Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
15-LOX-1: a novel molecular target of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells.

BACKGROUND Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) appear to act via induction of apoptosis-programmed cell death-as potential colorectal cancer chemopreventive agents. NSAIDs can alter the production of different metabolites of polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and arachidonic acids) through effects on lipoxygenases (LOXs) and cyclooxygenases. 15-LOX-1 is the main enzyme for metabolizing colonic linoleic acid to 13-S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-S-HODE), which induces apoptosis. In human colorectal cancers, the expression of this enzyme is reduced. NSAIDs can increase 15-LOX enzymatic activity in normal leukocytes, but their effects on 15-LOX in neoplastic cells have been unknown. We tested the hypothesis that NSAIDs induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells by increasing the protein expression and enzymatic activity of 15-LOX-1. METHODS We assessed 15-LOX-1 protein expression and enzymatic activity, 13-S-HODE levels, and 15-LOX-1 inhibition in association with cellular growth inhibition and apoptosis induced by NSAIDs (primarily sulindac and NS-398) in two colorectal cancer cell lines (RKO and HT-29). All P values are two-sided. RESULTS Sulindac and NS-398 progressively increased 15-LOX-1 protein expression in RKO cells (at 24, 48, and 72 hours) in association with subsequent growth inhibition and apoptosis. Increased 13-S-HODE levels and the formation of 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid on incubation of the cells with the substrate arachidonic acid confirmed the enzymatic activity of 15-LOX-1. Inhibition of 15-LOX-1 in RKO cells by treatment with caffeic acid blocked NS-398-induced 13-S-HODE production, cellular growth inhibition, and apoptosis (P =. 007, P<.0001, and P<.0001, respectively); growth inhibition and apoptosis were restored by adding exogenous 13-S-HODE (P<.0001 for each) but not its parent compound, linoleic acid (P = 1.0 for each). Similar results occurred with other NSAIDs and in HT-29 cells. CONCLUSIONS These data identify 15-LOX-1 as a novel molecular target of NSAIDs for inducing apoptosis in colorectal carcinogenesis.
Exploring motivations for consumer Web use and their implications for e‐commerce

This study examines the influence of demographic variables and dimensions of motivational factors of two types of consumer Web use: percentage of weekly Web surfing time spent searching for product and service‐related information and online shopping and transactions. It combines data from two sources: a self‐administered survey of 59 undergraduates in an introductory communication course at Cornell University; and a mail/Web survey of 59 New York State residents who had reported subscribing to an online service in a previous mail survey. We found distinctively different patterns of relationships among demographics and motivational factors for the two types of dependent variables. Most importantly, transactional privacy concerns were found to be negatively related to percentage of time spent on product searches and online shopping, while economic motivations had a positive influence. In addition, online shopping was found to be predicted by information motivations, interactive control motivations, and socialization motivations. Implications for Web‐based commerce and advertising are discussed.
Postembryonic development of Antygomonas incomitata (Kinorhyncha: Cyclorhagida)

Postembryonic development in the kinorhynch species Antygomonas incomitata was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The morphology of the six juvenile stages, J‐1 to J‐6, varies at numerous details, but they can also be distinguished by a few key characters. Juvenile stage 1 by its composition of only nine trunk segments; J‐2 by the combination of possessing 10 trunk segments, but no cuspidate spines on segment 9; J‐3 by the presence of cuspidate spines on segment 9, but only one pair of cuspidate spines on segment 8; J‐4 by the combination of 10 trunk segments only, but having two pairs of cuspidate spines on segment 8; J‐5 by possessing 11 trunk segments and same spine compositions as adults but is still maintaining postmarginal spiculae; J‐6 specimens closely resemble adults and are most easily identified by their reduced trunk lengths. New segments are formed in a growth zone in the anterior part of the terminal segment. The complete number of segments is reached in J‐5. Development of cuticular head and trunk structures are described through all postembryonic stages and following developmental patterns could be outlined: the mouth cone possesses outer oral styles from J‐1, but in J‐1 to J‐3, the styles alternate in size. Scalids of the introvert are added after each molt, and scalids appear earliest in the anterior rings, whereas scalids in more posterior rings are added in older postembryonic stages. The early J‐1 stage is poor in spines and sensory spots and both structures increase in number after each molt. The complete spine composition is reached in J‐4, whereas new sensory spots appear after all molts, inclusive the final one from J‐6 to adult. Sensory spots in the paraventral positions often appear as Type 3 sensory spots but are through development transformed to Type 2. This transformation happens earliest on the anterior segments. J. Morphol. , 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ERP Success and Top Management Commitment in Large and Small to Medium Sized Enterprises

