamic spectrum allocation by adapting channel bandwidth and distance in order to mitigate ACI in multi-radio mesh networks. Based on our measurement campaign in an indoor mesh testbed, which we extended in order to use adaptive channel width, we evaluate the performance in terms of network throughput. We show that by using channel bandwidth adaptation and antenna separation, the impact of ACI can be significantly reduced. The performed experiments give important insights into ACI in multi-radio cognitive systems which help to develop e.g. better channel assignment algorithms or capacity estimation methods.
Knowledge Sharing for the Islamic Banking Sector in Malaysia

This study investigates the causes of resistance or support by knowledge workers to the sharing of knowledge. Today, banks are starting to understand the relevance and importance of knowledge sharing. They are also beginning to appreciate knowledge as the most significant and valued asset that leads to organizational performance. Hence, promising motivational factors are expected to be helpful in emphasizing the need for employees to share not only crucial knowledge but also new knowledge to further ensure that the banking industry possesses the competitive edge they seek. This study investigates and thoroughly examines the intrinsic (trust, learning, behavior) and extrinsic (organization culture, reward system information technology) motivational factors that encourage widespread knowledge sharing among bank employees, especially in the dynamic and ever-growing Islamic banking sector in Malaysia. The research findings provide useful information and help deepen the understanding of banks about motivating their employees’ tendencies to engage in knowledge sharing practices.
Maternal exposure to butyl paraben impairs testicular structure and sperm quality on male rats

Parabens are hormonally active chemicals widely used as preservatives in foods and are frequently detected in human fluids and tissues. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of maternal butyl paraben (BP) exposure on male sexual development. Pregnant Wistar rats received corn oil (control group), or BP at doses of 10, 100, or 200 mg/kg, subcutaneously, from gestational day 12 until postnatal day 21. Our results demonstrated that developmental BP exposure significantly increased the number of adult Leydig cells and the circulating concentrations of testosterone and attenuated FSH and LH concentrations at 200 mg/kg. BP exposure adversely affected spermatogenesis kinetics at doses of 10 and 200 mg/kg and provoked a decrease in the immunostaining of EsR1 and AR at 200 mg/kg. The sperm motility was impaired at the 10 mg/kg dose, and sperm head abnormalities were increased in all BP dose groups. We suggest that BP impairs testicular structure and function in the rat, affecting sperm quality. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1273–1289, 2017.
A novel hybrid of adaptive array and equalizer for mobile communications

The combination of the adaptive array and equalizer (AE) has been developed for suppressing the cochannel interference and the intersymbol interference (ISI) in mobile communications. In this paper, a novel hybrid of the adaptive array and equalizer (NHAE) system is proposed to combat the problems of insufficient degrees of freedom and mainbeam multipath interferers. The NHAE utilizes a modified training sequence to adjust the weight vector of the array that leads the array to cancel only the cochannel interferers. The ISI which is caused by the multipath interferers and the transmission system is removed by the equalizer following the array. Therefore, the array in the NHAE may need a fewer number of the elements than the conventional array which cancels both the cochannel interferers and multipath interferers. Besides, the presence of the mainbeam multipath interferers, which may seriously degrade the performance of the AE, has much less effect on the NHAE since it is suppressed by the equalizer instead of by the array. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the merits of the NHAE.
Limited proteolysis of native proteins: The interaction between avidin and proteinase K

Avidin is a tetramer of 16‐kDa subunits that have a high affinity for biotin. Proteolysis of native apoavidin by proteinase K results in a limited attack at the loop between β‐strands 3 and 4, involving amino acids 38–43. Specifically, sites of proteolysis are at Thr 40‐Ser 41 and Asn 42‐Glu 43. The limited proteolysis results in an avidin product that remains otherwise intact and which has enhanced binding for 4′‐hydroxyazobenzene‐2‐benzoic acid (HABA), a chromogenic reporter that can occupy the biotin‐binding site. Saturation of the biotin‐binding site with the natural ligand protects avidin from proteolysis, but saturation with HABA enhances the rate of proteolysis of the same site.
Giant Virus Megavirus chilensis Encodes the Biosynthetic Pathway for Uncommon Acetamido Sugars*

