Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Investigation Of Auditor Decision-Processes In The Evaluation Of Internal Controls And Audit Scope Decisions

Over the past decade numerous studies have focused on auditors' judgments. With few exceptions these studies have found that when auditors are given the same task, they frequently make different decisions. ' This result has been obtained for relatively simple tasks (e.g., Joyce [1976]) and relatively complex tasks (e.g., Reckers and Taylor [1979] and Mock and Turner [1981]). While consensus of decisions is not
Human brain networks in health and disease

Purpose of reviewRecent developments in the statistical physics of complex networks have been translated to neuroimaging data in an effort to enhance our understanding of human brain structural and functional networks. This review focuses on studies using graph theoretical measures applied to structural MRI, diffusion MRI, functional MRI, electroencephalography, and magnetoencephalography data. Recent findingsComplex network properties have been identified with some consistency in all modalities of neuroimaging data and over a range of spatial and time scales. Conserved properties include small worldness, high efficiency of information transfer for low wiring cost, modularity, and the existence of network hubs. Structural and functional network metrics have been found to be heritable and to change with normal aging. Clinical studies, principally in Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, have identified abnormalities of network configuration in patients. Future work will likely involve efforts to synthesize structural and functional networks in integrated models and to explore the interdependence of network configuration and cognitive performance. SummaryGraph theoretical analysis of neuroimaging data is growing rapidly and could potentially provide a relatively simple but powerful quantitative framework to describe and compare whole human brain structural and functional networks under diverse experimental and clinical conditions.
Collectivistic and Individualistic Performance Expectancy in the Utilization of Sales Automation Technology in an International Field Sales Setting

This study examines a model that discriminates between internalized collective performance expectancy (ICPE) and evaluative individual performance expectancy (EIPE) related to utilization of sales force automation (SFA) technology in an international setting. A field study was conducted with a sample of 141 sales representatives utilizing SFA technology in five countries. Results of the study showed that salesperson ICPE had a significant positive effect on SFA utilization and salesperson EIPE failed to show a significant direct effect on SFA utilization. However, salesperson EIPE had a significantindirect effect on SFA utilization through salesperson ICPE. This research supports the need for better managerial and vendor understanding of cultural value–specific factors related to field sales technology utilization.
Exploring Choice Overload, Internet Shopping Anxiety, Variety Seeking and Online Shopping Adoption Relationship: Evidence from Online Fashion Stores

This study attempts to investigate the nature and impact of choice overload and Internet shopping anxiety on online shopping patronage in the context of fashion products by examining the extent to which consumers seeking variety while shopping online would experience an overload of the innumerable choices offered to them and whether the availability of large assortment of choices will have a significant effect on the patronage of e-stores providing choice in their product offerings. The study also hoped to examine the anxiety experienced by consumers while shopping online and the resultant effect of shopping anxiety on consumers’ intention to patronize web stores. Findings of the study based on a total of 189 responses reveal that online shoppers’ variety-seeking behaviour significantly affects choice overload, while too much shopping anxiety among online shoppers also significantly contributed to a decrease in the level of online patronage intentions among online shoppers. Based on the results of the study, suggestions are made to lower the anxiety among online shoppers to improve consumers’ patronage intentions as too much information is likely to influence their quality of decisions.
Competing Visions for Consumer Engagement in the Dawn of the Trump Administration

Two different models of consumer engagement use largely the same language but represent 2 distinct paradigms: the first focuses on patients as partners in health care decision making and the second focuses on financial incentives/penalties for patients. While the 2 paradigms coexist to some degree, they have different implications particularly for populations with complex health and social needs. For these populations, financial barriers can undermine the ability to recognize and promote patients as partners in a system of integrated, coordinated care. We describe these 2 competing visions and their adoption to date and offer our assessment of future directions for consumer engagement.
Interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α) stimulates anti‐melanoma cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) generation in mixed lymphocyte tumour cultures (MLTC)

IFN‐α administration after primary tumour resection improves the survival of melanoma patients at high risk of relapse. To investigate whether this response might be due to stimulation of anti‐tumour immunity, the effect of IFN‐α on anti‐melanoma CTL generation in MLTC was measured. IFN‐α increased both allogeneic and autologous anti‐melanoma CTL generation from peripheral blood lymphocytes stimulated with irradiated primary melanoma cultures. IFN‐α up‐regulated MHC class I expression on primary melanoma cultures, whereas IFN‐γ up‐regulated both MHC class I and II expression. However, the effect of IFN‐α on anti‐melanoma CTL generation was often more potent than that of IFN‐γ, equalling the effect of the optimal combination of IL‐2 and IL‐12. Pre‐treatment of primary melanoma cultures with IFN‐γ was sufficient for CTL generation in MLTC, whereas IFN‐α needed to be present during the MLTC. While direct anti‐proliferative effects of IFN‐α on some tumour cells have been described, IFN‐α did not inhibit proliferation of primary melanoma cultures. These results suggest that the clinical effects of IFN‐α in melanoma patients may be immune‐mediated.
Long‐term recombinant human growth hormone use in Australian children with renal disease

