Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Union Impact On Police Expenditures In Florida

The continued steady growth of public sector unions compels public administrators to understand the influence labor organizations exert upon local governments. The following study demonstrates the extent of union influence upon police expenditures in Florida. Union influence not only increases total police expenditures and personal services expenditures, it also causes operating expenses to rise. Union influence is less pronounced, and possibly even non-existent in capital outlays expenditures because of possible lack of interest on the part of the union in this area and also because of the existence of economically predetermined policies regarding capital outlays such as vehicle purchases. Public sector unions, by formalizing and enhancing the exit-voice phenomenon within government systems, influence the expenditures of local government. This influence manifests its presence specifically in local government expenditures. By examining the association between unionization and the level of expenditures in local government, this study attempts to illustrate the influence of unions upon local governments. Specifically, this study assesses the impact of police unionization has upon local government police department expenditures for municipalities in the state of Florida. A qualitative inquiry combines with a quantitative study to examine the extent of union influence on police expenditures in Florida.
Metabolism and Disposition of α-Methylstyrene in Rats

α-Methylstyrene (AMS) is a volatile hydrocarbon used primarily in the production of specialty polymers and resins. In the present study, the tissue distribution, metabolism, and excretion of [14C]AMS was investigated in male rats after i.v. administration (11 mg/kg). Over 90% of AMS administered intravenously to rats was excreted in 72 h. Urinary excretion accounted for 86% of the administered dose, volatile breath and feces accounted for 2.2 and 1.9%, respectively, and elimination as carbon dioxide was negligible. Metabolites were isolated from rat urine following a high oral dose of AMS (1000 mg/kg) and characterized using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and NMR spectrometry. The metabolites were 2-phenyl-1,2-propanediol (3% of urinary radioactivity) and its glucuronide (50%), atrolactic acid (27%), S -(2-hydroxy-2-phenylpropyl)- N -acetylcysteine (13%), and 2-phenylpropionic acid (1%); the glucuronides and mercapturates were each conjugated on the methylene carbon beta to the ring. The presence of both of the diastereomeric isomers of the mercapturates and of the glucuronides suggested that the initial epoxidation of AMS was not stereoselective and proceeded with addition of active oxygen to yield enantiomeric epoxides. Incubation of AMS with human liver slices produced the same metabolites as those excreted in rat urine, with 2-phenyl-1,2-propanediol present as the predominant metabolite after 5 h of incubation.
Unilateral Versus Bilateral First Ray Surgery

Many studies have evaluated bilateral versus unilateral surgery in large joints, but limited research is available to compare outcomes of bilateral staged foot surgeries versus synchronous bilateral foot surgery. In total, 186 consecutive cases of first metatarsal-phalangeal (MTP) joint surgery were prospectively included in this study; 252 procedures were performed: 120 were unilateral or staged bilateral operations, and 66 were synchronous bilateral operations. Patients were evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks for specific early complications and surveyed about their return to work, activities of daily living, shoe gear requirements, satisfaction, and reasons for choosing staged or synchronous surgery. In addition, a cost analysis was performed on all surgical scenarios. Student t test showed no statistical significance between groups in all clinical settings to a 95% confidence level. Complication rates were similar and few in all situations. Patients were very satisfied when choosing bilateral synchronous surgery and would elect to repeat it the same way 97% of the time. The economic costs to the health system average 25% greater when patients undergoing first MTP joint surgery have the procedure performed one foot at a time. Combined with the time lost from work, this reveals a significant economic cost to both society and patient.
How Does L1 and L2 Exposure Impact L1 Performance in Bilingual Children? Evidence from Polish-English Migrants to the United Kingdom

