Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corporate Governance and Corporate Disclosure

Corporate governance and corporate disclosure have become increasingly interrelated. One cannot adequately function without the other. Each, however, is within the primary purview of different regulators and each regulator takes a different philosophical approach in addressing the matter. The Securities and Exchange Commission at one point tried to intervene more directly and improve governance by relying on listing standards, an approach largely ended by the DC Circuit’s decision in Business Roundtable. As a result, the SEC has been forced to resort to disclosure to affect the substance of governance. Some of the governance requirements are contained in Form 8-K, particularly those relating to bylaw/article amendments and resignations of directors and certain officers. In addition, Item 407 of Regulation S-K contains disclosure about the board, ranging from the identification of independent directors to meeting attendance. Item 402 (executive compensation) and Item 404 (related party transactions) also touch on governance issues. These specific requirements are augmented by a growing body of enforcement actions. This article is a chapter from THE REGULATION OF CORPORATE DISCLOSURE and examines the SEC disclosure requirements, particularly those contained in Form 8-K and Regulation S-K.
An uncommon cause of progressive visual loss in a heavy smoker

Loss of vision due to eye metastasis is generally uncommon, representing an ophthalmological diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We here report a case of a smoker patient finally diagnosed with lung cancer, whose initial symptom was visual loss due to choroidal metastasis. Given that the majority of subjects presenting with uveal metastasis have already developed other distant metastases as well, a complete diagnostic work-up of these patients is always required. Despite being rare, eye metastasis from a lung malignancy should always be suspected in smokers presenting with progressive vision deterioration.
Human Red Cells Scavenge Extracellular Hydrogen Peroxide and Inhibit Formation of Hypochlorous Acid and Hydroxyl Radical

The ability of intact human red cells to scavenge extracellularly generated H202 and Oj, and to prevent formation of hydroxyl radicals and hypochlorous acid has been examined. Red cells inhibited oxidation of ferrocytochrome c by H202. Cells treated with aminotriazole no longer inhibited, indicating that protection was almost entirely due to intracellular catalase. Contribution by theGSH system was slight, and apparent only with low H202 concentrations when catalase was inhibited by aminotriazole. The cells were about a quarter as efficient at inhibiting cytochrome c oxidation as an equivalent concentration of purified catalase. No inhibition of0--dependent reduction of ferricytochrome c or nitroblue tetrazolium was observed, although extracted red cell superoxide dismutase inhibited nitroblue tetrazolium reduction at one fortieth the concentration ofthat in the cells. Red cells efficiently inhibited deoxyribose oxidation by hydroxyl radicals generated from H202, O2 and Fe(EDTA), and myeloperoxidase-dependent oxidation of methionine to methionine sulfoxide by stimulated neutrophils. Most of the red cell inhibition of hydroxyl radical production, and all the inhibition of methionine oxidation, was prevented by blocking intracellular catalase with aminotriazole. Thus red cells are able to efficiently scavenge H202, but not O2, produced in their environment, and to inhibit formation of hydroxyl radicals and hypochlorous acid. They may therefore have an important role in extracellular antioxidant defense.
Effects of socially stimulating group intervention on lonely, older people's cognition: a randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE Loneliness may predict impaired cognition among older people. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of socially stimulating group intervention on cognition among older individuals suffering from loneliness. DESIGN A randomized controlled trial. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Two hundred thirty-five participants (≥75 years) in seven day care centers in Finland. INTERVENTION Group intervention was based on the effects of closed-group dynamics and peer support. The three-month intervention was aimed to enhance interaction and friendships between participants and to socially stimulate them. Each group was facilitated by two specifically trained professionals. In addition to active discussions, the groups included three types of activities depending on the participants' interests: 1) therapeutic writing; 2) group exercise; and 3) art experiences. MEASUREMENTS Cognition was measured by the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog), and mental function was measured by the 15D measure. RESULTS The intervention and control groups were similar at baseline with respect to their demographics, disease burden, depression, and cognition. The ADAS-Cog scale improved more in the intervention group than in the control group within the three-month period, with mean changes being -2.6 points (95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.4 to -1.8) and -1.6 points (95% CI: -2.2 to -1.0), respectively. The dimension of mental function in the 15D showed significant improvement at 12 months in the intervention group (+0.048, 95% CI: +0.013 to +0.085) compared with the control group (-0.027, 95% CI: -0.063 to +0.010). CONCLUSION Psychosocial group intervention improved lonely older people's cognition.
Differential sensitivity to angiotensin II and norepinephrine in human uterine arteries.

