Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Phase I Dose Escalation Study of Weekly Docetaxel and Carboplatin in Elderly Patients With Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer

Objective:We conducted a phase I dose escalation study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the recommended dose (RD), and the safety profile of a weekly docetaxel and carboplatin combination regimen in the treatment of elderly patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and methods:Chemotherapy-naive patients with stage IIIB and IV NSCLC, >70 years of age, performance status (ECOG) 0–2, with adequate bone marrow, renal, liver and cardiac function, were treated with docetaxel and carboplatin. Docetaxel was given at escalated doses starting from 20 mg/m2/wk on days 1, 8, and 15, with an increment of 5 mg/m2 followed by carboplatin also administered at escalated doses starting from AUC 4 to 6 (mg/ml/min); the regimen was administered every 4 weeks. The dose limiting toxicity (DLT) of the regimen was assessed during the first chemotherapy cycle. Results:There were 25 patients enrolled in this study and assessed for safety. Neutropenia was the main DLT of the regimen; grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 5 patients (20%). Hematologic toxicities were mild, and included grade 3 thrombocytopenia in 1 patient (4%) and grade 3 anemia in 1 patient (4%). Nonhematologic toxicities were generally mild, and included grade 3 constipation in 1 patient (4%) and grade 3 renal disorder in 1 patient (4%). Objective responses were seen in 9 patients (response rate 36%). Conclusions:The MTD was carboplatin AUC 5 on day 1 and docetaxel 30 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15; therefore, the RD for the phase II study is carboplatin AUC 5 and docetaxel 30 mg/m2. The combination of docetaxel and carboplatin is a feasible and well-tolerated regimen for the treatment of elderly patients with advanced NSCLC. This regimen merits further investigation in phase II trials.
Manipulation of Antioxidant Pathways in Neonatal Murine Brain

To assess the role of brain antioxidant capacity in the pathogenesis of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, we measured the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in both human-superoxide dismutase-1 (hSOD1) and human-GPX1 overexpressing transgenic (Tg) mice after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). We have previously shown that mice that overexpress the hSOD1 gene are more injured than their wild-type (WT) littermates after HI, and that H2O2 accumulates in HI hSOD1-Tg hippocampus. We hypothesized that lower GPX activity is responsible for the accumulation of H2O2. Therefore, increasing the activity of this enzyme through gene manipulation should be protective. We show that brains of hGPX1-Tg mice, in contrast to those of hSOD-Tg, have less injury after HI than WT littermates: hGPX1-Tg, median injury score = 8 (range, 0–24) versus WT, median injury score = 17 (range, 2–24), p < 0.01. GPX activity in hSOD1-Tg mice, 2 h and 24 h after HI, showed a delayed and bilateral decline in the cortex 24 h after HI (36.0 ± 1.2 U/mg in naive hSOD1-Tg versus 29.1 ± 1.7 U/mg in HI cortex and 29.2 ± 2.0 for hypoxic cortex, p < 0.006). On the other hand, GPX activity in hGPX1-Tg after HI showed a significant increase by 24 h in the cortex ipsilateral to the injury (48.5 ± 5.2 U/mg, compared with 37.2 ± 1.5 U/mg in naive hGPX1-Tg cortex, p < 0.008). These findings support the hypothesis that the immature brain has limited GPX activity and is more susceptible to oxidative damage and may explain the paradoxical effect seen in ischemic neonatal brain when SOD1 is overexpressed.
Implementation and Validation of Bioplausible Visual Servoing Control

Abstract : In this report, we compare the performance of the Lucas-Kanade algorithm with feature tracking with the bioplausible optical flow algorithm to achieve pose stabilization in the context of one-dimensional (1-D) attitude stabilization. These results have been benchmarked against an ideal controller in both simulation and robotic experimentation. Within both environments, the accuracy, stability, and settling time were evaluated as a function of contrast and system noise. Both algorithms achieved reasonable performance when compared to the ideal controller, but in most cases the Lucas-Kanade algorithm outperformed the bioplausible algorithm. Within the evaluated serial implementation, the Lucas-Kanade algorithm was also faster. It is anticipated that both performance and processing speed will improve for the bioplausible algorithm when it is implemented in a parallel instantiation.
Intensive language training in the rehabilitation of chronic aphasia: Efficient training by laypersons

