Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Randomized phase II study of temozolomide given every 8 hours or daily with either interferon alfa-2b or thalidomide in metastatic malignant melanoma.

PURPOSE Temozolomide is an imidazotetrazine with a mechanism of action similar to dacarbazine and equivalent activity in melanoma. It is well tolerated and is a candidate for combination chemotherapy and schedule manipulation. In this study, we combined temozolomide with interferon alfa-2b and, separately, with thalidomide, and we administered temozolomide alone in a compressed schedule. The objectives of this randomized phase II, two-center study were to determine response rates, overall survival, and tolerability of the regimens in patients with advanced metastatic melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred eighty-one patients with metastatic melanoma were randomly assigned to receive up to six 4-weekly cycles consisting of temozolomide 200 mg/m2 every 8 hours for five doses, or temozolomide 200 mg/m2 daily for days 1 to 5 plus interferon alfa-2b 5 MU (million International Units) subcutaneously three times a week, or temozolomide 150 mg/m2 (increased after one cycle to 200 mg/m2) daily on days 1 to 5 plus thalidomide 100 mg daily days 1 to 28. RESULTS The treatment arms were well balanced for known prognostic factors. Median survival was 5.3 months for 8-hourly temozolomide, 7.7 months for temozolomide/interferon, and 7.3 months for temozolomide/thalidomide; and 1-year survivals were 18%, 26%, and 24%, respectively. Response or disease stabilization occurred in 20% of patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 10% to 33%) given 8-hourly temozolomide, 21% (95% CI, 12% to 33%) given temozolomide/interferon, and 25% (95% CI, 15% to 38%) given temozolomide/thalidomide. Grade 3 or 4 nonhematologic toxicities were similar in each arm except for infection, which was more frequent with 8-hourly temozolomide. There were fewer instances of grade 3 or 4 myelotoxicity with temozolomide/thalidomide. CONCLUSION Of the three regimens tested, the combination of temozolomide and thalidomide seems the most promising for future study.
Phenotypic changes in colonocytes following acute stress or activation of mast cells in mice: implications for delayed epithelial barrier dysfunction

Background and aim: Stressful life events are known to modulate the development or relapse of disease in both inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel disease patients but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Stress is known to effect mast cells, interferon γ (IFN-γ), and myosin light chain phosphorylation to trigger colonic epithelial barrier dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether acute stress induced or chemical mast cell activation impaired expression and function of epithelial tight junctions, and altered colonocyte differentiation in mice. Methods: Colonic paracellular permeability was assessed as the in vivo lumen to blood ratio of 51Cr-EDTA in different groups of mice (controls, stressed, mast cell degranulator BrX-537A treated), pretreated or not with the mast cell stabiliser doxantrazole. Involvement of mast cells and IFN-γ was evaluated in wild-type and IFN-γ deficient mice. Tight junction alteration was assessed by histology, transmission electron microscopy, and real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Colonocyte differentiation was determined by protein kinase C ζ (PKCζ) immunofluorescence and western blotting, and alkaline phosphatase activity assay. Results: Acute stress induced a three day delayed increase in colonic paracellular permeability which involved mast cell degranulation and overproduction of IFN-γ. The colonic epithelial barrier was morphologically altered and expression of mRNA encoding tight junction proteins ZO-2 and occludin was decreased. Moreover, three days after acute stress, colonocyte differentiation was reduced, as shown by decreased expression of both PKCζ isotype and alkaline phosphatase. Conclusion: These data highlight new mechanisms whereby an acute stress acts on the gastrointestinal tract by inducing alterations in colonocyte differentiation and decreased expression of mRNA encoding tight junction proteins. Thus phenotypic changes in colonocytes could pave the way for stress related intestinal disorders.
Negotiation in the European Union: bargaining or problem-solving?

EU negotiations are characterized bythe coexistence of a bargaining and a problem-solving approach. The permanence of EU negotiations discourages tough bargaining behaviour, as does the prevalence of strong consensus norms. On the other hand, evidence exists of very confrontational behaviour that often leads to lowest common denominator solutions. We argue that the mode of negotiation to be found in the EU decision-making processes is contextually determined. Empirically it is demonstrated that day-to-day negotiations in the EU are to a large extent problem-solving exercises. Under certain circumstances, however, conflictual bargaining occurs. The pattern varies with, therefore, level of politicization and type of policy, and according to the stage in the decision-making process. We also suggest that processes of learning have resulted in changes in the EU's negotiation style: problem-solving has become increasingly institutionalized within the EU machinery.
HOPE VI New Communities: Neighborhood Relationships in Mixed-Income Housing

