Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Adaptive Designs for Early Phase Clinical Trials

The continual reassessment method (CRM) is a popular dose-finding design for phase I clinical trials. This method requires practitioners to prespecify the toxicity probability at each dose. Such prespecification can be arbitrary, and different specifications of toxicity probabilities may lead to very different design properties. We propose using multiple parallel CRM models, each with a different set of prespecified toxicity probabilities. We assign a discrete probability mass to each CRM model as the prior model probability. The posterior probabilities of toxicity can be estimated by the Bayesian model averaging (BMA) approach. Dose escalation or de-escalation is determined by comparing the target toxicity rate and the BMA estimates of the dose toxicity probabilities. Simulations show that the BMA-CRM is competitive, robust, and eliminates the arbitrariness of the skeleton. Treating patients with a combination of agents is becoming commonplace in cancer clinical trials, with biochemical synergism often the primary focus. In a typical drug combination trial, the toxicity profile of each individual drug has already been thoroughly studied in the single-agent trials, which naturally offers rich prior information. We propose a Bayesian adaptive design for dose finding, based on the copula-type regression. To search for the maximum tolerated dose combination, we continuously update the posterior estimates for the toxicity probabilities of the combined doses. By reordering the dose toxicities in the twodimensional probability space, we adaptively assign each new cohort of patients to the most appropriate dose. We illustrate the proposed methods under various practical scenarios based on recent clinical trials at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. on Monday, April 6, 2009 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Room 527, Meng Wah Complex (behind the Chong Yuet Ming Amenities Centre) Visitors Please Note that the University has limited parking space. If you are driving please call the Department at 2859 2466 for parking arrangement. All interested are welcome
Effective Inhibition of Cardiolipin‐Binding Antibodies in Gram‐Negative Infections by Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide

Anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) were detected by solid‐phase enzyme immunoassay in the majority of sera from patients with Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial infections. The response involved all the major immunoglobulin classes IgG, IgM, and IgA. The specificity of the ACA was studied in competitive inhibition experiments with three putative antigens: cardiolipin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) isolated from Salmonella minnesota, strain Re 595, and synthetic Escherichia coli lipid A. The binding of IgG class ACA from the sera of five patients with Gram‐negative infections was effectively inhibited by LPS, whereas 100‐fold more cardiolipin was required for comparable inhibition. Pure lipid A was a less effective inhibitor of anti‐cardiolipia activity than LPS. This pattern of reactivity was not seen in sera from patients with Gram‐positive infections, syphilis, or systemic lupus erythematosus. Our findings suggests that cardiolipin may not be the inducing antigen for the cardiolipin‐binding antibodies that develop in Gram‐negative infections.
Balanced Scorecard-Based Performance Measurement for Rural Infrastructure Development of Thai Sub-District Local Government

The ninth Thai National Development Plan specifically ties up the progress of rural areas with rural infrastructure development. The Tambon Administration Organizations (TAOs) or the sub-district local governments (the smallest local government units in the country) are responsible for rural infrastructure. While working with budgetary constraints, TA Os must be able to monitor and feedback on the effectiveness of infrastructure development based on improvements in the economy, society and the environment. Given this task, TA Os should focus on an objective performance measurement. The Balanced Scorecard is adopted as a framework for designing a set of measurements in this study. The paper presents the results of a survey on the attitudes and practices of TAOs regarding performance measurement. Survey reveals that while most respondents have developed informal means to evaluate the effectiveness of infrastructure initiatives, they have realized the importance of performance measurement and have affirmed to formally adopt performance measurement if such systems were made available to them.
Sources of Finance in the Clean Technology Sector: Capital Structure, Financial Intermediation and Industry Life Cycle

