Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia have an excellent outcome with chemotherapy alone and benefit from intensive postinduction treatment: a report from the children's oncology group.

PURPOSE Patients 16 to 21 years of age with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have an inferior outcome compared with younger children, leading some medical oncologists to advocate allogeneic stem-cell transplantation in first remission for these patients. We examined outcome for young adults with ALL enrolled onto the Children's Cancer Group (CCG) 1961 study between 1996 and 2002. PATIENTS AND METHODS CCG 1961 entered patients with ALL 1 to 21 years of age with initial WBC count > or = 50,000/microL and/or age > or = 10 years. Randomly assigned therapies evaluated the impact of postinduction treatment intensification on outcome. We examined outcome and prognostic factors for 262 young adults with ALL. RESULTS Five-year event-free and overall survival rates for young adult patients are 71.5% (SE, 3.6%) and 77.5% (SE, 3.3%), respectively. Rapid responder patients (< 25% bone marrow blasts on day 7) randomly assigned to augmented therapy had 5-year event-free survival of 81.8% (SE, 7%), as compared with 66.8% (SE, 6.7%) for patients receiving standard therapy (P = .07). One versus two interim maintenance and delayed intensification courses had no significant impact on event-free survival. WBC count more than 50,000/microL was an adverse prognostic factor. CONCLUSION Young adult patients with ALL showing a rapid response to induction chemotherapy benefit from early intensive postinduction therapy but do not benefit from a second interim maintenance and delayed intensification phase. Given the excellent outcome with this chemotherapy, there seems to be no role for the routine use of allogeneic stem-cell transplantation in first remission for young adults with ALL.
Cellular Circadian Rhythms The cardiomyocyte molecular clock , regulation of Scn 5 a , and arrhythmia susceptibility

Elizabeth A. Schroder,* Mellani Lefta,* Xiping Zhang, Daniel C. Bartos, Han-Zhong Feng, Yihua Zhao, Abhijit Patwardhan, Jian-Ping Jin, Karyn A. Esser, and Brian P. Delisle Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky; Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky; and Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, College of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
Determinantes do comércio Brasil-China de commodities e produtos industriais: uma aplicação VECM

The main objective of this work is to analyze the variables that determine the bilateral trade between Brazil and China, considering a classification proposed for the agricultural and mineral commodities and processed products. A vector-auto regression model with error correction (VECM) was adopted, through the Bernanke decomposition. The analysis period was from 1995 to 2008. The results indicate a high explanatory power of the income variable on the exports dynamics. In addition, the capacity utilization had consistent coefficients for all models estimated showing that this variable was able to capture correctly the effects of the domestic demand on exports.
Threshold Effects in Price Transmission: The Case of Brazilian Wheat, Maize, and Soya Prices

Recent studies into price transmission have recognized the important role played by transport and transaction costs. Threshold models are one approach to accommodate such costs. We develop a generalized Threshold Error Correction Model to test for the presence and form of threshold behavior in price transmission that is symmetric around equilibrium. We use monthly wheat, maize, and soya prices from the United States, Argentina, and Brazil to demonstrate this model. Classical estimation of these generalized models can present challenges but Bayesian techniques avoid many of these problems. Evidence for thresholds is found in three of the five commodity price pairs investigated.
Optimal Investments Using Empirical Dynamic Programming with Application to Natural Resources

A number of problems arise when dynamic programming is applied to investment problems. Attempts have been made to circumvent these problems by using continuous time models where the state process is generated by a stochastic differential equation. In this article, the authors assume that the state process is described by a discrete Markov time-series model with empirically determined transition probabilities. Standard computer algorithms can then be used to obtain optimal policies. They apply their methods to two examples in natural resources, one of which has previously been analyzed by M. J. Brennan and E. S. Schwartz (1985) using continuous time models. The authors show that the optimal policies depend critically on the specification of the state process and, to a certain extent, on the discretization level used in the Markov approximation. Copyright 1989 by the University of Chicago.
Medium-Term Forecasting of Euro-Area Macroeconomic Variables with DSGE and BVARX Models

The paper assesses the performance of medium-term forecasts of euro-area GDP and inflation obtained with a DSGE model and a BVARX model currently in use at the Bank of Italy. The performance is compared with that of simple univariate models and with the Eurosystem projections; the same real time assumptions underlying the latter are used to condition the DSGE and the BVARX forecasts. We find that the performance of both forecasts is similar to that of Eurosystem forecasts and overall more accurate than that of simple autoregressive models. The DSGE model shows a relatively better performance in forecasting inflation, while the BVARX model fares better in forecasting
Adaptive Tracking via Multiple Appearance Models and Multiple Linear Searches

