Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observation of posterior precortical vitreous pocket using swept-source optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE To observe posterior precortical vitreous pockets (PPVPs) using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). METHODS We performed SS-OCT in both eyes of 58 volunteers (36 men, 22 women) using 12-mm horizontal vertical scans through the macula and optic disc. To minimize age-related changes (liquefaction or posterior vitreous detachment), all subjects were a mean of 26.2 years (range, 22-40 years). The refractive errors ranged from -9.5 diopters (D) to +3.0 D. To estimate the PPVP size, we measured the height between the fovea and the anterior border of the PPVP and the maximal width in the 12-mm horizontal scan through the fovea and disc. RESULTS SS-OCT visualized the PPVPs as boat-shaped lacunae in the macular area bilaterally in all subjects (maximal width, 3114-9887 μm; mean width, 6420.6; central height, 208-1877 μm; mean height, 708.1 in the right eyes, with no significant difference in the left eyes). There was a significant correlation between the PPVP height and myopic refractive error. The posterior wall of the PPVP was a thin vitreous cortex, thinnest at the fovea. The septum was between the nasal border of the pocket and Cloquet's canal, which extended forward and tilted superiorly in all cases. A channel connected Cloquet's canal and the PPVPs bilaterally in 54 (93.1%) of 58 cases. CONCLUSIONS SS-OCT clarified the boat-shaped PPVP structure in vivo. Although the central height increased with the myopic refractive error, the width was unchanged. A channel connecting Cloquet's canal and PPVP suggested the route of aqueous humor into the PPVP.
The Effect of Adoption of Long-Term Performance Plans on Stock Prices and Accounting Numbers

Abstract Long-term performance plans are theoretically adopted to better align the interests of the managers and stockholders by redirecting managerial decision-making toward the longterm performance of the corporation. This study reports significant positive excess returns around the announcement of performance plan adoption, which is consistent with the view that such plans would reduce the agency problem. In addition, this study finds an association between the adoption of long-term performance plans and subsequent growth in profitability, suggesting that long-term performance plans may have been successful in motivating an enhancement in the accounting measures of profitability used to reward managers under the plan. Finally, the excess returns around the announcement of performance plan adoption are found to be positively correlated with subsequent change in growth of earnings per share, the most commonly used accounting performance measure.
Non‐invasive diagnosis and metabolic consequences of congenital portosystemic shunts in C57BL/6 J mice

This study demonstrates the suitability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for the imaging of congenital portosystemic shunts (PSS) in mice, a vascular abnormality in which mesenteric blood bypasses the liver and is instead drained directly to the systemic circulation. The non‐invasive diagnosis performed in tandem with other experimental assessments permits further characterization of liver, whole‐body and brain metabolic defects associated with PSS. Magnetic resonance measurements were performed in a 26‐cm, horizontal‐bore, 14.1‐T magnet. MRA was obtained with a three‐dimensional gradient echo sequence (GRE; in‐plane resolution, 234 × 250 × 234 μm3) using a birdcage coil. Two‐dimensional GRE MRI with high spatial resolution (in‐plane resolution, 100 × 130 μm2; slices, 30 × 0.3 mm) was performed using a surface coil. Brain‐ (dorsal hippocampus) and liver‐localized 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was also performed with the surface coil. Whole‐body metabolic status was evaluated with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Both MRA and anatomical MRI allowed the identification of hepatic vessels and the diagnosis of PSS in mice. The incidence of PSS was about 10%. Hepatic lipid content was higher in PSS than in control mice (5.1 ± 2.8% versus 1.8 ± 0.6%, p = 0.02). PSS mice had higher brain glutamine concentration than controls (7.3 ± 1.0 μmol/g versus 2.7 ± 0.6 μmol/g, p < 0.0001) and, conversely, lower myo‐inositol (4.2 ± 0.6 μmol/g versus 6.0 ± 0.4 μmol/g, p < 0.0001), taurine (9.7 ± 1.2 μmol/g versus 11.0 ± 0.4 μmol/g, p < 0.01) and total choline (0.9 ± 0.1 μmol/g versus 1.2 ± 0.1 μmol/g, p < 0.001) concentrations. Fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin were lower in PSS than in control mice (4.7 ± 0.5mM versus 8.8 ± 0.6mM, p < 0.0001; and 0.04 ± 0.03 μg/L versus 0.3 ± 0.2 μg/L, p = 0.02, respectively). Glucose clearance during OGTT was delayed and less efficient in PSS mice than in controls. Thus, given the non‐negligible incidence of PSS in inbred mice, the undiagnosed presence of PSS will, importantly, have an impact on experimental outcomes, notably in studies addressing brain, liver or whole‐body metabolism.
The Determinants of Real Exchange Rate Volatility in the Syrian Economy