In this paper, we discuss capital commitments from different sources of finance that are used in several key countries worldwide to finance clean technologies (CT). In the course of our analysis, we first elaborate on findings from literature that address the importance and implications of different sources of corporate finance including venture capital, private equity, corporate debt, public equity markets, acquisition finance and government grants. Second, we provide data on the volume of capital that has been invested in firms operating in the CT sector from different sources of finance during the period from 2002-2012. In addition to corporate sources of finance, we also elaborate on CT asset finance used to fund infrastructure projects. We find that the business life cycle concept is in large parts transferable to the industry level. Moreover, the data suggest the presence of interdependencies between different types of corporate finance as well as between corporate finance and infrastructure finance. Our results have implications for firms in the CT sector seeking capital as well as for policy makers. We conclude with an interpretation of the capital flows regarding their impact on the CT sector as a whole and provide an outlook of futures avenues of research in this field.
Computer-based Thermal Analysis of Brain Exposed to Near-Gigahertz Electromagnetic Field

In the last century, interactions between Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF) and biological systems have been studied by many disciplines. One of the most common methods is the use of computer simulations to investigate the effects of EMF on biological systems. Nearly all frequency bands and tissue types were studied in previous researches; the focus of recent researches has been on the communication frequency area and brain tissue. Accordingly, communication frequency area and brain tissue are modelled in the current study for different cases. As one of the most commonly used frequencies in cellular communication the different strengths of EMF at 900 MHz were evaluated and the resulting thermal effect on the human brain was investigated using a software package. As a result, remarkable temperature changes were obtained under different electromagnetic strengths.
Market Experiences and Export Decisions in Heterogeneous Firms

This empirical analysis focus on the impact of firm characteristics, firms’ export experiences and location-specific variables on export decisions in Swedish manufacturing firms. Three choices of export market participation are considered: permanent export, occasional export and no export. The paper also analyzes firms’ choice of expanding export activities. The empirical results indicate that firm-level variables such as size, human capital intensity and labor productivity increases the probability of a firm being a permanent exporter rather than an occasional or non-exporter. Moreover, firms located in regions with a high concentration of other firms exporting commodities in the same product group have a higher probability of both permanent and occasional export market participation. The results also show a significant positive effect of firms’ export experiences in the previous period on the probability that a firm becomes a permanent exporter in the current period. The analysis of export market expansion suggest that firms with high human capital intensity and experiences from exporting several products to several markets are more likely to introduce a new export product. The probability of expanding to new geographical markets seems to be increasing with firm-level labor productivity and export experiences from multiple markets in previous periods.
Scattering and Imaging with Diffusing Temporal Field Correlations.

We consider the transport of the electric field temporal autocorrelation in heterogeneous, fluctuating turbid media. Experiments are performed in strongly scattering media with spatially separated static and dynamic components, and low resolution "dynamical" images of such media are obtained using autocorrelation measurements of the emerging speckle fields taken along the sample surface. Our analysis, based on a diffusion approximation to the field correlation transport equation, reveals that the field correlation scatters from macroscopic dynamical heterogeneities within turbid media.
Anti‐tumor effects and lack of side effects in mice of an immunotoxin directed against human and mouse prostate‐specific membrane antigen

Prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a transmembrane protein that is largely restricted to prostatic epithelial cells in humans and is strongly upregulated on prostatic carcinoma cells. It is also expressed on the endothelium of tumor vasculature in humans, but not on the vasculature of normal tissues. Expression of low levels of PSMA has also been found on non‐vascular cells in several normal tissues, most prominently on the brain and kidney in humans. PSMA is an excellent candidate for targeting prostate cancer or targeting tumor vasculature of various solid tumors. The high potential clinical benefit of these agents has prompted the search for an animal model in which to assess the efficacy and safety of anti‐PSMA monoclonal antibody (mAb)‐based therapies.
Perspectives for Decision Support Systems: Irrigated Dairy Production in the Murray region