BACKGROUND During pregnancy, uteroplacental responses to norepinephrine (NE) exceed systemic responses. In contrast, uteroplacental responses to angiotensin II (ANG II) are less than systemic. The explanation for these differences in uteroplacental sensitivity remain unclear but may reflect type 2 ANG II receptor (AT(2)R) predominance in uterine artery (UA) vascular smooth muscle (VSM). OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to examine VSM sensitivity to KCl, NE, and ANG II in UA from nonpregnant (NP) and pregnant (P) women and determine VSM ANG II receptor subtype expression. METHODS Responses to KCl, NE, and ANG II were examined in endothelium-denuded UA rings from NP (n = 28) and P (n = 13; 34-40 wk gestation) women, and ANG II receptor subtype, α(1)-receptor and contractile proteins were measured. RESULTS KCl and NE dose dependently contracted UA (P < 0.001), P exceeding NP 2-fold or greater; but α(1)-receptor expression was unchanged. ANG II did not elicit dose effects in NP or P UA; however, P responses exceeded NP approximately 2-fold (P < 0.001) and were approximately 2.5-fold less than NE (P < 0.001). AT(2)R and AT(1)R expression were similar (P > 0.1) in VSM from NP and term P women. AT(1)R blockade abolished ANG II contractions (P < 0.001); AT(2)R blockade did not enhance ANG II sensitivity in UA with or without endothelium. Actin contents increased approximately 2-fold in term UA. CONCLUSIONS Sensitivity to α-stimulation exceeds ANG II in NP and P UA, explaining the differential uteroplacental sensitivity in pregnancy. Because AT(2)R predominate in UA VSM throughout reproduction, this contributes to the inherent refractoriness to ANG II in the uterine vasculature. The increase in UA contractile proteins at term P suggests remodeling, explaining the enhanced contractility seen.
Environmental Drivers for Sustainability in Indian Firms

Deteriorating environmental conditions fueling activism and legislation have necessitated companies to be environmentally responsive and many companies are doing the same by weaving environmental value drivers into their business strategies. This case study compares the deployment of environmental drivers by four Indian companies- two each from manufacturing and services sector. The study finds that though service companies do not ignore environmental value drivers, manufacturing companies use them more extensively.
Association of patient case-mix adjustment, hospital process performance rankings, and eligibility for financial incentives.

CONTEXT While most comparisons of hospital outcomes adjust for patient characteristics, process performance comparisons typically do not. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the degree to which hospital process performance ratings and eligibility for financial incentives are altered after accounting for hospitals' patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and mix of treatment opportunities. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Using data from the American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines program between January 2, 2000, and March 28, 2008, we analyzed hospital process performance based on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' defined core measures for acute myocardial infarction. Hospitals were initially ranked based on crude composite process performance and then ranked again after accounting for hospitals' patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and eligibility for measures using a hierarchical model. We then compared differences in hospital performance rankings and pay-for-performance financial incentive categories (top 20%, middle 60%, and bottom 20% institutions). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Hospital process performance ranking and pay-for-performance financial incentive categories. RESULTS A total of 148,472 acute myocardial infarction patients met the study criteria from 449 centers. Hospitals for which crude composite acute myocardial infarction performance was in the bottom quintile (n = 89) were smaller nonacademic institutions that treated a higher percentage of patients from racial or ethnic minority groups and also patients with greater comorbidities than hospitals ranked in the top quintile (n = 90). Although there was overall agreement on hospital rankings based on observed vs adjusted composite scores (weighted kappa, 0.74), individual hospital ranking changed with adjustment (median, 22 ranks; range, 0-214; interquartile range, 9-40). Additionally, 16.5% of institutions (n = 74) changed pay-for-performance financial status categories after accounting for patient and treatment opportunity mix. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that accounting for hospital differences in patient characteristics and treatment opportunities is associated with modest changes in hospital performance rankings and eligibility for financial benefits in pay-for-performance programs for treatment of myocardial infarction.
Relative biological effectiveness of carbon ions for tumor control, acute skin damage and late radiation-induced fibrosis in a mouse model

