Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preoperative evaluation of chronic alcoholics assessed for surgery of the upper digestive tract.

BACKGROUND Alcoholics are at risk of developing major complications in the postoperative period. Adequate prophylactic treatment, as well as preoperative abstinence, can significantly decrease the rate of complications. However, the preoperative diagnosis of alcoholism is difficult to establish. The purpose of this study was to assess whether three preoperative visits, an alcohol-related questionnaire (CAGE), and the laboratory markers carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) would increase the rate of detection of chronic alcoholics. METHODS The study included the Departments of ENT, Facial and Maxillofacial Surgery, and General Surgery of a university hospital; 705 male patients were assessed for tumor surgery of the upper digestive tract and were allocated to 5 different groups. All patients were seen three times, and five different strategies were used to detect chronic alcoholics. The gold standard was the diagnosis of alcohol misuse made by an experienced (blinded) investigator according to the DSM-III-R. The main outcome measurements were the detection rates of the different test strategies. RESULTS By clinical routine alone, only 16% were detected during the first visit and 34% after three visits. If the CAGE questionnaire was added, sensitivity increased to 64%. The further addition of GGT or CDT led to 80 and 85% detections, respectively. A combination of all tests had a sensitivity of 91%. CONCLUSIONS To detect more alcoholic patients at risk for major complications, patients should be seen more often, and additional diagnostic tools such as the CAGE, CDT, and GGT should be used before surgery.
Student Perceptions of CPA Profession and Its Effect on Accounting Student Motivation

This research explores the association between student perception about CPA firm and its effect of their motivation to be an auditor. That perception was measured by auditor career, salary and be-nefit, job flexibility, personal issues, and accounting curriculum. 114 students filled questionnaires related. The result shows that only auditor career variable which is significant at 5 % level to pre-dict student motivation becoming auditor. Keywords: Auditor Profession, Motivation, Accounting Curriculum
Neural Network-Based Adaptive Leader-Following Consensus Control for a Class of Nonlinear Multiagent State-Delay Systems

Compared with the existing neural network (NN) or fuzzy logic system (FLS) based adaptive consensus methods, the proposed approach can greatly alleviate the computation burden because it needs only to update a few adaptive parameters online. In the multiagent agreement control, the system uncertainties derive from the unknown nonlinear dynamics are counteracted by employing the adaptive NNs; the state delays are compensated by designing a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional. Finally, based on Lyapunov stability theory, it is demonstrated that the proposed consensus scheme can steer a multiagent system synchronizing to the predefined reference signals. Two simulation examples, a numerical multiagent system and a practical multimanipulator system, are carried out to further verify and testify the effectiveness of the proposed agreement approach.
Cutaneous Aging: Effect of Intrinsic Changes on Surgical Considerations

Intrinsic age-related structural and functional changes in the skin, independent of sun-induced damage, directly affect wound healing in the elderly. These alterations, as well as concomitant medical illness, pharmaceutical intake, and dietary changes, result in delayed wound healing, decreased ultimate tensile strength, and increased rates of wound dehiscence, ecchymosis, tape-strip injuries, infection, and persistent contact dermatitis.
Effects of human neural stem cell transplantation in canine spinal cord hemisection

Abstract Objectives: Previous works have reported that the transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) may improve functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI), but these results have been mainly obtained in rat models. In the present work, the authors sought to determine whether the transplantation of human NSCs improves functional outcome in a canine SCI model and whether transplanted NSCs survive and differentiate. Methods: Human NSCs (HB1. F3 clone) were used in this work. Lateral hemisection at the L2 level was performed in dogs and either (1) Matrigel (200 μl) alone as a growth-promoting matrix or (2) Matrigel seeded with human NSCs (107 cells/200 μl) were transplanted into hemisected gaps. Using a canine hind limb locomotor scale, functional outcomes were assessed over 12 weeks. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to examine cell survival, differentiation and axonal regeneration. Results: Compared with dogs treated with Matrigel alone, dogs treated with Matrigel + human NSCs showed significantly better functional recovery (10.3 ± 0.7 versus 15.6 ± 0.7, respectively, at 12 weeks; p<0.05). Human nuclei-positive cells were found mainly near hemisected areas in dogs treated with Matrigel + NSCs. In addition, colocalization of human nuclei and neuronal nuclei or myelin basic protein was clearly observed. Moreover, the Matrigel + NSC group showed more ascending sensory axon regeneration. Conclusions: The transplantation of human NSCs has beneficial effects on functional recovery after SCI, and these NSCs were found to differentiate into mature neurons and/or oligodendrocytes. These results provide baseline data for future clinical applications.
Is Japan Really a 'Buy'? The Corporate Governance, Cash Holdings and Economic Performance of Japanese Companies

