Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the use of the transrectal surface coil and the pelvic phased-array coil in MR imaging for preoperative evaluation of uterine cervical carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of fast spin-echo MR imaging that uses a transrectal surface coil with the accuracy of fast spin-echo MR imaging that uses a pelvic phased-array coil for preoperative local staging of uterine cervical carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-two patients with pathologically confirmed invasive cervical carcinoma who underwent MR imaging using both a pelvic phased-array coil and a transrectal surface coil were retrospectively evaluated. Both sets of images were reviewed in random order by three observers who then reached a consensus opinion at a second session. Among the 28 patients who underwent radical hysterectomy, findings from MR imaging and pathologic staging were compared. In the remaining nonsurgical cases, findings from MR imaging using a transrectal surface coil and MR imaging using a pelvic phased-array coil were compared with findings from pelvic examinations under general anesthesia. RESULTS MR imaging using a transrectal surface coil revealed 50 (88%) of the 57 tumors found at surgery, and MR imaging using a pelvic phased-array coil revealed 44 (77%) of the 57 tumors, resulting in a statistically significant (p < .05) difference. In patients who underwent surgery (n = 28), the accuracy of the overall staging and the parametrial evaluation were not significantly different for MR imaging using a transrectal surface coil and MR imaging using a pelvic phased-array coil (89% and 96%, respectively, on MR imaging using a transrectal surface coil; 89% and 93%, respectively, on MR imaging using a pelvic phased-array coil). For the patients who did not undergo surgery (n = 34), MR imaging using a transrectal surface coil and MR imaging using a pelvic phased-array coil corresponded in 82% for overall staging and in 92% for parametrial invasion. CONCLUSION The use of a transrectal surface coil improved detection of small tumors of the uterine cervix but did not significantly improve the accuracy of overall staging or the accuracy of assessment of parametrial invasion.
An Investigation of Perceived Benefits and Perceived Barriers of E-businesses among Bruneian SMEs

This study initiates to identify expected and experienced benefits and barriers in adopting of e-business technologies among Bruneian SMEs in the supplier side. The overall findings indicate that adoption of e-business technologies was seen in a positive light by participating SMEs. These findings identified several key expected/experienced benefits. Among the top five experienced benefits are increased sale, managers' access to methods and models in making functioning area decision, increased flexibility in communicating with business partners, improved customer services, increased ability to compete, and providing managers better access to information. Despite of these benefits, there are encountered expected/experienced barriers to e-business technologies adoption by SMEs. The top five experienced barriers include: lack of technical competence, lack of financial resources, lack of compatibility, high implementation cost associated with e-business technologies, and, the high level of complexity associated with e-business implementation. The theoretical and practical implications of this research are discussed and some conclusions are drawn and recommendations are made. 
Substance Abuse and Psychological Well-being of South African Adolescents

This research aimed at identifying patterns of substance abuse among South African adolescents and exploring the relationship between psychological well-being and substance abuse. Psychological well-being was assessed with selected items of the Bar-On EQ-I and Diener's Life Satisfaction scale. Self-reported substance abuse patterns of 1 918 learners between the ages of 12 and 19 from 13 schools in Tshwane were recorded. Schools were selected to represent the population composition of the area. It was found that substance abuse (current alcohol use, excessive alcohol use, and use of illicit drugs) increased with age and that nearly twice as many males as females abused substances. Language group was found to be a determining factor with regard to current and excessive use of alcohol; however, it was not found to influence drug use. An analysis of variance showed that adolescents who used drugs had significantly lower levels of psychological well-being and life satisfaction. The same was not found for excessive use of alcohol. The results can contribute to a better understanding of substance use behaviour and to identifying adolescents who may be at risk of abuse.
The fading affect bias in the context of emotion activation level, mood, and personal theories of emotion change

The intensity of emotions associated with memory of pleasant events generally fades more slowly across time than the intensity of emotions associated with memory of unpleasant events, a phenomenon known as the fading affect bias (FAB). Four studies examined variables that might account for, or moderate, the bias. These included the activation level of the emotions, individual differences in dispositional mood, and participant expectations of emotion change across time. Results suggest that (a) although emotion activation level was related to overall fading of affect, it was unrelated to the FAB; (b) dispositional mood moderated the FAB, but could not fully account for it; and (c) although participants’ predictions of event-related emotion change across time were somewhat veridical, the FAB emerged even when these predictions were accounted for statistically. Methodological and theoretical implications for research on the affect associated with autobiographical events are discussed.
Supply chain migration from lean and functional to agile and customised