This article provides new insights on enterprise resource planning (ERP) success and its relationship with management commitment as well as organisational size based on an empirical survey. The results clearly show that organisational size has an effect on perceived success rates. Assessed dimensions, i.e. service and system quality as well as net benefits including financial aspects show a relatively better perception in small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) as compared to large enterprises (LEs) while in general the results exhibit ERP investments as valuable IT strategies. The relative out performance of ERP development in SMEs is reversed to findings from literature which claim that larger enterprises have higher success rates in developing information systems. Existing literature claimed that top management support is a critical factor in information systems success for both LE and SME. However, for ERP systems, this seems only applicable to large corporations.
Adoptation of Internet Banking in UAE: Factors Underlying Adoption Characteristics

Technological development has provided tremendous benefits for many industries, including the banking business. The diffusion of internet banking has been witnessed in many countries worldwide. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently is one of the most significant economies in its region and in the global arena. Internet banking has been utilized for many years in UAE, and the number of internet banking adopters in UAE has increased steadily. The main focus of this paper was to identify the characteristics of UAE consumers and their attitudes toward the internet banking. Factor analysis suggested seven characteristics important for internet banking adoption, namely compatibility, difficulty, security, trust, third party concern, status, and human contact. Analysis of variance showed that adopters and nonadopters differed on their attitudes toward three factors of adoption: compatibility, trust and human contact. No significant differences were found between attitudes of adopters and non-adopters toward the issues of security, third party concern and status. An interesting finding was that human or physical contact and trust were the most important factors for non-adopters.
Wpływ rentowności przedsiębiorstwa na strukturę kapitału na przykładzie spółek akcyjnych notowanych na Giełdzie Papierów Wartościowych w Warszawie

The paper presents an analysis of the relationship between a company's capital structure and its profitability. Current theories of capital structure suggest that such a relationship exists, but there is no agreement as to where it may lead. The Pecking Order Theory predicts that high profitability is accompanied by a lower level of debt. Signalling Theory, on the other hand, holds that the relationship between a company's profitability and its debt will be positive. The paper attempts to determine which of these two theories is supported by the Polish circumstances through the prism factor: the profitability of the company. The study uses the financial statements of 196 companies listed on the Stock Exchange in Warsaw and was carried out for two macro-sectors: industry, and trade and Services. Multiple linear regression method was used for the empirical analysis. A positive relationship is shown between the capital structure and profitability of companies in the Trade and Services macro-sectors.
ADOPTION PROCESS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) INNOVATIONS IN ORGANIZATIONS