Consultation with industry identified a range of knowledge and information management tools required for building decision support systems (DSSs) that can help guide sustainable development of irrigated dairy production in the Murray Region. Individual production systems vary in complexity and input intensity and are coupled with the unique business and lifestyle goals of farm families. While single issue focussed decision support tools are limited to promoting understanding of single factor responses, the relevant opportunity costs for resources must be considered. Thus a whole farm perspective for DSSs is required to assist farm business managers optimise the profitability of production and development given the range of technical options, market conditions, environmental constraints, personal aspirations and family goals prevailing on that farm. The research, development and decision support needs elicited from producers using low, medium and high input production systems reflected both the necessity to optimise management of current systems and concerns regarding likely expansion paths for viable businesses.
Interactive effects of phosphorus and light availability on early growth of maritime pine seedlings

La croissance de jeunes plants de pin maritime a ete suivie en chambre de culture a deux niveaux d'eclairement et trois de disponibilite en phosphore. Deux taux d'addition relatifs en P (RAR = 2 et 4 g P (100 g -1 P j -1 ) et un libre acces au P ont ete appliques en combinaison avec deux niveaux d'eclairement (150 et 450 μmol m -2 s -1 ). Le taux de croissance relatif (RGR) et le taux d'absorption relatif de P (RUR) ont ete calcules. La surface foliaire, la quantite de rayonnement absorbe et l'efficience d'utilisation du rayonnement (RUE) ont aussi ete estimes. Les disponibilites en phosphore et en lumiere ont limite la croissance suivant un schema d'interaction complexe. Au plus faible niveau d'eclairement et d'ajout en phosphore, les deux facteurs etaient co-limitants et la croissance n'etait augmentee que lorsque les deux facteurs augmentaient simultanement. La lumiere etait le facteur limitant pour les traitements sous faible eclairement a tous les autres niveaux de disponibilite en P. le phosphore etait limitant pour des RAR de 2% sous fort eclairement. Le taux de prelevement relatif en P (RUR) etait controle par la disponibilite en P aux taux d'addition relatifs (RAR) de 2 et 4%. Les valeurs de RGR etaient proches des valeurs de RUR sauf au plus fort niveau de disponibilite en P ou une accumulation de P independante de ia croissance a ete observee. La reduction de la croissance sous limitation en P est explicable par la reduction de la quantite de rayonnement absorbe par les plants, par suite d'une expansion limitee et plus lente de leur surface foliaire. Il n'y a pas eu d'effet de la disponibilite en P sur le RUE. Le RUE etait par contre plus eleve sous faible eclairement. En conclusion, nos resultats confirment que les jetees plants de pin maritime soumis a une deficience moderee en P ajustent leur croissance (reduction de l'expansion de la surface foliaire) sans effet majeur sur le RUE.
An in-depth analysis of the strategic decisions made by multinational investment property companies engaged in internationalisation, using the eclectic paradigm as a framework.

ii DECLARATION . iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . v CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 2 1.1 Globalisation. 2 1.2 Internationalisation and the eclectic paradigm. 3 1.3 Commercial Property . 7 1.4 Research Scope . 10 CHAPTER 2: THEORY AND LITERATURE REVIEW. 12 2.
Arabidopsis mTERF9 protein promotes chloroplast ribosomal assembly and translation by establishing ribonucleoprotein interactions in vivo

The mitochondrial transcription termination factor proteins are nuclear-encoded nucleic acid binders defined by degenerate tandem helical-repeats of ~30 amino acids. They are found in metazoans and plants where they localize to mitochondria or chloroplasts. In higher plants, the mTERF family comprises ~30 members and several of these have been linked to plant development and response to abiotic stress. However, knowledge of the molecular basis underlying these physiological effects is scarce. We show that the Arabidopsis mTERF9 protein promotes the accumulation of the 16S and 23S rRNAs in chloroplasts, and interacts predominantly with the 16S rRNA in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, mTERF9 is found in large complexes containing ribosomes and polysomes in chloroplasts. The comprehensive analysis of mTERF9 in vivo protein interactome identified many subunits of the 70S ribosome whose assembly is compromised in the null mterf9 mutant, putative ribosome biogenesis factors and CPN60 chaperonins. Protein interaction assays in yeast revealed that mTERF9 directly interact with these proteins. Our data demonstrate that mTERF9 integrates protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions to promote chloroplast ribosomal assembly and translation. Besides extending our knowledge of mTERF functional repertoire in plants, these findings provide an important insight into the chloroplast ribosome biogenesis.
Wnt- and glutamate-receptors orchestrate stem cell dynamics and asymmetric cell division