This research is concerned with adaptive, probabilistic single target tracking algorithms. Though visual tracking methods have seen significant improvement, sustained ability to capture appearance changes and precisely locate the target during complex and unexpected motion remains an open problem. Three novel tracking mechanisms are proposed to address these challenges. The first is a Particle Filter based Markov Chain Monte Carlo method with sampled appearances (MCMC-SA). This adapts to changes in target appearance by combining two popular generative models: templates and histograms, maintaining multiple instances of each in an appearance pool. The proposed tracker automatically switches between models in response to variations in target appearance, exploiting the strengths of each model component. New models are added, automatically, as necessary. The second is a Particle Filter based Markov Chain Monte Carlo method with motion direction sampling, from which are derived two variations: motion sampling using a fixed direction of the centroid of all features detected (FMCMC-C) and motion sampling using kernel density estimation of direction (FMCMC-S). This utilises sparse estimates of motion direction derived from local features detected from the target. The tracker captures complex target motions efficiently using only simple components. The third tracking algorithm considered here combines these above methods to improve target localisation. This tracker comprises multiple motion and appearance models (FMCMC-MM) and automatically selects an appropriate motion and appearance model for tracking. The effectiveness of all three tracking algorithms is demonstrated using a variety of challenging video sequences. Results show that these methods considerably improve tracking performance when compared with state of the art appearance-based tracking frameworks.
The effect of intensive lipid lowering on coronary atheroma and clinical outcome

The association between raised plasma cholesterol and cardiovascular risk is well established, with consistent evidence associating LDL-cholesterol reduction with a reduction in primary and secondary cardiovascular events. It is believed that intensive lipid lowering may improve clinical outcomes further by acting to stabilise plaque and preventing plaque progression, ultimately reducing plaque vulnerability. However, it remains uncertain whether a continued clinical benefit occurs with intensive lipid lowering or if there is a threshold level below which no further benefit occurs.
Tracing the Monetary Policy Reaction Functions for the Case of a Small Developing Economy

The paper outlines some alternative methodologies for estimating the monetary policy reaction function. It also discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages for each available alternative to be implemented in the case of small developing economies. Additionally, a simple case study using Indonesia’s data set was carried out. The result indicates that an estimated simple backward-looking reaction function is capable of capturing the path of policy instrument variable quite well.
Regional growth linkages from agriculture

Pioneering research on downstream linkages from agriculture is said to demonstrate that consumption links rather than production links are the main source of indrect growth effects, that these consumption links take the form of labour‐intensive goods and services produced locally, and that the largest farm enterprises are most locally multiplicative of activities mopping up surplus rural labour. This article has two purposes. First, the methodologies, assumptions and data base for the quantification of the local and non‐local regional multiplier effects from agricultural development are examined. Second, the contradictory interpretations for agricultural policy which have arisen from these exercises of quantification are discussed and an attempt made to explain their bases.
Study on customer relationship management activities in Taiwan tourism factories

Taiwanese consumers have been increasingly attaching importance to tourist activities due to the year-by-year growth of the Taiwanese tourism market and the rise of the national income. In recent years, the Government has actively assisted many unique manufacturing industries that possess rich historical and cultural connotations to develop and transform into a diversified tourist factory industry via innovative and differentiated theme designs. This research was conducted from March to April 2013 using 38 effective questionnaires through a questionnaire survey method. Statistical methods were used to analyse the relevant tourist industry market orientation, organisational learning, business strategy, customer relationship management (CRM) and operational performance. The research results indicate that the more the CRM activities performed, the more the positive effect on operating performance. The higher the extent of market orientation and organisational learning, the more significant the positive customer relationships. Thus, a tourist factory is able to promote CRM activities to achieve improved customer operating performance through market orientation, organisational learning, differentiated marketing and innovative differentiation strategy.
Cost Effective Accommodation Planning in a Trip by Using Accommodation Advisor Query (AA-Query) in STPF