Background: Much evidence indicates that giant viruses, including Megavirus chilensis, possibly encode autonomous glycosylation systems. Results: The Megavirus genome encodes proteins involved in the synthesis of 2-acetamido-2,6-dideoxy hexoses. Conclusion: N-Acetyl-rhamnosamine that is found in the virion glycans is produced by a novel viral biosynthetic pathway. Significance: These results will help in understanding the origin and function of the virally encoded glycosylation machineries. Giant viruses mimicking microbes, by the sizes of their particles and the heavily glycosylated fibrils surrounding their capsids, infect Acanthamoeba sp. , which are ubiquitous unicellular eukaryotes. The glycans on fibrils are produced by virally encoded enzymes, organized in gene clusters. Like Mimivirus, Megavirus glycans are mainly composed of virally synthesized N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). They also contain N-acetylrhamnosamine (RhaNAc), a rare sugar; the enzymes involved in its synthesis are encoded by a gene cluster specific to Megavirus close relatives. We combined activity assays on two enzymes of the pathway with mass spectrometry and NMR studies to characterize their specificities. Mg534 is a 4,6-dehydratase 5-epimerase; its three-dimensional structure suggests that it belongs to a third subfamily of inverting dehydratases. Mg535, next in the pathway, is a bifunctional 3-epimerase 4-reductase. The sequential activity of the two enzymes leads to the formation of UDP-l-RhaNAc. This study is another example of giant viruses performing their glycan synthesis using enzymes different from their cellular counterparts, raising again the question of the origin of these pathways.
Dexamethasone stimulation of retinoic Acid-induced sodium iodide symporter expression and cytotoxicity of 131-I in breast cancer cells.

CONTEXT The sodium iodide symporter (NIS) mediates the active iodide uptake in the thyroid gland as well as lactating breast tissue. Recently induction of functional NIS expression was reported in the estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 by all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) treatment in vitro and in vivo, which might offer the potential to treat breast cancer with radioiodine. OBJECTIVE In the current study, we examined the effect of dexamethasone (Dex) on atRA-induced NIS expression and therapeutic efficacy of 131-I in MCF-7 cells. DESIGN For this purpose, NIS mRNA and protein expression levels in MCF-7 cells were examined by Northern and Western blot analysis after incubation with Dex (10(-9) to 10(-7) m) in the presence of atRA (10(-6) m) as well as immunostaining using a mouse monoclonal human NIS-specific antibody. In addition, NIS functional activity was measured by iodide uptake and efflux assay, and in vitro cytotoxicity of 131-I was examined by in vitro clonogenic assay. RESULTS After incubation with Dex in the presence of atRA, NIS mRNA levels in MCF-7 cells were stimulated up to 11-fold in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas NIS protein levels increased up to 16-fold and iodide accumulation was stimulated up to 3- to 4-fold. Furthermore, iodide efflux was modestly decreased after stimulation with Dex in the presence of atRA. Furthermore, in the in vitro clonogenic assay, selective cytotoxicity of 131-I was significantly increased from approximately 17% in MCF-7 cells treated with atRA alone to 80% in MCF-7 cells treated with Dex in the presence of atRA. CONCLUSION Treatment with Dex in the presence of atRA significantly increases functional NIS expression levels in addition to inhibiting iodide efflux, resulting in an enhanced selective killing effect of 131-I in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Insider Trading Before IPO Lockup Expiry Dates: The UK Evidence

We analyse the trading behaviour of insiders before the termination of IPO lockup arrangements of a sample of 831 IPOs on the London Stock Exchange over the period 1999 to 2007. We find that the average lockup period of 365 days is significantly higher than the 180 days in the US, and large insider trading activity occurs during this period as insiders sell in over-performing and buy in underperforming IPOs. The results suggest that this early trading activity is likely to be pre-arranged with the underwriters, and that, while the sell trades can be considered as an early release following good performance, the buy trades are likely to be undertaken to support the price of underperforming IPOs. These IPOs are also more likely to have longer lockup periods, larger proportion of shares locked up, and more likely to be backed by venture capitalists. The documented negative price reaction on lockup expiry dates is positively related to the probability of early buys of insiders, not early sells.
R&D Institutional Arrengements: Start-up vs. Internal Lab? ¤

