Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are CEO Power and Audit Committee Quality Substitutes or in Conflict?

CEO power can influence a CEO’s incentives to disclose information, in turn affecting the information environment. Audit committees can also affect the information environment, because they serve as the watchdog for financial reporting quality and the audit process. Thus, our research explores whether CEO power and the audit committee are substitute or conflicting mechanisms in improving information transparency. Our evidence supports a simultaneous inverse association between CEO power and audit committee quality. In addition, a simultaneous inverse association between CEO power and audit committee quality for firms with more complex accounting policies or in high-tech industries is significantly stronger than that of firms with less complex accounting policies or in other industries. Finally, the evidence shows that firms with more powerful CEOs experience more information transparency. Thus, powerful CEOs and an audit committee with high quality play the same role in improving information transparency. As a result, our evidence indicates that the firm’s CEO and its audit committee are substitutes for each other.
IV. Social Origins of the Brain Fag Syndrome

The aetiology of psychiatric morbidity associated with education in Africa was explored using two different screening methods (as described in paper III, this supplement). The interactive effect of psychosocial variables was examined by Log linear analysis which demonstrated five independent factors: (a) the financial implications of education which represented the change from subsistence to cash economy; (b) fear of envy and bewitchment which represented the intense cultural response to education; (c) parenting in the pre-school years which was the independent family variable; (d) academic ability; (e) attributes of the school. Age of starting school and birth rank had a marginal effect. Current family adversity in terms of unstable parental union, paternal use of alcohol, polygamy and sibship size operated by interactive or additive effect. Gender and social status had no effect. The brain fag syndrome can be related to the complex social changes during rapid social transition where education is a major agent of change.
[Value of contrast-enhanced MR enterography in pediatric Crohn's disease: preliminary study].

OBJECTIVE Feasibility study of contrast enhanced MR enterography without enteroclysis as a new diagnostic tool for children with known or suspected Crohn's disease. METHODS We prospectively included 15 children, 8-18 years old, with clinical suspicion of Crohn's disease. MR enterography without enteroclysis was performed on a 1,5 T clinical MR system. A total of 1000 ml of mannitol 5% was orally administered 60 minutes prior to MRI. Coronal and axial breath-hold sequences were acquired. The following sequences were obtained: True-FISP, FLASH T1 2D/3D with Fat saturation before and after gadolinium injection. Two radiologists, blinded to patient information, independently reviewed all examinations to record image quality, the degree of distension of the distal ileum, the presence of abnormal bowel segments and the presence of extra-intestinal complications. MRI findings were correlated to sonographic, endoscopic and biological results (sensitivity, specificity, Kappa test). RESULTS The examinations were considered of satisfactory diagnostic quality in 93.3% of patients. Respiratory artifacts were present in one case. The entire GI tract could be identified on all sequences. Distention of the distal ileum was recorded as good to excellent in 89% of healthy subjects. Five MR examinations were considered abnormal with isolated ileal involvement in 2 cases, ileocolic involvement in 2 cases, and isolated colonic involvement in 1 case. The sensitivity and specificity of MR for the positive diagnosis of Crohn's disease were 100% and 83% respectively. Three extra-intestinal complications were detected: one case of ileo-ileal fistula, not identified on ultrasonography, an asymptomatic anal fistula and a symptomatic inflammatory stricture. CONCLUSION MR enterography without enteroclysis is a well tolerated, effective non invasive method in the evaluation of known or suspected Crohn's disease. Because of the absence of ionizing radiation, MR enterography should become the gold standard in pediatric patients.
The outcome of tracheostomy in children

Introduction Tracheostomies in children are associated with a significant morbidity, characteristic complications, and problems with decannulation, all of which have been reported at length by other authors (Black et al., 1984; Line et al., 1986; Maclachlan, 1969; Oliver et al., 1962; Tucker and Silberman, 1972; Wetmore et al., 1982). The aim of this article is to review the outcome of children with tracheostomies managed in the Department of ENT at the Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital, Alder Hey, over the last decade. In particular, special attention is devoted to decannulation, and to the results after excision of the tracheostomy tract and primary closure of the stoma.
Endothelialization of Small-Diameter Vascular Prostheses