Background: Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) has been used for 15 years to treat Australian children with short stature caused by chronic kidney disease. The Australia‐wide growth hormone database, OZGROW, has prospectively collected data for all patients treated with rhGH. The impact of rhGH therapy on linear growth in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) was assessed by retrospectively analysing this data.
Time Series Models for Credit Default Swap Premiums

We present statistical models for the continuous-time dynamics of credit default swap (CDS) premiums within an intensity-based credit risk modeling framework. Based on historical daily CDS premiums for a large set of different corporate reference entities from several developed countries, we fit continuous-time autoregressive moving average processes of an appropriate order driven by a Levy process. We recover the driving noise process, which only shows a stochastic volatility effect for particular branches. On a distributional level, the increments of the noise process are, as a rule, best modeled by a normal inverse Gaussian distribution.
Stability of immunoblot profile of anti-SSA/Ro-SSB/La antibodies over time in mothers whose children have neonatal lupus

Neonatal lupus is strongly associated with antibodies reactive with SSA/Ro-SSB/La pro teins, independent of maternal disease activity or classification. We sought to determine whether the fine specificity of antibody profiles remains stable or evolves over time and whether these findings relate to clinical status. Sera from 23 mothers whose children had neonatal lupus (22 heart block, one skin) were evaluated by SDS-immunoblot. For each mother two samples were available at least 13 months apart; the mean duration of time between testing was 45 months ± 27 S.D. (range 13-108 months). Twenty-two of the 23 initial profiles were identical to the results obtained in a later sample. The health status of seven (30%) of 23 mothers changed after the birth of the affected infant but the immunoblot specificity of the antibodies remained unchanged. SLE was the initial and final diagnosis in the only mother whose profiles differed, with development of weak reactivity to 48 kD SSB/La in addition to the 52 kD SSA/Ro after 14 months. In conclusion, the fine specificity of anti-SSA/Ro-SSB/La antibodies as assessed by immunoblot is highly stable for years. Progression of clinical status was not associated with a concomitant change in antibody profile.
Effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercise on quality of life in subjects with asthma: A systematic review

The aim of this systematic review was to determine if diaphragmatic breathing exercise improves quality of life (QoL) in asthma. Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data were extracted and risk of bias was assessed by two independent reviewers. Three RCTs were eligible for inclusion (254 subjects). Two studies compared diaphragmatic breathing exercise to asthma education, and one compared with asthma medication. Meta-analysis was not possible due to clinical heterogeneity of the studies. All three studies had a low risk of bias. All studies reported short-term effects, and long-term effects of breathing exercise on asthma quality life. There is a moderate evidence of improvement in QoL following diaphragmatic breathing both in short-term and long-term basis.
Effect of smoking status on the efficacy of the SMART regimen in high risk asthma

The optimal management of people with asthma with a significant smoking history is uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine whether the efficacy/safety profile of single combination inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long acting beta‐agonist (LABA) inhaler maintenance and reliever therapy is influenced by smoking status.
The anti-biofilm potential of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) extract against human bacterial and fungal pathogens

Infectious diseases caused by bacteria and fungi are the major cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe. Multi-drug resistance in these pathogens augments the complexity and severity of the diseases. Various studies have shown the role of biofilms in multi-drug resistance, where the pathogen resides inside a protective coat made of extracellular polymeric substances. Since biofilms directly influence the virulence and pathogenicity of a pathogen, it is optimal to employ a strategy that effectively inhibits the formation of biofilm. Pomegranate is a common food and is also used traditionally to treat various ailments. This study assessed the anti-biofilm activity of a methanolic extract of pomegranate against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Methanolic extract of pomegranate was shown to inhibit the formation of biofilms by Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin resistant S. aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Apart from inhibiting the formation of biofilm, pomegranate extract disrupted pre-formed biofilms and inhibited germ tube formation, a virulence trait, in C. albicans. Characterization of the methanolic extract of pomegranate revealed the presence of ellagic acid (2,3,7,8-tetrahydroxy-chromeno[5,4,3-cde]chromene-5,10-dione) as the major component. Ellagic acid is a bioactive tannin known for its antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Further studies revealed the ability of ellagic acid to inhibit the growth of all species in suspension at higher concentrations (>75 μg ml−1) and biofilm formation at lower concentrations (<40 μg ml−1) which warrants further investigation of the potential of ellagic acid or peel powders of pomegranate for the treatment of human ailments.
DNA methylation, insulin resistance, and blood pressure in offspring determined by maternal periconceptional B vitamin and methionine status

