Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of Pamidronate Disodium in Patients with Cancer with Normal or Impaired Renal Function

Pamidronate is a second‐generation bisphosphonate that undergoes negligible biodegradation and is eliminated exclusively by renal excretions. Nineteen cancer patients were stratified according to baseline creatinine clearance (Clcr): group I, Clcr >90 mL/min (n = 6); group II, Clcr 61 mL/min to 90 mL/min (n = 6); group III, Clcr 30 mL/min to 60 mL/min (n = 3); group IV, Clcr <30 mL/min (n = 4). All patients received a single, 90‐mg dose of pamidronate disodium administered in a 4‐hour intravenous infusion. Plasma and urine samples were collected at intervals up to 36 and 120 hours, respectively, after the start of infusion and were assayed for pamidronate, using validated high‐performance liquid chromatography. Pamidronate's pharmacokinetics were characterized by a short distribution phase (2–3 hours) followed by rapid elimination of the drug in urine. Elimination of pamidronate was slower in patients in group IV with a mean ± standard deviation area under the plasma concentration—time curve (AUC0–36) of 19.0 ± 4.60 μg·hr/mL compared with 8.1 ± 3.13 μg·hr/mL in patients in group I. A linear relationship in Clcr was observed for AUC0–36 (r = 0.67), urinary excretion (r = 0.69), and renal clearance (r = 0.81). Renal clearance was proportional to Clcr for patients in all four renal‐function groups. In the treatment of bone metastases of malignancy, successive doses of pamidronate are generally separated by weeks; thus, plasma accumulation in patients with renal impairment is not expected to be clinically relevant. A reduction in dose of pamidronate disodium should not be necessary in cancer patients with renal impairment.
Corporate social responsibility in the tourism industry: evidence from seasoned equity offerings

This study examines the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the tourism industry using seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) from 1992 to 2015. We show that tourism SEO issuers engaging in CSR activities experience less negative market reactions to SEO announcements. The findings also reveal that the negative reactions around SEO announcements are significantly lessened for tourism firms with better CSR performance in the context of high information asymmetry, because such activities serve as an ethical commitment to outside investors, and thus align the interests between SEO issuers and outside investors, which eventually mitigates negative market reactions to SEO announcements. Overall, these results indicate that tourism issuers with better CSR performance are able to reduce the agency costs and adverse selection problem for uninformed investors in the process of issuing SEOs.
Neural stem and progenitor cells in nestin‐GFP transgenic mice

Neural stem cells generate a wide spectrum of cell types in developing and adult nervous systems. These cells are marked by expression of the intermediate filament nestin. We used the regulatory elements of the nestin gene to generate transgenic mice in which neural stem cells of the embryonic and adult brain are marked by the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP). We used these animals as a reporter line for studying neural stem and progenitor cells in the developing and adult nervous systems. In these nestin‐GFP animals, we found that GFP‐positive cells reflect the distribution of nestin‐positive cells and accurately mark the neurogenic areas of the adult brain. Nestin‐GFP cells can be isolated with high purity by using fluorescent‐activated cell sorting and can generate multipotential neurospheres. In the adult brain, nestin‐GFP cells are ∼1,400‐fold more efficient in generating neurospheres than are GFP‐negative cells and, despite their small number, give rise to 70 times more neurospheres than does the GFP‐negative population. We characterized the expression of a panel of differentiation markers in GFP‐positive cells in the nestin‐GFP transgenics and found that these cells can be divided into two groups based on the strength of their GFP signal: GFP‐bright cells express glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) but not βIII‐tubulin, whereas GFP‐dim cells express βIII‐tubulin but not GFAP. These two classes of cells represent distinct classes of neuronal precursors in the adult mammalian brain, and may reflect different stages of neuronal differentiation. We also found unusual features of nestin‐GFP–positive cells in the subgranular cell layer of the dentate gyrus. Together, our results indicate that GFP‐positive cells in our transgenic animals accurately represent neural stem and progenitor cells and suggest that these nestin‐GFP–expressing cells encompass the majority of the neural stem cells in the adult brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 469:311–324, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Make or buy: the case of harvesting mechanization in coffee crop in Brazil

This paper investigates the make-or-buy choice on the harvesting mechanization transaction in Brazilian coffee production. It empirically tests this organization choice following the transaction attributes of asset specificity, uncertainty and path dependence. Using a two-stage probit model conditioned by credit availability in a sample of 105 coffee growers in Brazil, our study evidences that the governance decision follows the efficient alignment argument of the Transaction Cost Economics. The research contributes to the understanding of institutional arrangements in place at coffee grower perspective. An additional descriptive field investigation presented the existence of three different types of arrangement as a solution for coffee harvesting mechanization: total vertical integration (make), outsourcing contracts (buy) and tapped vertical integration. Those results demonstrate a shift from a spot transaction pattern to more sophisticated contractual tools. We present managerial implications by illustrating the determinants of each decision, either make or buy, in the harvesting mechanization transaction in coffee production which can provide support to efficient strategies elaboration by farmers or service providers.
Debt dilution and debt overhang

