Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reporting on Long-Term Value Creation—The Example of Public Canadian Energy and Mining Companies

This study empirically analyzes reporting on long-term value creation for Canadian public mining and energy companies. It represents an important first step in determining the quality of reporting and its determinants for large public companies. In this exploratory empirical study, a reporting quality scoring index was developed to measure disclosure quality of long-term value creation reporting. Content analysis was used to examine financial and sustainability reports for a sample of twenty Canadian public mining and energy companies. Corporate disclosure quality scores were then calculated by assessing the quality of reporting in four main categories. The findings suggest that overall disclosure quality on long-term value creation is still low. Companies disclosing higher quality information on long-term value creation are of bigger size, operate in the basic materials sector, have an independent board, are listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, experience higher stock volatility and use more words related to long-term value creation in their annual financial and non-financial reports. In order to increase and restore stakeholder trust and credibility as well as a tool to maintain stability, it is strongly recommended to introduce adequate mandatory standardization resulting in a set of internationally recognized reporting standards as well as a requirement for external assurance of reports.
High-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric investigation of stilbenoids in cell cultures of Vitis vinifera L., cv. Malvasia.

Cell suspension cultures of Vitis vinifera L. , particularly after elicitation, have shown the ability to biosynthesize several stilbenoids. In this work the application of specific tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments and the integration with data from UV-vis spectra, available only for the main compounds of the extract, allowed the detection of over 20 different stilbenoids. Up to eight monoglicosides, both monomers and dimers, a high number of dimer forms (up to 17), belonging to the group of viniferins and to their oxidized derivatives, were identified in the extract of Malvasia cell cultures. Moreover, the selectivity and sensitivity of the method allowed detection also of a few cis derivatives (up to 3) present in very low concentrations and presumably produced by the light exposure during treatment of the sample. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there are no literature data on MS/MS experiments targeted to simultaneously study monomeric and dimeric stilbenoids, both as free and glycosilated forms, in a complex mixture from V. vinifera cell suspension cultures.
Alcohol up-regulates TLR2 through a NO/cGMP dependent pathway.

BACKGROUND Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with severe bronchitis. This is likely related to increased inflammation in the airways of alcohol abusers. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is an important mediator of inflammation in the airway epithelium. TLR2 initiates an inflammatory cascade in response to gram-positive bacteria. We have previously shown that alcohol up-regulates TLR2 in the airway epithelium. However, the mechanism of alcohol-mediated up-regulation of TLR2 has not been identified. METHODS A human airway epithelial cell line, 16HBE14o-, was exposed to biologically relevant concentrations of alcohol (100 mM) in the presence and absence of N(omega)-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor; and Rp-8-Br-cGMP-S, an antagonist analogue of cGMP. TLR2 was measured using real-time PCR and Western blots. In addition, 16HBE14o- cells were incubated with sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, and 8-Br-cGMP, a cGMP analogue. TLR2 was measured using real-time PCR. RESULTS N(omega)-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride blocked the alcohol-mediated up-regulation of TLR2. This indicates that NO plays a key role in alcohol's up-regulation of TLR2. SNP, a NO donor, up-regulated TLR2. Rp-8-Br-CGMP-S attenuated alcohol's up-regulation of TLR2, suggesting that NO was working through cGMP/PKG. 8-Br-cGMP up-regulated TLR2, also demonstrating the importance of cGMP/PKG. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol up-regulates TLR2 through a NO/cGMP/PKG dependent pathway in the airway epithelium. This is an important observation in the understanding how alcohol modulates airway inflammation. In addition, this is the first time that cyclic nucleotides have been shown to play a role in the regulation of TLR2.
Microglia

Microglia are the histiocytes of the central nervous system. These long-lived cells undergo very little turnover in normal physiological states; however, in pathological conditions, increased egress from the bone marrow and chemoattractive signals in the brain can substantially modulate the indigenous population. Although they were initially conceived of as “resting” cells, recent data suggest that they would be more aptly described as “surveillance” cells. Microglia are specifically adapted to sense various types of danger and differentially react with a classical or alternative reparative response. Our understanding of macrophage function has shifted away from focusing on cell lineage to a more systems-based biology of gene networks accomplishing the detoxification and immune functions. With our greater appreciation of microglial involvement in the innate immune response, we have entered a new era in which the modulation of microglia can be proposed as a means of modulating neurological disease.
Retrospective study of interstitial lung disease in a tertiary care centre in India.