In the field of arterial vascular reconstructions there is an increasing need for functional small-diameter artificial grafts (inner diameter <6 mm). When autologous replacement vessels are not available, for example because of the bad condition of the vascular system in the patient, the surgeon has no other alternative than to implant a synthetic polymer-based vessel. After implantation the initial major problem concerning these vessels is the almost immediate occlusion, due to blood coagulation and platelet deposition, under the relatively low flow conditions. As the search for the perfect bio-inert polymer has not revealed a material with suitable properties for this application, improved performance of small-diameter artificial blood vessels is now being sought in the biological field. The poor blood-compatibility of an artificial vascular graft is not simply because of its coagulation-stimulating or platelet-activating properties, but more due to its inability to actively participate in the prevention of blood coagulation and platelet deposition. As these functions are naturally performed by endothelial cells, the utilization of these cells seems inevitable for the construction of a functional small-diameter artificial blood vessels. This review describes the current status of the use of endothelial cells to improve the performance of artificial vascular prostheses.
Declining incidence of episodes of asthma: a study of trends in new episodes presenting to general practitioners in the period 1989–98

BACKGROUND A study was undertaken to determine trends in the incidence of new episodes of asthma presented to general practitioners participating in the Weekly Returns Service of the Royal College of General Practitioners, comprising 92 practices with a registered population of approximately 680 000 persons well distributed throughout England and Wales. These practices monitor the morbidity presented at every consultation, distinguishing between new episodes of illness and ongoing consultations. METHODS Age specific weekly rates of new episodes of asthma (and of acute bronchitis) presenting to the general practitioners over the years 1989–98 were examined in four week blocks and analysed by multiple regression, separating secular from seasonal trends. RESULTS Quadratic trends in episodes of asthma were evident in each of the age groups with peaks in 1993/4. Corresponding analyses for acute bronchitis disclosed similar trends generally peaking in the winter of 1993/4. Mean weekly incidence data (all ages combined) decreased in all quarters since 1993. Regional analysis (North/Central/South) showed similar decreases. CONCLUSIONS There has been a gradual decrease in the incidence of asthma episodes and of acute bronchitis presenting to general practitioners since 1993. The trend of an increase before 1993 followed by a decrease cannot be explained by changes in the patterns of health care usage or diagnostic preference of doctors.
A multi-faceted framework for subsidiary evolution - a review of multinational subsidiary research

This article provides an exploratory view on subsidiary evolution. Drawing upon extant multinational subsidiary research, a multi-faceted framework for subsidiary evolution is introduced to examine the process of roles and charters development in a foreign multinational subsidiary. In particular, the proposed framework comprises factors from three different levels—corporate-, subsidiary-, and host country-level factors—that influence the development process. The dynamic nature and the interplay of these factors are considered important to the evolution of subsidiary roles.
Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus saerimneri 30a (Formerly Lactobacillus sp. Strain 30a), a Reference Lactic Acid Bacterium Strain Producing Biogenic Amines

ABSTRACT Lactobacillus sp. strain 30a (Lactobacillus saerimneri) produces the biogenic amines histamine, putrescine, and cadaverine by decarboxylating their amino acid precursors. We report its draft genome sequence (1,634,278 bases, 42.6% G+C content) and the principal findings from its annotation, which might shed light onto the enzymatic machineries that are involved in its production of biogenic amines.
Synaptic plasticity in the absence of backpropagating spikes of layer II inputs to layer V pyramidal cells in rat visual cortex

Use‐dependent changes of synaptic transmission are thought to depend on the evaluation of temporal correlations between pre‐ and postsynaptic excitatory activity. Previous studies have demonstrated long‐term potentiation (LTP) in layer V pyramidal cells after coincident pairing of presynaptic excitatory input with postsynaptic depolarizations, evoking backpropagating action potentials (BAPs). Here we paired excitatory layer II input with somatic hyperpolarization, which blocked BAPs in layer V pyramidal cells of rat visual cortex and induced reliable long‐term depression (LTD). Upon cholinergic receptor activation, this BAP‐independent protocol also induced LTP, which was not dependent on N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor activation, but blocked by metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonists.
Surgical treatment of unstable fractures of the distal clavicle: A comparative study of Kirschner wire and clavicular hook plate fixation

During 1988-1999 39 unstable fractures of the distal clavicle (Neer 2) were operated on in Oulu University Hospital. Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation was used in 22 cases and a clavicular hook plate in 17. Shoulder symptoms and function were assessed using self-administered questionnaires devised by L'Insalata et al. (1997), and Constant scoring. Mean follow-up was 6.2 years in the K-wire fixation group and 2.0 years in the clavicular hook plate one. The mean L'Insalata scores were 91 in both groups (92% and 93% of the contralateral side) and the mean Constant scores 84 (95%) and 90 (96%) for K-wire fixation and the clavicular hook plate, respectively. Complications commonly occurred with K-wires, which migrated in 12 cases, resulting in loss of reduction in 7 and infection in 3, and 2 cases of non-union. In the clavicular hook plate group, there was 1 complication, a fracture of the clavicle, and 2 cases of non-union. We conclude that shoulder symptoms were reduced and function restored to an adequate level by both methods, but complications were unacceptably frequent when K-wires were used. The clavicular hook plate was better in this respect and it is therefore recommended.
Branding and outcomes in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): a resource–capability approach

