Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic background has a major effect on the penetrance and severity of craniofacial defects in mice heterozygous for the gene encoding the nucleolar protein treacle

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is a craniofacial disorder that results from mutations in TCOF1, which encodes the nucleolar protein Treacle. The severity of the clinical features exhibits wide variation and includes hypoplasia of the mandible and maxilla, abnormalities of the external ears and middle ear ossicles, and cleft palate. To determine the in vivo function of Treacle, we previously generated Tcof1 heterozygous mice on a mixed C57BL/6 and 129 background. These mice exhibited a lethal phenotype, which included abnormal development of the maxilla, absence of the eyes and nasal passages, and neural tube defects. Here, we show that placing the mutation onto different genetic backgrounds has a major effect on the penetrance and severity of the craniofacial and other defects. The offspring exhibit markedly variable strain‐dependent phenotypes that range from extremely severe and lethal in a mixed CBA/Ca and 129 background, to apparently normal and viable in a mixed BALB/c and 129 background. In the former case, in addition to a profoundly severe craniofacial phenotype, CBA‐derived heterozygous mice also exhibited delayed ossification of the long bones, rib fusions, and digit anomalies. The results of our studies indicate that factors in the different genetic backgrounds contribute extensively to the Tcof1 phenotype. Developmental Dynamics 229:907–914, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors and cancer chemoprevention].

Chemoprevention is the use of natural or synthetic compounds in order to reverse. suppress or prevent the carcinogenic process. Among the many pathways dysregulated during the carcinogenic process, cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox2) seems to be one of the most promising pathways to target in order to achieve chemopreventive and anticancer effects. Indeed, Cox2 overexpression contributes to the carcinogenic by at least 5 different mechanisms including transformation of procarcinogens on carcinogens, pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect, resistance to apoptosis, angiogenesis and invasion progression. This review will focus on the rationale and the ongoing research areas related to chemopreventive approaches targeting Cox2.
Microeconomics of banking

Twenty years ago, most banking courses focused on either management or monetary aspects of banking, with no connecting. Since then, a microeconomic theory of banking has developed, mainly through a switch of emphasis from the modeling of risk to the modeling of imperfect information. This asymmetric information model is based on the assumption that different economic agents possess different pieces of information on relevant economic variables, and that they will use the information for their own profit. The model has been extremely useful in explaining the role of banks in the economy. It has also been useful in pointing out structural weaknesses of the banking sector that may justify government intervention--for example, exposure to runs and panics, the persistence of rationing in the credit market, and solvency problems. Microeconomics of Banking provides a guide to the new theory. Topics include why financial intermediaries exist, the industrial organization approach to banking, optimal contracting between lenders and borrowers, the equilibrium of the credit market, macroeconomic consequences of financial imperfections, individual bank runs and systemic risk, risk management inside the banking firm, and bank regulation. Each chapter ends with a detailed problem set and solutions.
PENGARUH MANAJEMEN LABA PADA TINGKAT PENGUNGKAPAN LAPORAN KEUANGAN PADA PERUSAHAAN MANUFAKTUR YANG TERMASUK DALAM INDEKS LQ-45

This research examines rhe relationship between corporate disclosure and earnings management. Earnings management occurs when managers use judgement in financial reporting. Earnings management may also result when shareholders do not have access to relevant information to monitor manager's action which may give rise to the practice of the earnings management. Because of that, managers prefer to disclose less information in financial report. The research presents two hypothesis that have opposite implications for the relation between earnings management and corporate disclosure. If earnings management is opportunistic, then the predicted relation is negative. Alternatively, if earnings management is for rising corporate value then the predicted relation is positive. Besides earnings management and disclosure as endogenous variables, this research also used information asymmetry, current income, future income, leverage, company size, cummulative return, and current ratio as moderating variables. The results show that earnings management affects corporate disclosure positively and in other side, the corporate disclosure affects earnings management negatively.
Electromagnetic navigation in lung cancer: research update