The concept of trip planning is not a new idea. However, a cost effective accommodation planning could be a complex task yet vital part of a trip in order to make it a successful travelling experience. This is very essential while a visitor plan a trip with a limited budget and time. In this study we have developed an algorithm that can be applied for such kind of travelers providing them for a cost effective accommodation during their travel. The difficulty of accommodation planning increases while the users have problems in selecting and deciding a proper accommodation plan that can satisfy their requirement. This may go further complicated while the trip is associated with more complex options. In order to address such kind of problem, we utilize a skyline query processing technique that can retrieve the best possible list of accommodations from the accommodation set. In this paper, we implemented the accommodation advisor query (AA-Query) based upon the skyline algorithm. By using our method travelers would be able to make a free decision for the most appropriate and cost effective accommodation plan. We have named this query AA-Query by which the users accommodation plans are recommended. AA-Query can reduce unnecessary numbers of options from the list of recommendations so that travelers can come up with appropriate accommodation plan without investing much time during his plan. It has been implemented as an integral part of smart tourism application previously known as STPF (Smart Tourism Process Framework) thereby enhancing the quality of tour. In this case also, the list of services may not guarantee and satisfy the need of users if the accommodation are dynamically added into the data set. In this paper, we propose an approach based on the concept of recommendation and skyline to effectively and efficiently retrieve services from the dataset and recommend the users for the best candidate. Furthermore, we also discuss how AA-query in a relational database can extract the set of preferable services so that those services can be included into the list of service recommendation of STPF (Smart Tourism Process Framework)
Note---Consumer Store Choice and Choice Set Definition

Consumer store choice results from a process whereby information on various alternatives is evaluated by the consumer prior to the selection of one of these alternatives. In the application of store choice models it is often assumed that the information-processing strategy underlying store choice is a simultaneous one in which all possible alternatives are evaluated by an individual. A competing assumption, increasingly recognized in aspatial choice, is that individuals initially evaluate clusters of alternatives and then only evaluate alternatives within a chosen cluster. The nested logit model is a well-known formulation for capturing this type of choice process. This paper adds to the above understanding of consumer spatial choice in the following ways: i It describes an alternative to the nested logit model, known as a competing destinations model, which can be used to model hierarchical spatial choice processes. While this model has been described previously in the geography and planning literature, this paper contains a novel derivation of it from within the random utility maximization framework. ii A general choice formulation is derived from which the logit, nested logit, and competing destinations models can be obtained. This allows the behavioral assumptions embedded in each model to be seen clearly and it allows a comparison of the nested logit and competing destinations formulations. The latter is shown to be preferable in most spatial choice situations. In particular, the latter can be used when restricted choice sets are fuzzy. iii The errors that arise when spatial choice results from a hierarchical process and when a simultaneous choice structure is assumed are demonstrated and are related to the presence of consumer competition/agglomeration effects between stores which are thought to be important in store choice.
Open Innovation in Firms and Public Administrations: Technologies for Value Creation

Economic globalization and the application of information and communication technologies have offered firms the opportunity to develop and distribute new knowledge. Open Innovation in Firms and Public Administrations: Technologies for Value Creation analyzes open innovation in a global context and proposes business models and institutional actors that promote the development of open innovation in firms, institutions, and public administrations worldwide. This book provides insights and supports executives concerned with the management of open innovation and organizational development in different types of open innovation communities and environments.
Characterisation of Two Serine Protease Inhibitors Expressed in the Pituitary Gland

Ser ine p rotease in hibitors (serpins) are a family of structurally related proteins that play key roles in the regulation of proteolytic homeostasis. We have isolated a novel intracellular serpin, termed raPIT5a, from the rat pituitary gland. Northern blot analysis indicated raPIT5a mRNA expression in a range of tissues, including the adrenal gland and the brain. In situ hybridisation histochemistry revealed raPIT5a mRNA expression in specific cell populations in the rat pituitary gland, adrenal gland, and pancreas. Based on sequence similarities to other intracellular serpins, we predicted raPIT5a may inhibit the pro-apoptotic serine protease granzyme B. We confirmed this experimentally by identification of a stable inhibitory complex between granzyme B and raPIT5a. To determine whether granzyme B or granzyme B-related enzymes were expressed in the rat pituitary gland, we performed PCR using primers predicted to amplify granzyme B and two other published granzyme sequences. We identified rat natural killer protease-1 (RNKP-1), the rat homologue of granzyme B, and a novel putative serine protease highly similar to granzyme-like protein III (GLP III), which we termed GLP IIIa. These data suggest raPIT5a may regulate apoptosis in the pituitary by inhibition of granzyme B or GLP IIIa, or members of the caspase enzyme family which have similar substrate specificity. We have also identified expression of a second serpin, called neuroserpin, in pituitary tissue and found that it alters the morphology of the AtT20 corticotrope cell line, presumably through changes in cell adhesion. These results identify new roles for serpins in pituitary cell function.
ENDOSPERM DEFECTIVE1 Is a Novel Microtubule-Associated Protein Essential for Seed Development in Arabidopsis[W]

