Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synchronous non small cell lung cancer nodules treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Background and Purpose We compare our institutional outcomes of synchronous primary (SP) lung lesion patients with non-SP patients.Materials and Methods: From an IRB approved prospective registry of 445 NSCLC patients treated with SBRT (8/2005 8/2012), 26 (5.8%) had SPs by biopsy or PET/CT. SBRT was delivered on a Novalis/BrainLAB platform with daily Exactrac set-up. Results There were no significant differences comparing SP vs non-SP groups for age, Charlson score, smoking pack years, and PET SUV (p=ns). 18 (69%) SP patients had at least one lesion biopsied. Ipsilateral and bilateral SPs were seen in 10 (38.4%) and 16 (61.6%) respectively. 77% received 50 Gy / 5 fx. SP vs non-SP median follow up was 12 (range 1.5-49.8) vs 15.2 months. Median survival for SP vs non-SP groups was 20.7 vs 28.4 months (p=0.3). In SP vs non-SP groups, local failure was 4% vs 7.6% (p=ns) and nodal/distant failure was 23% vs 24.6% (p=ns). Patients with ipsilateral and bilateral SPs had a 50% vs 14% distant failure respectively (p=0.037). Conclusions After SBRT, there were no differences in survival and patterns of failure for SP vs non-SP patients. Ipsilateral SPs had significantly worse distant failure compared to bilateral SPs.
The in vitro metabolism of flavonoids by whole rumen contents and its fractions.

Summary Identification of flavonoids present in Berri (Zizyphus jujuba) leaves and the degradation of these flavonoids and also of chemically pure rutin and quercetin by mixed rumen micro-organisms from the goat were studied. The major flavonoids present in the leaves were quercetin-3-rhamnosyl-glucoside and quercetin-3-rhamnose. Flavonoids from leaves, rutin and quercetin were degraded to VFA through the formation of intermediates such as p-hydroxy-phenylacetic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. The rumen bacteria are mainly responsible for this degradation. The mechanisms of degradation are discussed. Zusammenfassung In-vitro-Metabolismus von Flavonoiden durch Pansensaft und -fraktionen Die Untersuchungen betreffen die Identifizierung der Flavonoide in Blattern von Berri-Strauchern (Zizyphus jujuba) sowie den Abbau dieser Flavonoide, des chemisch reinen Rutins und Quercetins durch eine Mischung von Pansensaftmikroorganismen der Ziege. Die hauptsachlichsten Flavonoide in den Blattern sind ein Quercetin-3-rhamnosyl-glucosid und Quercetin-3-rhamnose. Blatt-Flavonoide, Rutin und Quercetin werden vor allem durch Pansen-bakterien zu fluchtigen Fettsauren abgebaut, uber Zwischenstufen wie die p-Hydroxyphenylessigsaure und die 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylessigsaure. Resume Metabolisme in vitro de flavonoides par le jus de la panse et ses fractions Les recherches ont eu pour but l'identification des flavonoidesdans des feuilles de Berri (Zizyphus jujuba) ainsi que la degradation de ces flavonoides, de la rutine chimiquement pure et de la quercetine par un melange de micro-organismes du jus de la panse de chevre. Les flavonoides principaux dans les feuilles sont quercetine-3-rhamnosyl-glucoside et quercetine-3-rhamnose. Les flavonoides des feuilles, la rutine et la quercetine furent degrades en acides gras volatiles en passant par des stades tels que p-hydroxyphenyle acide acetique et 3,4-dihydroxyphenyle acide acetique. Resumen El metabolismo in vitro de los flavonoides provocado por el liquido de la panza y fracciones del mismo Los estudios se refieren a la identificacion de los flavonoides en las hojas de los arbustos berri (Ziziphus jujuba) y la degradacion de dichos flavonoides, de la rutina y quercetina quimicamente puras mediante una mezcla de microorganismos ruminales de cabra. Los flavonoides principales ubicados en las hojas son quercetina-3-ramnosil-glucosido y quercetina-3-ramnosa. Los flavonoides de las hojas, la rutina y la quercetina se degradan a acidos grasos volatiles a traves de estados intermedios tales como los acidos p-hidroxifenil-acetico y 3,4-dihidroxifenilacetico.
The Impact of Information Disclosure and Transparency Rankings System (Idtrs) and Corporate Governance Structure on Interest Cost of Debt