We introduce risky long-term debt (and a maturity choice) to a dynamic model of firm financing and production. This allows us to study two distortions which are absent from standard models of short-term debt: (1.) Debt dilution distorts firms’ choice of debt which has an indirect effect on investment; (2.) Debt overhang directly distorts investment. In a dynamic model of production, leverage, and debt maturity, we show that the two distortions interact to reduce investment, increase leverage, and increase the default rate. We provide empirical evidence from U.S. firms that is consistent with the model predictions. Debt dilution and debt overhang can overturn standard results: A financial reform which increases investment, employment, output, and welfare in a standard model of short-term debt can have the opposite effect in a model with short-term debt and long-term debt.
Why does a firm participate in a travel exhibition? A case study of the Taipei International Travel Fair

ABSTRACT This study explores the reasons why an exhibitor participates in a travel exhibition and assesses this marketing strategy. A total of 15 representative exhibitors who participated in the Taipei International Travel Fair were interviewed between January and July 2016. The results of the analysis indicated that exhibitors’ selection of a travel exhibition was based on the exhibition’s performance and condition. The primary purposes for participating in a travel exhibition were to enhance the firm’s reputation and sales. The exhibitors’ marketing strategies primarily involved on-site promotional activity and relevant five-sense experiences. An assessment of exhibitors’ participation factors and marketing strategies can both help firms implement their goals and enable organizers to create sustainable exhibitions. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing both theoretical and managerial implications for the travel fair, service, and tourism industries.
Modeling Aggregate Exposures to Glycol Ethers from Use of Commercial Floor Products

Computer modeling of aggregate exposure provides the capability to estimate the range of doses that can occur from product use and to understand the relative importance of different routes of exposure. This paper presents an assessment of aggregate occupational exposure to two glycol ethers used as solvents in floor maintenance products for industrial and institutional facilities, using a simulation tool named PROMISE. Three commercial floor-care products were assumed to be applied in sequence—a floor stripper, then a floor cleaner, and lastly a protective coating. The glycol ethers modeled were ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE) in the floor stripper and in the floor cleaner, and dipropylene glycol methyl ether (DPGME) in the coating. Modeling uncertainty was assessed through a comparison of the PROMISE inhalation exposure estimates with those from an independent model (MCCEM), and parameter uncertainty was investigated using PROMISE software’s Monte Carlo simulation capabilities. Modeling results indicated that inhalation is the dominant exposure route. The predicted average air concentration and inhalation dose from PROMISE agreed with the second model (MCCEM) within 10%. Monte Carlo simulation indicated that the upper end of the aggregate-dose distribution for the scenario was more than 50% higher than the value of the point estimate. The modeled 8-h TWA concentrations for EGBE and DPGME were lower than the corresponding permissible exposure limits American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLV) by at least a factor of 20, indicating that under the assumed conditions work-place exposures to glycol ethers are below levels of concern.
Conservative Surgery for Low Rectal Carcinoma After High‐Dose Radiation Functional and Oncologic Results

ObjectiveUsing a prospective, nonrandomized study, the authors evaluated the morbidity and functional and oncologic results of conservative surgery for cancer of the lower third of the rectum after high dose radiation. Summary Background DataColo-anal anastomosis has made sphincter conservation for low rectal carcinoma technically feasible. The limits to conservative surgery currently are oncologic rather than technical. Adjuvant radiotherapy has proven its benefit in terms of regional control, with a dose relationship. MethodsSince June 1990,27 patients with distal rectal adenocarcinoma were treated by preoperative radiotherapy (40 + 20 Gy delivered with three fields) and curative surgery. The mean distance from the anal verge was 47 mm (27–57 mm), and none of the tumors were fixed (15 T2, 12 T3). ResultsMortality and morbidity were not increased by high-dose preoperative radiation. Twenty-one patients underwent conservative surgery (78%–17 total proctectomies and colo-anal anastomoses, 4 trans-anal resections). After colo-anal anastomosis, all patients with colonic pouch had good results; two patients had moderate results and one patient had poor results after straight colo-anal anastomosis. With a mean folow-up of 24 months, the authors noted 1 postoperative death, 2 disease-linked deaths, 1 controlled regional recurrence, 2 evolutive patients with pulmonary metastases, and 21 disease-free patients. ConclusionThese first results confirm the possibility of conservative surgery for low rectal carcinoma after high-dose radiation. A prospective, randomized trial could be induced to determine the real role of the 20 Gy boost on the sphincter-saving decision.
PATTERNS AND PROCESSES OF LANGUAGE-MIXING IN PAKISTANI URDU NEWSPAPERS