Intense language training has been found to be more efficient in the rehabilitation of chronic aphasia than treatment spread across time. Intense treatment, however, challenges personnel and financial resources of the health care system. The present study examined, whether laypersons can be trained to apply standardized language training for chronic aphasia with effects comparable to training by experts. Twenty individuals with chronic aphasia participated in the training, Constraint-Induced Aphasia Therapy (CIAT), which comprises communicative language games with increasing level of difficulty in a motivating context for 3 hr/day on 10 consecutive days. Following a random-control design, training was applied either by experienced therapists (n = 10) or trained laypersons (n = 10). Standardized language assessments revealed significant within-group improvements, however, between-group differences were not present. We conclude that a standardized training program, such as CIAT, can be efficiently accomplished by trained laypersons with results comparable to that of experienced therapists. (JINS, 2007, 13, 846–853.)
A short German Physical-Self-Concept Questionnaire for elementary school children (PSCQ-C): Factorial validity and measurement invariance across gender

ABSTRACT Research on children’s physical self-concept (PSC) is increasingly recognised as an important field of psychology. However, there is a lack of instruments suitable for younger children at elementary school age. In the present study, a short German 21-item Physical Self-Concept-Questionnaire for children (PSCQ-C) was tested measuring seven specific facets of elementary school children’s PSC (strength, endurance, speed, flexibility, coordination, physical appearance, global sport competence). A number of 770 elementary school children aged 8–12 years completed the PSCQ-C. Results showed good psychometric properties and high reliabilities of the seven scales. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the presumed 7-factor model fitted the data best compared to a global 1- and 2-factor model. Also, full measurement invariance was strongly established. Correlations among the seven scales were mainly moderate. Gender differences were suggestive of developmental trends that are consistent with prior studies. These results provide support that the PSCQ-C is a confidential instrument with sound psychometric properties measuring seven specific facets of elementary school children’s PSC.
A STRATEGY FOR FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF CODES OF ETHICS IN PUBLIC SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Codes of ethics in public service organizations are designed to serve three purposes: provide enduring solutions to existing ethical problems, educate the public about the mission of the organization, and foster an ethical climate in the organization. There is no agreement in the literature as to how useful and effective codes are. This paper argues that codes of ethics can be effective with respect to these three goals, only if careful attention is given to the process of internalization of the code's provisions. Internalization is most likely to occur under two interrelated conditions: when members of an organization clarify, articulate, and establish integrated values systems; and when the ethical code is formulated and adopted as a consequence of a participatory democratic process. When members of the organization are able to relate the code's provisions to their personal integrated values systems, a greater compliance and commitment will prevail.
Coupled hidden semi-Markov conditional random fields based context model for semantic map building

Semantic map is the foundation for mobile robots to understand its environment. By considering the semantic mapping problem as a semi-Markov process, a new hierarchical semi-Markov random field is proposed for this task. The proposed model can use multiple contextual information to label the places and objects in map and can partition the observations into spacial and semantic consistent sub-sequences each of which corresponding to a place. The proposed model is called coupled hidden semi-Markov conditional random fields (CHSM-CRFs). According to the structure of CHSM-CRFs, a piecewise learning algorithm and an approximating online inference algorithm based on Monte Carlo sampling are proposed for it. Experimental results with a mobile robot prove that the proposed method has high precision for labeling the places and objects in sematic mapping.
Number of children and later-life mortality among Finns born 1938–50

We investigated the association between number of offspring and later-life mortality of Finnish men and women born 1938–50, and whether the association was explained by living conditions in own childhood and adulthood, chronic conditions, fertility timing, and unobserved characteristics common to siblings. We used a longitudinal 1950 census sample to estimate mortality at ages 50–72. Relative to parents of two children, all-cause mortality is highest among childless men and women, and elevated among those with one child, independently of observed confounders. Fixed-effect models, which control for unobserved characteristics shared by siblings, clearly support these findings among men. Cardiovascular mortality is higher among men with no, one, or at least four children than among those with two. Living conditions in adulthood contribute to the association between the number of children and mortality to a greater extent than childhood background, and chronic conditions contribute to the excess mortality of the childless.
Hampered long-term depression and thin spine loss in the nucleus accumbens of ethanol-dependent rats