Unfortunately, flexible bronchoscopy, the least invasive bronchoscopic procedure, is of limited value for obtaining tissue from lesions in the peripheral segments of the lung. Biopsy success is further compromised if the lesion is less than 3 cm in diameter. The main limitation of flexible bronchoscopy is the difficulty in reaching peripheral lesions with the accessory tools. In this paper, we will discuss a new bronchoscopic advance in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Once extended beyond the tip of the bronchoscope, these tools are difficult to guide to the desired location. Localizing the lesion under fluoroscopy is difficult, and alternative diagnostic guidance methods, such as computer tomography-guided bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound, are more demanding. Therefore, new methods for navigation and localization are needed. One of these new technologies is electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy. The aim of this special report is to provide an analysis of the published literature. A literature search was constructed and performed on PubMed to identify the literature from 2000 to 2008. The search words were ‘electromagnetic navigation’, ‘coin lesion’, ‘solitary pulmonary nodule’ and ‘lung cancer’. We review a number of recent studies that utilize electromagnetic navigation and guidance, and analyze their performance characteristics for clinical applications of the technology. Electromagnetic navigation is likely to play an increasing and integral role in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer in the near future. Electromagnetic registration may impact both the staging and diagnosis of peripheral lesions.
The Renminbi's Role in the Global Monetary System

We analyze three related but distinct concepts concerning the renminbi's role in the global monetary system: (i) "internationalization" of the currency; (ii) currency convertibility; and (iii) reserve currency status. Their sequencing in relation to other policy goals such as financial sector reforms and exchange rate flexibility will affect their benefit-risk tradeoffs. We describe the measures taken and progress attained in each of these areas, and discuss the implications of these changes for the balance and sustainability of China's own economic development as well as the associated implications for the global monetary system. While China is actively promoting the internationalization of its currency, it is a long way from attaining full convertibility or meeting other prerequisites for achieving reserve currency status. Ultimately, China will proceed with capital account convertibility in its own controlled and gradual manner, with the goal being an open capital account but with significant administrative and other "soft" controls. The renminbi will play an increasingly important role in the international monetary system but is unlikely to displace the U.S. dollar anytime soon.
From participation to governance: a critical review of the concepts of governance, co-management and participation, and their implementation in small-scale inland fisheries in developing countries

This report reviews the role, nature and mechanisms of governance in inland fisheries. We do so by reviewing first the wider issues of governance, participation and co-management in natural resource management, and then focus on small-scale fisheries, and, in particular, small-scale (artisanal) activities operated within inland (river and adjacent floodplains) areas in developing countries.
A method for image classification based on Kernel PCA

This paper adopts unsupervised on-line shape learning for image analysis tasks, removing the requirement for a pre-defined set of templates and allowing the system to handle novel objects. This learning approach was chosen for its simplicity and extensibility. The results show that the size and shape features are sufficient for accurate object classification. We briefly focused on how to use and work with the kernel-based algorithm in radial basis function neural networks. Kernel PCA, as an unsupervised learning method, is a nonlinear extension of PCA for finding projections that give useful nonlinear descriptors of the data.
A Power-Saving Histogram Adjustment Algorithm for OLED-Oriented Contrast Enhancement

For the modern multimedia devices, display resolution and image quality are actively improved nowadays. Although such improvement can produce the high visual perception for the observer, the power consumption becomes an inevasible problem as it is rising progressively. In order to achieve a good balance between visual perception and power consumption, we propose a histogram-based power saving algorithm to improve the image contrast for OLED display panels. The proposed algorithm modifies the empty bins of the image histogram as a pre-process of power reduction. Furthermore, the visual effect is compensated using the power saving histogram equalization algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm not only decreases the display power to be lower than that of compared algorithms, but also generates the highly perceptual contrast of the images.
Corporate Governance in Banks - An Eclectic Approach

"Corporate governance deals with the ways in which suppliers of finance to corporations assure themselves of getting a return on their investment". This to our mind is an extremely narrow definition of corporate governance, especially in banks. Our approach to corporate governance in general is to define it in terms of responsibility and accountability. In this light, what does Corporate Governance mean in case of banking? We strongly believe that the approach to corporate governance in banks needs to be nothing short of eclectic. For evolving this approach four strands of argument need to be highlighted. First, the conceptual framework of responsibility and accountability in relation to corporate governance in general which is drawn from applied philosophy; Second, an economic interpretation of corporate governance in banking drawn from banking theory; Third, the implications of this conceptual framework for banking drawn from industrial organization; and Finally, a political economy perspective on conflict and instability.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

ABSTRACT: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) was first recognized as a distinct morbid entity by Richardson, Steele and Olszewski a quarter century ago. Subsequent experience has confirmed and extended their original observations. PSP has become familiar as a chronic progressive disorder with extrapyramidal rigidity, bradykinesia, gait impairment, bulbar palsy, dementia and a characteristic supranuclear ophthalmoplegia. It is an important cause of parkinsonism. Its etiology remains obscure. Familial concentrations have not been observed. Some cases exhibit no oculomotor dysfunction. Dementia is usually mild. Recent neuropsychological studies have defined features consistent with frontal lobe cortical dysfunction. Seizures and paroxysmal EEG activity may occur. CT and MRI scans show midbrain atrophy early and later atrophy of the pontine and midbrain tegmentum and the frontal and temporal lobes. PET scans have shown frontal hypometabolism and loss of striatal D-2 dopamine receptors. Postmortem studies have documented involvment of both dopaminergic and cholinergic systems. Treatment remains palliative and unsatisfactory.
The Outsourcing Decision: A Strategic Framework