We investigate whether Japan’s much‐touted governance reforms improve its firms’ management of cash, economic performance and valuation. Consistent with an improvement in governance since 2000, Japanese firms hold less cash and increase payouts to shareholders. Improvements in performance are associated with reductions in (excess) cash, reductions in the influence of the banks that traditionally sit at the center of horizontal keiretsu, and increases in the holdings of management and foreign investors. The market valuation of Japanese firms’ cash holdings was lower than for US firms during the 1990s but increased to levels closer to those of US firms in the 2000s. Collectively, the evidence suggests that performance improves in those Japanese companies that reform their governance practices. These findings have implications for other Asian economies, such as China, India and Korea, where there are ongoing discussions of whether improved governance can increase firm performance and valuation.
Competition and Credit Procyclicality in European Banking

This paper empirically assesses how competition in the banking sector affects credit procyclicality by estimating both an interacted panel VAR model using macroeconomic data and a single-equation model with bank-level data. These two empirical approaches show that a deviation of actual GDP from potential GDP leads to greater credit fluctuations in economies where bank competition is weak. This suggests that increased market power for banks increases the financial accelerator mechanism, which is consistent with recent macroeconomic models showing that monopolistic banking tends to increase macroeconomic volatility by making credit cheaper during booms and more expensive during recessions.
Sources of Supply of Teachers for Eight Cognate Areas: National Trends and Predictors. Data Analysis Report No. 1998-DAR2.

This report contains national trend and predictor data for the supply of public school K-12 teachers in eight cognate areas: general elementary education; mathematics and science education; language education; social studies education; arts, physical, and health education; business and vocational education; other general education; and special education. Data came from three large national probability samples of teachers taken over 6 years. The main data source was the Public School Teacher Questionnaires of the Schools and Staffing Surveys (SASS) of the National Center for Education Statistics. Data reveal major trends in those aspects of teacher career paths associated with entering, and continuing in, the ranks of employed public school teachers. Data also reveal variables associated with teachers' career path transitions. A parallel Data Analysis Report from the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Research and Evaluation in Social Policy provides similar data on trends and predictors of teacher turnover. Data from the SASS indicate whether entering teachers had previous teaching experience and whether they were fully certified in the main teaching assignment into which they were hired. Data on demographics, qualifications, teaching assignment, and working conditions also come from the SASS. The report summarizes study findings. Descriptive tables comprise the bulk of the report. An appendix presents data sources, the teacher sample, and data analysis procedures. (Contains 12 references.) (SM) ******************************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * ******************************************************************************** SOURCES OF SUPPLY OF TEACHERS FOR EIGHT COGNATE AREAS: PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY
Quality of life following successful repair of vesicovaginal fistula in Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION The impact of obstetric vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), which continues to occur among women in developing countries, can severely affect the health of the women while the condition persists. This study was designed to discover the effect of successful VVF repair on affected women's quality of life. METHODS A comparison of the quality of life of a cross-section of women who had VVF was carried out before and 6 months after successful repair. Quality of life was assessed using the WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF Questionnaire. RESULTS Of the 150 women studied, only 20% felt satisfied with their general state of health and quality of life before the repair, while this increased to 90% following successful repair (highly statistically significant at p<0.000). In the physical health domain, the mean quality of life score was 67.9 ± 4.4 before and 69.3 ± 3.4 after successful repair (p<0.01). In the mental health domain, the mean quality of life score was 32.4 ± 8.7 before and 74.7 ± 3.2 after successful repair (p<0.005). In the social health domain, the mean score was 20.2 ± 2.7 before and 69.7 ± 2.3 after successful repair (p<0.001). In the environment domain, the mean score of quality of life was 60.3 ± 4.3 before repair and 59.7 ± 2.7 after successful repair (comparable at p<0.2). CONCLUSION Successful repair of VVF is associated with significant improvement in the multidimensional quality of life among affected women.
Organization of cholinergic synapses in the cat's dorsal lateral geniculate and perigeniculate nuclei