Significance This paper examines the intimate neuroarchitecture of the nucleus accumbens shell region and how it affects synaptic plasticity in alcohol-dependent rats. To do so, a simultaneous morphometrical/immunofluorescence method was applied to visualize various types of dendritic spines and patch-clamp techniques to detect changes in synaptic currents. Using these tools, we show a selective loss of “long thin” spines accompanied by an impaired long-term depression (LTD) in alcohol-dependent rats. Dopaminergic and glutamatergic signaling are similarly altered. The results highlight the role of long thin dendritic spines in the genesis of LTD in alcohol dependence. Alcoholism involves long-term cognitive deficits, including memory impairment, resulting in substantial cost to society. Neuronal refinement and stabilization are hypothesized to confer resilience to poor decision making and addictive-like behaviors, such as excessive ethanol drinking and dependence. Accordingly, structural abnormalities are likely to contribute to synaptic dysfunctions that occur from suddenly ceasing the use of alcohol after chronic ingestion. Here we show that ethanol-dependent rats display a loss of dendritic spines in medium spiny neurons of the nucleus accumbens (Nacc) shell, accompanied by a reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining and postsynaptic density 95-positive elements. Further analysis indicates that “long thin” but not “mushroom” spines are selectively affected. In addition, patch-clamp experiments from Nacc slices reveal that long-term depression (LTD) formation is hampered, with parallel changes in field potential recordings and reductions in NMDA-mediated synaptic currents. These changes are restricted to the withdrawal phase of ethanol dependence, suggesting their relevance in the genesis of signs and/or symptoms affecting ethanol withdrawal and thus the whole addictive cycle. Overall, these results highlight the key role of dynamic alterations in dendritic spines and their presynaptic afferents in the evolution of alcohol dependence. Furthermore, they suggest that the selective loss of long thin spines together with a reduced NMDA receptor function may affect learning. Disruption of this LTD could contribute to the rigid emotional and motivational state observed in alcohol dependence.
Price Adjustment Delays and Arbitrage Costs: Evidence from the Behavior of Convertible Preferred Prices

Abstract Price adjustment delays occur between in-the-money convertible preferred stock prices and common stock prices. Convertible preferred prices systematically deviate from the prices predicted from their conversion relations with common stocks. The price predictability stems from price changes in the underlying common stocks leading the price changes in the convertible preferred stocks by up to nine hours. Cross-sectionally, about 70 percent of the variation in the unsigned size of the price deviations is explained by proxies for costs of arbitrage.
Fas Ligand-Expressing B-1a Lymphocytes Mediate CD4+-T-Cell Apoptosis during Schistosomal Infection: Induction by Interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-10

ABSTRACT A previous study of the murine model of Schistosoma mansoni infection has implicated splenic CD19+ B lymphocytes as Fas ligand (FasL)-bearing mediators of CD4+ T-lymphocyte apoptosis. The present study shows that B-cell deficiency leads to decreased CD4+ T-cell apoptosis during infection and compares FasL expression and killer function of B-1a- and CD5− B-lymphocyte subsets. B-1a cells from uninfected mice displayed constitutive expression of FasL compared with that of CD5− B cells. FasL expression was enhanced following worm egg deposition and antigenic stimulation on both subsets of B cells. Purified B-1a cells from uninfected mice were potent effectors of CD4+ T-cell apoptosis, and the killing effect was enhanced during schistosome infection. FasL expression by splenic B cells required CD4+-T-cell help that was replaced by addition of culture supernatants from antigen-stimulated splenocytes of infected mice. The culture-supernatant-stimulated FasL expression was inhibited by anti-interleukin 10 (IL-10) and anti-IL-4 antibodies. Culture of purified B cells with recombinant IL-4 (rIL-4), rIL-10, and soluble egg antigens (SEA) led to increased expression of FasL on B-1a cells. These results suggest that FasL-expressing, splenic B-1a cells are important mediators of SEA-stimulated CD4+-T-cell apoptosis and that maximal FasL expression on B-1a cells is dependent on antigenic stimulation and the presence of IL-4 and IL-10.
Spatial Price Competition: A Semiparametric Approach

We investigate the nature of price competition among firms that produce differentiated products and compete in markets that are limited in extent. We propose an instrumental variables series estimator for the matrix of cross price response coefficients, demonstrate that our estimator is consistent, and derive its asymptotic distribution. Our semiparametric approach allows us to discriminate among models of global competition, in which all products compete with all others, and local competition, in which products compete only with their neighbors. We apply our semiparametric estimator to data from U.S. wholesale gasoline markets and find that, in this market, competition is highly localized.
The New and Changing Roles of Cold Storages in the Potato Supply Chain in Bihar

There have been dramatic increases and rapid up-scaling of modern cold storages in Bihar, one of the poorest states in India and an area where smallholders dominate. These investments have been triggered by market reform, investment subsidies, and better overall public service provision and governance. Almost all potato farmers, small and large, participate in cold storages, the availability of cold storages is associated with improved efficiency in value chains because of lower wastages, and a number of these cold storages have become involved in input, output, and especially credit markets. The increasing availability of modern cold storages has therefore led to important changes in potato value chains, with significant implications for smallholders.
Price transmission along the food supply chain in Slovakia

This article examines the price relationship along the food supply chain in Slovakia. We analyse a long-run relationship between farm and retail level in the vertical chain of milk, beef, pork, chicken, potatoes and apples. A cointegration approach is used to study the long-run relationship. We test for the existence of a structural break in the time series data (Gregory Hansen test) in the period observed and allow for the existence of a non-linear relationship between prices at various levels of the vertical chain by using threshold autoregressive models. We find evidence of asymmetry in price transmission along the food supply chain.
Contributions of regional transport and local sources to ozone exceedances in Houston and Dallas: Comparison of results from a photochemical grid model to aircraft and surface measurements