BACKGROUND There has been a recent surge in the recognition of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in India. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study based on the available medical records of 274 patients with biopsy proven ILD seen during the period 1994-2001 at our tertiary care referral hospital. RESULTS Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (43%), sarcoidosis (22%), ILDs secondary to collagen vascular disease (19%) and extrinsic allergic alveolitis, among others, were the most common aetiological causes of ILD. The diagnostic yield from transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) was high (96%). CONCLUSIONS Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) appear to be under-reported from India. Lack of recognition and inadequate availability of diagnostic facilities, like high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest may be some of the reasons for this. The diagnostic yield from TBLB in our study was high at 96 percent. The TBLB may be used as the initial, cost-effective and safe tool for confirmation of aetiological diagnosis in most patients with diffuse parenchymal lung diseases.
Division of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry , Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Protein Catabolism and Renal Function in Lactating Northern Elephant Seals

Protein Catabolism and Renal Function in Lactating Northern Elephant Seals Author(s): Daniel E. Crocker, Paul M. Webb, Daniel P. Costa, and Burney J. Le Boeuf Source: Physiological Zoology, Vol. 71, No. 5 (September/October 1998), pp. 485-491 Published by: The University of Chicago Press. Sponsored by the Division of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry, Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Stable URL: http://www.jstor. org/stable/10.1086/515971 . Accessed: 15/07/2014 16:05
Family-Based HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk Reduction for Drug-Involved Young Offenders: 42-Month Outcomes.

This study tested a family-based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention approach integrated within an empirically supported treatment for drug-involved young offenders, Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT). A randomized, controlled, two-site community-based trial was conducted with 154 youth and their parents. Drug-involved adolescents were recruited in detention, randomly assigned to either MDFT or Enhanced Services as Usual (ESAU), and assessed at intake, 3, 6, 9, 18, 24, 36, and 42-month follow-ups. Youth in both conditions received structured HIV/STI prevention in detention and those in MDFT also received family-based HIV/STI prevention as part of ongoing treatment following detention release. Youth in both conditions and sites significantly reduced rates of unprotected sex acts and STI incidence from intake to 9 months. They remained below baseline levels of STI incidence (10%) over the 42-month follow-up period. At Site A, adolescents who were sexually active at intake and received MDFT showed greater reduction in overall frequency of sexual acts and number of unprotected sexual acts than youth in ESAU between intake and 9-month follow-ups. These intervention differences were evident through the 42-month follow-up. Intervention effects were not found for STI incidence or unprotected sex acts at Site B. Intensive group-based and family intervention in detention and following release may reduce sexual risk among substance-involved young offenders, and a family-based approach may enhance effects among those at highest risk. Site differences in intervention effects, study limitations, clinical implications, and future research directions are discussed.
Managerial Conservatism, Board Independence, and Corporate Innovation

Using panel data on U.S. public firms, we document a positive effect of board independence on corporate innovation. This effect is concentrated in firms that are larger in size, in the non-technical industries, facing less product market competition, and using more debt, where managers are more likely to be excessively risk averse. We establish causality of board independence on innovation using a difference-in-difference approach that exploits an exogenous shock to board composition, namely, the mandate of a majority of outside directors on company boards by NYSE and NASDAQ in response to the passage of Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002. We further examine incentive compensation as a possible mechanism. We show that firms with more independent boards use more equity-based compensation, especially stock options, to promote managerial risk-taking.
Misinformation from sputum cultures without microscopic examination

Only 13 of 38 hospital laboratories surveyed include a Gram stain routinely in microbiological sputum examination. In a prospective three-hospital study, 60% of over 1,200 "sputum" specimens consisted predominantly of saliva, as judged by cell composition. Compared with the results of cultures in which microorganisms presumptively identified on sputum smears were specifically sought ("directed cultures"), cultures of the same specimens processed in the routine manner missed pneumococci 61%, haemophili 23%, and yeasts 44% of the time. The findings were similar in all three hospitals despite differences in administration, staffing, primary culture media, and workload. Unless microscopic examination is routinely included, half of all microbiological information rendered on sputum specimens is meaningless and subject to dangerous misapplication. Furthermore, culture must be guided by microscopic findings, or respiratory pathogens will frequently be missed. Finally, when routine culture and smear disagree, the culture cannot be assumed to be correct. Microscopic examination should be mandatory in sputum microbiology, both for specimen evaluation and as a guide to what to look for in culture.
Primary Intraplacental Gestational Choriocarcinoma: Histologic and Genetic Analyses

Gestational choriocarcinoma is a highly malignant form of gestational trophoblastic tumors. Placental involvement of the tumor is exceedingly rare. We describe a case of intraplacental choriocarcinoma in a full-term placenta. Microscopically, there were sheets of highly pleomorphic trophoblasts invading the placenta, leaving isolated chorionic villi within the tumor. We utilized molecular genetic methods to determine the genotype of the tumor and compared it with that of the placenta. Short tandem repeat polymorphism analysis was performed on tumor and placental DNA macrodissected from unstained slides of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. The assay included polymerase chain reaction reactions of 10 polymorphic genetic loci. Comparing the polymorphic genetic markers of the tumor with the placenta revealed a complete match in the genotype of all loci examined. The results suggest that the choriocarcinoma originated from the current placenta sharing exactly the same genotype of multiple polymorphic markers. It also excludes a nongestational choriocarcinoma, which is of germ cell origin.
Assessment of Mothers ' Knowledge and Beliefs toward Care of Neonatal Jaundice in Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Holy Karbala City