Why do somerms choose to undertake their RD bynancing start-up companies, while otherrms do it in their internal labs? An establishedrm can choose to hire an idea owner as a scientist in its internal labs, or it maynance a start-up company as a corporate venture capitalist with the idea owner being a shareholder in it. We present a model where the choice of RD is driven by information asymmetries on the quality of the project between the corporate venture capitalist and the idea owner. In the complete information case extreme quality projects are developed in the corporation lab and there is an intermediary range of qualities that are developed as a start up. Once we allow for incomplete information, higher quality projects are more likely to be developed via start-uprms, while low quality ones will be assumed internally. This follows the empiricalndings of Jensen (1993). Two types of risk are identied. The higher the quality associated risk or the more di±cult to monitor the more likely the project to be developed as a new venture. Furthermore, the model is able to replicate the compensation behavior of scientists vis-a-vis start-up entrepreneurs.
Evaluating learning within professional enterprises: enterprise professional development

Professional development (PD) of professionals is an activity required by regulating authorities; however, the value that enterprises obtain from PD is often unknown particularly when PD involves knowledge development. The paper discusses measurement alternatives and provides a review of established evaluation techniques highlighting deficiencies in these methods for evaluating the on-going long term impact of PD. Enterprises need to understand the risks associated with PD as well as the impact of policies, processes and practices. The paper sets out the factors which affect the value added to the enterprise by PD (EPD) and provides details of the how this may be measured by developing an EPD Profile for a professional enterprise.
Exploring Supply Managers' Intrapreneurial Ability and Relationship Quality

This article examined the degree to which a supply manager's intrapreneurial ability influences the quality of individual-level relationships with internal customers and the supplier's account executive. The moderating influence of the buyer's firm-level commitment to the supplier and how these relationships subsequently impact supplier performance were explored. The study assessed the supply manager's intrapreneurial ability using survey data gathered from 110 supply managers across a variety of industries. In key supplier relationships, a supply manager's intrapreneurial ability positively influences the quality of internal and external relationships. The firm's commitment to the supplier weakens the relationship between intrapreneurial ability and relationship quality. The findings highlight the value of individual skills to enhance relationships The ability to behave intrapreneurially shapes the quality of internal and supplier relationships. However, only the supply manager's relationship with the supplier's account executive is related to supplier performance. By examining the impact of intrapreneurial ability on individual-level relationships with internal customers and supplier's account executive, a more comprehensive view of business-to-business relationship management in the supply chain is gained.
Repo Narratives as a Strategic Management Tool

This study seeks to address Li (2010) call for further research examining accounting items in the context of disclosure analysis. In particular this study seeks to explain the amount and type of repo narratives in 10-K filings through the legitimacy and agency theories. I find that in line with the legitimacy theory, in response to a legitimacy crisis, banks seek to increase their disclosures to address a legitimacy gap. This increase is most apparent for banks most exposed to the legitimacy threat. Further analysis reveals that the agency theory can be used to explain impression management in repo narratives. In this regard I find that higher liquidity risk and higher stock-based compensation are associated with increased impression management through the characterization of repo transactions as sales in repo narratives.
Governance Structures of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Create a Potential for Bad Governance; A Case Study of Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS)

This paper argues that in the context of best practice corporate governance, Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) governance structure does not conform to international best practice corporate governance principles such as the Combined Code (2003), King Code (2002, 2009), among others. Perhaps the structure was not intended to meet such high standards of governance because it (BURS) is a creation of an Act of the parliament of Botswana (mandatory), modelled in accordance with what is prescribed in the BURS Act of 2004. The researchers wonder why in this modern day and age, architects (parliamentarians) of the Act of parliament which brought about governance structures of BURS, chose to depart from what is considered international best practice governance as recommended under codes of best practice corporate governance. Second, the researchers also wonder whether the departure was by design or an oversight on the part of the architects of BURS governance structure. However, this aspect is not examined in this paper. Instead the paper investigates the extent of divergence between international best practice corporate governance and governance structures as recommended by BURS Act (2004), through a checklist. As such, the researchers conclude that the divergence of governance structures of BURS from international best practice has the potential to breed inter alia; incompetence, corruption, maladministration, dominance, cronyism and ultimately a weak institution. The results of this study have far reaching implications on governance structures not only of BURS but also other state owned enterprises (SOEs)/parastatal organisations in Botswana which are governed through Acts of parliament. First, this study generates debate on whether governance structures resulting from Act(s) of Botswana parliament promote poor governance practices prevalent in many SOEs in the African continent (e.g. lack of independence, transparency, accountability and responsibility, cronyism in management of SOEs, weak monitoring, payment of facilitation fees [bribes] and external influence by politicians). Second, it is anticipated that the results of the study may in future influence parliamentarians to consider the implications for the entire country, of crafting governance structures which concentrate power in the hands of a single individual. Third, it is hoped that the results of the study may conscientise architects of Acts of parliament that, poor governance practices may create negative perceptions in the minds of local and international investors on the suitability of a country as a safe and suitable destination for investment capital, ultimately scuppering efforts geared towards foreign direct investment.
Entrepreneurial marketing: acknowledging the entrepreneur and customer-centric interrelationship