The purpose of this paper is to describe and investigate the factors which determine the equilibrium real exchange rate (ERER) and affect its volatility in the Syrian economy over the period 1980-2008, using two estimation techniques, the Vector Error Correction Mode (VECM) and ARCH Model. According to the theoretical literature, there are many elements causing the (RER) volatility (relative productivity, government expenditure, terms of trade, trade openness and net foreign assets). The estimation excluded the last three non-significant variables and included gross capital formation and oil prices which are considered to be important factors in capturing the effect of these non-significant variables. The empirical results confirm the theoretical links between (RER) volatility and its determinants in the Syrian economy. Three main results are derived from the analysis: first, the actual Syrian (RER) has been volatile around its equilibrium level; in contrast, the speed of adjustment is relatively slow. Results from ARCH model estimation shows that the real shocks volatility will persist, so that shocks will die out rather slowly, and lasting misalignment seems to have occurred; second , the expected decline in Syrian oil production would require a significant depreciation of (RER), since its impact is relatively important; third, to address the challenges of the Syrian economy and to allow (RER) to converge easily to its equilibrium level, a more flexible exchange rate system will be needed. Therefore, the Central Bank of Syria (CBS) should move regularly towards greater flexibility in the exchange rate regime, which would also facilitate a gradual increase in central bank independence and promote indirect monetary policy instruments.
AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF SOME DETERMINANTS OF THE TARGET SHAREHOLDER PREMIUM IN TAKEOVERS

While a considerable amount of research in Australia, the United States and elsewhere shows that takeovers create value for target shareholders, there is relatively little research investigating the explanations for cross-sectional differences in the size of the premium paid to target shareholders. This paper tests various arguments proposed to explain some of the sources of this premium. One such explanation is the removal of inefficient target management. Takeovers have been recognised as a mechanism that allows management teams to compete for the right to manage corporate assets. We test the associations between bidder and target managerial ownership (proxied by director's holdings), the prior performance of the bidder and target and the size of the premium paid to target shareholders. Other potential influences on the premium include a reduction in the agency costs of free cash flow and the provision of financial slack or reserve borrowing capacity to the target firm by the bidder. Using a sample of seventy-eight Australian takeovers occurring between 1981 and 1989 our tests indicate that the provision of financial slack to the target is associated with a significantly higher premium, while high bidder ownership results in a significantly lower premium. The premium is found to be positively related to the performance of the bidder in the period prior to the bid. The tests disclose an association between the agency costs of free cash flow and the target premium which is inconsistent with the theory, and reveal only weak evidence that the takeover premium is higher when inefficient target management is removed.
Business Process Reengineering: Improving in New Strategic Directions

Based on discussions with managers from fifteen different reengineering projects, and supplemented by published evidence from eight other projects, the article discusses what distinguishes reengineering from other performance improvement alternatives, what conditions induce organizations to attempt it, and what factors managers have identified that either interfere with or enable the design and implementation of reengineering projects. Reengineering is difficult and risky, but it is the best option to pursue when organizations discover they must improve along a new strategic trajectory that they have not customarily considered critical.
Effects of silver nanoparticles on pregnant dams and embryo-fetal development in rats

