Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-B-value diffusion-weighted MRI in colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to evaluate the usefulness of high-b-value diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) in the detection of colorectal adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION High-b-value DW-MRI allows detection of colorectal adenocarcinoma with a high sensitivity and specificity.
Interdependencies between Corporate Social Disclosure and Corporate Governance–Evidence from Tunisian Companies

The most important objective of this study is to analysis a theoretical framework concerning five main corporate governance characteristic with the extent of voluntary environment disclosure provided by listed firms in Tunisia. These corporate governance quality are the percentage of independent directors to total number of directors on the board, the existence of a institutional ownership, the existence of dominant personalities (CEO / Chairman duality), and the percentage of ownership concentration. By means of a weighted qualified environment disclosure guide for measuring voluntary disclosure, the results designate that the existence of independent directors is significantly and positively related to the extent of voluntary environment disclosure, while the percentage Ownership concentration on the board is negatively related to the extent of voluntary disclosure. The study affords empirical indication to strategy makers and manager in Tunisia for implementing the three new board governance requirements on independence directors, institutional ownership and CEO/Chairman duality.
Analysis of occupant kinematics and dynamics in nearside oblique impacts

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this article is to analyze the kinematics and dynamics of restrained postmortem human surrogates (PMHS) exposed to a nearside oblique impact and the injuries that were found after the tests. Methods: Three male PMHS of similar age (64 ± 4 years) and anthropometry (weight: 61 ± 9.6 kg; stature: 172 ± 2.7 cm) were exposed to a 30° nearside oblique impact at 34 km/h. The test fixture approximated the seating position of a front seat occupant. A rigid seat was designed to match the pelvic displacement in a vehicle seat. Surrogates were restrained by a 3-point seat belt consisting of a 2 kN pretensioner (PT), 4.5 kN force-limiting shoulder belt, and a 3.5 kN PT lap belt. The shoulder belt PT was not fired in one of the tests. Trajectories of the head, shoulder, and hip joint (bilaterally) were recorded at 1,000 Hz by a 3D motion capture system. The 3D acceleration and angular rate of the head, T1, and pelvis, and the 3D acceleration of selected spinal locations was measured at 10,000 Hz. Seat belt load cells measured the belt tension at 4 locations. PMHS donation and handling were performed with the approval of the relevant regional ethics review board. Results: Activation of the shoulder PT reduced substantially the peak forward excursion of the head but did not influence the lateral displacement of the head center of gravity (CG). In all 3 subjects, the lateral excursion of the head CG (291.1, 290, 292.1 mm) was greater than the forward displacement (271.4, 216.7, 171.5 mm). The hip joint excursion of the PMHS that was not exposed to the shoulder PT seat belt was twice the magnitude observed for the other 2 subjects. The 3 PMHS sustained clavicle fractures on the shoulder loaded by the seat belt and 2 of them were diagnosed atlantoaxial subluxation in the radiologist examination. Avulsion fractures of the right lamina of T1, T2, T3, and T4 were found when the PT was not used. The 3 PMHS received multiple fractures spread over both aspects of the rib cage and involving the posterior aspect of it. Conclusion: In this study of nearside oblique impact loading, the PMHS exhibited kinematics characterized by reduced torso pitching and increased lateral head excursion as compared to previous frontal impact results. These kinematics resulted in potential cervical and thoracic spinal injuries and in complete, displaced fractures of the lateral and posterior aspects of the rib cage. Though this is a limited number of subjects, it shows the necessity of further understanding of the kinematics of occupants exposed to this loading mode.
Governance Mechanisms as Substitutes and Complements: Explaining Differential Relationships between Contractual and Relational Governance

In recent years scholars have discussed the relationship of contractual and relational governance in information systems outsourcing. For a long time the substitutional view of governance mechanisms originating from transaction cost theory was dominant. As an example, complex contracts were seen as an opposing alternative to unwritten agreements based on trust. Empirical results, however, challenged this view and rather supported the competing perspective, implicating that relational and contractual governance are complements. However, results of novel investigations favor another argument: Relational and contractual governance mechanisms can simultaneously be complements and substitutes. However, if governance mechanisms can be both substitutes and complements, the question arises whether the relationship between governance mechanisms is the outcome of distinct processes of interaction between contractual and relational governance. Therefore our research question is: Which underlying processes explain the relationship (substitutes or complements) between relational and contractual governance? To answer this research question we conducted an exploratory, multiple-case study of five IT outsourcing projects at a leading global bank. Our results show, that there are three archetypical processes that illustrate how the interaction between relational and contractual governance results in their complementarity. Our major contribution is a shift in perspective. While former studies focused on explaining, whether contractual and relational governance are complements or substitutes, we answer the question how and why they become complements or substitutes. We argue that the processes we discovered have the explanatory power to unify contradictory empirical results by tracing them back to differences in the underlying processes. Based on our findings, we give implications for further research.
Branched Escherichia coli cells