Outsourcing grew rapidly during the 1990s and has now become an accepted dimension of corporate strategy. While outsourcing continues to grow in importance, the nature and focus of outsourcing is evolving. Historically, most outsourcing took place in manufacturing industries, but it is now spreading rapidly within service industries. Whether in manufacturing or services, outsourcing is becoming increasingly cross- national and global. The growth of international outsourcing has accentuated controversy surrounding trade liberalization efforts in developed economies, especially in the United States.
Thiamine biosynthesis in Escherichia coli: identification of the intermediate and by-product derived from tyrosine.

In anaerobic organisms such as E. coli the tyrosine lyase ThiH is essential for the biosynthesis of the thiazole moiety of the vitamin thiamine. ThiH is a member of the radical AdoMet family. The products formed by cleavage of tyrosine in vitro have been identified and suggest a radical-mediated cleavage resulting in p-cresol and dehydroglycine which is hydrolyzed to glyoxylate.
Insights of Data Mining for Small and Unbalanced Data Set Using Random Forests

Because random forests are generated with random selection of attributes and use samples that are drawn by boostraping, they are good for data sets that have relatively many attributes and small number of training instances. In this paper an efficient procedure that considers the property of data set having many attributes with relatively small number of attributes in arrhythmia is investigated to predict cardiac arrhythmia is shown. Even though several research results have been published already to find better prediction accuracy based on other methods, a new and better result has been found with the suggested method.
Disagreement on the Reflex Sympathetic Activity Elicited by Experimental Coronary Occlusion

The recent paper "Interaction between cardiac receptors and sinoaortic baroreceptors in the control of efferent cardiac sympathetic nerve activity during myocardial ischemia in dogs" by Felder and Thames (1979) tends to offer a potentially misleading general view of this problem. These authors claim that the sympathetic afferents from the heart can hardly mediate a sympathetic cardio-cardiac excitatory reflex as originally described by Malliani et al. (1969), whose conclusions they question for the paucity of experiments carried out on spinal animals. However, quite surprisingly they ignore the confirmatory subsequent study by Brown and Malliani (1971) performed exclusively on spinal vagotomized animals. In both of these studies, interruption of the baroreceptive reflex by vagotomy and spinal section did not cause any increase of baseline sympathetic activity over that recorded in the intact anesthetized state, and the reduction of coronary flow could still elicit a definite excitatory reflex. In the paper by Felder and Thames (1979), the specific search for an excitatory reflex mediated by cardiac sympathetic afferents was carried out on dogs submitted to sinoaortic denervation and vagotomy: this procedure is likely to have increased sympathetic nerve activity near the maximum (heart rate was 220 beats/min (Table 1), and this is admitted by the authors in the Discussion. It is reasonable Xo suggest that it was this very high baseline sympathetic activity that prevented the authors from observing the excitatory reflex. Indeed, from a careful analysis of their published data it appears that they could sometimes observe an excitatory response after sinoaortic denervation and vagotomy, and it is suggestive that the animals illustrated in Figure 3 (after vagotomy) in which this excitatory response was detectable had a lower heart rate (181 beats/min, Table 1) and were therefore likely to have a less abnormally enhanced baseline sympathetic activity. This finding was not explored further by the authors and was disregarded in the general conclusions.
Stress Effects on Lung Function in Asthma are Mediated by Changes in Airway Inflammation