Multilingualism has become a significant feature of today’s linguistic scenario. When languages are in contact, one of them tends to dominate the others on account of the role given or due to the attitude of the language users. Language contact results in language-mixing. Language-mixing in formal, written, corpora in Pakistan manifests the spread of English. The present study aimed to investigate frequency of the occurrence of language-mixing in Urdu newspapers. Thus it investigated the extent to which language-mixing is prevalent and the processes it takes when it occurs in Pakistani Urdu newspapers. Two Urdu newspapers (published in morning) were taken (from February 1 to 15, 2014) as sample. The data from Urdu newspapers for linguistic analysis were analyzed through content analysis. The findings of the study showed that language-mixing is frequently done in Urdu newspapers and it takes various processes-insertion, hybridization and synthesis.
Single‐cell gene profiling of planarian stem cells using fluorescent activated cell sorting and its “index sorting” function for stem cell research

To achieve an integrated understanding of the stem cell system of planarians at both the cellular and molecular levels, we developed a new method by combining “fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) index sorting” analysis and single‐cell reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) to detect the gene expression and cell cycle state of stem cells simultaneously. Single cells were collected using FACS, and cDNAs of each cell were used for semi‐quantitative RT–PCR. The results were plotted on the FACS sorting profile using the “index sorting” function, which enabled us to analyze the gene expression in combination with cell biological data (such as cell cycle phase) for each cell. Here we investigated the adult stem cells of planarians using this method and obtained findings suggesting that the stem cells might undergo commitment during S to G2/M phase. This method could be a powerful and straightforward tool for examining the stem cell biology of not only planarians but also other organisms, including vertebrates.
Always looking for something better? The impact of job insecurity on turnover intentions: Do employables and irreplaceables react differently?

This study contributes to the current research on the effect of job insecurity on turnover intentions by examining what happens to employees when job security is replaced with employment security. It analyzes whether perceived employability and irreplaceability (a) increase or decrease turnover intentions, or (b) buffer or intensify the negative effects of job insecurity on turnover intentions. The study focuses on an international context by using International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) data to assess the generalizability of the results. The findings show that perceived job insecurity increases turnover intentions in all countries. In addition, perceived employability increases turnover intentions in most countries, whereas weak evidence suggests that employees who feel irreplaceable are less likely to have turnover intentions. The results on the question about whether employees who feel employable or irreplaceable react differently to job insecurity – with respect to turnover intentions – vary widely between countries, and so a general conclusion about buffering effects cannot be drawn.
Prognostic Influence of Preoperative Fibrinogen to Albumin Ratio for Breast Cancer

Purpose Elevated serum concentration of fibrinogen and decreased serum concentration of albumin have been reported to be markers of elevated systemic inflammation. We attempted to investigate the prognostic influence of preoperative fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR) for breast cancer. Methods Data from 793 consecutive primary breast cancer patients were retrospectively analyzed. Serum levels of fibrinogen and albumin were tested before curative surgery. Subjects were grouped into two groups according to the cutoff value determined by performing the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis: the high FAR group (FAR>7.1) and the low FAR group (FAR≤7.1). Overall survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Independent prognostic significance was analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results The high FAR group had a worse prognosis compared to the low FAR group (log-rank test, p<0.001). The prognostic effect of FAR was more significant than that of single markers such as fibrinogen (log-rank test, p=0.001) or albumin (log-rank test, p=0.001). The prognostic effect of FAR was prominent in the stage II/III subgroup (log-rank test, p<0.001) and luminal A-like subtype (log-rank test, p<0.001). FAR was identified as a significant independent factor on both univariate (hazard ratio [HR], 2.722; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.659–4.468; p<0.001) and multivariate analysis (HR, 2.622; 95% CI, 1.455–4.724; p=0.001). Conclusion Preoperative FAR was a strong independent prognostic factor in breast cancer. Its prognostic effect was more prominent in the stage II/III subgroup and in the luminal A-like subtype. Therefore, preoperative FAR can be utilized as a useful prognosticator for breast cancer patients. Further studies are needed to validate its applications in clinical settings.
Carbon-13 Cross-Polarization Magic-Angle-Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Investigation of the Interactions between Maleic Anhydride Grafted Polypropylene and Wood Polymers