In the preceding article, we showed that cholinergic fibers originating from the brainstem reticular formation provide a dense innervation of the lateral geniculate nucleus. In this report we describe the ultrastructure of these fibers and their relations with other elements in the neuropil of the lateral geniculate nucleus. Cholinergic fibers were labeled with an antibody to choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the synthesizing enzyme for acetylcholine (ACh). In the A‐laminae of the lateral geniculate nucleus, ChAT + profiles are small and contain tightly packed, mostly round vesicles. Some end in encapsulated synaptic zones where they form asymmetrical synaptic contacts with processes of both projection cells and interneurons. Others form synapses upon the shafts of dendrites. Of the four classical types of vesicle‐containing profiles identified by Guillery (Z. Zellforsch: Mikrosk. 96: 1–38, '69; Vision Res. [Suppl.] 3: 211–227, '71), ChAT + profiles most closely resemble RSD profiles (Round vesicles, Small profile, Dark mitochondria). However, as a population, ChAT + profiles can be distinguished from the unlabeled population of RSD profiles because they are larger in size, contain more mitochondria, and make synapses with smaller postsynaptic membrane specializations. Each of these differences is statistically significant and together they indicate that ChAT + profiles are a distinct morphological type of synaptic profile. ChAT + profiles in the perigeniculate nucleus resemble those found in the lateral geniculate nucleus; they also make synapses with obvious postsynaptic thickenings.
Aspirin and risk of endometrial cancer: a case–control study from Italy

Data on the role of aspirin on endometrial cancer risk are scanty. Here we provide additional information on the issue, using data from a multicentric Italian case–control study. The study was conducted between 1992 and 2006 in three Italian areas, on 442 cases with histologically confirmed endometrial cancer and 676 control women admitted to the same hospitals as cases for a wide spectrum of acute, non-neoplastic, non-gynaecological, non-hormone-related conditions, providing information on aspirin use. Odds ratios (OR) of endometrial cancer and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated using multiple logistic regression models, including terms for sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index and hormonal and reproductive factors. Regular aspirin use was reported by 28 (6.3%) cases and 46 (6.8%) controls, corresponding to a multivariate OR of 0.65 (95% confidence interval 0.37–1.11). There was no consistent pattern of risk with duration of use, nor with age at first use, time since first use or time since last use. Further, there was no difference in risk estimates across strata of body mass index. This study – the first one from a population outside North America – adds relevant information on the absence of a consistent association between aspirin use and endometrial cancer risk, even in high-risk overweight and obese women.
EV usage and city planning of charging station installations

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming popular in the United States. Battery EVs, powered exclusively by electricity, draw more attention because they emit zero exhaust fumes, transfer energy efficiently and can be more economical compared with internal combustion automobiles. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the real-world charging, driving and energy consumption patterns of electric vehicles and charging stations deployed in a college town over a period of ten months. Data collection approaches include data from charging stations and from Nissan CARWINGS telematics services. Results indicate that most charging events last fewer than three hours and most battery EVs are used locally within Athens, GA. Based on this EV usage analysis, potential impacts of wireless EV charging stations as well as a list of practical factors are discussed when implementing wireless charging stations across the city.
Bone marrow transplants from HLA-identical siblings as compared with chemotherapy for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a second remission.

BACKGROUND It is unclear how best to treat children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who are in a second remission after a bone marrow relapse. For those with HLA-identical siblings, the question of whether to perform a bone marrow transplantation or to continue chemotherapy has not been answered. METHODS We compared the results of treatment with marrow transplants from HLA-identical siblings in 376 children, as reported to the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry, with the results of chemotherapy in 540 children treated by the Pediatric Oncology Group. A preliminary analysis identified variables associated with treatment failure in both groups. We selected cohorts by matching these variables. A possible bias associated with differences in the interval between remission and treatment was controlled for by choosing matched pairs in which the duration of the second remission in the chemotherapy recipient was at least as long as the time between the second remission and transplantation in the transplant recipient. A total of 255 matched pairs were studied. RESULTS The mean (+/- SE) probability of a relapse at five years was significantly lower among the transplant recipients than among the chemotherapy recipients (45 +/- 4 percent vs. 80 +/- 3 percent, P < 0.001). At five years the probability of leukemia-free survival was higher after transplantation than after chemotherapy (40 +/- 3 percent vs. 17 +/- 3 percent, P < 0.001). The relative benefit of transplantation as compared with chemotherapy was similar in children with prognostic factors indicating a high or low risk of relapse (the duration of the first remission, age, leukocyte count at the time of the diagnosis, and phenotype of the leukemic cells). CONCLUSIONS For children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a second remission, bone marrow transplants from HLA-identical siblings result in fewer relapses and longer leukemia-free survival than does chemotherapy.
Investment decisions and bank loan contracting