We report that the normally rod‐shaped bacterium Escherichia coli can form branched cells. These were found in strains in which chromosome replication or nucleoid segregation was disturbed, e.g. in minB mutants, intR1 strains, and in strains exhibiting stable DNA replication. Often, chromosome DNA was found to be located in the branch point of the cells. The branching frequency was dependent upon the growth medium: in rich medium no branched cells were found, whereas in minimal medium containing acetate and casamino acids the frequency of branched cells was increased. The genetic background of the strains also affected the tendency to branch. Furthermore, electron microscopy of thin‐sectioned branched cells revealed additional membrane‐like structures, which were not observed in wild‐type cells. Finally, the branched cells are compared with bacteria that normally branch, and probable causes for branching in E. coli are discussed.
Exploring the interplay, differences, and commonalities between global production networks and global innovation networks of two multinational companies

The recent wave of globalisation has been characterised not only by an increased number of cross-border production networks but also by an increasing number of cross-border innovation networks. However, most literature treats global innovation networks (GINs) as an extension of global production networks (GPNs). Taking a network perspective and based on primary data, this paper explores the composition of and relations between the GPNs and GINs of two multinational companies (MNCs). It finds that the case firms’ GINs and GPNs interplay and the interplay is to a greater extent in the ICT case firm than in the automobile case firm. The case firms’ GINs have more diverse actors and are more centralised than their GPNs but the reason is different in two cases. Meanwhile, the GINs and GPNs share the same relational pattern in both case firms. The paper suggests that theoretically considering GPN and GIN as two different but interwoven layers of a MNCs’ global value creation network may provide better conceptual clarity and may generate more precise implications for practitioners and policymakers.
Critical role of the transcription factor AP‐1 for the constitutive and interferon‐induced expression of IFI 16

IFI 16 is a member of the HIN‐200 family of transcriptional regulators that suppress cell growth, modulate the cell cycle and have been linked to cellular differentiation. We hypothesized that the activity of IFI 16 depends on its level of expression and therefore studied the transcriptional activity of the IFI 16 promoter. A discrete sequence within the 5′ untranslated region was required for constitutive activity of the promoter and the functional motif within this region was shown to be a consensus AP‐1 site. Interestingly, this AP‐1 site was also critical for IFN‐induced activation of the promoter and consistent with these observations, treatment of cells with IFNγ resulted in a rapid and robust induction of AP‐1 activity that preceded expression of IFI 16. These experiments define the transcriptional mechanisms of IFI 16 gene regulation and provide evidence suggesting that AP‐1 activation may be an important event in IFN signaling. J. Cell. Biochem. 89: 80–93, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of secretory phospholipase A2 in colon tumor cells potentiates tumor growth

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2‐IIA) has been shown to attenuate intestinal tumorigenesis in ApcMin mice, demonstrating that it is a tumor modifier. To further explore the actions of sPLA2‐IIA in tumorigenesis, sPLA2‐IIA was overexpressed in two cell lines where it is normally absent, the murine colon tumor cell line AJ02nm0, and human colon carcinoma cell line HCT‐116. Two allelic variants of sPLA2‐IIA were tested in this study; sPLA2‐IIAAKR and sPLA2‐IIASWR, which are derived from AKR/J and SWR/J mice, respectively, and differ by a single amino acid at position 63 in the calcium‐ and receptor‐binding domain. There was no change in cell‐doubling time for either allele when compared to vector controls. Furthermore, sodium butyrate and arachidonic acid (AA)‐induced cell death were unchanged in control and transfected cells. Addition of the sPLA2 substrate, palmitoyl‐arachidonoyl‐phosphatidic acid (PAPA), to AJ02nm0 cells resulted in a modest (12%–24%), but significant (P < 0.01), inhibition of growth that was dependent on sPLA2‐IIA expression. However, when AJ02nm0 and HCT‐116 cells were injected subcutaneously (sc) into nude mice, Pla2g2a expression resulted in a 2.5‐fold increase in tumor size. In addition, sPLA2‐IIA expressing HCT‐116 tumors were found to be more infiltrative than controls. We conclude that the ability of sPLA2‐IIA to slow tumor cell growth is dependent upon the availability of substrate, and that in some instances sPLA2‐IIA may actually enhance tumor growth. Mechanisms that may account for differences between the tumor explant model versus the ApcMin model of intestinal cancer are discussed. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retrospective study of the prevalence of human T‐cell lymphotropic virus‐type 1/2, HIV, and HBV in pregnant women in Argentina