The purpose of the present study is to inquire (1) whether transparency in information disclosure would create an impact on the interest cost of debt, and (2) whether corporate governance structure would impact transparency in information disclosure. Findings show that companies disclosing more transparent information benefit from a significantly lower interest cost of cost than those disclosing less transparent information. Test results supports the suggestion that increased shareholding by insiders and institutional investors contribute to a higher possibility of improved transparency in information disclosure and help reduce interest rate. In contrast, we found that increased proportion in board seats by controlling shareholders and family controlled firms structure would significantly raise the interest cost of debt. It is, therefore, established that transparency in information disclosure and types of corporate governance structure impacts on interest cost of debt.
Primary skeletal dysplasia as a major manifesting feature in an infant with congenital disorder of glycosylation type Ia

D. Coman,* D. Bostock, M. Hunter, P. Kannu, M. Irving, V. Mayne, M. Fietz, J. Jaeken, and R. Savarirayan Genetic Health Services Victoria, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia Newborn Services, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia Department of Radiology, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia National Referral Laboratory, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, Australia University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
The marketing of livestock in South Africa's developing areas: a case study of the role of speculators, auctioneers, butchers and private buyers in Lebowa

Abstract The importance of livestock in rural households is well known and their role in the households well documented. Despite the important social and cultural value of livestock, especially cattle, there is a growing tendency amongst rural households to sell livestock. This paper is based on research into livestock marketing in developing areas. The research investigates the reasons for selling and marketing channels used by rural households. This paper specifically considers the role of speculators, auctioneers and butchers in the marketing of livestock in developing areas. The increasing popularity of private sales is discussed and analyzed. These different outlets serve as the major marketing channels for livestock producers in developing areas. In marketing their livestock through the different channels, farmers experience a range of problems and constraints. The paper analyses these constraints and complaints and also shows how these affect the farmers' choice of a particular marketing outlet. Th.
Sensitive skin: closing in on a physiological cause

The phenomenon of ‘sensitive skin’ is a relatively recent complaint in which certain individuals report more intense and frequent adverse sensory effects than the normal population upon use of cosmetic (personal‐care) products. Originally defined as a minority complaint, sensitive skin is now claimed by a majority of women in industrialized countries and nearly half of men. Sensitive skin is self‐diagnosed and typically unaccompanied by any obvious physical signs of irritation, and the number of individuals who claim sensitivity has risen steadily with the number of consumer products targeted towards this supposedly uncommon group. Believed by many dermatologists, therefore, to be a ‘princess and the pea’ phenomenon, the problem of sensitive skin has largely avoided focussed research. Over the last few years, however, the evidence of documentable biophysical changes associated with the largely sensory symptoms of this disorder has accumulated, including some gained by improved methods of identifying subclinical signs of skin irritation. Although the understanding of the aetiology of this phenomenon is as yet incomplete, existing research now supports a biophysical origin for this disorder. Effective methods of diagnosis, intrinsic and extrinsic contributors to exaggerated neural sensitivity, and the specific mechanisms of the discomfort associated with the compliant are required, as are appropriate means of prevention and treatment.
Why a Brand's Most Valuable Consumer is the Next One It Adds

ABSTRACT Some marketers spend a great deal of time, money, and effort trying to define and target a brand's most valuable consumers among current buyers. ‘Less valuable’ consumers, however, are essential to brand health and growth. A larger percent of profitable consumers among all brand buyers is characteristic of smaller rather than larger brands. Because the average consumer buys more as a brand's franchise grows, the next consumer the brand adds will be its most valuable. Brands need to target inclusively and stand for a vivid, clear but broadly appealing benefit. A narrow, exclusive focus on the ‘most profitable’ households is a recipe for stagnation and decline, not for brand health.
Successful Charity Marketing : Meeting Need

What is charity marketing? classical commercial marketing fundamentals of charity marketing approach the charity marketing mix how to introduce a marketing approach and a merketing reality physical goods - welfare goods, publications and profit-goods services to beneficiaries pressure group activity fund-raising whole charity marketing - identity and positioning marketing - the way the way forward .
Research in progress—LungSEARCH: a randomised controlled trial of surveillance for the early detection of lung cancer in a high-risk group

Low-dose CT screening for lung cancer is effective but expensive. Therefore, cheaper or more focused screening strategies may be required. LungSEARCH is a randomised prospective trial of 1568 high-risk individuals (ie, current or former moderate to heavy smokers with mild/moderate COPD) who undergo either annual sputum cytology/cytometry testing or no screening. Those with abnormal sputum then receive annual CT and fluorescent bronchoscopy for the remainder of 5 years, to identify early stage lung cancer. It is hoped that these simple initial tests could identify those requiring expensive CT scans, and the aim is to demonstrate a stage shift towards early stage cancers. Trial registration numbers ISRCTN: ISRCTN80745975, clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00512746.
A normative model for managing the diversity awareness of local government managers