Most studies on bilingual language development focus on children’s second language (L2). Here, we investigated first language (L1) development of Polish-English early migrant bilinguals in four domains: vocabulary, grammar, phonological processing, and discourse. We first compared Polish language skills between bilinguals and their Polish non-migrant monolingual peers, and then investigated the influence of the cumulative exposure to L1 and L2 on bilinguals’ performance. We then examined whether high exposure to L1 could possibly minimize the gap between monolinguals and bilinguals. We analyzed data from 233 typically developing children (88 bilingual and 145 monolingual) aged 4;0 to 7;5 (years;months) on six language measures in Polish: receptive vocabulary, productive vocabulary, receptive grammar, productive grammar (sentence repetition), phonological processing (non-word repetition), and discourse abilities (narration). Information about language exposure was obtained via parental questionnaires. For each language task, we analyzed the data from the subsample of bilinguals who had completed all the tasks in question and from monolinguals matched one-on-one to the bilingual group on age, SES (measured by years of mother’s education), gender, non-verbal IQ, and short-term memory. The bilingual children scored lower than monolinguals in all language domains, except discourse. The group differences were more pronounced on the productive tasks (vocabulary, grammar, and phonological processing) and moderate on the receptive tasks (vocabulary and grammar). L1 exposure correlated positively with the vocabulary size and phonological processing. Grammar scores were not related to the levels of L1 exposure, but were predicted by general cognitive abilities. L2 exposure negatively influenced productive grammar in L1, suggesting possible L2 transfer effects on L1 grammatical performance. Children’s narrative skills benefitted from exposure to two languages: both L1 and L2 exposure influenced story structure scores in L1. Importantly, we did not find any evidence (in any of the tasks in which the gap was present) that the performance gap between monolinguals and bilinguals could be fully closed with high amounts of L1 input.
Genetic Effects on Growth and Development in Jersey and Limousin Cross Cattle

This study examined the importance of direct genetic, maternal, heterosis and recombination effects on weaning (250 day) weight, height, fat depth and a measure of muscularity (ratio of stifle to hip width). The breed combinations comprised two pure breeds (Jersey and Limousin), the Limousin x Jersey F1, and two backcrosses (F1 x Jersey dams and F1 x Limousin dams). The major limitation of the trial was the low numbers of sires: 2 Jersey, 2 Limousin and 3 F1. Direct genetic effects were largest (P<0.001) for weight, height and muscle with the effect of the Jersey being -47±9kg, -7±1.6cm and -21±1.5% respectively. There was also a small direct effect of the Jersey on fat depth (0.5±0.3mm P<0.05). The maternal effect of the Jersey dam was significant for weight (11±5kg P<0.05) and muscle (6±0.9 P<0.001). Heterosis was highly significant (P<0.001) for weight (-17±5kg), fat depth (1.5±0.2mm) and muscle (-10±1.3%). Recombination effects were not significant for any trait. For weight, height and muscle, the breeds ranked in order of percentage Limousin breeding (i.e. purebred Limousin, Limousin backcross, F1 Limousin, Jersey backcross, purebred Jersey). However, fat depth was completely different: F1 was the fattest (1.9mm), then the backcrosses (1.4 and 1.3mm), purebred Jersey (0.9mm) and purebred Limousin (0.5mm). This change in ranking reflected the huge heterosis effect relative to direct genetic effect on fat depth which is in contrast to most other studies.
Incidence of venous thrombosis in a large cohort of 66 329 cancer patients: results of a record linkage study