This study shows first data on HTLV‐1/2 seroprevalence among pregnant women in the non‐endemic region of Argentina. In a retrospective study a representative sample (n = 3,143) of the pregnant women registered in the health public service in the province of Córdoba was evaluated. HTLV‐1/2 seroprevalence was 0.191% ± 0.0857 [IC 0.022–0.359]. This prevalence was 10 times higher in pregnant women than in blood donors [0.019 (4/21.183)]. The pregnant women would reflect the epidemiology of the general population more accurately since it constitutes a more heterogeneous group than that of blood donors. The prevalence of infection with HIV was 2.8 times higher than that of HTLV‐1/2 (P < 0.05) and the presence of any of these two viruses was not a subrogating indicator of the presence of the other (Goodman and Kruskal's Tau coefficient = 0.0092). The prevalence of HBV was not significantly different from that of HTLV‐1/2 (P > 0.05). We consider that it is necessary to carry out continuous studies in order to define the main risk factors for infection of these women. Thus, a decision could be made to apply the best policy in public health to prevent vertical transmission of the virus in Argentina. J. Med. Virol. 79:1974–1978, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accuracies of Diagnostic Methods for Acute Appendicitis

The objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasonography, computed tomography, and physical examination for diagnosing acute appendicitis with analyzing their accuracies and negative appendectomy rates in a clinical rather than research setting. A total of 2763 subjects were enrolled. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value and negative appendectomy rate for ultrasonography, computed tomography, and physical examination were calculated. Confirmed positive acute appendicitis was defined based on pathologic findings, and confirmed negative acute appendicitis was defined by pathologic findings as well as on clinical follow-up. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for ultrasonography were 99.1, 91.7, 96.5, and 97.7 per cent, respectively; for computed tomography, 96.4, 95.4, 95.6, and 96.3 per cent, respectively; and for physical examination, 99.0, 76.1, 88.1, and 97.6 per cent, respectively. The negative appendectomy rate was 5.8 per cent (5.2% in the ultrasonography group, 4.3% in the computed tomography group, and 12.2% in the physical examination group). Ultrasonography/computed tomography should be performed routinely for diagnosis of acute appendicitis. However, in view of its advantages, ultrasonography should be performed first. Also, if the result of a physical examination is negative, imaging studies after physical examination can be unnecessary.
Biogenesis of the Protein Import Channel Tom40 of the Mitochondrial Outer Membrane

Tom40 forms the central channel of the preprotein translocase of the mitochondrial outer membrane (TOM complex). The precursor of Tom40 is encoded in the nucleus, synthesized in the cytosol, and imported into mitochondria via a multi-step assembly pathway that involves the mature TOM complex and the sorting and assembly machinery of the outer membrane (SAM complex). We report that opening of the mitochondrial intermembrane space by swelling blocks the assembly pathway of the β-barrel protein Tom40. Mitochondria with defects in small Tim proteins of the intermembrane space are impaired in the Tom40 assembly pathway. Swelling as well as defects in the small Tim proteins inhibit an early stage of the Tom40 import pathway that is needed for formation of a Tom40-SAM intermediate. We propose that the biogenesis pathway of β-barrel proteins of the outer mitochondrial membrane not only requires TOM and SAM components, but also involves components of the intermembrane space.
Sutureless Closure of the Conjunctiva with a Commercial Fibrin Sealant in Extraocular Muscle Surgery for Strabismus

Purpose Suturing is a time-consuming process and patients may suffer from sutures because of discomfort and tearing. This prospective study was done to determine the efficacy of an available commercial fibrin sealant for conjunctival wound closure following extraocular muscle surgery for strabismus. Methods Fibrin sealant (Beriplast®) was used in 48 conjunctival wounds of 25 patients with strabismus during the period February 2004 to May 2005. There were 12 males and 13 females, whose mean age was 9.3 years. Results No allergic reactions, chemosis or infections were seen, but suturing was necessary a day after surgery in 3 wounds of 2 cases (3/48 eyes, 6%). All conjunctival wounds were healed at the end of the second week. Conclusion The use of Beriplast® for conjunctival wound closure is an effective method that is easy to apply and should be considered a solution in strabismus surgical practice.
Digging for innovation

Subtitle: The key competitve advantage is not cost cutting or efficiency but innovation. Only those companies that are constantly pushing the envelope and creating innovative products, processes, or business models will succeed in the long run. As companies become increasingly global and increasingly dependent on external partners, the supply chain plays a greater and greater role in their innovation strategy. As a result , companies need to not only consider how an innovation will affect the delivery of goods and services but also look at their supply chain organization with fresh eyes.
Executive compensation & share options in UK quoted companies