A complex combination of adult health-related disorders can originate from developmental events that occur in utero. The periconceptional period may also be programmable. We report on the effects of restricting the supply of specific B vitamins (i.e., B12 and folate) and methionine, within normal physiological ranges, from the periconceptional diet of mature female sheep. We hypothesized this would lead to epigenetic modifications to DNA methylation in the preovulatory oocyte and/or preimplantation embryo, with long-term health implications for offspring. DNA methylation is a key epigenetic contributor to maintenance of gene silencing that relies on a dietary supply of methyl groups. We observed no effects on pregnancy establishment or birth weight, but this modest early dietary intervention led to adult offspring that were both heavier and fatter, elicited altered immune responses to antigenic challenge, were insulin-resistant, and had elevated blood pressure–effects that were most obvious in males. The altered methylation status of 4% of 1,400 CpG islands examined by restriction landmark genome scanning in the fetal liver revealed compelling evidence of a widespread epigenetic mechanism associated with this nutritionally programmed effect. Intriguingly, more than half of the affected loci were specific to males. The data provide the first evidence that clinically relevant reductions in specific dietary inputs to the methionine/folate cycles during the periconceptional period can lead to widespread epigenetic alterations to DNA methylation in offspring, and modify adult health-related phenotypes.
Prevalence of colorectal cancer and survival in patients from the Gampaha District, North Colombo region.

INTRODUCTION The prevalence and survival of colorectal cancer in Sri Lankans has not been previously reported. We did a retrospective and a prospective survey, in the region of North Colombo, Sri Lanka between 1992 and 2004. The aim was to study cancer burden, sites of colorectal cancer and survival after surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS The records of 175 patients with colorectal cancer between 1992 and 1997 in the selected region of were analysed retrospectively. A prospective study was performed in 220 new patients with colorectal cancer between 1996 and 2004. Data evaluated were demographics, tumour stage and survival. RESULTS Between 1992 and 1997 the crude annual incidence of colorectal cancer was 1.9 per 100,000, which increased over the years. The current national crude annual incidence is 3.2 per 100,000 in women and 4.9 in men. Median age at presentation was 60 years with similar prevalence of cancer in men and women. In the entire group, 28% of cancers were in those less than 50 years old. Survival at 2 and 5 years was 69% and 52%. The majority of cancer related deaths were within the first 2 years after surgery. CONCLUSION The burden of colorectal cancer in Sri Lanka is on the rise. Up to a third of cancers occur in those under 50 years, and the majority of cancers are in the rectum or rectosigmoid region. Flexible sigmoidoscopy offers a useful screening tool.
The harvestman tarsus and tarsal flexor system with notes on appendicular sensory structures in laniatores

The tarsal flexor system, a novel system of retinacular structures, is described for the first time based on morphological and ultrastructural examinations of several Neotropical harvestmen (Opiliones: Laniatores). The tarsal flexor system is made up of many individual pulleys that function to maintain close apposition between the tendon and internal ventral surface of the cuticle in the tarsus. Pulley cells are specialized tendinous cells that form the semi‐circular, retinacular pulley system in the tarsus; these cells contain parallel arrays of microtubules that attach to cuticular fibers extending from deep within the cuticle (i.e., tonofibrillae). The tarsal flexor system is hypothesized to provide mechanical advantage for tarsal flexion and other movements of the tarsus. This system is discussed with regards to other lineages of Opiliones, especially those that exhibit prehensility of the tarsus (i.e., Eupnoi). Comparing tarsal morphology of laniatorid harvestmen to other well‐studied arachnids, we review some literature that may indicate the presence of similar tarsal structures in several arachnid orders. The general internal organization of the tarsus is described, and ultrastructural data are presented for a number of tarsal structures, including sensilla chaetica and the tarsal perforated organ. Sensilla chaetica possess an internal lumen with dendritic processes in the center and exhibit micropores at the distal tip. With respect to the tarsal perforated organ, we found no ultrastructural evidence for a sensory or secretory function, and we argue that this structure is the result of a large pulley attachment site on the internal surface of the cuticle. A small, previously undocumented muscle located in the basitarsus is also reported. J. Morphol. 274:1216–1229, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preliminary report of 48-hours Atosiban administration in spontaneous preterm labor - Doppler blood flow assessment of placental and fetal circulation.