Summary. Background: The incidence of venous thrombosis (VT) for cancer patients is increased compared with patients without cancer, but estimations of the incidence for different types of cancer have rarely been made because of the low incidence of various types of cancer. Large registries offer an opportunity to study the risk of VT in large cohorts of cancer patients, which is essential in decisions on prophylactic anti‐coagulant treatment. Methods: This cohort study estimates the incidence of VT in cancer patients by using record linkage of a Cancer Registry and an Anticoagulation Clinic database in the Netherlands. Cumulative incidences in patients with different types of malignancies were estimated. We calculated relative risks (RRs) in relation to the presence of distant metastases and treatment. Results: Tumors of the bone, ovary, brain, and pancreas are associated with the highest incidence of VT (37.7, 32.6, 32.1, and 22.7/1000/0.5 year). Patients with distant metastases had a 1.9‐fold increased risk [RRadj: 1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–2.3]. Chemotherapy leads to a 2.2‐fold increased risk (RRadj: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.8–2.7) and hormonal therapy leads to a 1.6‐fold increased risk (RRadj: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3–2.1) compared with patients not using these treatment modalities. Patients with radiotherapy or surgery did not have an increased risk. Conclusions: We compared the overall incidences of VT in the first half year in our study to the risk of major bleeding as described in the literature. For patients with distant metastases, for several types of cancer, prophylactic anti‐thrombotic treatment could be beneficial.
A pièce de resistance: how HIV-1 escapes small molecule CCR5 inhibitors

Purpose of reviewSmall molecule inhibitors targeting the CCR5 coreceptor represent a new class of drugs for treating HIV-1 infection. Maraviroc has received regulatory approvals, and vicriviroc is in phase 3 trials. Understanding how resistance to these drugs develops and is diagnosed is essential to guide clinical practice. We review what has been learned from in-vitro resistance studies, and how this relates to what is being seen, or can be anticipated, in clinical studies. Recent findingsThe principal resistance pathway in vitro involves continued use of CCR5 in an inhibitor-insensitive manner; the resistant viruses recognize the inhibitor-CCR5 complex, as well as free CCR5. Switching to use the CXCR4 coreceptor is rare. The principal genetic pathway involves accumulating 2–4 sequence changes in the gp120 V3 region, but a non-V3 pathway is also known. The limited information available from clinical studies suggests that a similar escape process is followed in vivo. However, the most common change associated with virologic failure involves expansion of pre-existing, CXCR4-using viruses that are insensitive to CCR5 inhibitors. SummaryHIV-1 escapes small molecule CCR5 inhibitors by continuing to use CCR5 in an inhibitor-insensitive manner, or evades them by expanding naturally insensitive, CXCR4-using variants.
Effects of Radiation Therapy on T-Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

Cellular immunity was assessed in 85 patients with head and neck cancer with monoclonal antibodies to lymphocyte surface antigens that identify total T cells, helper cells, and suppressor cells. The control group consisted of 22 healthy volunteers. Nine patients who had surgical procedures for benign diseases were also studied. Compared with the controls, the patients with cancer who received radiation therapy had a significant decrease in total lymphocytes, T cells, helper cells, suppressor cells, and decreased helper/suppressor cell ratio. Significant decreases in lymphocyte subpopulations were not detected in patients tested before treatment or in patients treated with surgery alone. The immune deficits observed were prolonged in duration, with some present in the patients studied up to 11 years after radiation therapy. This long-lasting immune depression may have relevance to tumor recurrences and second primaries in patients with head and neck cancer treated by radiation therapy and to attempts at increasing cure rates with adjuvant agents that improve Immune reactivity.
The Effects of Intrastromal Voriconazole Injection and Topical Voriconazole in the Treatment of Recalcitrant Fusarium Keratitis

Purpose: To describe the course and outcome in 3 patients with recalcitrant fungal keratitis treated with intrastromal voriconazole injection and topical voriconazole application. Methods: The present study was an interventional case series. A 50 μg/0.1 mL solution of voriconazole was injected into the corneal stromal tissue around the corneal ulcer, and 1% topical voriconazole was added to the therapeutic regimen if the ulcer failed to respond to 5% topical natamycin hourly and oral ketoconazole twice per day. The infiltration and epithelial defect size were measured at each visit using a slit-lamp biomicroscope. Anatomical outcomes were assessed. Results: A dramatic therapeutic response was observed in 2 patients. An amniotic membrane transplantation using cyanoacrylate glue was required to seal the microperforation in a patient with a chemical burn superinfected with Fusarium. Conclusions: Intrastromal injection of voriconazole together with topical voriconazole effectively reduced the infiltration size and controlled the infection in patients with Fusarium keratitis. However, continued application of the topical medication is critical for a favorable outcome of treatment.
Breast Cancer after Augmentation Mammaplasty: Treatment by Skin‐Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Reconstruction