ABSTRACT Background. The aim of the present study was to compare the biological effectiveness of carbon ions relative to x-rays between tumor control, acute skin reaction and late RIF of CDF1 mice. Material and methods. CDF1 mice with a C3H mouse mammary carcinoma implanted subcutaneously on the foot of the right hind limb were irradiated with single fractions of either photons, or 12C ions using a 30-mm spread-out Bragg peak. The endpoint of the study was local control (no tumor recurrence within 90 days). For the acute skin reaction, non-tumor bearing CDF1 mice were irradiated with a comparable radiation scheme, and monitored for acute skin damage between Day 7 and 40. Late RIF was assessed in the irradiated mice. Results. The TCD50 (dose producing tumor control in 50% of mice) values with 95% confidence interval were 29.7 (25.4–34.8) Gy for C ions and 43.9 (39.2–49.2) Gy for photons, with a corresponding Relative biological effectiveness (RBE) value of 1.48 (1.28–1.72). For acute skin damage the MDD50 (dose to produce moist desquamation in 50% of mice) values with 95% confidence interval were 26.3 (23.0–30.1) Gy for C ions and 35.8 (32.9–39.0) Gy for photons, resulting in a RBE of 1.36 (1.20–1.54). For late radiation-induced fibrosis the FD50 (dose to produce severe fibrosis in 50% of mice) values with 95% confidence interval were 26.5 (23.1–30.3) Gy for carbon ions and 39.8 (37.8–41.8) Gy for photons, with a RBE of 1.50 (1.33–1.69). Conclusion. The observed RBE values were very similar for tumor response, acute skin damage and late RIF when irradiated with large doses of high- linear energy transfer (LET) carbon ions. This study adds information to the variation in biological effectiveness in different tumor and normal tissue models.
Research-in-Progress: Understanding the Relationship between IT-Business Strategic Alignment and Firm Performance

The relationship between IT-business strategic alignment (hereafter referred to as alignment) and firm performance has been a topic of great concern to strategy researchers for decades. However, we found no research to date that has considered a complete model considering all the links between 6 unique types of alignment and 3 unique types of firm performance. The failure to consider a single, omnibus test of this model has resulted in conflicting findings and, consequently, an “alignment paradox” where some research finds a positive relationship between alignment and firm performance and other research finds a negative relationship. This research-in-progress seeks to theorize these relationships for future empirical testing.
A comparison of group sequential methods for binary longitudinal data

Interim analyses are conducted to allow for early termination of the trial, for ethical as well as economical reasons. Here we consider interim analyses in repeated measurements studies where the measurements are binary. Two methods for analysing this kind of data are compared according to their operating characteristics. A subject‐specific approach based on the logistic random‐effects model is compared with the population‐averaged approach based on the generalized estimating equations. The comparison is illustrated with simulations using a randomized clinical trial for toenail fungal infection. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functionalized metallic carbon nanotube devices for pH sensing.

Mostofthedevicesdemonstrateduntilnow,relyinoneway or another on the analyte-dependent gating mechanismof semiconducting SWNTs. While this imparts good sensitivityto the devices, they have the disadvantage that parasiticcharges on the substrate have a strong influence on sensorstability and selectivity. Here, we present a novel route tochemical sensors which uses metallic SWNTas the startingbasis.Ourstrategycomprisesthecovalentattachmentofana-lyte-sensitivefunctionalgroupsincontrolleddensitytoindivid-ual contacted metallic SWNTs. The attached moieties functionas scattering sites, whose effect on charge transport throughthetubesismodulatedbytheanalyteconcentration.Inthisstudy,wedemonstrateapHsensorusingthisprinci-ple,wherethesensitivitytopHisattainedbycovalentattach-mentofamino-substitutedphenylradicalstoindividualmetal-lic SWNTs via gentle electrochemical modification (ECM). Thelowfunctionalizationdegreeallowsforminimaldestruction ofthe p-conjugated framework, ensuring that the tubes showsufficientconductivityaftermodification.Electrochemistryrep-resentsanexcellenttoolfornanotubefunctionalization,whichenablesforinstanceexclusivemodificationofthemetallictubefraction of amixtureof metallic andsemiconducting SWNTs.
Incorporation of liquid-like multiwalled carbon nanotubes into an epoxy matrix by solvent-free processing