OBJECTIVES The aims were to investigate whether there are any changes in placental and fetal circulation during Atosiban tocolysis within the first 48 hours of therapy. METHODS Detailed Doppler evaluation of placental and fetal circulation was performed prior to Atosiban administration and thereafter at 24 and 48 hours. Maternal heart rate and the pulsatility index (PI) in both uterine arteries (R-UtA, L-UtA) were assessed. Fetal heart rate (FHR), the resistance (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of umbilical (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) were measured. Additionally cerebroplacental ratio was calculated. E-wave/A-wave ratio (E/A) for atrioventricular valves, the myocardial performance index (MPI) and shortening fraction (SF) for both ventricles were calculated for both ventricles independently. To determine changes over time in all study variables analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measurements followed by Tukey-Kramer's post hoc test was used. The effects of additional clinical covariates were checked. RESULTS Maternal heart rate and blood flow in (R-UtA/L-UtA) were not altered significantly during Atosiban administration. No significant changes in FHR as well as Doppler parameters (RI, PI, PSV) in UA and MCA were recorded after 24/48 hours of tocolytic treatment. The mean values of cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) remained unaltered during treatment. Detailed evaluation of fetal cardiac function parameters (E/A, SF, MPI) calculated independently for both ventricles, revealed no significant changes over the time. CONCLUSIONS To our best knowledge this study has been first evaluation of placental and fetal circulation with assessment of cardiac hemodynamic function during 48-hours administration of Atosiban. This kind of tocolysis treatment seems not to alter uterine nor fetal arterial blood flow pattern seriously. Hemodynamic cardiac activity in fetuses has remained unaffected. We cannot conclude definitely that there are absolutely no changes in the fetal hemodynamic condition due to Atosiban. Further studies should be performed to verify its possible influence on fetal venous blood flow.
Do subplate neurons comprise a transient population of cells in developing neocortex of rats?

Studies were undertaken to determine whether neurons of the subplate layer represent a transient or stable population of cells in developing neocortex of rat. The first set of studies sought to determine the fraction of subplate neurons that is lost during early postnatal development. The optical dissector method was used to analyze fluorescently stained material in animals the age of postnatal day 0 (P0) to P40. These results demonstrate a reduction of slightly less than half of the total number of subplate neurons from P0 to P40. Counts of labeled cells in littermates at varied ages after [3H]thymidine or BRDU treatment on gestational day 14 (G14 ‐ birthdate of occipital subplate neurons) or G18 (birthdate of layers III–IV neurons) demonstrate loss of approximately 50% of neurons in the subplate layer between P0 and P40, somewhat greater than the loss of neurons from cortical layers III–IV. The second set of studies investigated whether subplate neurons display cellular atrophy during postnatal development. Analysis of subplate neurons injected intracellularly with Lucifer yellow in fixed slice preparations indicates no reduction in soma size, number of dendrites, or extent of dendritic fields of subplate neurons taken from animals age P0 to P60. The third set of studies investigated whether functional markers of subplate neurons are reduced during postnatal development. Analysis of tissue stained histochemically for cytochrome oxidase or acetylcholinesterase, or stained immunocytochemically for GABA, somatostatin, or neuropeptide Y, demonstrate a remarkable loss of expression of staining patterns from late gestational ages to P20. These data demonstrate that, although subplate neurons seem not to be a transient population of cells in the usual sense of being eliminated by cell death or structural atrophy, the loss of histochemical and immunocytochemical markers indicates that they may be a functionally transient population of cells. J. Comp. Neurol. 426:632–650, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dermabrasion for Acne Scars During Treatment with Oral Isotretinoin

BACKGROUND Oral isotretinoin is the criterion standard treatment for severe inflammatory acne associated with scar development. Atypical or exaggerated cicatrization related to oral isotretinoin was reported throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Dermabrasion for atrophic acne scar revision is not recommended 6 to 12 months from the end of oral isotretinoin treatment. OBJECTIVE To evaluate wound healing after localized dermabrasion in patients receiving oral isotretinoin. MATERIALS & METHODS Interventional, prospective study involving seven patients taking oral isotretinoin to treat acne and with atrophic acne scars on the face. Manual dermabrasion was performed on all patients in an area of approximately 1 cm2, and a 6‐month reepithelization follow‐up by clinical evaluation was conducted. RESULTS All patients presented normal cicatrization evolution; hypertrophic scarring or keloid as a result of localized abrasion was not observed, and atrophic acne scar revision result was excellent. CONCLUSION The current recommendation to wait 6 to 12 months after treatment with oral isotretinoin for acne scar revision using dermabrasion should be re‐evaluated. Abrasion of a small test area may be a useful predictor of wound healing, enabling earlier acne scar treatment using this procedure.