One of the most challenging tasks confronting local government managers is to resolve, or at least ameliorate, some of the difficulties arising from the wide diversity found in the workplace. Although local government went through a process of transformation to ensure that it was more representative of the broader diverse community, it was merely an exercise in structural change. Structural change should not be the only mechanism of the current government to bring about change in the workplace. The management of change and affirmative action programmes alone will not obtain the employment equity workers are seeking. The management of diversity is needed to create employment equity in the workplace – a workplace encompassing everyone. Appropriate techniques for handling diversity must be found. These will have to become integral to the whole environment’s accepting diverse groups as vital resources in an organisation. The focus should also be on behavioural change, especially that of individuals and groups in the organisation (public sector). A balance is needed for structural as well as behavioural change with regard to diversity in the workplace.The ultimate aim in the democratisation and transformation of local government in South Africa is not to widen the rift between the various groups, but to foster understanding between them, thereby streamlining local government and enhancing its efficiency through service delivery.
Taking a Dominant Design Perspective on ERP Companies

The dominant design concept describes the evolution from one dominant design to a new one, or in a new industry, the evolution to a set of standards and features that becomes a dominant design for that particular product or sector. Typically the dominant design is used to describe industry trends. This thesis takes the bottom up perspective, i.e. the company's perspective, to identify if, or what parts, of the dominant design model that can be used as an explanatory tool of innovation in the two ERP companies chosen. This thesis has found that some parts of the dominant design model can be used to describe innovation in our two case companies. However, the model has to be altered to fit the particular needs of the software industry and exclude the concept of process innovation, which is a part of the original dominant design model. By considering a company’s existing situation, e.g. customers, market share, partnerships etc. and fitting these facts into our altered dominant design model it should be possible to explain actions undertaken by an ERP company.
Cost driver optimization in activity-based costing

SYNOPSIS AND INTRODUCTION: The goal of any cost management system is to provide relevant and timely information to management. This information supports better management of corporate resources in production of products or provision of services, and improves competitiveness in terms of costs, quality, and profitability. In this context, a cost management system can also be viewed as a planning and control management system (Berliner and Brimson 1988). Cooper (1988a, 1988b, 1989a, 1989b) provided a comprehensive discussion of activity-based costing (ABC), following the pioneering work of Kaplan (1983, 1984). Extension of ABC to the service industry was provided by Rotch (1990). ABC has also been extended into activity-based management (ABM) to include other considerations, such as customer profitability, manpower utilization, distribution channels, and other management issues. Thus, ABC is the information system that reveals the cost and profitability structure of products and services in an organization, while ABM describes the actions taken to improve quality and reduce costs and cycle time, once information about activities' costs is known. In this article, ABC is used as a generic concept without any loss of generality. An ABC system achieves improved accuracy in estimation of costs by using multiple cost drivers to trace the cost of activities to the products associated with the resources consumed by those activities. In this respect, a cost driver is an event, associated with an activity, that results in the consumption of firm's resources. Since the number of events performed in a firm is often vast, it may not be cost-effective to use a distinct and different cost driver for each activity. Thus, many activities may be grouped into a single driver to trace the costs of all the grouped activities for a product or
Screening for breast and cervical cancers: the importance of knowledge and perceived cancer survivability.

INTRODUCTION This study examines the association between recent screening for breast and cervical cancers, knowledge of cancer risk factors, and perceptions of surviving cancer. METHODS Data were from the Cancer Control Supplement to the 1992 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS-CCS). The dependent variable combined breast and cervical cancer screening practices into a single composite index. Two independent variables combined women's knowledge about breast and cervical cancers into single indicators--one representing risk factor knowledge, the other representing perceived likelihood of surviving breast and cervical cancers following early detection. RESULTS Multivariate analysis showed that recency of screening for both breast and cervical cancers was associated with knowledge of cancer risk factors and perceptions of surviving cancer. Education, household income, and smoking status also were correlates of comprehensive screening. Significant interactions between income and perceived survivability, and between education and perceived survivability suggested that the effects of income and education on comprehensive screening varied with perceptions about surviving cancer. CONCLUSION The study suggests that knowledge and attitudinal questions can be combined for two diseases to enhance understanding of who is most likely to be screened comprehensively for breast and cervical cancers. Although national trends show that large percentages of women over age 50 are having mammograms and Pap tests, this progress is not likely to be sustained unless existing barriers are eliminated. Limited knowledge about breast and cervical cancer risk factors and misperceptions about survival from cancer represent two of these barriers.
Exploring the limits of stress-enhanced hole mobility