To what extent are people of different incomes and housing tenures engaged in social relationships in new mixed-income, New Urbanist HOPE VI communities? In Seattle's NewHolly Phase I, neighboring relationships are generally more frequent than in other mixed-income situations. Yet systematic differences among housing tenures by language, family composition, and patterns of local facility use and community involvement curtail social interactions. Most important, lack of proximity curtails relations among public housing residents and others on site, implying that the level of physical integration of housing units for the various tenures and incomes in a mixed-income development has repercussions for social interactions.
A study on the measurement of transient thermal characteristics for multi-layered ceramic substrate

Thermal design of power device package is important for safe and reliable operation of high power density circuit. The authors developed multi-layered ceramic substrate (MLCS) for fast switching operation of SiC power module. This paper evaluates the transient thermal characteristics of developed MLCSs based on static test method. Structure functions of the developed MLCS show the large heat conductivity of insulation layer gives small thermal resistance, because the thick Cu conduction layer widely spreads the heat on the lateral direction and lowers thermal resistance from the junction to heatsink.
Short-circuit current control strategy for full-bridge LLC converter

The short circuit problem is a difficult issue in LLC converter. This paper derives the state-plane trajectory of the full-bridge LLC converter based on state-plane analysis and the characteristics of the trajectory performance are provided under short circuit mode. Two types of control scheme for power switches, respectively based on phase-shift frequency-boost and frequency-drop method, are deduced for full-bridge LLC converter under short circuit mode. By designing the trajectory of the state variables, two schemes would achieve controllable short current output while maintain the advantage of ZVS. Comparing with traditional solution with increasing switching frequency only, the concept presented in this paper would bring better short current limitation performance. The simulation and experiment results show agreement with theoretical analysis.
Multifunctional peptides encrypted in milk proteins

Many bioactivities of milk are latent in that they are inactive within the protein sequence, requiring enzymatic proteolysis for release of bioactive peptides from milk proteins precursors. Bioactivities of peptides encrypted in major milk proteins are latent until released and activated, e.g. during gastrointestinal digestion or food processing. Bioactive peptides can be produced in vivo following intake of milk proteins, and the proteolytic system of bacterial species used in the production of fermented milk products and cheese can contribute to the liberation of bioactive peptides or precursors thereof. Activated peptides are potential modulators of various regulatory processes in the living system: immunomodulatory peptides stimulate the activities of cells of the immune system and several cytomodulatory peptides inhibit cancer cell growth, antimicrobial peptides kill sensitive microorganisms, angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory peptides exert an hypotensive effect, opioid peptides are opioid receptor ligands which can modulate absorption processes in the intestinal tract, mineral binding peptides may function as carriers for different minerals, especially calcium. Many milk‐derived peptides reveal multifunctional properties, i.e. specific peptide sequences having two or more different biological activities have been reported. Milk protein‐derived bioactive peptides are claimed to be health enhancing components that can be used to reduce the risk of disease or to enhance a certain physiological function.
The organizational choice of human resource management practices: a study of Chinese enterprises in three cities in the PRC

This study examined the effects of an organization's contextual variables on the choice of human resource management (HRM) practices to secure, nurture, reward and retain managerial employees. The contextual variables included organizational characteristics (ownership, age and size), on the one hand, and its competitive strategies (innovation, quality and cost) and the strategic role of the human resource function, on the other. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of general managers and human resource directors from 326 joint ventures and state-owned enterprises located in Shanghai, Nanjing and Guangzhou, three major cities in China. Using structural equation analysis, we examined both the direct and indirect effects of the contextual variables on HRM practices. The indirect effects were measured through the strategic role of the human resource function. Results indicated that ownership and the strategic role of the human resource function were key variables in explaining an organization's choice of HRM practices. Age and size of the organization had limited effects. Compared with cost and quality strategies, the innovation strategy affected HRM practices, both directly and indirectly, indicating the increasing dynamism of the Chinese economy in its move towards a market orientation.
Genetics of reproduction in primiparous Holsteins.

Effects of genetics and relationships between yield and days from parturition to first service, first service conception rate, number of services, and a reproductive performance code based on several reproductive components were investigated in primiparous Holsteins. Recorded breedings and DHI production records were from 3393 daughters of 174 bulls in six experimental herds. Subsets included progeny of 78 sires, with greater than or equal to 5 daughters calving in April through July (n = 817) and August through March (n = 1162). Daughter-dam regressions (n = 2593 pairs) and paternal half-sibs were used to estimate heritabilities of fertility traits and associations between yield and reproduction. Results showed increased FCM was associated with lowered fertility. For paternal half-sibs, the greatest antagonism was between conception rates and FCM (rG = -.65 +/- .10). Daughter-dam regressions estimated a favorable genetic correlation of . 43 +/- . 32 between conception rates and yield. Heritabilities were highest for April through July calvings and ranged from . 08 +/- . 10 for first service conception to . 24 +/- . 12 for reproductive code. Correlations between sire least squares constants from warmer and cooler calving seasons were lower than heritabilities of traits would suggest.
Vertical transmission of hepatitis b surface antigen positive mothers in central women hospital , Mandalay , Myanmar