Breast conservation has been associated with poor cosmetic outcome when used to treat breast cancer in patients who have undergone prior augmentation mammaplasty. Radiation therapy of the augmented breast can increase breast fibrosis and capsular contraction. Skin‐sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction are examined as an alternative treatment. Six patients with prior breast augmentation were treated for breast cancer by skin‐sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. One patient underwent a contralateral prophylactic skin‐sparing mastectomy. Silicone gel implants had been placed in the submuscular location in five patients and in the subglandular position in one patient a mean of 10.2 years (range, 6 to 20 years) before breast cancer diagnosis. The mean patient age was 41.3 years (range, 33 to 56 years). Four independent judges reviewed postoperative photographs to grade the aesthetic results in comparison with the opposite native or reconstructed breast. The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging was stage 0 in one patient, stage I for four patients, and stage II for one patient. Five of the six patients presented with a palpable breast mass. Latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction was performed in four patients (bilaterally in one) and a transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap was used in two patients. Three patients were treated by skin‐sparing mastectomy with preservation of the breast implant (two patients with latissimus flaps, and one patient with a TRAM flap). The tumor location necessitated the removal of implants in two patients (one patient with a latissimus flap and one with a TRAM. A saline implant was placed under the latissimus flap after gel implant removal. The patient who underwent bilateral skin‐sparing mastectomies desired explantation and placement of saline implants. No remedial surgery was performed on the opposite breast to achieve symmetry. Complications occurred in two patients at the latissimus dorsi donor site (seroma in one patient, and seroma and infection in one). Five patients underwent complete nipple reconstructions. The mean duration of follow‐up was 33.6 months (range, 15.5 to 70.3 months), and there were no recurrences of breast cancer. The aesthetic results were judged to be good to excellent in all cases. Skin‐sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction can be used in patients with prior breast augmentation, with good to excellent cosmetic results. Depending on the tumor and implant location, the implant may be preserved without compromising local control. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 107: 687, 2001.)
Fetal growth and maternal glomerular filtration rate: a systematic review

Abstract Objective: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) may influence concentrations of biomarkers of exposure and their etiologic significance in observational studies of associations between environmental contaminants and fetal growth. It is unknown whether the size of a developing fetus affects maternal GFR such that a small fetus leads to reduced plasma volume expansion (PVE), reduced GFR and subsequent higher concentrations of biomarkers in maternal serum. Our objective was to answer the question: “Is there an association between fetal growth and maternal GFR in humans? ” Methods: We adapted and applied the Navigation Guide systematic review methodology to assess the evidence of an association between fetal growth and GFR, either directly or indirectly via reduction in PVE. Results: We identified 35 relevant studies. We rated 31 human and two non-human observational studies as “low” quality and two experimental non-human studies as “very low” quality. We rated all three evidence streams as “inadequate”. The association between fetal growth and GFR was “not classifiable” according to pre-specified definitions. Conclusions: There is currently insufficient evidence to support the plausibility of a reverse causality hypothesis for associations between exposure to environmental chemicals during pregnancy and fetal growth. Further research would be needed to confirm or disprove this hypothesis.
A Study of Malnutrition-dependent Factors among Under-five Children in Ekureku Community, Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