Adoption Process of IT Innovations in Organizations i Abstract Several models have been developed for understanding and predicting innovation adoption in organizations and literature has identified several factors that impact the adoption and implementation of Information Technology (IT). This research examines the process of adoption of IT innovations in organizations. The study explores the processes involved in the adoption of IT and verifies the key factors that influence IT innovation adoption in organizations. Using a systematic literature review, the study developed a conceptual model of IT innovation adoption in organizations. The model is a theoretical combination of Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory, Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and a framework which contains characteristics of innovation, organization, environment, chief executive officer (CEO) and user acceptance. The model represents IT innovation adoption as a stage-based process, progressing from initiation to adoption-decision to implementation. The study aggregated findings of past research on IT adoption to identify key factors that influences IT adoption in organizations. The study performed a meta-analysis of innovation, organization, environment, CEOs and user acceptance determinants to assess the magnitude and the strength of these factors on IT innovation adoption. Results confirmed that relative advantage, compatibility, cost, observability and trialability are strong determinants of IT innovation adoption. In terms of organizational context, IS department size, top management support, organizational size, IT expertise, product champion, IS infrastructure, information intensity, resources and specialization was found influential in the adoption of IT. As for environmental characteristics, the meta-analysis verified the significance of external pressure, government support and competitive pressure. Meta-analysis results verified that CEO‟s innovativeness, attitude and IT knowledge as key determinants. The findings confirmed the importance of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norm and facilitating conditions for the user acceptance of IT in organizations.
Angiocentric glioma: a clinicopathologic review of 5 tumors with identification of associated cortical dysplasia.

CONTEXT Angiocentric glioma is a rare, epilepsy-associated, low-grade neoplasm with a characteristic perivascular growth pattern. OBJECTIVE To describe the clinicopathologic features of 5 angiocentric gliomas and to evaluate for coexistent malformation of cortical development/cortical dysplasia. DESIGN Retrospective review of the clinicopathologic features of 5 angiocentric gliomas (3 males and 2 females; median age at surgery, 10 years; range, 3-19 years). RESULTS Seizures were the most common presenting symptom (n = 4); 1 patient presented with headaches. Four of the tumors were located in the parieto-occipital, parietal, or temporal cortex and 1 case arose in the thalamus. All tumors consisted of an angiocentric growth pattern of bipolar spindle cells with mild pleomorphism. Three tumors also demonstrated a focal solid growth pattern. Evidence of adjacent malformation of cortical development/focal cortical dysplasia was observed in 4 of 4 cases with sufficient tissue for evaluation; all were Palmini et al type I lesions (type IA, n = 1; type IB, n = 3). All patients were alive at last known follow-up (17-131 months). CONCLUSIONS The thalamic location of 1 tumor represents an undescribed location for this typically superficial cortical tumor. A subset of angiocentric gliomas, similar to other low-grade chronic epilepsy-related tumors of childhood, are associated with coexistent malformation of cortical development, suggesting a developmental basis to their origin.
The Dialectics of Institutional Development in Emerging and Turbulent Fields: The History of Pricing Conventions in The On-Line Database Industry

Through an analysis of an entire institutional history of pricing conventions in the on-line database field during 1971–1994, this study documents and explains institutional development in emerging and turbulent fields. The dialectic process model developed and illustrated here suggests that inherent contradictions and opposition, generated and reinforced by institutionalization, serve as internal sources of continuous dialectic contest. Fused with external developments, the process by which these endogenous potentials develop is path-dependent and is central to their realization in the form of overt institutional stability or change.
Late target lesion revascularization after implantation of sirolimus‐eluting stent

