Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thoracic and Cardiac Imaging / Imagerie cardiaque et imagerie thoracique Invasive Lobular Cancer of the Breast : A Pictorial Essay of Imaging Findings on Mammography , Sonography , and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in the developed world and accounts for 25%e30% of all new cancer diagnoses in the women [1,2]. Invasive lobular cancer (ILC) is the second most frequent subtype after invasive ductal cancer (IDC), accounting for 8%e15% [3e5] of cases. The incidence of ILC has been steadily increasing since 1987 while rates of IDC have remained relatively constant. It has been postulated that the increase in incidence of ILC may be related to the use of combined hormone replacement therapy [6]. Due to its morphology and growth pattern, ILC frequently does not in result mass lesions on imaging and can be challenging to diagnose both clinically and radiologically. This pictorial essay illustrates the features of ILC on mammography, sonography, and magnetic resonance, all of which are essential to diagnosing this type of breast cancer.
Stochasticity in Colonial Growth Dynamics of Individual Bacterial Cells

ABSTRACT Conventional bacterial growth studies rely on large bacterial populations without considering the individual cells. Individual cells, however, can exhibit marked behavioral heterogeneity. Here, we present experimental observations on the colonial growth of 220 individual cells of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium using time-lapse microscopy videos. We found a highly heterogeneous behavior. Some cells did not grow, showing filamentation or lysis before division. Cells that were able to grow and form microcolonies showed highly diverse growth dynamics. The quality of the videos allowed for counting the cells over time and estimating the kinetic parameters lag time (λ) and maximum specific growth rate (μmax) for each microcolony originating from a single cell. To interpret the observations, the variability of the kinetic parameters was characterized using appropriate probability distributions and introduced to a stochastic model that allows for taking into account heterogeneity using Monte Carlo simulation. The model provides stochastic growth curves demonstrating that growth of single cells or small microbial populations is a pool of events each one of which has its own probability to occur. Simulations of the model illustrated how the apparent variability in population growth gradually decreases with increasing initial population size (N 0). For bacterial populations with N 0 of >100 cells, the variability is almost eliminated and the system seems to behave deterministically, even though the underlying law is stochastic. We also used the model to demonstrate the effect of the presence and extent of a nongrowing population fraction on the stochastic growth of bacterial populations.
The diffusion of high performance employment practices in the Republic of Ireland

This paper focuses on the behaviour and character of enterprises in modern Ireland by examining the extent to which high performance employment practices are being adopted by organisations. This paper draws on the results of an establishment‐level survey of work organisation and human resource management practice in three sectors of the Irish economy. This paper has three specific objectives: measuring the extent to which high performance work practices have been adopted by enterprises in Ireland; examining whether these innovations in the practical organisation of work are being supported by new ways of managing the broader employment relationship; and analysing precisely how establishments are combining innovative work practices and supporting HRM practices to achieve coherent overall employment models. Also finds that Irish firms are experimenting widely with workplace innovation and the changes in work organisation are matched by supporting adjustments to firms' HR policies and indicates that there is no single Irish “model” of industrial relations.
Complexity and diversity of F8 genetic variations in the 1000 genomes

Hemophilia A (HA) is an X‐linked bleeding disorder caused by deleterious mutations in the coagulation factor VIII gene (F8). To date, F8 mutations have been documented predominantly in European subjects and in American subjects of European descent. Information on F8 variants in individuals of more diverse ethnic backgrounds is limited.
Free Cash Flow and Stockholder Gains in Going Private Transactions

We investigate the source of stockholder gains in going private transactions. We find support for the hypothesis advanced by Jensen that a major source of these gains is the mitigation of agency problems associated with free cash flow. Using a sample of 263 going private transactions from 1980 through 1987, our results indicate a significant relationship between undistributed cash flow and a firm's decision to go private. In addition, we find that premiums paid to stockholders are significantly related to undistributed cash flow. These results are especially strong for firms that went private between 1984 and 1987 and also for firms whose managers owned relatively little equity before the going private transaction.
Effect of electrocautery vs. scalpel on fascial mechanical properties after midline laparotomy incision in rats.

BACKGROUND The method of midline laparotomy incision and closure remains a complex surgical problem. OBJECTIVE To compare the mechanical properties at the interface of midline laparotomy incision made by scalpel versus electrocuting current in rats. METHODS A sharp midline laparotomy incision was made in 60 Wistar female rats using a scalpel or electrocautery to open the fascia. The fascial and skin wounds were closed separately with a continuous nylon. Fascial specimens were analyzed for mechanical properties at the midline incision using a loading machine. The load-extension curve was recorded during tensile loading at a steady extension rate of 15 mm/min. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in either wound-bursting force (PPEAK) or the strain energy spent until the point of measured PPEAK. Each load-extension curve showed a characteristic pattern in all rats. Tissue stiffness was greater in the scalpel group than in the electrocautery group (P = 0.02). Correlations were found between tissue stiffness and strain energy, between tissue stiffness and bursting force, and between bursting force and strain energy. CONCLUSIONS While tissue stiffness was greater when a scalpel was used compared to electrocuting to incise the midline abdominal fascia in rats, there was no difference in the bursting force required to disrupt the wound.
Age correlation of the time lag in signal change on EPI-fMRI.