The study investigates the relationships of enterprise resources and branding capabilities with branding efforts and branding benefits. It examines the differential effect of physical resources and branding capabilities on enterprises’ branding efforts and outcomes. Empirical data for the study were drawn from 304 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. The hypothesized relationships were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. The study found that resources and capabilities possessions might not be enough to produce the optimum branding benefits for enterprises. A better result, however, emerges when these resources and capabilities are integrated with well-coordinated branding efforts of the enterprises. The study offers several implications for managers of small businesses based on the findings of the study.
Sharp Threshold Asymptotics for the Emergence of Additive Bases

A subset A of {0,1,. ,n} is said to be a 2-additive basis for {1,2,. ,n} if each j in {1,2,. ,n} can be written as j=x+y, x,y in A, x<=y. If we pick each integer in {0,1,. ,n} independently with probability p=p_n tending to 0, thus getting a random set A, what is the probability that we have obtained a 2-additive basis? We address this question when the target sum-set is [(1-alpha)n,(1+alpha)n] (or equivalently [alpha n, (2-alpha) n]) for some 0<alpha<1. Under either model, the Stein-Chen method of Poisson approximation is used, in conjunction with Janson's inequalities, to tease out a very sharp threshold for the emergence of a 2-additive basis. Generalizations to k-additive bases are then given.
Assessing Demographic Differences in Patient-Perceived Improvement in Facial Appearance and Quality of Life Following Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND As rhinoplasty patient demographics evolve, surgeons must consider the impact of demographics on patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to identify independent demographic predictors of differences in satisfaction with appearance and quality of life following rhinoplasty utilizing the FACE-Q patient-reported outcome instrument. METHODS Patients presenting for rhinoplasty completed the following FACE-Q scales: Satisfaction with Facial Appearance, Satisfaction with Nose, Social Function, and Psychological Well-being. Higher FACE-Q scores indicate greater satisfaction with appearance or superior quality of life. Pre- and post-treatment scores were compared in the context of patient demographics. RESULTS The scales were completed by 59 patients. Women demonstrated statistically significant improvements in Satisfaction with Facial Appearance and quality of life while men only experienced significant improvement in Satisfaction with Facial appearance. Caucasians demonstrated statistically significant improvement in Satisfaction with Facial Appearance and quality of life while non-Caucasians did not. Patients younger than 35 years old were more likely to experience enhanced Satisfaction with Facial Appearance and quality of life compared with patients older than 35 years old. Patients with income ≥$100,000 were more likely to experience significant increases in Satisfaction with Facial Appearance and quality of life than patients with incomes <$100,000. CONCLUSIONS In an objective study using a validated patient-reported outcome instrument, the authors were able to quantify differences in the clinically meaningful change in perception of appearance and quality of life that rhinoplasty patients gain based on demographic variables. The authors also demonstrated that these variables are potential predictors of differences in satisfaction.
Microbleeds in atypical presentations of Alzheimer's disease: a comparison to dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

BACKGROUND Microbleeds in the brain have been shown to occur in Alzheimer's disease (AD), affecting approximately a third of subjects that present with typical dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT). However, little is known about the frequency or distribution of microbleeds in subjects with AD that present with atypical clinical presentations. OBJECTIVE To determine whether the frequency and regional distribution of microbleeds in atypical AD differs from that observed in subjects with DAT, and to determine whether microbleeds in atypical AD are associated with age, demographics, or cognitive impairment. METHODS Fifty-five subjects with amyloid-β deposition on Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) PET who presented with predominant language (n = 37) or visuospatial/perceptual (n = 18) deficits underwent T2*weighted MRI. These subjects were compared to 41 PiB-positive subjects with DAT. Microbleeds were identified and assigned a lobar location. RESULTS The proportion of subjects with microbleeds did not differ between atypical AD (42%) and DAT (32%). However, atypical AD had larger numbers of microbleeds than DAT. In addition, the topographic distribution of microbleeds differed between atypical AD and DAT, with atypical AD showing the highest density of microbleeds in the frontal lobes. Among atypical AD, number of microbleeds was associated with age, but not gender or cognition. Microbleeds were more common in subjects with language (51%) versus visuospatial/perceptual deficits (22%). CONCLUSIONS Microbleeds are relatively common in both DAT and atypical AD, although atypical AD subjects appear to be at particular risk for developing large numbers of microbleeds and for developing microbleeds in the frontal lobe.
Signaling and the Valuation of Unseasoned New Issues: A Comment