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine how a firm’s investment behavior relates to its subsequent bank loan contracting. Design/methodology/approach - Using a sample of US firms during the period 1992-2011, the authors examine the association between overinvestment (underinvestment) and three characteristics of bank loan contracts: loan spread, collateral requirement, and loan maturity. Findings - The authors find that overinvesting firms obtain loans with higher loan spreads. Additional tests show that the effect of overinvestment on loan spreads is generally more pronounced in firms with lower reputation, weaker shareholder rights, and lower institutional ownership. The effect of overinvestment on collateral requirement is mixed, and investment efficiency has no significant relation to loan maturity. Research limitations/implications - The results are subject to the following caveats. First, while the study provides empirical evidence that investment efficiency affects bank loan contracting terms, especially the cost of bank loans, the underlying theory is not well-developed. The authors leave it up to future research to provide a theoretical framework to clearly distinguish the cash flow and credit risk effects of past investment behavior from those of existing agency conflicts. Second, due to data limitation, the sample size is small, especially when the authors control for corporate governance measured by Practical implications - The finding that overinvestment is costly to corporations suggests that managers should consider the potential trade-offs from such investment decisions carefully. The evidence also alerts shareholders and board members to the importance of monitoring management investment decisions. In addition, the authors find that corporate governance moderates the relationship between investment decisions and cost of bank loans, suggesting that it would be beneficial to design effective governance mechanisms to prevent management from empire building and motivate managers to pursue efficient investment strategies. Originality/value - First, the findings enhance understanding of the potential economic consequences of overinvestment decisions in the context of a firm’s private debt contracting. The evidence suggests that lenders perceive higher credit risk from overinvestment than from underinvestment, likely because firms squander cash in the current period by investing in (negative net present value) projects that are likely to result in future cash flow problems. Second, the study contributes to the literature on the determinants of bank loans by identifying an observable empirical proxy for uncertainty in future cash flows that increases credit risk.
Characterization of extracellular proteins produced by Aeromonas hydrophila AH‐1

Aeromonas hydrophila is a ubiquitous Gram‐negative bacterium which can cause motile aeromonad septicemia in both fish and humans. A. hydrophila secretes many extracellular proteins associated with pathogenicity and environmental adaptability. In this study, an extracellular proteome map of A. hydrophila AH‐1 was constructed. The major extracellular virulence factors were characterized by comparing the proteomes of various deletion mutants with that of the wild type. The results suggested that serine protease was involved in the processing of a toxin and secreted enzymes such as hemolysin, glycerophospholipid‐cholesterol acyltransferase and metalloprotease. We also showed that expressions of polar and lateral flagellins were under the control of temperature, FlhA, LafK, and RpoN. In addition, three novel proteins (potential effector proteins including one ExoT‐like protein) were revealed to be secreted via the type III secretion system (TTSS) of A. hydrophila AH‐1. Another novel finding was the demonstration of a crosstalk between the lateral flagellar system and the TTSS in A. hydrophila. These results showed that proteomics is a powerful tool for characterizing virulence factors. The construction of proteome maps will provide a valuable means of finding potential candidates for developing suitable diagnostics and therapeutics for this emerging pathogen.
H Fluxes in Excised Samanea Motor Tissue : II. Rhythmic Properties.

Homogeneous groups of cells were excised at regular intervals from opposing (extensor and flexor) motor tissue of Samanea saman (Jacq) Merrill maintained in white light for 34 hours. H(+) fluxes between the tissue and bathing solution were then monitored during 30 minutes of darkness. Flux rates in both cell types vary with circadian rhythms. Flexor cells secrete H(+) to the medium during two-thirds of the circadian cycle and take up H(+) during the remainder of the cycle, while extensor cells take up H(+) from the medium during the entire cycle.
Improving Recognition of Drug Interactions: Benefits and Barriers to Using Automated Drug Alerts

Background. Clinicians’ perceptions about decision support systems may impact the effectiveness of these technologies. Objective. To explore clinicians’ baseline knowledge of common drug interactions and experiences with automated drug alerts within a provider order entry system as a means to better understand the potential benefits and barriers to using this technology. Research Design. Cross-sectional survey. Subjects. The study population comprised 263 clinicians practicing within a Southern California Veterans Affairs health care system that used VA’s Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Response rate was 64%. Measures. A 67-item survey (19 questions) was developed to elicit information including: (1) computer use for patient-related activities; (2) recognition of drug interactions; and (3) benefits and barriers to using automated drug alerts. Results. Clinicians correctly categorized 44% (range 11–64%) of all drug-drug pairs, 53% of interacting combinations, and 54% of contraindicated pairs. Providers also correctly categorized 55% (range 24–87%) of 11 drug-disease pairs and 62% of interacting combinations, and 53% of contraindicated pairs. Nearly 90% of clinicians thought drug alerts would be helpful to identify interactions yet 55% of clinicians perceived that the most significant barrier to utilizing existing alerts was poor signal to noise ratio, meaning too many nonrelevant warnings. Conclusions. Automated drug interaction alerts have the potential to dramatically increase clinicians’ recognition of selected drug interactions. However, perceived poor specificity of drug alerts may be an important obstacle to efficient utilization of information and may impede the ability of such alerts to improve patient safety.