PURPOSE We measured the time lags between the start or end of tasks and signal changes in functional MRI (fMRI) for various age groups and evaluated the age correlation of the time lags. METHODS Forty subjects, 20-76 years old, were evaluated. fMRI was performed with and echo planar imaging sequence at 0.5 s intervals. We measured the time for the signal of the precentral gyrus to make a half-maximal increase after starting the task (T-inc) and the time to reach the initial level after ceasing the task (T-dec). RESULTS Average T-inc was 3.09 s and T-dec was 6.63 s. The values of T-inc could be correlated to age. T-dec had no age correlation. CONCLUSION The time lag in fMRI was revealed to be prolonged with increasing age. Our results suggest that the time lag in fMRI is influenced by some factors associated with aging.
The Chinese General Social Survey (2003-8)

The Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), launched jointly since 2003 by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Renmin University, continued to be jointly organized by the two institutions in the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008 surveys. This article introduces the background of the first phase of the CGSS, and describes the research agenda, sample designs, and fieldwork implementation strategies. It also provides an assessment of data quality for different types of fieldwork implementation through scholarly networks, government, and survey research firms.
Sustainable land management with rubber-based agroforestry: a Bangladeshi example of uplands community development

The paper outlines the experience and performance of a community-focused land management and agroforestry project (the Upland Settlement Project or USP) in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region in south-eastern Bangladesh. The project attempts to 'rehabilitate and develop' some impoverished indigenous ethnic people, who have hitherto been engaged in shifting cultivation. The paper sheds light on the nature, organization and achievements of the project. Of late, the upland ethnic communities have received increased attention from development academics and activists alike. The USP, administered by the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board, has been found to be reasonably appropriate and acceptable to participating farming families. One thousand families from four ethnic communities have been resettled. Each family has received ownership title to land, with a view to developing it through integrated homestead agroforestry and rubber plantations, and all necessary community facilities and services were also provided. To evaluate the performance of the programme, a survey was conducted through a semi-structured questionnaire (complemented by observation and ethno-histories). Major problems observed during the course of fieldwork included the inadequate and delayed release of funds, marginal participation of women in the project meetings, lack of base-line socio-economic, demographic and topographic information and the project staff's limited exposure to participatory working style. Despite the limitations, however, the majority of the participating families expressed their general satisfaction about their present level of participation in the project. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Some International Evidence on the Quantity Theory of Money

This paper develops a two-equation model of money, interest rates, and inflation based on the simple quantity theory an d Fisher's hypothesis about nominal interest rates. The model has both within-equation and cross-equation restrictions that are tested on long-run average cross-country data covering the period 1962-88. The major finding is that the restrictions cannot be easily rejected and this suggests that the behavior of interest rates and inflation in a major part of the postwar period can be understood in terms of classical, monetary forces. Copyright 1993 by Ohio State University Press.
The Impact of Underwriting Method and Bidder Competition Upon Corporate Bond Interest Cost

THIS STUDY OF NEW issues of corporate bonds has two objectives. The first objective is to compare interest costs of corporate bonds sold by competitive bid with comparable bonds sold by negotiation. Previous studies investigating the question of competitive versus negotiated sales of corporate bonds dwell primarily on underwriter spread, which typically constitutes about 1% of corporate bond interest cost. ' Results presented here demonstrate that interest costs for negotiated sales are significantly greater than are interest costs for competitive sales, ceteris paribus. A second objective is to determine which market participants are beneficiaries of higher interest costs in negotiated sales. The analysis shows that interest cost differentials due to underwriting method and bidder competition primarily accrue to investors in the form of higher or lower yields. Section I discusses the determinants of corporate bond interest cost. Section II presents and analyzes observed differences in borrowing costs. Section III offers concluding remarks.
Shrinkage, Metropolization and Peripheralization in East Germany

Since around 2000, there has been extensive research on questions regarding shrinkage and urban renewal in Germany after a task force report revealed approximately 1.4 million vacant flats in East Germany. Since then, most towns and cities have been labelled “shrinking cities” there. While from a planning perspective urban decline and also shrinking cities are widely studied phenomena throughout the industrialized world and a substantial literature exists on the phenomenon in Germany, the impact of political debates and normative considerations is under-researched. This paper highlights the role of political–normative ideas of metropolization and societal relations within this complex core–periphery process, elaborating on the concept of peripheralization and calling for further research.
Inhibition of Pancreatic Stellate Cell Activation by Halofuginone Prevents Pancreatic Xenograft Tumor Development