Objectives: We evaluated the incidence, clinical presentation, and angiographic in‐stent restenosis (ISR) pattern of late target lesion revascularization (TLR) after sirolimus‐eluting stent (SES) implantation. Background: Late TLR is an unusual finding beyond 6–9 months after bare‐metal stent implantation. However, late TLR after SES implantation has not been sufficiently evaluated. Methods: The study population consisted of 804 patients with 1,020 native lesions that were patent at 6‐month follow‐up angiogram after SES implantation. Results: Late TLR was performed in 18 patients with 18 lesions (1.8%) at 24.1 ± 2.6 months (range; 18–30 months) after SES implantation. Clinical presentation of late TLR patients was silent ischemia in eight patients and recurrent angina in 10 patients, but none had an acute coronary syndrome. Angiographic ISR pattern of late TLR lesions were focal ISR in 12 lesions (67%) and diffuse ISR in six lesions (33%). Serial quantitative coronary angiographic analysis of these lesions showed a minimal lumen diameter of 2.6 ± 0.5 mm immediately after SES implantation, 2.4 ± 0.4 mm at 6‐month follow‐up and 0.7 ± 0.6 mm at 24‐month follow‐up (ANOVA P < 0.001). By stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis, the only independent predictor of late TLR was stent length (P < 0.001, OR = 1.040, 95% CI = 1.019–1.061). Conclusions: Late TLR was performed in 1.8% of 1,020 native lesions that were patent at 6‐month follow‐up angiogram. Clinical presentations of late TLR was either silent ischemia or recurrent angina, but not acute coronary syndrome. Two‐thirds of late TLR lesions had a focal angiographic ISR pattern. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coil Array Structures Compared for Contactless Battery Charging Platform

We propose two new coil topologies for a contactless battery charging platform. The new topologies consist of square printed circuit board (PCB) coils, grouped in two layers on a PCB. We compare the new topologies to each other and to a previously published topology that consists of three layers of hexagonal coils. For each topology, the magnetic flux density is calculated above the coil layers. In addition, the position dependence of the flux linkage between the primary coil array and a secondary coil is simulated and compared for all three topologies. For one of the new topologies, we compare the simulations with measurements.
The Value of Unit Price Information

When unit prices were posted on separate shelf tags in a supermarket, consumer expenditures decreased by 1%. When unit prices were displayed also on an organized list, consumer savings were 3%. In addition, the list format caused a 5% increase in the market shares of store brands. The benefits to both consumers and retailers justify the cost of providing unit price information on a widespread basis.
Cross-Cultural Differences in Perceived Risk of Online Shopping

ABSTRACT This study investigates the perceived risk that has been considered as influencing the consumer purchase decision process during online shopping. For the purpose of this study, perceived risk is defined as the potential for loss in pursuing a desired outcome from online shopping. Specifically, this research investigates the differences in perceived risk between online shoppers and non-online shoppers, as well as online shoppers’ perceived risk relating to two culturally different countries (i.e., Korea and the United States). The results indicate that the perceived risk is higher for non- (or less-experienced-) online shoppers than for frequent online shoppers, and that both Korean and US Internet users have a similar aggregated degree of perceived risk toward online shopping, though there are significant relative differences in specific risk items (i.e., social, financial, time, and psychological risk), which reflect the existence of the cultural differences in response to the specific risk factors.
Party time: recreation rituals in the world of B2B

Abstract We examine the role of business parties in business markets: why do B2B companies spend such large amounts of money to sponsor events meant for public consumption, such as sporting events, when most of their activity involves selling to other organisations? Drawing from extensive qualitative fieldwork in the world of tennis tournaments, we detail the specific universe of parties that happen backstage, between companies sponsoring these events. This context helps illuminate the critical role of business parties in business networks. Far from being mere recreation at the company’s expense, business parties are important opportunities for executives to develop and manage their relationships. We show that a business party functions as a particular kind of ritual by creating a distinct universe with its own language, gestures, and other modes of interaction. Summary statement of contribution Our theoretical contribution to the literature on relationship marketing is to detail the unifying function of business parties in local business markets, where relationships with a variety of organisations are key to a company’s success. Our methodological contribution is to illustrate the relevance of anthropological approaches and concepts, such as rituals, to the world of B2B.
Technical note: CIR sand casting system for transtibial socket

The authors have developed a transtibial socket fabrication system based on the “dilatancy” principle, a process that has been commonly used in forming wheelchair Seating. The CIR Sand Casting System replaces plaster of Paris with sand for forming both a negative sand mould and a positive sand model, which can be modified for either thermoplastic socket formation or resin lamination. Initial clinical trials suggest that fabrication times are approximately 90 minutes from patient evaluation and casting to dynamic alignment. Compatibility with all existing prosthetic components is retained. It is believed the CIR socket fabrication system may be a competitive alternative for prosthetic service providers in developing countries.
A Study of Hard Drive Forensics on Consumers' PCs: Data Recovery and Exploitation