Wnt signalling regulates many aspects of cell biology. Wnt-pathway activation and its downstream effects have been extensively studied, but the dynamic analysis of Wnt-ligands on mammalian cellular membranes is obstructed by difficulties of visualization. We overcome this using microbead-tethered Wnts presented to single embryonic stem cells, which undergo Wnt-mediated asymmetric cell division (ACD). Through live imaging and genetic editing, we show that knockout of Wnt co-receptor Lrp5 promotes cytoneme formation and Wnt-recruitment, which requires Lrp6 and β-catenin. Lrp5 facilitates ligand-retention at the membrane, and alongside Lrp6 mediates Wnt-ligand stabilization and positioning. β-catenin or Wnt co-receptor knockout causes misorientation at mitosis, and all but Lrp5 are required for Wnt-orientated ACD. Surprisingly, ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) activity enables initial Wnt-recruitment, positioning, and ultimately oriented ACD. Uniquely, we have scrutinized the early Wnt ligand-membrane interaction, linking roles of Wnt-pathway components and crosstalk with iGluRs in guiding cell fate determination by oriented ACD.
A binuclear vanadium oxyfluoride: di-μ-oxido-bis[(2,2′-bipyridyl)fluoridooxidovanadium(V)]

The title compound, [V2F2O4(C10H8N)2], is a centrosymmetric binuclear vanadium(V) species with the metal ions in a distorted octahedral environment. The coordination geometries of the symmetry-equivalent VV atoms are defined by cis-terminal fluoride and oxide groups, unsymmetrically bridging oxide groups and the N-atom donors of the bipyridyl ligand. The crystal packing is stabilized by weak intermolecular C—H⋯O and C—H⋯F hydrogen bonds.
catena-Poly[[bis(4-methylpyridine-κN)cobalt(II)]-di-μ-dicyanamido-κ2 N 1:N 5]

Cobalt(II) nitrate hexahydrate and sodium dicyanamide self-assembled in dimethylformamide (DMF) and 4-methylpyridine solutions to form the title compound, [Co(C2N3)2(C6H7N)2]n. The Co2+ ion lies on an inversion center and adopts an octahedral coordination geometry in which four N atoms from four different dicyanamide ligands lie in the equatorial plane and two 4-methylpyridine N atoms occupy the axial positions. The CoII atoms are connected by two bridging dicyanamide ligands, resulting in a chain parallel to the c axis. The chains are connected into a three-dimensional network by C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds.
Ultrafast Displacement Actuation of Piezoelectric Stacks With Time-Sequence

Driving a piezoelectric stack with fast response and high output force is critical for its application. A novel ultrafast time-sequence driving method for piezoelectric stacks that could be used in fuel injectors is described and demonstrated. This technique is shown capable of reducing the response time of a piezoelectric stack by considering the stress wave propagating in the stack. Stress wave propagation in a piezoelectric stack is analyzed, and a time-sequence circuit is specially designed to generate driving signals. A piezoelectric stack with 14 layers is fabricated and tested with traditional and time-sequence driving methods. Experimental results show that a linear superposition of stress generated by each piezoelectric layer is obtained and the response speed of the piezoelectric stack is more than doubled. Besides, the generated instantaneous force is also improved considerably.
Involvement of the MP1 scaffold protein in ERK signaling regulation during Drosophila wing development