Objectives: Most solid tumors consist of neoplastic and nonneoplastic cells and extracellular matrix components. In the pancreas, activated stellate cells (PSCs) are the source of the extracellular matrix proteins. We evaluated the significance of PSC activation in tumor establishment and development in mouse xenografts. Methods: Xenografts were established by implanting human pancreatic cancer cells (MiaPaca-2) subcutaneously or orthotopically by injecting them into the spleen. Fibrosis was induced by cerulein. Collagen level was evaluated by Sirius red staining. Prolyl 4-hydroxylase &bgr; and stellate cell activation-associated protein (Cygb/STAP) were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results: Halofuginone inhibited subcutaneous tumor development implanted with Matrigel and reduced collagen and prolyl 4-hydroxylase &bgr; levels. Few tumors, which developed slowly, were observed after MiaPaca-2 implantation without Matrigel. Increase in tumor number and rate of development were observed with addition of PSCs from control pancreas, and further increase was observed when the PSCs were from cerulein-treated mice. Preincubation of the PSCs with halofuginone elicited Cygb/STAP level reduction and tumor growth inhibition. More tumors developed orthotopically in cerulein-treated mice than in controls; this was prevented by halofuginone. Conclusions: Extracellular matrix production by activated PSCs is essential for tumor establishment and growth. Thus, inhibition of PSC activation is a viable means of reducing pancreatic tumor development.
From the Desk of the Middle School Principal: Leadership Responsive to the Needs of Young Adolescents

Beyond their own walls, middle schools are having a profound effect on the entire range of American schooling, K–12. However, the recent indictments of student achievement at the middle level (TIMSS, NAEP) have increased attention on middle schools in general, and leadership in particular. What are the essential skills and knowledge that are necessary to effectively administer a middle school in the new millennium? The purpose of this research is dedicated to discovering and highlighting the qualities of effective leadership from the perspectives of the principals themselves—“in their own words. ” As a result of the data analysis, a model of leadership grounded in the concept of “developmental responsiveness” has emerged. This new paradigm is examined within the context of school improvement and is compared to what the literature and professional organizations identify as necessary characteristics.
Market structure of China’s construction industry based on the Panzar–Rosse model

The structure–conduct–performance (SCP) paradigm posits that market structure determines market performance, and the generally low productivity of China’s construction industry is a reflection of the irrationality of its market structure. Currently, the main approaches for measuring market structure can be classified as either structural approaches or non-structural approaches. Because the statistical data on structural approaches is one-sided, the indicators for the Panzar–Rosse model (a non-structural approach) for the construction industry can be selected by examining the Panzar–Rosse model and comparing the characteristics of the construction industry with those of the banking industry. The Panzar–Rosse model is employed to assess the market structure of 21 listed companies in China’s construction industry during the period from 2009 to 2011. The analysis revealed that China’s construction industry operates under conditions of monopolistic competition with free-entry equilibrium. The methods and results of the research are expected to contribute to the advancement of theories related to and methods of analysing the market structure of industries other than the banking industry.
Induction of CD70 on Dendritic Cells through CD40 or TLR Stimulation Contributes to the Development of CD8+ T Cell Responses in the Absence of CD4+ T Cells1

The expansion of CD8+ T cells in response to Ag can be characterized as either dependent or independent of CD4+ T cells. The factors that influence this dichotomy are poorly understood but may be dependent upon the degree of inflammation associated with the Ag. Using dendritic cells derived from MHC class II-deficient mice to avoid interaction with CD4+ T cells in vivo, we have compared the immunogenicity of peptide-pulsed dendritic cells stimulated with molecules associated with infection to those stimulated via CD40. In the absence of CD4+ T cell help, the expansion of primary CD8+ T cells after immunization with TNF-α- or poly(I:C)-stimulated dendritic cells was minimal. In comparison, LPS- or CpG-stimulated dendritic cells elicited substantial primary CD8+ T cell responses, though not to the same magnitude generated by immunization with CD40L-stimulated dendritic cells. Remarkably, mice immunized with any stimulated dendritic cell population generated fully functional recall CD8+ T cells without the aid of CD4+ T cell help. The observed hierarchy of immunogenicity was closely correlated with the expression of CD70 (CD27L) on the stimulated dendritic cells, and Ab-mediated blockade of CD70 substantially prevented the CD4+ T cell-independent expansion of primary CD8+ T cells. These results indicate that the expression of CD70 on dendritic cells is an important determinant for helper-dependence of primary CD8+ T cell expansion and provide an explanation for the ability of a variety of pathogens to stimulate primary CD8+ T cell responses in the absence of CD4+ T cells.
FERTILITY AND BLOOD GROUPS OF SOME EAST ANGLIAN BLOOD DONORS