Covalent attachment of 2,2′-(ethylenedioxy)-diethylamine to multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) produced amino-functionalized MWCNTs which behaved like liquids at ambient temperature. These liquid-like MWCNTs (l-MWCNTs) could be homogeneously dispersed and chemically embedded in an epoxy matrix by solvent-free processing. In contrast, solid MWCNTs (s-MWCNTs) functionalized by 1,8-diaminooctane were poorly dispersed in epoxy although they possess chemical structures and functionalization comparable to l-MWCNTs. An epoxy composite filled with pristine MWCNTs (p-MWCNTs) was also fabricated in the absence of a solvent at the same loading for comparison. The molecular level coupling of l-MWCNTs and epoxy provided significant improvements in overall mechanical properties relative to those composites containing p-MWCNTs and s-MWCNTs. The Young’s modulus, storage modulus, tensile strength, failure strain and toughness of neat epoxy were increased by 28.4, 23.8, 22.9, 24.1 and 66.1%, respectively, by adding 0.5 wt% of l-MWCNTs. Thus, functionalized carbon nanotubes in liquid form contributed to better dispersion and superior interfacial bonding with the epoxy matrix, thereby facilitating greater mechanical reinforcement efficiency.
[The effect of fish oil on metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with dyslipidemia].

BACKGROUND The authors discuss the effect of administration of fish oils rich in n-3 fatty acids in diabetic patients type 2 and draw attention to the possible deterioration of glucose homeostasis. The objective of the investigation was to assess changes of the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in type 2 diabetics with associated dyslipidaemia after enrichment of the diet with n-3 fatty acids. METHODS AND RESULTS To 17 patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia fish oil containing 5.5 g n-3 fatty acids per day was administered. After six weeks a decline of triglycerides was recorded (-47%, P < 0.01), free fatty acids (-27%, P < 0.01) and a rise of HDL2-cholesterol (25%, P < 0.05). The concentration of apo B, apo A-1, LDL- and HDL cholesterol did not change significantly. There were no significant changes of the blood sugar level, glycosylated haemoglobin and fructosamine. The insulin and C-peptide concentration on fasting (and after glucagon stimulation) did not change significantly. With regard to the HDL2-cholesterol and 18:0 fatty acid concentration in serum the group can be divided into responders (with a decline of glycosylated haemoglobin) and non-responders. The two groups have a reverse trend of blood sugar levels and insulinaemia and differ as to the metabolism of 18:1 n-7 acid. CONCLUSIONS Enrichment of the diet with n-3 fatty acids in diabetics with dyslipidaemia has a favourable effect on the plasma lipid spectrum without causing deterioration of parameters of diabetes compensation. Among the group of patients some can be found where fish oil administration improves also glucose homeostasis.
DM, but not cathepsin L, is required to control an aerosol infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Antigen presentation by class II MHC molecules in the uninfected host is a multi‐step process involving key functions provided by specific cathepsins (Cat) and the peptide editor DM. Herein, we examined the requirement for each of these components in mice to control a low‐dose aerosol infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Mice lacking Cat B, ‐L, or ‐S were similar to wild‐type in their ability to control the growth and dissemination of MTB. In contrast, DM−/− mice failed to limit MTB growth and showed ∼100‐fold higher bacterial burden in the lung and spleen (5–6 weeks postinfection) as compared with wild‐type and Cat‐deficient mice. Histopathology revealed impaired cellular recruitment and altered granuloma formation in the lungs of MTB‐infected DM−/− mice. Moreover, despite impaired thymic selection in Cat L−/− and DM−/− mice, MTB‐specific CD4+ T cells were elicited only in the former. The lower numbers of MTB‐specific CD4+ T cells available in Cat L−/− mice as compared with wild‐type animals were sufficient to control MTB growth and dissemination. In addition, DM−/− macrophages infected with MTB in vitro were unable to stimulate pathogen‐specific T cells. The data indicate that the majority of antigens derived from MTB are loaded onto nascent class II MHC molecules via the classical DM‐dependent pathway.
Towards an IT-Enabled Customer Centric Service Supply Chain