Abstract Although the potential risk of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to humans has recently increased due to widespread application, the potential effects of AgNPs on embryo-fetal development have not yet been determined. This study investigated the potential effects of AgNPs on pregnant dams and embryo-fetal development after maternal exposure on gestational days (GD) 6–19 in rats. AgNPs were administered to pregnant rats by gavage at concentrations of 0, 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg/day. All dams were subjected to Cesarean section on GD 20 and the fetuses were examined for signs of embryotoxic and teratogenic effects. Examinations of hepatic oxidant/antioxidant balance and serum biochemistry were also added to the routine developmental toxicity study. Treatment with AgNPs caused a decrease in catalase and glutathione reductase activities at ≥100 mg/kg/day and a reduction in glutathione content at 1000 mg/kg/day in maternal liver tissues. However, no treatment-related deaths or clinical signs were observed in any of the animals treated with AgNPs. No treatment-related differences in maternal body weight, food consumption, gross findings, serum biochemistry, organ weight, gestation index, fetal deaths, fetal and placental weights, sex ratio, or morphological alterations were observed between the groups. The results show that repeated oral doses of AgNPs during pregnancy caused oxidative stress in hepatic tissues at ≥100 mg/kg/day, but did not cause developmental toxicity at doses of up to 1000 mg/kg/day. The no-observed-adverse-effect level of AgNPs is considered to be <100 mg/kg/day for dams and 1000 mg/kg/day for embryo-fetal development.
Evidence for an association between Chlamydia psittaci and ocular adnexal lymphomas.

BACKGROUND Ocular adnexal lymphomas may be antigen-driven disorders; however, the source of the putative antigen or antigens is still unknown. Hence, we assessed whether Chlamydiae infection is associated with the development of ocular adnexal lymphomas. METHODS The presence of Chlamydia psittaci, trachomatis, and pneumoniae DNA was investigated by polymerase chain reaction in 40 ocular adnexal lymphoma samples, 20 nonneoplastic orbital biopsies, 26 reactive lymphadenopathy samples, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 21 lymphoma patients and 38 healthy individuals. Seven patients with chlamydia-positive PBMCs were treated with the antibiotic doxycycline, and objective response was assessed in four patients with measurable lymphoma lesions. Differences in Chlamydiae DNA detection between the case patients and the control subjects were analyzed using the Fisher exact test. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Thirty-two of the 40 (80%) ocular adnexal lymphoma samples carried C. psittaci DNA, whereas all lymphoma samples were negative for C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae. In contrast, none of the 20 nonneoplastic orbital biopsies (0% versus 80%; P<.001) and only three of 26 (12%) reactive lymphadenopathy samples (12% versus 80%; P<.001) carried the C. psittaci DNA. Nine of 21 (43%) patients with chlamydia-positive lymphomas carried C. psittaci DNA in their PBMCs, whereas none (0%) of the healthy PBMC donors carried C. psittaci DNA in their PBMCs (43% versus 0%; P<.001). One month after doxycycline treatment, chlamydial DNA was no longer detectable in the PBMCs of all seven treated patients, and objective response was observed in two of the four evaluable patients. CONCLUSION Patients with ocular adnexal lymphoma had a high prevalence of C. psittaci infection in both tumor tissue and PBMCs. Persistent C. psittaci infection may contribute to the development of these lymphomas, as was also supported by the clinical responses observed in this study with C. psittaci-eradicating antibiotic therapy.
Reconciling Work and Family from a Gender Perspective: An Application to the Balearic Hotel Industry

This paper analyses gender inequality in the distribution of paid and unpaid work of men and women in the Balearic hotel industry. More precisely, the author considers the differences between men and women in the number of hours worked and the amount and type of family responsibility (household chores, caring for dependants, etc). She also examines, through a regression analysis, the factors that help explain how much time is spent on unpaid work, taking into account personal, family and job characteristics. In light of the study's findings, the author highlights the factors that may help to change the current situation and recommends appropriate active policy measures.
From environment to sustainability: Surveys and analysis of local agenda 21 process development in UK local authorities