A descriptive study was conducted in Pediatric Teaching Hospital in holy Karbala city, from the 1 of December 2015 to the mid of August 2016. Aims at: To assess mothers' knowledge and beliefs toward care of neonatal jaundice, to identify the relationship between mothers' knowledge and beliefs with their demographic variables such as mothers' age, level of education, occupations, socioeconomic status and to identify the relationship between mothers' knowledge with their beliefs toward care of neonatal jaundice. Methodology: Non probability (purposive) sampling of ( 100 ) mothers accompanied their neonates due to jaundice and they were attending hospital for management during the period of data collection. The data were collected by investigator who interviewed mothers and filled out the constructed questionnaire formats which constructed for the purpose of this study. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: The first part is dealing with demographic characteristics of the mothers and their newborns, the second part is dealing with mothers' knowledge toward care of neonatal jaundice and the third part is dealing with mothers' beliefs toward care of neonatal jaundice, the total items of the questionnaire were (76) items, reliability of the questionnaire was determined through internal consistency, content validity of the questionnaire was determined through panel of experts. Data were analyzed by using Statistical package of Social Science and descriptive statistical approach frequencies and percent and Inferential statistical approach. Results: The findings revealed that knowledge of mothers related to neonatal jaundice were low (34%). While that beliefs of mothers related to neonatal jaundice were high (78%). Also revealed that there is a significant relationship between mothers' knowledge and their demographic characteristics( age ,level of education and socioeconomic status , neonate's age, neonate's ordinal position family and baby affected in one family). There is a significant relationship between mothers beliefs and their demographic characteristics (age ,level of education, socioeconomic status, residential area , baby affected in one family and duration of the disease). There is a high significant relationship between mothers knowledge and their beliefs . Recommendation: The study recommended to provide mothers health education about care of neonatal jaundice in order to improving the knowledge and attitudes of mothers.
Dissociated Expression of Bcl-2 and Ki-67 in Endometrial Lesions: Diagnostic and Histogenetic Implications

The objective of the present study was to analyze the expression of the proliferation marker, Ki-67, and the anti-apoptotic protein, bcl-2, in various endometrial lesions. Ki-67 and bcl-2 expressions were studied in 194 specimens of endometrial hyperplasia, polyps, carcinomas, and cyclic endometrium from a defined geographic area. Results were statistically analyzed with respect to marker expression, localization to the stromal or glandular component, and intraglandular topography. The lowest glandular Ki-67 expression was seen in secretory endometrium, in polyps, and in atypical hyperplasia. The Ki-67 score was significantly higher and less heterogeneous in endometrial carcinomas than in hyperplasia (p<0.001). Endometrial hyperplasia of all types was characterized by a markedly heterogeneous glandular expression of Ki-67. The glandular expression of bcl-2 was highest in proliferative endometrium and polyps. Bcl-2 expression was significantly lower in adenocarcinomas than in hyperplastic lesions (p=0.002). Ki-67 and bcl-2 expression showed a significant association in proliferative endometrium (p=0.003). Endometrial polyps demonstrated a unique pattern of very low expression of Ki-67 and high bcl-2 expression in both stroma and glands. Our findings indicate that an imbalance between proliferation and apoptosis may be an important factor in the development of different endometrial lesions, benign as well as malignant. The specific finding of inter- and intraglandular Ki-67 heterogeneity may be valuable as an adjunct to morphology in the differential diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia.
Hospitalization risks between Renagel phosphate binder treated and non-Renagel treated patients.

AIM We evaluated 152 sevelamer hydrochloride treated Medicare patients on hemodialysis in a case-controlled study matching 152 randomly selected non-sevelamer hydrochloride treated Medicare patients from the same dialysis facilities and time period. The main outcomes evaluated were the risk of all-cause hospitalization and per-member per-month (PMPM) Medicare expenditures in the follow-up period. PATIENTS AND METHODS Medicare patients were identified from a total of 195 patients who were included in a long-term safety and efficacy clinical trial evaluating sevelamer hydrochloride [Chertow et al. 1999a]. The average serum calcium-phosphorus product as well as lipid profiles improved in the sevelamer hydrochloride treated group during the trial. Sevelamer treated patients were matched with randomly selected Medicare patients for age, gender, race, diabetic status, and geographic location. Comorbid conditions were characterized and sequential Cox regression models were applied with the outcome being risk of first hospitalization in a 17- month follow-up period. RESULTS Across all four models, the relative risk of hospitalization was 46% to 54% less in the sevelamer hydrochloride treated group, as compared to the case control group (significant at the p-value 0.03 level). Overall, Medicare expenditures for the control patients per-member per-month were US-$4,745, compared to US-$3,368 in the sevelamer hydrochloride treated patients. CONCLUSION Sevelamer hydrochloride treated patients had a 50% lower likelihood of hospitalization in the follow-up period after adjustments for the differences in the population. Potential bias may exist between groups because of differences in baseline characteristics that could not be adjusted for within the study design. We feel that to further advance this area, a randomized clinical trial should be performed.
Excitation mechanisms in woodwind and brass instruments

