Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the incidence rates of selected gastrointestinal events reported for patients prescribed celecoxib and meloxicam in general practice in England using prescription-event monitoring (PEM) data.

BACKGROUND Celecoxib and meloxicam are classified as cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 selective inhibitors, and were developed to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity commonly associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The Drug Safety Research Unit (DSRU) monitored the safety of these drugs immediately after launch in England using the non-interventional observational cohort technique of prescription-event monitoring (PEM). Our objective was to investigate whether there is a clinically relevant difference in incidence of reported symptomatic (acid/peptic) and complicated upper GI conditions (perforations/bleeding) between celecoxib and meloxicam during use in general practice. METHODS Patients were identified from dispensed prescriptions written by general practitioners (GPs) for meloxicam (December 1996 to March 1997) and celecoxib (May to December 2000). Simple questionnaires requesting details of events occurring during/after treatment and potential risk factors (including age, sex, history of upper GI problems, and NSAIDS prescribed within 3 months of treatment) were posted to prescribing GPs at least 6 months after the first prescription for each patient. Incidence rates of the first event were calculated; crude and adjusted rate ratios (RR) obtained using regression modelling. RESULTS For celecoxib and meloxicam, respectively, 1054 (6.0%) and 1376 (7.2%) patients had symptomatic (acid/peptic) upper GI events whereas 42 (0.2%) and 67 (0.4%) had complicated upper GI conditions (perforations/bleeding). A higher proportion of the celecoxib cohort had an indication for osteoarthritis (28.1 vs 23.2%), were female (68.3 vs 67.1%), were aged 60 yr or more (59.5 vs 55.0%), were prescribed NSAIDs within 3 months of starting treatment (49.4 vs 47.9%), and had a past medical history of upper GI conditions (54.7 vs 29.2%) than those prescribed meloxicam. This suggests differential channelling of groups at higher risk of such events on to celecoxib compared with meloxicam. There was no difference between the two drugs in the time to occurrence of either group of event. The RR over the 270-day study period for celecoxib compared with meloxicam were 0.77 (95% CI 0.69, 0.85) and 0.56 (95% CI 0.32, 0.96) for symptomatic (acid/peptic) upper GI events and complicated upper GI conditions (perforations/bleeding), respectively, adjusted for age, age2, sex, indication, medical history of upper GI problems and whether NSAIDs were prescribed within 3 months prior to starting treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study reports a relative reduction (23%) in the incidence of symptomatic (acid/peptic) GI events, and a relative reduction (44%) in the incidence rate of complicated upper GI conditions (perforations/bleeding) for celecoxib compared with meloxicam.
Chromosome Dynamics in Meiotic Prophase I in Plants

Early stages of meiotic prophase are characterized by complex and dramatic chromosome dynamics. Chromosome behavior during this period is associated with several critical meiotic processes that take place at the molecular level, such as recombination and homologous chromosome recognition and pairing. Studies to characterize specific patterns of chromosome dynamics and to identify their exact roles in the progression of meiotic prophase are only just beginning in plants. These studies are facilitated by advances in imaging technology in the recent years, including development of ultra-resolution three-dimensional and live microscopy methods. Studies conducted so far indicate that different chromosome regions exhibit different dynamics patterns in early prophase. In many species telomeres cluster at the nuclear envelope at the beginning of zygotene forming the telomere bouquet. The bouquet has been traditionally thought to facilitate chromosome pairing by bringing chromosome ends into close proximity, but recent studies suggest that its main role may rather be facilitating rapid movements of chromosomes during zygotene. In some species, including wheat and Arabidopsis, there is evidence that centromeres form pairs (couple) before the onset of pairing of chromosome arms. While significant advances have been achieved in elucidating the patterns of chromosome behavior in meiotic prophase I, factors controlling chromosome dynamics are still largely unknown and require further studies.
The British Engineer Problem: A Comparison of Careers, Employment and Skills