Abstract Agenda 21 has come to be the most significant outcome of the Rio Summit for local government in the UK and Local Agenda 21 is emerging as the main driver for the development of local policies and programmes for sustainable development. In general, the work is being undertaken by those charged with the development of environmental policy in local authorities. Sustainability is seen as a natural extension of environmental policy work, and survey results presented confirm a gradual emergence of LA21 work from an environmental focus to a strategic approach to issues of environment, economic development, social welfare and accessibility. The level of awareness of LA21 and commitment to it in general terms appear high, but survey results suggest that the full implications of the agenda, particularly those relating to new approaches to partnership, participation and democracy, have not yet been addressed by all authorities. The author suggests that problems of corporatisation of LA21 and its relationshi.
Albendazole sulphoxide enantiomeric ratios in plasma and target tissues after intravenous administration of ricobendazole to cattle.

The comparative concentration profiles of the (+) and (-) albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) enantiomers obtained in plasma and in selected target tissues/fluids after intravenous (i.v.) administration of a racemic formulation of ricobendazole (RBZ) to cattle were characterised. Fourteen Holstein calves received RBZ (racemic solution, 150 mg/mL) by i.v. administration at 7.5 mg/kg. Jugular blood samples were collected over 48 h post-treatment (plasma kinetic trial) and two animals were sacrificed at either 4, 12, 20, 28 or 32 h post-treatment to obtain samples of abomasal/small intestine mucosal tissue, abomasal/small intestine fluids, bile, liver and lung tissue (tissue distribution study). The (-)ABZSO enantiomer was depleted significantly faster from plasma compared with the (+)ABZSO antipode. The plasma AUC for (+)ABZSO (38.3 microg. h/mL) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared with that obtained for (-)ABZSO (20.5 microg. h/mL). The (+)ABZSO enantiomer was the predominant antipode measured in bile, abomasal fluid and abomasal mucosa. For instance, at 12 h post-treatment the (+)/(-) concentration ratios were: 12.9 (plasma), 1.62 (abomasal mucosa), 13.0 (abomasal fluid), 2.92 (intestinal mucosa), 9.87 (intestinal fluid) and 21.5 (bile). No marked differences between the concentration profiles of both enantiomers were observed in the liver tissue. Albendazole (ABZ) was recovered from the liver, lung and gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal tissues of RBZ-treated calves up to 32 h post-treatment, probably produced by a GI microflora-mediated sulphoreduction of RBZ. An enantioselective kinetic behaviour may account both for the faster depletion of the (-) enantiomer and for the higher availabilities of the (+) antipode observed in plasma and in most of the tissues/fluids investigated. The simultaneous evaluation of the plasma kinetics and tissue concentration profiles of both enantiomeric forms reported here, may help to interpret the relationship between chiral behaviour and pharmacological action for sulphoxide derivatives of benzimidazole (BZD) methylcarbamate anthelmintics.
Role of transbronchial biopsies in pediatric lung diseases.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of transbronchial biopsies (TBBs) in pediatric lung diseases. DESIGN AND METHODS We reviewed the records of TBBs performed in pediatric patients at the University of Florida between July 1996 and August 2003. The sample adequacy, diagnostic utility, and procedural complications of the two types of bronchoscopy apparatuses used to collect the samples were assessed and compared. PATIENTS A total of 429 TBB procedures were performed in 46 patients (age range, 2 months to 21 years) who had received a heart-lung or lung transplant and in 38 non-lung transplant patients (age range, 2 weeks to 18 years). For 86 procedures, the pediatric bronchoscope and forceps that fit in a 1.2-mm channel were used, and a small adult bronchoscope and 2.0-mm forceps were used for the remaining procedures. RESULTS Adequate tissue samples were obtained in 85% of the procedures using a pediatric bronchoscope and in 97% using an adult bronchoscope. In the non-lung transplant patients, the biopsy findings were considered to be diagnostic in 58% of all procedures (adult bronchoscope, 64%; and pediatric bronchoscope, 50%), contributory in 21%, and noncontributory in 21%. In the lung transplant patients, treatable acute cellular rejection was diagnosed in 24% of the surveillance TBBs and in 47% of the TBBs performed as a result of clinical symptoms. Complications included five pneumothoraces and five episodes of excessive bleeding requiring the discontinuation of the procedure in three of the cases. CONCLUSIONS Adequate lung tissue for histologic diagnosis can be obtained safely and effectively from pediatric patients of all ages via flexible bronchoscopy with TBB. The performance of bronchoscopy should be considered based on clinical indications, rather than on the age or size of the patient, when a tissue diagnosis is needed. When feasible, the use of an adult bronchoscope is preferable due to the higher diagnostic yield.
Clustering Approach for Geometrically Based Channel Model in Urban Environments