In this paper we propose a broad research agenda for a total remodelling of the service supply chain. We argue that contemporary service supply chains do not match three crucial elements of contemporary business and are simply a development of operations and supply chain management thinking dating back to origins in the Fordist era. The service supply chain of today has developed through incremental changes to traditional, mostly product oriented practices and as such has remained inefficient, ineffective, and insufficient as a guiding model for global service supply chains that can successfully address contemporary requirements while fully availing of current technological and other opportunities. We suggest that instead of demarcated product or service supply chains elements of both types of operations need to be included. We also argue that advanced ICT must be designed and deployed to enable and support service supply and delivery in ways that the iterative adaptation of centralised legacy systems decades past their sell-by date cannot achieve. Thirdly, we suggest that contemporary service supply chains are designed for operational efficiency with the customer simply being the final receiver of the goods/services. Our view is that customers are the core entity in service provision and delivery, and that understanding and addressing their requirements must be central to the design and operation of service supply chains.
Solvothermal Synthesis of Gallium and Indium Nitrides Using Lithium Amide

Results of the investigation of the reactions of GaCl3, InCl3 and InI3 with LiNH2 under solvothermal conditions in benzene, which lead to metal nitrides, are reported. GaN is obtained as a cubic phase or as a mixture of cubic and hexagonal phases, depending on temperature. The effect of the addition of surfactants on the formation of GaN was explored. InN products were always contaminated with indium metal, even at low reaction temperatures. The addition of excess LiNH2 or the use of InI3 instead of InCl3 gave products with less In metal Graphical Abstract Solvothermal Synthesis of Gallium and Indium Nitrides Using Lithium Amide
Reconstruction of Binocular Depth Across Continuous Surfaces

Abstract : This technical report consists of two publications. The first will appear in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance in 1989. This article examines the perception of depth in random dot surface versus volume stimuli, and shows that depth associated with a continuous surface is subject to reconstruction article has been submitted for publication. This article explores the analogy between the reconstruction of stereoscopic depth and the reconstruction of brightness. The analogy holds for a number of classical simultaneous contrast effects. Dissimilarities are found, however, in terms of the lateral inhibition effects traditionally attributed to underlying spatial-differention operators.
Clinicopathological importance of Ki-67, p27, and p53 expression in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM To assess the prognostic value of Ki-67, p27, and p53 immunoreactivity in human gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 84 patients with gastric cancer participated in our study. We categorized tumors as intestinal and diffuse types, with reference to Lauren's classification. Ki-67, p27, and p53 immunoreactivity were correlated with patient's age, tumor type, grade, lymph node status, extent of invasion, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and survival. RESULTS Decreased expression of p27 (<20% positivity of cells) and increased p53 staining (>50% positivity of cells) were determined in 41 (48.8%) and 29 (36.9%) tumor specimens, respectively, and were connected with both the TNM stage (P = 0.007 and P = 0.039, respectively), and the extent of tumor invasion (P = 0.025 and P = 0.004, respectively). Kaplan-Meier methods showed a remarkable effect of reduced p27 expression on survival time (P = 0.003). In contrast, we observed no notable relationship between survival time and p53 or Ki-67 immunoreactivity (P = 0.372 and P = 0.401, respectively). CONCLUSION A decrease in p27 expression and overexpression of p53 or Ki-67 may cause advancing and metastatic illness in patients with gastric carcinoma. In addition, immunopathological identification of p27 may be helpful to define patients with gastric cancer who are at an increased risk of death.