Early endosperm development involves a series of rapid nuclear divisions in the absence of cytokinesis; thus, many endosperm mutants reveal genes whose functions are essential for mitosis. This work finds that the endosperm of Arabidopsis thaliana endosperm-defective1 (ede1) mutants never cellularizes, contains a reduced number of enlarged polyploid nuclei, and features an aberrant microtubule cytoskeleton, where the specialized radial microtubule systems and cytokinetic phragmoplasts are absent. Early embryo development is substantially normal, although occasional cytokinesis defects are observed. The EDE1 gene was cloned using a map-based approach and represents the pioneer member of a conserved plant-specific family of genes of previously unknown function. EDE1 is expressed in the endosperm and embryo of developing seeds, and its expression is tightly regulated during cell cycle progression. EDE1 protein accumulates in nuclear caps in premitotic cells, colocalizes along microtubules of the spindle and phragmoplast, and binds microtubules in vitro. We conclude that EDE1 is a novel plant-specific microtubule-associated protein essential for microtubule function during the mitotic and cytokinetic stages that generate the Arabidopsis endosperm and embryo.
Susceptibility of Rat-Derived Cells to Replication by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

ABSTRACT Progress in developing a small animal model of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) disease would greatly facilitate studies of transmission, pathogenesis, host immune responses, and antiviral strategies. In this study, we have explored the potential of rats as a susceptible host. In a single replication cycle, rat cell lines Rat2 and Nb2 produced infectious virus at levels 10- to 60-fold lower than those produced by human cells. Rat-derived cells supported substantial levels of early HIV-1 gene expression, which was further enhanced by overexpression of human cyclin T1. Rat cells displayed quantitative, qualitative, and cell-type-specific limitations in the late phase of the HIV-1 replication cycle including relative expression levels of HIV-1 Gag proteins, intracellular Gag processing, and viral egress. Nb2 cells were rendered permissive to HIV-1 R5 viruses by coexpression of human CD4 and CCR5, indicating that the major restriction on HIV-1 replication was at the level of cellular entry. We also found that primary rat lymphocytes, macrophages, and microglia expressed considerable levels of early HIV-1 gene products following infection with pseudotyped HIV-1. Importantly, primary rat macrophages and microglia, but not lymphocytes, also expressed substantial levels of HIV-1 p24 CA and produced infectious virions. Collectively, these results identify the rat as a promising candidate for a transgenic small animal model of HIV-1 infection and highlight pertinent cell-type-specific restrictions that are features of this species.
The Impact of Horizontal Mergers and Acquisitions on Corporate Concentration in the U.S. Book Publishing Industry: 1989-1994

This article analyzes the impact horizontal mergers and acquisitions had on corporate concentration in the U.S. book publishing industry between 1989 through 1994. The book market is defined, and the principal arguments regarding the creation of a "media monopoly" in this industry are outlined. Market share and revenue data are analyzed using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index to ascertain whether Department of Justice antitrust guidelines were violated because of these mergers and acquisitions. Other market issues related to market entry barriers, title output, and pricing are also examined.
Real-Time Visual Saliency Detection Using Gaussian Distribution

Image visual saliency detection without prior knowledge of image details is fundamental for many computer vision tasks including object recognition, image retrieval, and image segmentation. In order to achieve more accurate and quick detection, this paper proposed a novel global contrast method to generate full resolution saliency maps using Gaussian distribution model. Compared with existing methods, this developed algorithm could be implemented in real-time with a higher accuracy. After a reasonable estimation of the parameters in our method, comparison experiments were conducted with five typical algorithms, experimental results demonstrate our approach is faster than the current real time approaches and accurate in maintaining high quality.
FTAA and Service Liberalization in Colombia

In a previous study we found that accession to the FTAA could be welfareworsening for Colombia because exports to the USA will be diverted away from Colombia in favor of other Latin countries. In this paper we show that there remain potentially large gains from an FTAA-style agreement. These gains come from increased factor productivity and product variety as a result of service liberalization and foreign direct investment (FDI). These benefits are likely to be large enough to overcome the loss of competitiveness in US goods markets. We use a computable general equilibrium model of the Colombian economy that includes imperfect competition in order to highlight the pro-competitive effects from entry as well as productivity effects from increased product variety. In contrast to perfect competition models, such as the GTAP model, this analysis incorporates productivity effects in both goods and services markets endogenously, through a Dixit-Stiglitz framework. The numerical model is innovative as it recognizes that foreign direct investment or the availability of foreign expertise is necessary to have foreign firms compete in key business services; and it endogenously captures increases in total factor productivity from foreign direct investment liberalization.
Economics and Politics of Official Loans versus Grants Panoramic Issues and Empirical Evidence

The paper examines a wide range of issues relating to the mix between loans and grants as well as the degree of concessionality of loans. A number of empirical tests are carried out based on annual panel data over 1970 to 1999 for 22 donor countries and 72 recipient countries. Based on the tests, we are able to identify a number of economic and political factors that have influenced donors' past decisions on the grant-loan mix.