Aim: To determine the vertical transmission rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive mothers and to find out the associated factors of vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus in Central Women Hospital (CWH), Mandalay. Methods: Hospital based cross-sectional analytic study was conducted on 150 HBsAg positive mothers and their newborns delivered at CWH, Mandalay between 1st February 2014 and 31st January 2015.Pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect background characteristics of mothers. Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status of mothers, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and mode of delivery were noted by reviewing medical records of the mother. Gestational assessment of newborns was done. Blood samples from the newborns were collected immediately after birth to determine the HBsAg status of the newborn. Results: The vertical transmission rate of HBsAg was 20%. The vertical transmission rate was found to be associated with low socioeconomic status of mothers (OR 3; 95% CI, 1.2-7.6), HBeAg positivity in mothers (OR 14.5; 95% CI, 4.9-43.4) and preterm delivery (OR 4.7; 95% CI, 1.9-11.6). Conclusion: The vertical transmission rate of HBs Ag in this study was high. Maternal HBeAg positivity, low socioeconomic status of mothers and preterm delivery were found to be associated with the vertical transmission rate. Appropriate prophylaxis for newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers should be advocated as a government support program.
Firm Valuation Effects of the Expatriation of U.S. Corporations to Tax Haven Countries

U.S. corporations that reorganize in tax‐haven countries claim to save many millions of dollars in future U.S. corporate income taxes. However, because these “inversion” transactions may involve significant nontax costs, it is not obvious how they affect share value. We use Monte Carlo sampling to analyze the statistical significance of each inverting firm's abnormal returns around the date that it initially announced its intentions and board of director approval of an inversion transaction. We find that five of the 20 single‐company expatriations in our analysis have significant negative announcement period returns and only two show significant positive returns. The remaining 13 inversions show no statistically significant market reaction in the announcement period. The average return in the announcement period across all 20 firms is negative, but not significantly different from zero. Overall, we do not detect obvious shareholder benefits from expatriations.
Pollution of inland waters in Brazil: the case for goal-oriented initiatives

This article examines the use of output-based aid and payment for environmental services to reduce water pollution in Brazil. Two nationwide initiatives are reviewed. First, the output-based aid concept of the River Basin Clean-up Programme (PRODES) to tackle the problem of sanitation deficit in urban areas is presented. Second, the payment for environmental services scheme supported by Brazil’s National Water Agency (ANA) through the Water Producer Programme to promote water conservation on rural properties is discussed. Both programmes are evaluated not only as financing mechanisms for water conservation but also as strategies for implementing Brazil’s water policy.
Stakeholders Under Pressure: Corporate Governance and Labour Management in Germany and Japan

A small but significant stream of research has emerged on how changes in corporate governance impact labour management, particularly in countries with stakeholder-oriented corporate governance. This paper briefly reviews existing empirical and theoretical literature on the links between corporate governance and labour management. Then it compares recent trends in Germany and Japan in terms of how changes in corporate governance affect the distribution of value-added, employment adjustment, pay systems and employee participation. Germany and Japan have proven able to adapt and modify their stakeholder model of employment and employee participation to changing circumstances. However, the size of the core model is getting smaller.
“On the Joint Distributions of the Time to Ruin, the Surplus Prior to Ruin, and the Deficit at Ruin in the Classical Risk Model”, David Landriault and Gordon E. Willmot, April, 2009

(2009). “On the Joint Distributions of the Time to Ruin, the Surplus Prior to Ruin, and the Deficit at Ruin in the Classical Risk Model”, David Landriault and Gordon E. Willmot, April, 2009. North American Actuarial Journal: Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 272-277.
External-ear acoustic models with simple geometry.

The properties of the human ear are duplicated in simple physical models that may be accurately specified. A shallow cylindrical cavity set in an infinite plane that represents the concha has a depth resonance with values of gain and bandwidth in agreement with those observed in typical real ears under “meatus‐blocked” conditions. To represent the human pinna, a rectangular flange is added to an inclined cylindrical concha. A cylindrical canal with a two‐element network to simulate the eardrum impedance completes the model. Response curves with hard and soft eardrums, measured at eardrum position, at canal entrance and with blocked meatus, all have identical angular dependence up to 7 kHz and very similar angular dependence up to at least 12 kHz. The response of the model with blocked meatus and with open canal is in good agreement with real‐ear data up to 7 kHz at normal and oblique incidence. Pressure distributions in the model ear for the first two modes (M1 and M2) are in excellent agreement with replica data.
Product‐country images and international food marketing: Relationships and research needs