IN THE MARCH 1982 issue of this Journal, David Downes and Robert Heinkel [1] present an empirical examination of the role of signaling in the valuation of initial public offerings of common stock. For a large sample of unseasoned new issues, they examine the Leland-Pyle [2] signaling hypothesis that firm value should be positively related to the fraction of equity retained by the original shareholders. Downes and Heinkel conclude that the data are consistent with the Leland-Pyle signaling hypothesis. In this comment, I present a more complete test of the Leland-Pyle signaling model. I also present two alternative explanations for the positive empirical relation between firm value and insider holdings, which I label the agency hypothesis and the wealth effect hypothesis. I find that the testable implications of the agency hypothesis are supported, while the evidence is ambiguous with respect to the testable implications of the wealth effect and signaling hypotheses.
The A53T α-Synuclein Mutation Increases Iron-Dependent Aggregation and Toxicity

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common motor disorder affecting the elderly. PD is characterized by the formation of Lewy bodies and death of dopaminergic neurons. The mechanisms underlying PD are unknown, but the discoveries that mutations in α-synuclein can cause familial PD and that α-synuclein accumulates in Lewy bodies suggest that α-synuclein participates in the pathophysiology of PD. Using human BE-M17 neuroblastoma cells overexpressing wild-type, A53T, or A30P α-synuclein, we now show that iron and free radical generators, such as dopamine or hydrogen peroxide, stimulate the production of intracellular aggregates that contain α-synuclein and ubiquitin. The aggregates can be identified by immunocytochemistry, electron microscopy, or the histochemical stain thioflavine S. The amount of aggregation occurring in the cells is dependent on the amount of α-synuclein expressed and the type of α-synuclein expressed, with the amount of α-synuclein aggregation following a rank order of A53T > A30P > wild-type > untransfected. In addition to stimulating aggregate formation, α-synuclein also appears to induce toxicity. BE-M17 neuroblastoma cells overexpressing α-synuclein show up to a fourfold increase in vulnerability to toxicity induced by iron. The vulnerability follows the same rank order as for aggregation. These data raise the possibility that α-synuclein acts in concert with iron and dopamine to induce formation of Lewy body pathology in PD and cell death in PD.
Amplitude and Width Manipulations in Fitts' Paradigm: Comment on Heath et al. (2011) and Heath et al. (2016)

ABSTRACT Heath, Weiler, Marriott, Elliott, and Binstead (2011) and Heath, Samani, Tremblay, and Elliott (2016) have claimed that there are dissociable movement times for amplitude and width manipulations in the Fitts' paradigm. This may to some extent be true, but the Heath et al. (2011) and Heath et al. (2016) data do not support that contention, as shown in this comment. It is shown that data from the research of Heath et al. is not in the range of index of difficulty where ongoing visual control would be used and hence their fits of data to Fitts' law are spurious. The data of Heath et al. (2011) for arm movements and for the primary eye saccade submovements of Heath et al. (2016) are well correlated by the ballistic movement time equation of Hoffmann (1981) and Gan and Hoffmann (1988). When the ballistic equation is used to model data for constant amplitude and constant target width conditions, the effects of the amplitude and width manipulations disappear. Other research indicates that the independent effects of movement amplitude occur due to changes in the time for the distance-covering phase of the movement.
Surgical treatment of paralysis of the inferior division of the oculomotor nerve.

BACKGROUND Paralysis of the inferior division of the oculomotor nerve is relatively rare. Little has been written about its surgical treatment. METHODS Five patients with paralysis of the inferior division of the oculomotor nerve were treated with transposition of the superior rectus muscle toward the insertion of the medial rectus muscle, transposition of the lateral rectus muscle toward the insertion of the inferior rectus muscle, and tenotomy of the superior oblique tendon in the affected eye. RESULTS All 5 patients had a satisfactory outcome. They were free of diplopia in the primary position as of their last examination. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 10 years after surgery. CONCLUSION Paralysis of the inferior division of the oculomotor nerve can be adequately treated by simultaneous transposition of the superior rectus muscle toward the insertion of the medial rectus muscle, transposition of the lateral rectus muscle toward the insertion of the inferior rectus muscle, and tenotomy of the superior oblique tendon in the affected eye.