The topic of executive compensation has recently emerged as a legitimate field for academic study. The rapid growth in publications has almost been matched by the well-publicised growth in CEO remuneration. From the time of the first utility privatisation in the UK, right up to current day, the topic of board room pay has rarely been out of the news headlines or the academic journals. This thesis makes several new contributions to the executive compensation literature, primarily by providing an in depth analysis of the executive option holdings of directors in the UK. Data on this aspect of executive compensation has until recently been unavailable and as such this thesis represents the first work in the UK to fully incorporate this element of remuneration for a large sample of companies. Executive options have become an increasingly significant component in executive compensation, yet their valuation and the incentive effects they create are relatively poorly understood. This thesis attempts to undo these shortcomings by providing a thorough analysis of the determinants and consequences of the level of option information disclosure. Furthermore, it develops the rational for granting executive options and describes the creation and distribution of the pay for performance sensitivities created by holdings of executive options. Finally, it deals with valuation issues that are particular to executive options.
Pharmacokinetics of cephalosporins in normal and septicemic rabbits

The differences in the pharmacokinetics of cefotaxime, moxalactam, and CPW 86-363, a new expanded-spectrum cephalosporin, were studied in healthy rabbits and in rabbits infected intravenously with Streptococcus pneumoniae. The pharmacokinetic analysis of concentration-time courses in the sera of infected animals according to a two compartment-model evidenced a clear decrease of drug fractions in the central compartment but enhanced drug fractions in the peripheral compartment. The shift was more pronounced in animals which received CPW 86-363 (60%; P less than 0.05) than in those which received cefotaxime (20%) or moxalactam (5%). Corresponding increases in drug concentration were observed in soft tissue interstitial fluid; therefore, the areas under the curve and mean residence times in the soft tissue interstitial fluid of infected rabbits were prolonged. The shift of drug fractions from the central compartment to other body fluid compartments during infection was thought to be due to cardiovascular changes associated with fever. No changes in serum binding of the three drugs were found during the course of the infection. The quantitative differences in the extent of altered distribution properties of the drugs might be due to variations in the physicochemical properties of the drugs.
Informal Workers Across Europe: Evidence from 30 European Countries

The European Social Survey data are used to analyze informal employment in 30 countries, focusing on employees without contracts and on informal self-employed workers (who are distinguished from formal workers). Overall the size of informal employment decreases from South to West to East to North. However, working without a contract is more prevalent in Eastern Europe than in the West, except for Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Austria. Between 2004 and 2009, no cases were found when unemployment and dependent informality rates in a country went up together, suggesting that working without a contract is pro-cyclical in Europe. The dependent informality rate is inversely related to skills (measured by either schooling or occupation). Both in Southern and in Western Europe, the highest dependent informality rate is found among immigrants from Central and Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union, while in Eastern Europe this group is second after minorities without immigrant background. In the Southern and part of Western Europe, immigrants not covered by European Union free mobility provisions are much more likely to work without a contract than otherwise similar natives. The paper provides evidence that exclusion and discrimination plays an important role in pushing employees into informality, while this seems not to be the case for informal self-employed workers. Both on average and after controlling for a rich set of individual characteristics, informal employees in all parts of Europe are having the largest financial difficulties among all categories of the employed population (yet they fare much better than the unemployed and discouraged), while informal self-employed workers are at least as well off as formal employees. Finally, there is a negative and significant effect of individual-level satisfaction with the national government on the propensity to work without a contract in Eastern Europe, as well as in Western Europe.
Molecular phylogenetic reconstruction and localization of the (TTAGG)n telomeric repeats in the chromosomes of Acromyrmex striatus (Roger, 1863) suggests a lower ancestral karyotype for leafcutter ants (Hymenoptera)

Abstract Chromosome counts and karyotype characterization have proved to be important features of a genome. Chromosome changes during the diversification of ants might play an important role, given the diversity and success of Formicidae. Comparative karyotype analyses on ants have enriched and helped ant systematics. Among leafcutter ants, two major chromosome counts have been described, one frequent in Atta Fabricius, 1804 (2n = 22 in all Atta spp. whose karyotype is known) and the other frequent in Acromyrmex Mayr, 1865 (2n = 38 in the majority of species whose karyotype is known). The main exception is Acromyrmex striatus (Roger, 1863), which harbors a diploid chromosome set of 22. Here we describe the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with telomeric probes with (TTAGG)6 repeats to describe the telomere composition of A. striatus and to recover potential interstitial non-telomeric signals that may reflect fusion events during the evolution of leafcutter lineage from 38 to 22 chromosomes. Further, we reconstruct the ancestral chromosome numbers of the leafcutter clade based on a recently proposed molecular phylogenetic hypothesis and phylogenomic tree. Distinct signals have been observed in both extremities on the telomere chromosomes of A. striatus. Non-telomeric signals have not been retrieved in our analysis. It could be supposed that the low-numbered karyotype indeed represents the ancestral chromosome number of leafcutters. The phylogenetic reconstruction also recovered a low chromosome number from the diverse approaches implemented, suggesting that n = 11 is the most likely ancestral karyotype of the leafcutter ants and is a plesiomorphic feature shared between A. striatus and Atta spp.