One of the first actions to take when getting rid of an old personal computer is to remove all of the files that contain identifying and personal information. Individuals can be surprisingly negligent in this effort. Many individuals may also believe that by simply moving their files to the recycle bin and then emptying that bin that all of their programs and files are permanently erased. If personal information is not totally deleted, acts of identity theft can easily occur. Our research study identified the types of information found and/or recovered from hard disk drives on computers that have been donated to charity, sold second-hand, or otherwise donated to other organizations for reuse. Of the fifty-five hard drives studied approximately 300,000 files contained identifiable information. Results showed the need for further training in relation to total file erasure from a hard drive as well as the negative results such as identity theft that can occur due to this lack of training or knowledge.
Predominance of sequence type 1 group with serotype VI among group B streptococci with reduced penicillin susceptibility identified in Japan.

BACKGROUND Although group B Streptococcus (GBS; i.e. Streptococcus agalactiae) has been considered to be uniformly susceptible to β-lactams, GBS isolates with reduced penicillin susceptibility (PRGBS) have been reported from Japan and North America. In this study, PRGBS from Japan were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and the results compared with data on PRGBS reported from the USA. METHODS Twenty-eight clinical isolates of PRGBS recovered in Japan (including 22 isolates previously analysed by PFGE) were analysed by MLST and eBURST (http://eburst.mlst.net/). RESULTS Twenty-three isolates were found to belong to the sequence type 1 (ST1) group (11 ST458, 7 ST1, 3 ST297, 1 ST358 and 1 ST4), while the remaining 5 isolates formed the ST23 group. Among 11 ST458 and 7 ST1 isolates, 9 and 4 were serotype VI, respectively, indicating a probable correlation between the ST1 group and serotype VI for PRGBS in Japan. CONCLUSIONS PRGBS in Japan could be classified into at least two ST groups, ST1 and ST23, which are genetically different from the ST19 PRGBS isolated in the USA, though five allele variations were seen between ST1 and ST19, implying a slight genetic relatedness.
Usefulness of Growth Hormone (GH) Stimulation Tests and IGF-1 Concentration Measurement in GH Deficiency Diagnosis

Abstract The diagnosis of growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) is still problematic for the clinician. There is no gold standard for estimating GH secretion. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic usefulness of spontaneous GH secretion test, pharmacological tests with insulin, clonidine, L-dopa, and glucagon, and IGF-1 measurement in GHD. We studied 180 prepubertal, short children. Predictive values were calculated for different GH cutoff levels for each diagnostic test. ROC curves were used to estimate the diagnostic usefulness of the tests. The results show that sleep is the strongest stimulatory agent for GH secretion. The estimation of GH secretion after onset of sleep can be used as a screening test in GHD diagnosis. The insulin test has the highest discrimination. A combination of insulin test with another provocative test allows high discrimination and accuracy for standard cut-off GH level. Measurement of IGF -I is characterized by low predictive values. IGF-1 level below the mean according to age indicates high probability of GHD. Auxological parameters should be the most important factor in diagnosing GHD.
Experiences Based on 6 Years of the E-GPR Course

The world is in the middle of the globalization process that, among other things, forces companies into acquisitions and mergers, and strategic alliances. This leads to the merging of geographically, organizationally and culturally heterogeneous human resources, including product developers. Market and organizational changes, the integrated product development process, and available information and communication technologies (ICT), present a number of challenges for future product developers. An appropriate response to these challenges is to create a solid basis for strategies to combat stronger competition, since existing educational programmes have provided this only to a small extent. European-Global Product Realization (E-GPR) course is one of possible educational programmes; the paper presents some experiences based on running the course.