A fertility survey, carried out on several thousand East Anglian blood donors, gives no indication of real differences in human fertility associated with differences in the ABO blood‐group constitution. However, the reproductive differences between individuals are much greater than those which can be attributed to chance and the data lend no support to the view, recently propounded, that the lowering of childhood mortality in modern times has resulted in a uniform fertility and the elimination of a selective differential in reproduction.
Manometry of the upper esophageal sphincter and pharynx is not useful in unselected patients referred for esophageal testing

OBJECTIVE:We sought to determine whether routinely performing upper esophageal sphincter/pharyngeal (UES/P) manometry in patients referred for esophageal testing alters clinical practice.METHODS:Clinical history along with radiography and manometry studies were reviewed in 470 patients referred for manometry. A total of 435 (92.6%) were found to have adequate evaluation of the UES/P and were included in the study.RESULTS:Of 435 studies, 80 (17.7%) had one or more UES/P abnormalities. Indications for these 80 studies were dysphagia in 30 cases (37.5%), chest pain in 26 (32.5%), both in four (5.0%), and other in 20 (25%). There were 85 manometric abnormalities in the 80 studies: hypertensive UES in 16 cases (18.8%), incomplete UES relaxation in 38 (44.7%), hypertensive pharynx in seven (8.2%), hypotensive pharynx in 15 (17.6%), and abnormal coordination in nine (10.6%). A total of 41 patients had a barium study, which was normal in 11 cases (26%), confirmed the problem in 16 (40%), and suggested another problem in 14 (34%). In 17 patients (21%), there was clinical suspicion for an oropharyngeal disorder before manometry, whereas in 58 cases it was an unexpected finding. Of the 58 patients with an unexpected finding, therapy based on this finding was offered in six (three esophageal dilations, two dietary changes, and one swallowing therapy). If patients with concomitant esophageal body disorders are excluded, in only three patients an unexpected UES finding led to change in management.CONCLUSIONS:An unexpected UES/P finding resulted in a change in therapy in only six of the manometries. Barium esophagogram was diagnostic of the oropharyngeal abnormality in nearly two-thirds of the patients in whom it was clinically suspected. These data, along with limited therapeutic options, suggest limited usefulness for routine UES/P manometry.
On the Optimal Stochastic Impulse Control of Linear Diffusions

We consider a class of stochastic impulse control problems of linear diffusions arising in studies considering the determination of optimal dividend policies. This class of problems appears also in studies analyzing the optimal management of renewable resources. We state a set of weak conditions guaranteeing both existence and uniqueness of the boundary characterizing the optimal policy and its value. We also analyze two associated stochastic control problems and establish a general ordering for both the values and the marginal values of the considered stochastic control problems. In this way we extend previous findings obtained by relying on linear payoff characterizations.
Audit Quality and Cost of Debt Capital for Private Firms: Evidence from Finland

The purpose of this paper is to examine the value relevance of the perceived audit quality in terms of who audits, as well as the audit outcomes in terms of the auditor's opinion and accruals quality, in the pricing of debt capital for privately held firms, by examining a large sample of privately held Finnish firms. The findings indicate that Big 4 audits and audits with more than one responsible auditor are associated with a decreased cost of debt capital. Also, firms with modified audit reports and those with lower quality accruals have a higher cost of debt capital. The findings suggest that both the perceived audit quality and audit outcomes are relevant in the pricing of debt capital for privately held firms. Additional analysis suggests that, while the outcomes of an audit are important in the pricing of debt regardless of a firm's size, the perceived audit quality is more important for larger privately held firms.
EDUCATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP EXPERIENCES FROM SECONDARY AND UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN BELGIUM

ABSTRACT Entrepreneurship constitutes a vital link in the economic growth of a country. Small and medium-sized businesses create jobs and are a seedbed for dynamism and innovation. It is, therefore, important for the country's economy that entrepreneurial talents are not left undeveloped, and that both starting and established business managers with ample potential are given full support. The degree to which the educational system in Belgium contributes or can contribute to that constituted the subject of the survey “Education and Entrepreneurship”. We examined this central issue by answering the five following questions: 1. What does entrepreneurship imply? 2. What is currently being done to encourage young students to set up their own businesses? 3. What are the training facilities for starting and established business managers? 4. What is the attitude of the educational system and of students and graduates towards entrepreneurship and business administration courses? 5. What do business managers and ot.