Advanced radio system designs have been proposed to overcome the radio channel caused by multipath effects in urban environments or even take advantage of it to achieve higher performance. In this letter, we present a clustering approach to represent the power delay angle profiles (PDAPs) of the multipath components in urban environments. A cluster in an urban area originates from scattering points such as street apertures, large buildings, roof edges, or building corners. Unlike the previous geometrical models based only on single bounce reflection, our model represents the PDAPs by clusters plus background single bounce scatter components, i.e., waves that arrive at the receiver by double bounce at least. We present a numerical example for a typical outdoor scenario using the approach proposed for urban environments and including both temporal and spatial properties regarding path delay and angle-of-arrival (AOA).
The status of alcohol as a risk factor for stroke.

The status of alcohol as a risk factor for stroke 1524-4628 Copyright © 1989 American Heart Association. All rights reserved. Print ISSN: 0039-2499. Online ISSN: Stroke is published by the American Heart Association. 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 72514 1989, 20:1607-1610 Stroke http://stroke.ahajournals. org/content/20/12/1607.citation located on the World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is
Investment Under Uncertainty

A real options theory—in its classic formulation—suggests that firms invest less during times of high uncertainty, that is, uncertainty depresses investment. However, several theoretical extensions predict that the relationship between investment and uncertainty may be non-linear, or even non-monotonic, when classic model assumptions are violated. Some model parameters either reinforce or weaken the negative effect of uncertainty on investment, while others distort the investment-uncertainty relationship, making it follow an inverted U-curve. This paper is a first—to my knowledge—attempt to identify the factors affecting investment from various streams of theoretical literature on investor choice and uncertainty, and to assemble them in a single empirical framework. By employing a dynamic panel of oil company data and implied volatilities as measures of uncertainty, I am able to examine the impact of uncertainty on investment and the effect of several factors on the investment-uncertainty relationship. I obtain evidence in support of several predictions from the theory. Both economy-wide and firm-specific types of uncertainty, as well as financing constraints, are found to adversely affect investment, while industry-wide uncertainty has an ambiguous effect, depending on the level of output price. In tests for non-linearity in the investment-output price volatility relationship, I find that output price, firm size and its risk management ability weaken the investment-uncertainty relationship. On the other hand, market imperfection, financing constraints, the firm’s maturity and its risk aversion re-enforce the negative effect of uncertainty. In addition, adjustment costs seem to be considerable, as firm investment reacts to changes in macroeconomic conditions with a noticeable delay.
Decreased concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) in patients with cystic fibrosis

Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by various cell types in the human respiratory tract. Endogenously produced nitric oxide is detectable in the exhaled air of healthy individuals. Exhaled NO has been shown to be increased in airway inflammation, most probably due to cytokine‐mediated activation of NO synthases. To assess whether NO can serve as a marker of inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, we measured exhaled NO in CF patients with a chemiluminescence analyser. Single breath measurements were performed in 27 stable CF patients (age range, 6–40 years) and 30 non‐smoking controls (age range, 6–37 years).
Information Precision and Manipulation Incentives

ABSTRACT: Recent corporate governance failures have prompted regulators and legislators to introduce new rules and legislation aimed at improving corporate governance. In this paper, I highlight a potential unintended consequence of such actions by showing that increasing oversight may sometimes be the catalyst for more manipulation. The key behind this result is the managers' potential ability to undermine oversight through manipulation choices. Absent an interaction between manipulation choices and oversight efficacy, increasing oversight results in less manipulation. JEL Classifications: D80; G34; M40.