A general analysis is given of the behaviour of musical instruments driven by a reed mechanism. Attention is concentrated on the reed mechanism itself and a clear distinction is drawn between the behaviour of reeds striking inwards (as in the clarinet,-oboe and organ pipe) and reeds striking outwards (as in the trumpet and other brass instruments). Impedance curves are calculated for reed generators of each type and it is shown that sound:i,ng of the instrument requires that the acoustic admittance of the reed, as seen from inside the mouthpiece, should have a negative real part of larger magnitude than the real part of the pipe admittance. This implies that there is a minimum permissible blowing pressure for each reed configuration. A reed striking inwards must. operate at a frequency below the reed resonance and below but close to the frequency of an impe dance maximum for the pipe. A reed striking outwards must operate at a frequency above and close to the reed resonance and above and close to an impedance maxim~. m for the pipe. Brief consideration is given to other matters, including non-linearities ancrtlie1r role·m limiting-oseilla tion amplitude and in generating harmonics. vue de l'interieur de ! 'embouchure, possede une partie reelle negative d'amplitude absolue supe rieure a la partie reelle de I' admittance du tuyau. Cette condition implique qu'il existe une valeur minirp.ale admissible pour la pression_du souffle sur. chaque configuration d'anche. Une anche travaillant vers l'interieur doit fonctionner a une frequence inferieure a celle de sa resonance et inferieure egalement, mais de peu, a la frequence du maximum d'impedance du tuyau. Une anche travaillant vers l'exterieur doit operer a une frequence un peu superieure a celle de sa resonance et un peu superieure egalement a celle du maximum d'impedance du tuyau. D'autres questions sont examinees plus brievement, comme celle des non-linearites et de leur role dans la limitation des oscillations et dans la generation des harmoniques.
Impact of Bank Capital on Non-Performing Loans: New Evidence of Concave Capital from Dynamic Panel-Data and Time Series Analysis in Malaysia

Amid the steep expansion in Malaysia household debt, we investigate the role of bank capital in disciplining non-performing loans (NPLs) after controlling for the macroeconomic environment. Utilizing generalized method of moments (GMM) on a dynamic panel-data of 19 commercial banks and stress testing of NPLs using vector autoregression (VAR) on aggregated-monthly time series of the banking system, we provide new evidence that the capital (in the past and in the future) is a concave function of NPLs implying that increasing the capital will initially increase the NPLs until NPLs reach a maximum threshold (under the moral hazard effect), after which more capital buildups will succeed in decreasing NPLs (under the disciplinary or regulatory effect). We also find that higher levels in GDP growth and lending interest rate and are associated with more NPLs, while higher inflation is associated with less NPLs. Monetary expansion, i.e. higher money supply growth raises NPLs in banks, while competition between banks and higher liquidity of the stock market are NPLs reducing.
The effect of vitamin D supplement on the score and quality of sleep in 20–50 year-old people with sleep disorders compared with control group

Objectives: Sleep quality may be directly related with vitamin D serum level. Some studies found that people with lower vitamin D serum level experienced a lower sleep quality. Consequently, this study aimed at determining the effect of vitamin D supplements on sleep score and quality in 20–50 year-old people with sleep disorders. Methods: This double blind, clinical trial was performed in November 2015–February 2016 on 89 people with sleep disorders based on Petersburg's Sleep Index. Patient samples were divided randomly into two groups: intervention and placebo. At the end of the study, the data on 89 subjects (44 in intervention group and 45 people in placebo group) were examined. Intervention group received a 50 000-unit vitamin D supplement, one in a fortnight for 8 weeks. Meanwhile, placebo group received placebo. Before and after intervention, Petersburg's Sleep Quality Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, general information questionnaire, sun exposure, vitamin D serum level and 3-day food record questionnaire were assessed and recorded for all participants. To analyze data, t-test, chi square, ANCOVA, U-Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon statistical tests were used. Findings: Based on the results of the present study, at the end of the study sleep score (PSQI) reduced significantly in vitamin recipients as compared with placebo recipients (P < 0.05). This difference was significant even after modifying confounding variables (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that the use of vitamin D supplement improves sleep quality, reduces sleep latency, raises sleep duration and improves subjective sleep quality in people of 20–50 year-old with sleep disorder.