ABSTRACT For decades British engineers have been seen as playing an inadequate role in industry. Their restricted roles have been ascribed to diverse causes and conditions: as ‘under-educated’ for the grounding to lead companies to ‘world class’ status; as ‘under-utilized’ by employment in technical support roles; and as ‘under-professionalized’ in a supposed generally anti-engineering national culture. This study of young graduate engineers seeks to disentangle these blanket characterizations by differentiating between the sectoral and cross-national motive forces in an allegedly ubiquitous ‘British engineer problem’. Our evidence suggests that restricted jobs and careers are sectoral, as opposed to general, phenomena. In some sectors, a ‘crowding’ of engineers and under-recruitment of technician grades results from overreliance on a labour supply of standard, degree-level, qualification sources. Other important influences on work roles and careers are graduate engineers’ orientations to work, and engineers’ own microcorporate culture. Many British graduate engineers feel over-qualified for tasks, but German engineers are divided into the graduates of more theoretical university degrees and the graduates of more practically-focused vocational college degrees (Fachhochschule) responsible for more applied tasks. Within the British complex of occupational crowding and distance between technicians’ and engineers’ tasks, most engineers prefer not ‘high-flying’, managerial careers but work involving engineering know-how. A defensive and subordinate-occupational culture in engineering departments, rather than an independent professional or enterprise one, results from these factors. The analysis concludes with an assessment of its implications for recent reforms to the qualifying procedures for engineering graduates.
University–Industry Knowledge Transfer and Network Patterns in Romania: Does Knowledge Supply Fit SMEs' Regional Profiles?

Abstract Universities' potential to contribute to regional value creation has been extensively discussed so far and significant literature has been devoted to celebrated cases in highly industrialized and developed countries. Assuming that it would be misleading to generalize from “exceptional” cases, some authors have focused their attention specifically on the influence of universities in less developed areas regions and countries, where university–industry relations are far from being a Triple Helix. This paper focuses on the mechanisms of university–industry knowledge transfer (KT) in Romania, a post-communist country with relatively weak regional innovation performances, except for the capital region Bucharest-Ilfov. The purpose of the study is to construct an index to compare university–industry KT across the eight Romanian regions. Data to be aggregated are collected from 90 Romanian higher education institutions and refer to their KT potential in terms of human, financial and relational inputs, outputs and outcomes (patent applications, new products and services, spin-offs and commercial income). Finally, universities' regional KT performances are compared to small and medium enterprises territorial patterns and issuing policy implications are discussed.
Implementing a strategy successfully

This is the third in a series of articles on strategic deployment and identifies the necessary steps to take in deploying the process. Describes ten such steps for corporate strategy to become an integral part of an organization’s culture: establishing a vision; agreeing on a mission; developing key strategies; developing strategic goals; establishing values; communicating company policies; providing top management leadership; deploying goals, measuring progress with key performance indicators and finally, reviewing progress.
Linking Natural Gas Markets - Is LNG Doing its Job?

The increase in liquefied natural gas trade has accelerated the integration of previously segmented markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. This paper provides evidence on the integration of the transatlantic natural gas market; it thus complements other papers in the EMF 23 study that focus on prices and international natural gas trade. We test the theoretical proposition that in integrating markets commodity prices should move closer than before. Using 2,059 pairs of daily spot prices for natural gas in North America and Europe we investigate price dynamics covering the period from 1999 until 2008. We apply the Kalman Filter technique which measures convergence by allowing for dynamic structural change to gain detailed information on trends inherent in prices over time. Results suggest an increasing convergence of spot prices on either side of the Atlantic Basin.
Option Pricing in Stochastic Volatility Models of the Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck type

Stochastic volatility models of the Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck type possess authentic capability of capturing some stylized features of financial time series. In this work we investigate this class of models from the viewpoint of derivative asset analysis. We discuss topics related to the incompleteness of this type of markets. In particular, for structure preserving martingale measures, we derive the price of simple European‐style contracts in closed form. Furthermore, the range of viable prices is determined and an empirical application is presented.
Survival of an Islet Allograft Deficient in iNOS after Implantation into Diabetic NOD Mice

Proinflammatory cytokines play a major role in rejection of pancreatic islet allografts and in type 1 diabetes (T1D). In rodent islets, exposure to IL-1β alone or combined with IFN-γ induces expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Inhibition of iNOS or a deletion of the iNOS gene has been shown to be protective in animal models of T1D. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that transplantation of pancreatic islets deficient in iNOS (iNOS–/–) would permit increased graft survival. Pancreatic islets isolated from wild-type (wt) mice and iNOS–/– mice were allogeneically transplanted beneath the kidney capsule of spontaneously diabetic NOD mice. When blood glucose increased above 12.0 mM after preceding normalization of hyperglycemia, animals were sacrificed. Histological examinations of grafts were performed and graft gene expression was analyzed by real-time PCR. Transplantations of the two types of islets could reverse hyperglycemia and the grafts functioned for on average 1 week posttransplantation. Morphological examination of both types of islet grafts showed immune cell infiltration around and within the grafts. Remaining endocrine cells could be observed in wt and iNOS–/– islet grafts. In the removed grafts iNOS-/islet tissue contained higher mRNA levels of insulin, proinsulin convertases (PC-1 and PC-2), and IL-1β compared to transplanted wt islets. The assessments of insulin, PC-1 and PC-2 mRNAs of the grafts suggest that the iNOS–/– islets may be more resistant to destruction in the transplantation model used; however, this was not sufficient to prolong the period of normoglycemia posttransplantation.
Integrated LPV controller/estimator scheme using sliding modes