Hole mobility is found to more than double in fabricated p-MOSFETs with SiGe source/drain due to longitudinal compressive stress in the channel exceeding 1 GPa. The maximum observed low-field mobility enhancement is 140% at a simulated stress level of 1.45 GPa. The mobility enhancement is approximately linear with stress at moderate levels but becomes super-linear above 1 GPa. An important consequence of this behavior is that for moderate stress levels, an average channel stress can be used to estimate the performance of transistors with a nonuniform stress distribution across the channel width. Two alternative approaches to model stress-enhanced hole mobility are suggested. Analysis of the physical effects behind the experimental observations reveals the relative roles of band repopulation and mass modulation. In addition, previously published wafer bending experiments with compressive stress levels below 400 MPa are used to implicitly verify the accuracy of the stress simulations.
Analysis of risk factors for postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistulas in patients with lung cancer.

BACKGROUND Bronchopleural fistula is a potentially fatal complication of pulmonary resections, especially pneumonectomy. METHODS Univariate and multivariate analyses of the development of bronchopleural fistula were performed in 12 patients with bronchopleural fistula and 102 patients without bronchopleural fistula who had undergone pneumonectomy from January 1983 through December 2005. RESULTS Bronchopleural fistula developed after pneumonectomy in 12 patients (8.5%). Seven (58.7%) of the 12 patients died of bronchopleural fistula. Univariate analysis showed that preoperative infection, right pneumonectomy, and pathological N2, 3 disease significantly contributed to the development of postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula (p=0.0002, p=0.0043, and p=0.0387, respectively). Multivariate analysis also showed that preoperative infection, right pneumonectomy, and pathological N2, 3 disease were significant risk factors for postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula. CONCLUSIONS Bronchopleural fistula is strongly associated with preoperative infection, right pneumonectomy, and pathological N2, 3 disease. Bronchial stump coverage with pedicled tissue flaps and preservation of the bronchial arteries during mediastinal lymph node dissection are recommended to maintain the blood supply to the bronchial stump in patients at risk.
Formation control of networked multi-agent systems

In this study, a systematic framework is developed for the consensus control problem, particularly for formation control of networked dynamic agents. In view of the complexity of the framework with switching coupling topology and non-linearity, a new decentralised formation strategy based on artificial potential functions (APF) is proposed. Owing to the existence of local minima in the APF, the formation controller is designed to introduce some special functions to settle that limitation. A new concept of relative-position-based formation stability is defined, and a Lyapunov approach is used along with an extended linear matrix inequalities (LMI) algorithm to analyse the condition for formation stability. Finally, an example with simulations is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed formation controller.
Cross-tier interference mitigation for self organized-self optimized femtocells

Maximizing frequency reuse is of high interest to multi-tier wireless cellular networks. The coexistence of macrocell and femtocell requires advanced cross-tier interference mitigation to satisfy the spectral efficiency sought for the evolution of cellular networks. In this paper, our proposal combines an opportunistic cancellation of the interference at the base station of the femtocell (HeNB) which mitigates dead zone occurrences at the femtocell premises in closed access regime, and a transmit power limitation on the femtocell mobile user for interference avoidance at the base station of the macrocell. Our proposed combination profits from the network infrastructure where successive interference cancellation does not apply, and neighbor discovery enabled at the HeNBs. Through simulation results and analysis, our proposal improves the underlay network performance with implementation of a self organized-self optimized network.
SUWANNEE RIVER LONG RANGE STREAMFLOW FORECASTS BASED ON SEASONAL CLIMATE PREDICTORS 1

ABSTRACT: A study of the influence of climate variability on streamflow in the southeastern United States is presented. Using a methodology previously applied to watersheds in Australia and the United States, a long range streamflow forecast (0 to 9 months in advance) is developed. Persistence (i.e., the previous season's streamflow) and climate predictors of the previous season are used to forecast the following season's (winter and spring) streamflow of the Suwannee River located in northern Florida. The winter and spring streamflow is historically the most likely to have severe flood events due to large scale cyclonic (frontal) storms. Results of the analysis indicated that a strong El Nino‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal exists at various lead times to the winter and spring streamflow of the Suwannee River. These results are based on the high correlation values of two commonly used measurements of ENSO strength, the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) and Sea Surface Temperature Range 1. Using the relationships developed between climate and streamflow, a continuous exceedance probability forecast was developed for two Suwannee River stations. The forecast system provided an improved forecast for ENSO years. The ability to predict above normal (flood) or below normal (drought) years can provide communities the necessary lead time to protect life, property, sensitive wetlands, and endangered and threatened species.