Shows how the lean and agile paradigms may be selected according to marketplace requirements. These are distinctly different, since in the first case the market winner is cost, whereas in the second case the market winner is availability. Agile supply chains are required to be market sensitive and hence nimble. This means that the definition of waste is different from that appropriate to lean supply. The proper location of decoupling points for material flow and information flow enable a hybrid supply chain to be engineered. This encourages lean (efficient) supply upstream and agile (effective) supply downstream, thus bringing together the best of both paradigms. The paper concludes by proposing a cyclic migratory model which describes the PC supply chain attributes during its evolution from traditional to its present customised “leagile” operation.
Studies on influenza in the pandemic of 1957-1958. II. Pulmonary complications of influenza.

Influenza presents a paradox. To the clinician practicing medicine in 1918, influenza was a fearsome disease attended by frequent and often fatal pulmonary complications. To the student of interpandemic influenza in the last quarter century, the disease is an acute, temporarily incapacitating infection of the upper respiratory tract which is benign except on the rare occasion when bacterial pneumonia supervenes. This contrast in the manifestations of influenza has led to speculation that the disease of 1918 was either a different disease entity or caused by an agent of greater virulence than influenza viruses now encountered. The microbiologic and pathologic evidence accumulated during the 1918-19 pandemic established the probable bacterial etiology of most influenza fatalities. There were, however, many clinicians who insisted that certain patients died of fulminating illness unassociated with known bacterial pathogens. This impression received support in the studies of Goodpasture who presented pathologic evidence of a diffuse hemorrhagic pneumonia in two patients which was unassociated with the demonstrable presence of bacteria (2). The pandemic of 1918-19 antedated the first recognition of the influenza A virus (Smith, Andrewes and Laidlaw, 1933 [3]). Thus, knowl-
Competition for competence and interpartner learning within international strategic alliances

Global competition highlights asymmetries in the skill endowments of firms. Collaboration may provide an opportunity for one partner to internalize the skills of the other, and thus improve its position both within and without the alliance. Detailed analysis of nine international alliances yielded a fine-grained understanding of the determinants of interpartner learning. The study suggests that not all partners are equally adept at learning; that asymmetries in learning alter the relative bargaining power of partners; that stability and longevity may be inappropriate metrics of partnership success; that partners may have competitive, as well as collaborative aims, vis-a-vis each other; and that process may be more important than structure in determining learning outcomes.
The Effect of Debt Market Imperfection on Capital Structure and Investment: Evidence from the 2008 Global Financial Crisis in Japan

This paper investigates how debt market frictions affect real firm behaviors such as capital structures and investments differently based on whether a firm has access to the public debt market, taking debt structure differences into account. To this aim, using the natural experimental approach to examine the 2008 credit supply shock in Japan, we show that firms without access to the public debt market face decreased leverage and investment, accompanied by decreased bank debt, compared to firms with access. Considering that firms without access to the public debt market are more dependent on banks for their debt and are likely to have closer relationships with banks than those with access, it is intriguing that bank-dependent firms face reduced debt supplies from banks compared to other firms. Moreover, through investigation of the regression of investments where the interaction term with different debt structures is introduced, it is suggested that differences in debt structure or debt maturity between firms with access to public debt and those without access also play an important role in determining debt and investment and that bank-dependent firms faced more underinvestment or uncertainty after the financial crisis of 2008 than firms with access to the public debt market.
Elevation in erythroblast count in maternal blood before the onset of preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE We recently showed that both maternal and fetal erythroblast counts are elevated in the peripheral blood of pregnant women with preeclampsia. The purpose of this study was to examine whether this elevation actually occurs before the clinical onset of the disorder. STUDY DESIGN Erythroblasts were enriched and enumerated in 97 maternal blood samples obtained in the second trimester, and results were subsequently correlated with pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS Significantly higher quantities of erythroblasts (mean, 6041.7 vs 928.9; P =.008) were detected in blood samples obtained from women who later acquired preeclampsia (n = 15) than in blood samples from the control cohort (n = 72). Intrauterine growth restriction (n = 10) was not accompanied by a similar rise in erythroblast count. CONCLUSION Because a large proportion of the erythroblasts in maternal blood are fetal, our data suggest that fetal-maternal cell traffic is affected early in pregnancies that are later complicated by preeclampsia but not in those affected only by intrauterine growth restriction.
On Combining the Dielectrophoresis and Microdevices - Investigation of Hippocampal Neuronal Viability after Implementing Dielectrophoretic Positioning on Multi-Electrode Arrays