In this paper, an integrated linear parameter-varying (LPV) sensor fault tolerant control scheme is proposed, wherein the design freedom in the LPV sliding mode observer component and the LPV controller gains are selected simultaneously, which allows the problem of robust stability and robust control performance to be addressed in one step. In the proposed scheme, the sensor fault is reconstructed and used to correct the corrupted sensor measurements before they are used by the controller, and therefore the controller is fault tolerant. An iterative linear matrix inequality (LMI) based algorithm is proposed to diagonalize the Lyapunov matrix in each iteration, and thus the NP-hard, non-convex linear parameter-varying bilinear matrix inequality (LPV/BMI) Bounded Real Lemma problem, is formulated into a tractable convex LPV/LMI problem. A benchmark scenario involving the loss of the angle of attack sensor is used as a case study.
Foreign Direct Investment, Technological Spillovers and the Agricultural Transition in Central Europe

The article reports on spillovers from foreign direct investment to related industries in Central European transition countries. In particular, the impact of foreign investment in the sugarbeet-processing industry on the wider agro-food sector is investigated. The empirical findings indicate that foreign direct investment brings not only much needed capital to the region but also managerial and technological skills which are in similarly short supply. Technical support in the form of training programmes, pilot demonstration projects and innovative contract designs is found to help foreign affiliates secure sufficient high quality raw material supplies, while inducing sector-wide improvements in agricultural productivity and agri-business practices.
An empirical analysis of intra industry trade in manufactures between Korea and ASEAN

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the patterns and determinants of intra-industry trade (IIT) in manufactures between Korea and selected ASEAN countries in the period of 1997-2011. Design/methodology/approach - – The effects of country-specific determinants of IIT in manufactures are examined using panel data approach. Findings - – The results show that the IIT of Korea-ASEAN manufactures is positively correlated with the average income levels and foreign direct investment inflow, while it is negatively correlated with the differences in factor endowments between Korea and selected partners. Overall, market size, income dissimilarity and factor endowments are indicated as most relevant determinants of IIT in manufactures between Korea and ASEAN countries. Originality/value - – Despites the importance of Korea-ASEAN IIT, studies on this subject are limited. This paper examines the pattern and determinants of IIT and its components in Korea-ASEAN manufactured trade. The paper also suggests the policy implications for the development of IIT between two parties.
Software Composition Using Behavioral Models of Design Patterns

Given a set of requirements structured as design problems, we can apply design patterns to solve each problem individually. Much of the published literature on design patterns addresses this problem—pattern association; however, there is no systematic and practical way that shows how to integrate those individual solutions together. We propose a compositional model based on design patterns by abstracting their behavioral model using role modeling constructs. This approach describes how to transform a design pattern into a role model that can be used to assemble a software application. The role model captures the behavioral relationship between participant components in the design pattern. Our approach offers a complete practical design and implementation strategies, adapted from DCI (Data, Context, and Interaction) architecture. We demonstrate our technique by presenting a simple case study complete with design and implementation code. We also present a simple to follow process that provides guidelines of what to do and how to do it.
Gene expression analysis of BCR/ABL1‐dependent transcriptional response reveals enrichment for genes involved in negative feedback regulation

Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome‐positive leukemia is characterized by the BCR/ABL1 fusion protein that affects a wide range of signal transduction pathways. The knowledge about its downstream target genes is, however, still quite limited. To identify novel BCR/ABL1‐regulated genes we used global gene expression profiling of several Ph‐positive and Ph‐negative cell lines treated with imatinib. Following imatinib treatment, the Ph‐positive cells showed decreased growth, viability, and reduced phosphorylation of BCR/ABL1 and STAT5. In total, 142 genes were identified as being dependent on BCR/ABL1‐mediated signaling, mainly including genes involved in signal transduction, e.g. the JAK/STAT, MAPK, TGFB, and insulin signaling pathways, and in regulation of metabolism. Interestingly, BCR/ABL1 was found to activate several genes involved in negative feedback regulation (CISH, SOCS2, SOCS3, PIM1, DUSP6, and TNFAIP3), which may act to indirectly suppress the tumor promoting effects exerted by BCR/ABL1. In addition, several genes identified as deregulated upon BCR/ABL1 expression could be assigned to the TGFB and NFkB signaling pathways, as well as to reflect the metabolic adjustments needed for rapidly growing cells. Apart from providing important pathogenetic insights into BCR/ABL1‐mediated leukemogenesis, the present study also provides a number of pathways/individual genes that may provide attractive targets for future development of targeted therapies. This article contains Supplementary Material available at http://www.interscience. wiley.com/jpages/1045–2257/suppmat. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
THE MIDDLE CLASSES IN THAILAND: THE RISE OF THE URBAN INTELLECTUAL ELITE AND THEIR SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS

This paper, based on an analysis of quantitative survey data, reexamines the stereotype of the Thai “middle class” as a homogeneous elite class at loggerheads with the lower strata. Our results support the contention that the Thai middle classes are, in fact, of mixed social origins, and suggest that their process of emergence is characterized by the fact that a large number have risen from the lower urban strata. We argue that because of these characteristics, the social consciousness of the Thai middle classes is more complex than the stereotyped explanation, and contains elements that cannot be fully explained by a perspective based on class theory.
A Simple Approach to the Theory of Asset Prices

In this paper we propose a simple, intuitive approach to asset valuation in terms of marginal contributions to the characteristics (moments) of the market portfolio. Considering only the first two moments, mean and variance, the valuation equation corresponds to Sharpe's CAPM. A risk-neutral pricing formula is easily derived, showing the equivalence between CAPM and the Black and Scholes' model. Extensions to higher moments like skewness and kurtosis are straightforward, providing a generalized valuation equation. Finally, the same generalized equation is obtained in a different, more rigorous way, as a result of a classical intertemporal general equilibrium model.
Motivations for support to retired parents in Israel

Purpose - – Enabling decision-makers in Israel to better assess the prospects of government policies aimed at changing inter-generation income distribution for the benefit of the retirees. Design/methodology/approach - – Based on a comprehensive data set, the paper utilizes multivariate ordered-probit regression for empirical investigation of the motivations for support between parents and children in Israel. Findings - – The main finding is that child-parent support in Israel is usually driven by a combination of exchange and altruistic motives, rather than altruism alone. Practical implications - – Child-parent support will not reduce the impact of governmental policies aimed at redistributing income among different generations. If the Government of Israel raises the income level of its citizens aged 65 and over, the improvement in this population's condition will most probably be bigger than that caused directly by the amount the government has added to their income. Originality/value - – Empirical evaluation of the motivations for support given by children to their retired parents in Israel. Israel is a multicultural, immigrant country, home to people originating from all over the world, which provides an interesting cross-cultural perspective. In addition, the underlying database used in this study includes much more information than most databases utilized by earlier studies.
Label‐free biochemical characterization of stem cells using vibrational spectroscopy

Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy are two complementary vibrational spectroscopic techniques that have experienced a tremendous growth in their use in biological and biomedical research. This is, in large part, due to their unique capability of providing label‐free intrinsic chemical information of living biological samples at tissue, cellular, or sub‐cellular resolutions. This article reviews recent developments in applying these techniques for the characterization of stem cells. A discussion of the potential for these methods to address some of the major challenges in stem cell research is presented, as well as the technological and scientific advancements that are needed to progress the knowledge in the field. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cultural differences, learning styles and transnational education

Australian universities have been active participants in the transnational education market over the past twenty years. Many Australian universities have structured various forms of franchising arrangements with universities and other education providers, particularly with educational institutions in China. However, the cultural differences between Australia and China are substantial; furthermore, research has shown that Chinese students have unique characteristics that differentiate them from Western students. Nevertheless, Australian universities develop and implement programs in China with limited understanding of these differences. Consequently, to administer these programs better academics need to understand the differences that might exist in Chinese student cohorts. One area of possible difference is learning styles. Hence, the aim of this study was to explore the differences in learning styles between business students in China and Australia. The results suggest that there are substantial differences in learning styles between the two countries. Consequently, program managers need to consider these differences when structuring course offerings for students in China.
Implications of the Europeanization in trans–sectoral environmental policy areas. Case study: forestry–nature conservation

The European Union is usually described as an "unfinished state", which is characterized by a remarkable complexity. In this system, sectoral policies come up through spillover effects and can be distinguished through the character of a prevailing federation or a regional–dependent regime. In these terms, one can describe the EU policies and moreover the trans–sectoral environmental policy areas, which can present a special interest in policy–analysis, because of their complexity and properties. Such one is the area Forestry–Nature Conservation, which is illustrated in a properly selected case study ("Natura 2000" program). The EU policy–making is discussed. The supranational, transnational and national interplay between forest and environmental groups as well as between them and public actors is analyzed. General hypotheses are posed about trans–sectoral networks and power factors, which allow an actor to enter a network (or not).