work in collaboration between all authors. Author EKD designed the study and wrote the first draft of the manuscript under the supervision of author ENRI who read, edited and arranged the field experiments. Author KRE managed the literature databases and statistical analyses of the study. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. ABSTRACT Malnutrition is the consumption of dietary nutrients either insufficiently or exclusively, and several socio-economic, ignorance, and educational factors are known to determine nutritional status of any community. This study aimed at examining the nutritional status and malnutrition-dependent factors in Ekureku Community. With a cross-sectional design, 380 mother-child pair respondents were selected using systematic sampling technique. Nutritional anthropometry and questionnaire were used to gather data. Data collected were entered and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Student t-test and Chi-square were used to test for inferential statistics at 5% level of significance. Results show that 108(28.4%) of under-five children were stunted, 47(12.3%) wasted and 107(28.1%) underweight. Malnutrition was observed to be significantly higher among females than male children (P < 0.05). Children aged >24 months were more stunted (22.4%), wasted (9.5%) and underweight (22.1%) than children <24 months. Most respondents (54.2%) had poor knowledge of child nutrition, while 45.8% had a fair knowledge. Respondents (35.0%) breastfed their babies exclusively, while 63.0% introduced complementary feeding when their children were less than six months old. Factors such as poor maternal education, sex of child, unemployed women, knowledge of child nutrition and poor feeding practice were found to be associated with malnutrition among under-five children. These findings indicate that malnutrition is high among under-five children and may increase child morbidity and mortality in the community.
Hematopoietic Derived Fibrocytes: Emerging Effector Cells in Fibrotic Disorders

Fibrocytes constitute a unique population of mesenchymal progenitor cells from hematopoietic origin. They display a unique spectrum of immune and molecular characteristics such as the simultaneous expression of mesenchymal (collagen types I and III, fibronectin), leukocyte (CD45), monocyte (CD14), and hematopoietic stem cell (CD34) markers. Fibrocytes were initially described in the context of wound repair and since their original description in 1994, our understanding and knowledge of this novel cell population has grown considerably. They have the potential to differentiate into fibroblasts and myofibroblasts among other mesenchymal cells such adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. Fibrocytes are a rich source of inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines that provide important intercellular signals within the local tissue microenvironment. Moreover, fibrocytes possess the immunological features typical of an antigen-presenting cell (APC), and they have the capacity for the presentation of antigens to naive T-cells.
Late effects of fast neutrons and gamma-rays in mice as influenced by the dose rate of irradiation: induction of neoplasia.

The influence of dose and dose rate on the oncogenic effectiveness of 1-MeV neutrons, 5-MeV neutrons, 250-kVp x-rays, and60 Co gamma-rays was investigated in male and female RF mice exposed to various doses of whole-body radiation at dose rates of 10-6 to $10^{2}\ \text{rads}/{\rm min}$, beginning at 10 weeks of age. Incidence of myeloid leukemia and of thymic lymphoma increased with dose, also varying with dose rate of gamma-rays but not of neutrons. Neutrons were equally or slightly less leukemogenic than x- or gamma-rays at high dose rates but several times as leukemogenic as gamma-rays at low dose rates. Incidence of ovarian tumors also varied as a function of dose and dose rate in gamma-irradiated mice, but relatively few such tumors were induced by neutrons. The cumulative incidence of nonthymic lymphomas and lung tumors was increased by gamma-irradiation at low dose rates but was decreased at high dose rates, the decrease being greater and less dependent on intensity with neutrons than with x- and .
Asset Specificity and Vertical Integration: Williamson's Hypothesis Reconsidered

A point repeatedly stressed by transaction cost economics is that the more specific the asset, the more likely is vertical integration to be optimal. In spite of the profusion of empirical papers supporting this prediction, recent surveys and casual observation suggest that higher levels of asset specificity need not always lead to vertical integration. The purpose of this paper is to uncover some of the factors driving firms to (sometimes) choose to remain separated, rather than integrate, in the presence of high specificity. Its main economic message is that in a world where outside options matter and investments are multidimensional, high levels of asset specificity can foster nonintegration: a low level of specificity provides the most misdirected incentives when transacting in a market (because the outside option of external trade becomes so tempting), thus making a stronger case for nonintegration when specificity is high.