In this work, we have investigated the viability of embryonic mouse hippocampal neurons after dielectrophoretic positioning on multi-electrode arrays (MEA). We present a systematic evaluation of positive dielectrophoretic conditions, including 1) an investigation of the effect of 10% sucrose (w/v in deionized water), a commonly used, low-conductivity buffer medium, on the viability of mouse hippocampal neurons over different time periods, and 2) a study of the effect of the membrane potential induced by DEP electric field on the integrity of the cell membrane. Post-DEP high neuronal viability was achieved experimentally, and spontaneous neuronal potentials from trapped neurons on the MEA were successfully recorded.
Prevalence of Toxocara canis infection in dogs and its effects on various blood parameters in Lahore (Pakistan).

The present study was conducted to find out the prevalence of Toxocara canis in Lahore, Pakistan and its effect on hemogram in dogs. For this purpose a total of 200 fecal and blood samples from dogs (n=100 stray dogs, n=100 pet dogs) were collected and examined. The results revealed the prevalence of Toxocara canis as 49% and 30% in stray and pet dogs, respectively. A significant decrease was recorded in hemoglobin level, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte count where as values were on higher side for total leukocytes count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in dogs infected with Toxocara canis.
Extract of Ginkgo Biloba Promotes the Expression of VEGF Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats

The study aimed to investigate the effect of extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Wistar rats were divided into non-SAH, SAH, vehicle, EGb1 (low-dose), and EGb2 (high-dose) groups. VEGF mRNA and VEGF protein were measured from brain tissues. The expressions of VEGF mRNA in SAH and vehicle groups were enhanced 24 and 72 hr after the establishment of SAH. Increased VEGF positive cells were found in the brain tissues in SAH and vehicle groups. The expressions of VEGF mRNA and VEGF protein were further increased by the pretreatment of EGb. We concluded that EGb exerts protective effects on secondary cerebral ischemic injury after SAH via the promotion of the expression of VEGF.
Diverse Human Resource And Organizational Productivity: Towards An Analytical Framework

Experts generally agree that workforce diversity can produce positive outcome such as novel and diverse ideas. However, research evidence indicates that workforce diversity can lead to undesirable outcomes as well. For example, research indicates that performance of a sample of managers was lower when assigned to a diverse group. Another study found that, while performance of some women is higher in a mix-sex group than in same-sex group, men's performance is higher in an all-male group. The main purpose of this paper is to put forward an analytical framework that can help to explain why diverse employees do not always produce desirable outcomes. Using Social Exchange, Organizational Citizenship Behavior, and Organizational Commitment theories the paper explains why and how diverse employees respond to the treatment they receive from the organization and its members. The framework yields research and practical implications for managing diversity.
Viral IL‐10 Gene Transfer Inhibits the Expression of Multiple Chemokine and Chemokine Receptor Genes Induced by Inflammatory or Adaptive Immune Stimuli

Previously we have shown that adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer and expression of vIL‐10 are able to prolong cardiac allograft survival, through the inhibition of the immune response to both alloantigen and adenoviral antigens. In the current study, we have defined further mechanisms of Ad.vIL‐10‐mediated prolongation of cardiac allograft survival. E1‐ and E3‐deleted adenoviral vectors encoding β‐galactosidase or vIL‐10 were transferred into grafts at the time of transplantation, chemokine and chemokine receptor expression were evaluated by a pathway‐specific cDNA array, and the results were confirmed with real time RT‐PCR on selected genes. Ischemic injury, alloantigen and adenovirus vector induced the expression of multiple pro‐inflammatory chemokines in the grafts, which likely amplify allograft rejection. Most of these Th1‐related chemokine genes were inhibited or down‐regulated by Ad.vIL‐10 administration, which may help to decrease leukocytic infiltration and improve graft survival. Among the potent Th1 type chemokines inhibited were the CXCR3 ligands CXCL9 and CXCL10, which could directly inhibit vector‐mediated gene expression in myoblasts, although targeting CXCR3 or its ligands did not prolong allograft survival with vIL‐10 gene transfer. Ad.vIL‐10 administration also induced the expression of the Th2‐associated chemokines eotaxin‐2 and MIP‐1 γ, suggesting Th1 to Th2 immune deviation. These results demonstrated that the vIL‐10 gene transfer inhibits chemokine expression, preventing stimulation of innate and adaptive immunity.
Craniofacial Morphology in Children With Operated Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate

The objective of the study was to compare the craniofacial characteristics of children with operated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate (UCLP) with those of noncleft children. Lateral and posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs of subjects with UCLP and controls who were matched for sex, age, and ethnic origin were analyzed and compared. There were a total of 21 subjects with UCLP (10 boys and 11 girls) from the Orthodontic Department of Selcuk University and 15 controls (7 boys and 8 girls) from the Orthodontic Department of Ankara University. The nasal bone length in the group with cleft did not differ significantly from that in the control group. Subjects with UCLP included in the study appeared to have shorter faces, smaller mandibulae, greater lateral orbital width, and smaller sella turcicae compared with controls. Unilateral cleft lip and palate affects the intracranial morphology as well as dentofacial structures.
Biological implants in sphincter augmentation offer a good short‐term outcome after a sphincter repair

Aim Long‐term results of the overlapping sphincter repair (OSR) have been disappointing, attributed to poor tissue quality that deteriorates with time. Biological grafts enforce tissues. The aim was to compare functional outcome and quality of life at 1 year with and without Permacol® reinforcement to evaluate short‐term benefit.
Bacterial adhesion on titanium nitride-coated and uncoated implants: an in vivo human study.

Titanium nitride (TiN) has been used in many fields as a surgical instrument coating that makes the surgical materials more resistant to wear and corrosion. The aim of the present study was an in vivo evaluation of the bacterial adhesion to TiN-coated (test) and uncoated (control) titanium implants. Six patients aged between 21 and 25 years and in excellent systemic health participated in the study. All of the participants gave their informed consent. The participants were selected on the basis of good periodontal health and no signs of mouth breathing. In each of the 6 participants, a removable acrylic device was adapted to the molar-premolar region of each quadrant of the jaws. One 4 x 13 mm titanium implant was glued to the buccal aspect of each device. The plasma spray covered 11.5 mm of the body of the implant, whereas the neck was machined titanium. Test implants were glued to the right devices and control implants were glued to the left devices. After 24 hours, the implants were removed from each device and processed for scanning electron microscopy for evaluation of the machined portion of the implant covered by bacteria. A total of 24 implants were used in this study, 12 test and 12 control. Surface characterization of the machined portion of the neck of the implant was performed on an additional 10 implants (5 test and 5 control). On test implants the implant surface covered by bacteria was significantly lower compared with that of control implants (P = .0001). The surface roughness was similar in both groups. TiN surfaces showed a significant reduction of the presence of bacteria, and this fact could probably be important in the decrease of the inflammation of the peri-implant soft tissues.
The moderating effect of brand image on public relations perception and customer loyalty

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to investigate the relationship between customer perceptions of public relations (PR) and customer loyalty; to test for the moderating role of brand image in that relationship.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected in a survey of customers of the insurance industry in Taiwan, using a questionnaire designed on the basis of focus‐group discussions with 30 consumers. Hierarchical regression analysis of data from 367 respondents was used to test two hypotheses.Findings – The results show that consumers' perception of an organisation's PR practice is an antecedent of loyalty. The impact of public relations perception (PRP) on customer loyalty is stronger and more significant when the brand image is favourable. If it is unfavourable, the effect of PRP on customer loyalty is negligible.Research limitations/implications – This study extends previous research by examining the moderating role of brand image. Further research is indicated, to identify the key moderato.
Management Accounting Systems, Top Management Team’s Risk Characteristics and Their Effect on Strategic Change

Globalization intensifies world competition which leads to continuous market and industry changes that force the majority of organizations to reconsider their strategic position and engage in strategic changes, mostly, through continuous innovation and new product development with smaller life cycles. These strategic actions have developed an environment with increased complexity, uncertainty and risk. On the other hand, organizations differ in their ability to realize strategic changes, depending on many factors that affect their strategic management process. The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of TMTs risk characteristics (risk propensity, risk perception and risk taking), on the extent of strategic change both, directly and indirectly, through the design and use of the management accounting system (MAS). The proposed research model is tested via a survey on 133 top management teams, from large size enterprises with more than 250 employees throughout Greece. Our finding suggest that (a) risk taking characteristic is determined by the other two risk characteristics of risk perception and risk propensity, and (b) there is a direct and a significant indirect relationship between TMTs’ risk taking decisions and their strategic changes, affected by the intervening mediating role of the broad-scope and interactive use of MAS. The results of the study will help organisations to understand the significance of MAS use and the intervening effect on the relationship between TMTs risk characteristics and their strategic decision making process when considering new strategic changes.