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are evolutionary conserved transduction pathways involved in many cellular processes. Kinase modules are associated with scaffold proteins that regulate signaling by providing critical spatial and temporal specificities. Some of these scaffold proteins have been shown to be conserved, both in sequence and function. In mouse, the scaffold MP1 (MEK Partner 1) forms a signaling complex with MEK1 and ERK1. In this work, we focus on Drosophila MP1 (dMP1). We show that dMP1 is expressed ubiquitously during embryonic and larval development. By in vitro and in vivo experiments, we show that dMP1 is located in the cytoplasm and the nuclei, and that it interacts with MEK and ERK. Genetic studies with transgenic Drosophila lines allowing either dMP1 over‐expression or dMP1 down‐regulation by RNA interference highlight dMP1 function in the control of cell differentiation during development of the Drosophila wing.
Active Treatment of Chronic Neck Pain: A Prospective Randomized Intervention

Study Design. A randomized comparative study with single-blind outcome assessments. Objectives. To compare the efficacy of a multimodal treatment emphasizing proprioceptive training (ACTIVE) with activated home exercises (HOME) and recommendation of exercise (CONTROL) in patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain. Summary of Background Data. The efficacy of active exercises and passive physiotherapy for neck trouble has been somewhat disappointing in the previous few studies. Methods. Seventy-six patients (22 men, 54 women) with chronic, nonspecific neck pain participated. Sixty-two participated the 1-year follow-up. Subjective pain and disability, cervical ranges of motion, and pressure pain threshold in the shoulder region were measured at baseline, at 3 months, and at 12 months. The ACTIVE treatment consisted of 24 sessions of proprioceptive exercises, relaxation, and behavioral support. The HOME regimen included a neck lecture and two sessions of practical training for home exercises and instructions for maintaining a diary of progress. The CONTROL treatment included a lecture regarding care of the neck with a recommendation to exercise. Results. The average self-experienced total benefit was highest in the ACTIVE group, and the HOME group rated over the CONTROL group (P < 0.001). Differences between the groups in favor of the ACTIVE treatment were recorded in reduction of neck symptoms and improvements in general health and self-experienced working ability (P < 0.01–0.03). Changes in measures of mobility and pressure pain threshold were minor. Conclusions. Regarding self-experienced benefit, the multimodal treatment was more efficacious than activated home exercises that were clearly more efficacious than just advising. No major differences were noted in objective measurements of cervical function between the groups, but the content validity of these assessments in chronic neck trouble can be questioned.
Optimal Information Disclosures in Auctions: The Handicap Auction

We analyze the situation where a monopolist is selling an indivisible good to risk neutral buyers who only have an initial estimate of their private valuations. The seller can release (but cannot observe) signals, which refine the buyers’ estimates. We show that in the expected revenue maximizing mechanism, the seller allows the buyers to learn their valuations with the highest possible precision, and her expected revenue is the same as if she could observe the additional signals. We also show that this mechanism can be implemented by what we call a “handicap auction. ” In the first round of this auction, each buyer privately buys a price premium from a menu published by the seller (a smaller premium costs more), then the seller releases the additional signals. In the second round, the buyers play a second-price auction, where the winner pays the sum of his premium and the second highest non-negative bid.
The Relationships between Trust and Unethical Negotiation

With the growth in international trade, business and industry, ethics has emerged as a challenge to the business community. Trust is an important theoretical stand, but the concepts of trust are still ambiguous. A quantitative and explanatory study was conducted to assess the relationships between trust and unethical negotiation. AMOS software was used to test both the measurement and the structural models that related to the research hypotheses listed. All the values of the standardized parameter estimates were negative, and the t-values were significant which indicate that trust has a negative relationship with traditional competitive bargaining, false promises, and inappropriate information gathering. For long-term relationship built, trust will be an important and significant factor for both parties. Future studies could employ a qualitative method to add value to the current findings, and the sampling plan could be expanded to other industries.