Objective: To examine the association of changes in current negative mood and long-term daily hassles with changes in lung function and airway inflammation in patients suffering from asthma and in healthy controls. Associations between psychological factors and asthma symptoms have been documented, but the relationship between airway inflammation and psychological factors has been largely unexplored. Method: Data were analyzed from 46 asthma patients and 25 controls who completed questionnaires on current mood and daily hassles at two assessments 3 months apart. Lung function was measured by spirometry (forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)) and airway inflammation by the fraction of nitric oxide in exhaled air (FeNO). Regression analyses controlling for allergen load and air pollution (ozone) were calculated to study the association between changes in psychological factors and changes in lung function and airway inflammation, and to examine the mediational role of airway inflammation in the stress-lung function association. Results: In patients with asthma, increases in negative affect were associated with decreases in FEV1 and increases in FeNO. For daily hassles, a reverse pattern of associations was found, with decreases in daily hassles linked to decreases in FEV1 and increases in FeNO. Mediation analyses showed that FeNO was a significant mediator of the association of both negative affect and daily hassles with lung function changes. No significant associations were found for healthy controls. Conclusion: Psychological variables are consistently associated with spirometric lung function and airway inflammation in asthma patients. For asthma patients, effects of acute negative affect must be distinguished from more chronic distress due to daily hassles. FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in the first second; FeNO = fraction of exhaled nitric oxide; DH = daily hassles; PANAS = Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule; NA = current negative affect; ATI = Asthma Trigger Inventory; ICS = inhaled corticosteroids.
Estimation, effectiveness and opportunities of long term genetic improvement in animals and maize

Genetic improvement in animals and plants for food consumption has been practised and realised since domestication. Intensive improvement, increasingly with incorporation of genetic principles, has been undertaken for a century or more. Much of this has been highly intensive and effective, notably in poultry. There are consequently concerns that genetic variation is being exhausted and continued gains cannot be expected. On the other hand, new technologies, in particular using molecular markers and, perhaps, transgenic methods, have become available, which in themselves provide the possibility of increasing responses by making better use of existing variability and indeed in generating new variability.
Do we still need pharmacological stress ulcer prophylaxis at the ICU?

The gastric mucosa is vulnerable in critically ill patients. The term stress-related mucosal disease describes the common mucosal damage in the gastrointestinal tract ranging from small single lesions to multiple gastric ulcers and major bleeding complications in intensive care patients. The underlying pathophysiology comprises hemodynamic and inflammatory elements. Systemic factors (hypotension and/or vasopressor therapy) act together with local alterations of splanchnic blood flow, e.g., due to high ventilation pressures. This may not only cause direct ischemic damage but also leads to a reduction in gastric mucosal defense by inhibition of cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase pathways and decline of prostaglandin levels (especially PGE2) (1).
Trademark image retrieval by distance–angle pair‐wise histogram

Because of the continuously increasing number of registered trademarks, it is more and more difficult to design and register a new trademark without conflicting with the registered trademarks or logos. Traditionally, trademark indexing by text description is applied for trademark image databases. However, as more and more trademarks have been designed with complex content, describing a trademark only with text description is not an efficient approach any more. Therefore, trademark indexing by its content is required for comparing, retrieving and classifying similar trademarks. In this article, a content‐based trademark image retrieval system is proposed. The newly designed trademarks can be avoided from being similar with the registered ones with such a system. This scheme makes use of the distance–angle pair‐wise histogram as a feature vector of trademark shape for retrieving similar registered trademarks. Several moment‐based trademark retrieval schemes have also been implemented in computer simulations. Experiments have been conducted on registered trademark databases. Impressive results are shown to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed scheme. Moreover, it is quite simple to construct the distance–angle pair‐wise histogram for a trademark object. Therefore, the retrieval speed is acceptable and the system can be accessed through internet on a web browser. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 15, 103–113, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ima.20043
Modeling nonlinear wave digital elements using the Lambert function

A large class of transcendental equations involving exponentials can be made explicit using the Lambert W function. In the last fifteen years, this powerful mathematical tool has been extensively used to find closed-form expressions for currents or voltages in circuits containing diodes. Until now almost all the studies about the W function in circuit analysis concern the Kirchhoff (K) domain, while only few works in the literature describe explicit models for diode circuits in the Wave Digital (WD) domain. However explicit models of NonLinear Elements (NLEs) in the WD domain are particularly desirable, especially in order to avoid the use of iterative algorithms. This paper explores the range of action of the W function in the WD domain; it describes a procedure to search for explicit wave mappings, for both one-port and multi-port NLEs containing diodes. WD models, describing an arbitrary number of different parallel and anti-parallel diodes, a transformerless ring modulator and some BJT amplifier configurations, are derived. In particular, an extended version of the BJT Ebers-Moll model, suitable for implementing feedback between terminals, is introduced.
La adopción del comercio electrónico B2C : una comparación empírica de dos modelos alternativos

This paper compares the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Technology Acceptance Model within the scope of electronic commerce in order to determine what of the two structures is more appropriate to explain the adoption of Internet shopping. With this aim a quantitative research is developed over two samples, one compounded by Internet users with no experience in web shopping and the other constituted by on-line buyers. The empirical evidence obtained denotes that the Technology Acceptance Model allows a better prediction of Internet shopping acceptance.