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptualisation of entrepreneurial marketing drawn from recent developments in literature and supported by case evidence from firms leveraging an approach to marketing that explicitly considers the entrepreneur/customer interrelationship. The paper develops a model that puts the entrepreneur and customers and their interrelationship as the organisational drivers that exist in a wider environment of an organisation that embraces marketing augmented by a collection of non-traditional opportunity focused marketing strategy and tactics. Propositions are offered to stimulate and guide subsequent research efforts.
Tweeting about TV: Sharing television viewing experiences via social media message streams

Through content analysis of messages posted on Twitter, we categorize the types of content into a matrix — attention, emotion, information, and opinion. We use this matrix to analyze televised political and entertainment programs, finding that different types of messages are salient for different types of programs, and that the frequencies of the types correspond with program content. Our analyses suggest that Twitter picks up where formal social television systems failed: people are using the tool to selectively seek others who have similar interests and communicate their thoughts synchronous with television viewing.
Suture Anchors and Tacks for Shoulder Surgery, Part II

The use of suture anchors and tacks around the shoulder requires a thorough knowledge of the proper use of the devices and how to insert them. Although typically not technically demanding, suture anchors and tacks can present unique and frustrating challenges to the patient and the surgeon. These challenges can occur whether the procedure is performed via an open or arthroscopic approach, but knowledge of the potential challenges may optimize the surgical result and prevent complications. Complications can be categorized as technique-related or device-related issues (mechanical or biologic failure). Techniquerelated complications include problems with the delivery systems, anchor malpositioning, and suture management issues, such as knots not sliding. Device-related complications include implant fracture, migration secondary to poor fixation, synovitis from implant degradation, and osteolysis. This review describes the prevention of these and other complications, addresses the indications or need for intervention, and suggests potential solutions when intervention is indicated.
Determinants of New Product Development Team Performance: A Meta‐analytic Review

New product development (NPD) has become a critical determinant of firm performance. There is a considerable body of research examining the factors that influence a firm's ability to successfully develop and introduce new products. Vital to this success is the creation and management of NPD teams. While the evidence for the use of NPD teams and the factors that determine their success is accumulating, there is still a lack of clarity on the team-level variables that are most impactful on NPD success. This meta-analytic study examines the effects of NPD team characteristics on three different measures of success: effectiveness (market success), efficiency (meeting budgets and schedules), and speed-to-market, requiring incorporation of a broader set of team variables than previous studies in order to capture more factors explaining NPD outcomes. Unlike a typical empirical study that considered no more than two team variables to predict NPD performance, this study combines research spanning eight team variables including team input variables (team tenure, functional diversity, team ability, and team leadership) and team process variables (internal and external team communication, group cohesiveness, and goal clarity). Results from 38 studies were aggregated to estimate the meta-analytic effect sizes for each of the variables. Using the meta-analytic results, a path analytic model of NPD success was estimated to isolate the unique effects of team characteristics on NPD effectiveness and efficiency. Results indicate that team leadership, team ability, external communication, goal clarity, and group cohesiveness are the critical determinants of NPD team performance. NPD teams with considerable experience and led by a transformational leader are more successful at developing new products. Effective boundary spanning within and outside the organization and a shared understanding of project objectives are paramount to success. Group cohesiveness is also an important predictor of NPD outcomes confirming the importance of esprit de corps within the team. The findings provide product development managers with a blueprint for creating high-performance NPD teams.