The chemical interactions between maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) and wood were studied with solid-state carbon-13 cross-polarization magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C CP-MAS NMR) spectroscopy. MAPP was synthesized with 100% 13C enrichment at the C1 and C4 carbons to allow detection of the [1,4−13C2]MAPP functional groups and was melt blended with cellulose, lignin, and maple wood. In the cellulose/MAPP blend, changes in 13C CP-MAS NMR corrected signal intensities for the anhydride and dicarboxylic maleic acid functionalities suggested that esterification may have occurred predominantly from the more numerous diacid carbons. A single proton longitudinal relaxation in the rotating frame, HT1ρ, for the MAPP and the cellulose carbons in the blend suggested that they were spin coupled, i.e., homogeneous on a 10–200 Angstrom scale. Esterification was also suggested in the lignin/MAPP blend. Furthermore, the more significant changes in the intensities of the carbonyl signals and HT1ρ values suggested that lignin may be more reactive to MAPP than cellulose. Finally, when maple was melt blended with MAPP, the same trends in the 13C CP-MAS NMR spectra and HT1ρ behavior were observed as when MAPP was blended with cellulose or lignin. This study therefore clarifies that during melt compounding of wood with MAPP, esterification occurs with wood polymers, preferentially with lignin. Understanding the interactions of MAPP with wood is of significance for the development of natural-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites.
Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infection of a Limb: Clinical Presentation and Factors Related to Mortality

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare and often fatal soft-tissue infection. Prompt diagnosis and immediate aggressive surgical debridement of all compromised tissues are critical to reducing morbidity and mortality in these rapidly progressive infections. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical presentation and evaluate factors that determine mortality associated with this uncommon surgical emergency. Methods: The study retrospectively investigated the medical records of 22 patients who were diagnosed and treated for necrotizing fasciitis of the lower extremity, 14 of whom had involvement of the foot (nine patients) or foot and ankle (five patients) at our hospital. The data collected for each of the 22 patients were age, sex, underlying systemic factors, location of infection, duration of symptoms, portal of entry of infection, initial diagnosis on admission, physical, radiographic and laboratory findings, microbiological cultures, the type of therapy used (debridement or amputation), treatment outcome, and number of days in the hospital. Results: A total of 23 extremities of 22 consecutive patients with necrotizing fasciitis who underwent surgical debridement or amputation were retrospectively reviewed. Radical surgical debridement was done in 16 extremities initially, and this treatment was repeated a mean of two times (range one to four debridements) to completely remove all the necrotic tissue. Nine patients (41%) required below-knee or above-knee amputation. There were three deaths, one related directly to sepsis and organ failure, one due to gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and one caused by pulmonary embolism. There were no significant differences between patients who had the amputations and those who did not with respect to mortality rate or age (p = 0.538 and p = 0.493, respectively). Those who died were significantly older than the survivors (p = 0.038). Conclusions: The diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis should be considered for any individual who has unexplained limb pain, especially if that person has diabetes mellitus or chronic liver disease. There was no difference in mortality rates between patients with or without amputation. The primary treatment is early and aggressive debridement of involved skin, subcutaneous fat, and fascia.
Integrative and Translational Physiology : Integrative Aspects of Energy Homeostasis and Metabolic Diseases Rapid post-oral stimulation of intake and flavor conditioning by glucose and fat in the mouse

Zukerman S, Ackroff K, Sclafani A. Rapid post-oral stimulation of intake and flavor conditioning by glucose and fat in the mouse. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 301: R1635–R1647, 2011. First published October 5, 2011; doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00425. 2011. —Although widely assumed to have only satiating actions, nutrients in the gut can also condition increases in intake in some cases. Here we studied the time course of post-oral nutrient stimulation of ingestion in food-restricted C57BL/6J mice. In experiment 1, mice adapted to drink a 0.8% sucralose solution 1 h/day, rapidly increased their rate of licking (within 4–6 min) when first tested with an 8% glucose solution and even more so in tests 2 and 3. Other mice decreased their licking rate when switched from sucralose to 8% fructose, a sugar that is sweet like glucose but lacks positive post-oral effects in mice. The glucose-stimulated drinking is due to the sugar’s post-oral rather than taste properties, because sucralose is highly preferred to glucose and fructose in brief choice tests. A second experiment showed that the glucose-stimulated ingestion is associated with a conditioned flavor preference in both intact and capsaicin-treated mice. This indicates that the post-oral stimulatory action of glucose is not mediated by capsaicin-sensitive visceral afferents. In experiment 3, mice consumed flavored saccharin solutions as they self-infused water or glucose via an intragastric (IG) catheter. The glucose self-infusion stimulated ingestion within 13–15 min in test 1 and produced a conditioned increase in licking that was apparent in the initial minute of tests 2 and 3. Experiment 4 revealed that IG self-infusions of a fat emulsion also resulted in post-oral stimulation of licking in test 1 and conditioned increases in tests 2 and 3. These findings indicate that glucose and fat can generate stimulatory post-oral signals early in a feeding session that increase ongoing ingestion and condition increases in flavor acceptance and preference revealed in subsequent feeding sessions. The test procedures developed here can be used to investigate the peripheral and central processes involved in stimulation of intake by post-oral nutrients.