[1] During the 2000 Texas Air Quality Study (TexAQS) and 2006 Texas Air Quality Study (TexAQS II) field experiments, aircraft measured ozone concentrations upwind, across, and downwind of the Houston and Dallas urban areas. Background ozone transported into Houston contributed, on average, approximately 50% and 66% of the total ozone on 8-h ozone exceedance days investigated by aircraft flights during TexAQS and TexAQS II, respectively. Analysis of a flight over Dallas on one exceedance day showed that transported ozone constituted 72% of the total ozone concentration. The aircraft measurements show that these two major metropolitan areas can be brought close to exceeding the 1997 8-h National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone of 0.08 ppm solely by the ozone contribution of regional transport before additional contribution from local sources. Large local contributions were also observed, particularly in Houston. Transport contributions to Dallas area ozone were quantified using the Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions (CAMx) photochemical grid model and source apportionment methods. Model-predicted ozone concentrations were compared to ozone measurements from the aircraft and the surface monitoring network, and showed agreement on the importance of regional transport and local ozone formation. These results emphasize the benefits of regional control strategies, and suggest that local controls alone may not be sufficient to ensure attainment of the 8-h ozone standard in Houston and Dallas.
Empirical Evidence on the Impact of Reserve Prices in English Auctions

We study the impact of reserve prices on the revenue of English auctions using a unique hand‐collected database of virtual football players from the online football management game Hattrick. As theoretically predicted, setting a reserve price entails a trade‐off between the cost of setting it too high and having the good go unsold, and the benefit associated with a higher revenue should the reserve price successfully extract surplus from the highest bidder. Overall, we find the net benefit of setting a higher reserve price to be negative, regardless of the value of the reserve price. This is a novel result insofar as previous literature has generally found an insignificant or positive effect of the reserve price on unconditional auction revenue.
Implementable Adaptive Inverse Control of Hysteretic Systems via Output Feedback With Application to Piezoelectric Positioning Stages

This paper aims to develop a neural-network-based robust adaptive output-feedback motion controller for a class of hysteretic nonlinear systems, where the inverse hysteresis approach is adopted. The developed scheme is applied to the piezoelectric positioning stage, showing the advantages of the proposed approach by the experimental results. The main contributions are: 1) by using the neural networks as an approximator, the nonlinear function in the systems can be completely unknown; 2) by designing a high-gain observer to estimate the states of the system and cope with the uncertainties of the system, only the output of the control system is required measurable; 3) experiments on the piezoelectric positioning stage were conducted where the piezoelectric positioning stage is considered as a third-order system under the condition only the output of the system is available; 4) by adjusting the initial conditions of the states observer and adaptive laws of unknown parameters, the arbitrarily small L∞ norm of the tracking error is deviated. It is proved that all the signals in the closed-loop systems are semiglobally ultimately uniformly bounded.
A hybrid fuzzy and neural approach for evaluating the cost competitiveness of a semiconductor product

Product cost is undoubtedly the most critical factor to the competitiveness of a semiconductor product. Therefore, evaluating the competitiveness of a product with its unit cost is a reasonable idea. For this purpose, a hybrid fuzzy and neural approach is proposed in this study. First, a hybrid fuzzy and neural approach is applied to estimate the future unit cost of a semiconductor product. Subsequently, the cost competitiveness of the semiconductor product can be evaluated by comparing the estimated unit cost with the competitive region. A practical example is used to demonstrate the application of the proposed methodology.
The Relationship between Timing of Tipping and Service Effort

Previous research indicates that the relationship between the tip and service quality is still not clear. There are doubts that the timing of tipping influences service effort and affects the service quality further. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the timing of the tip and the service effort expended. After making a survey of 236 tour leaders, the present study found that the timing of tipping correlated with the service providers' effort and perceptions. The earlier the service providers received the tips, the more effort they made. In addition, the present study also provides some suggestions for managerial practice and for further research.
Aid and Resource Mobilisation in Sub-Saharan Africa: the Role of Reverse Flows

Abstract This article seeks to ascertain the role of ‘reverse flows’ in explaining the observed limited impact of aid on resource mobilisation in Sub-Saharan Africa. It departs from the previous empirical literature on aid and resource mobilisation by abandoning the pervasive, but untenable, assumption that aid either displaces domestic saving (increases consumption) or increases investment. Some aid is, in fact, used to finance reverse flows (debt servicing, capital flight, and reserve accumulation). The evidence suggests that, for the period covering 1980 to 2006, nearly 50 per cent of aid to Sub-Saharan African countries was used to finance reverse flows.