Consumers worldwide have increasing access to a wide variety of food products from other countries. The significance of product-country images in influencing consumer behavior is likely to increase in the future. An understanding of the role of product-country images for food products would aid in the formulation of global marketing strategies. This article provides a review of country of origin literature dealing with food products and a research agenda for agribusiness researchers. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Model of Stochastic Liquidity

This paper proposes a dynamic multi-security model in which liquidity reflects stochastic variation, persistence, and commonality of underlying information variance. Illiquidity, price-change variance, and trading volume all increase in the size of information. Using high frequency data, I perform structural estimation of the model by Bayesian Markov-Chain Monte-Carlo simulation, with the conditional volatility of underlying information modeled as stochastic volatility or realized volatility controlling for microstructure noise. I find that a Dow stock's liquidity decreases in the size of information about not only itself but also about other Dow stocks, demonstrating a significant cross-sectional effect of information on liquidity.
Niche marketing and farm diversification processes: Insights from New Zealand and Canada

Abstract In many developed countries agriculture is undergoing significant changes. Traditional commodity markets are increasingly being supplemented or even displaced by niche markets served by firms producing specialty products. The purpose of this paper is to determine why firms seek out niche markets and what contributes to their success. This paper investigates the characteristics that make niche markets attractive to small and medium-sized agricultural firms and the ways in which these firms become highly adapted for their chosen niche. Results indicate that forming alliances and the development of horizontal and vertical networks are among the most common and most important strategies employed by successful niche marketers. The study found that firms market niche products as part of a portfolio of products that often includes an anchoring commodity. Results also suggest that aggressive growth and pricing strategies may negatively impact a firm's ability to sustain barriers to entry. The development of a niche positioning strategy is often the outcome of a reaction to an existing situation rather than of a priori strategic planning.
European Trade Unions and Atypical Workers

The increase in ‘atypical’ or precarious forms of work, including part-time, temporary or agency, contracted-out, posted, dependent self-employed and undocumented work, has created one of the major challenges facing trade unions in Europe today. Indeed, the ‘atypical’ has become more and more ‘typical’ in a number of European countries, particularly among women and younger workers. The rise in atypical forms of work calls for changes in the way trade unions develop strategies, policies and structures and presents a challenge to their traditional ways of thinking and organising. This article begins with the definition of atypical work and a general overview of the literature on the subject before moving on to the nature of the challenge it creates for trade unions in Europe and an overview of their responses, drawing on preliminary findings from a three-year research project in unions in 10 European countries. The article concludes that while unions have made a great deal of progress in addressing the concerns of atypical workers, they will have to make substantial changes to their structures, thinking and way of operating in order to be fully able to respond to the challenge of this growing form of work.
Influence of addition of monensin to an alfalfa hay diet on net portal and hepatic nutrient flux in steers.

Six Holstein steers (381 +/- 11 kg BW; mean +/- SE) surgically fitted with hepatic portal (n = 6), hepatic venous (n = 4), mesenteric venous, and arterial catheters were used in a replicated crossover design experiment to evaluate the influence of monensin addition to an alfalfa hay diet on net portal and hepatic nutrient flux. Steers were fed 6.5 kg of DM/d in 12 portions using automatic feeders. Diets included chopped alfalfa hay (20.4% CP) plus 418 g of DM/d of finely ground corn (8.5% CP) with monensin added (240 mg/d) for treated steers. Experimental periods lasted 21 d, with blood samples taken on the final 2 d of each period. Five sets of arterial, portal, and hepatic blood samples were collected hourly from 0900 to 1300 each day. Ruminal fluid samples were collected by stomach tube at the end of each sampling day for VFA analysis. Blood flow was determined by a primed-continuous infusion of p-aminohippurate into the mesenteric venous catheter. Addition of monensin increased (P = .04) the molar percentage of ruminal propionate and decreased ruminal isobutyrate (P = .02) and isovalerate (P = .03). Percentages of the other ruminal VFA, total ruminal VFA concentration, and pH were not affected by feeding monensin. The arterial concentrations of L-lactate (P = .02) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (P = .01) were greater with monensin; however, none of the arterial concentrations of the other metabolites was changed. Feeding of monensin also did not affect (P > .10) portal, hepatic, or hepatic arterial blood flow. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Social Capital in the Chinese Virtual Community: Impacts on the Social Shopping Model for Social Media

Abstract QQ, the largest virtual community in China, generates relational social capital that facilitates social shopping behaviours across channels. Based on social capital theory, this study assesses how social identification and knowledge creation influence social shopping behaviours; and how purchase motivation and intention from one channel transfer to another. Analysis of data collected from 216 QQ users supports the positive impacts of social identification and knowledge creation on purchase intention for virtual products within a channel, and positive cross-channel relationships between purchase motivations and intentions. This study provides an empirical social shopping model by facilitating the notion of social capital.