Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intrathyroidal iodine concentration after application of non-ionic contrast media with and without prophylactic application of perchlorate

Summary Aim: This study was designed to show the effect of a nonionic contrast medium (Iomeprol-300; CM) on the intrathyroidal iodine concentration with and without a concomitant medication with perchlorate (1380 mg/d) to block the thyroidal iodine uptake. Volunteers and methods: Twelve volunteers recieved 100 ml Iomeprol-300 intravenously and the perchlorate prophylaxis mentioned above. Another 12 volunteers got 100 ml Iomeprol-300 only. By means of X-ray-fluorescence-analysis the intrathyroidal iodine concentration was determined in advance as well as 0.2, 1, 3, 5, 7, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after the application of the CM. Results, Conclusion: The intrathyroidal iodine concentration did not change in the group of volunteers on perchlorate medication. Without perchlorate the intrathyroidal iodine concentration decreased after the application of the CM when it was initially high (722 ± 66 μg/ml before, 670 ± 65 μg/ml after CM; p = 0.046) and increased in case of a low initial concentration (327 ± 40 μg/ml before, 381 ± 25μg/ml after CM; p = 0.046). The effect is significant but its magnitude is too small to be harmful for a patient with a healthy thyroid. The oral application of 1.4 g/d perchlorate inhibits the thyroidal iodine uptake and the intrathyroidal iodine concentration is unaffected by the application of a CM.
An enhancement of input impedance bandwidth of circular-disc loaded monopole antenna with horizontal and vertical parasitic strips

In this paper, a monopole antenna with a circular disc at the top and parasitic strips around antenna is analytically investigated and simulated using the mode-matching technique and a commercially available software package, CST MW Studio based on FDTD algorithm. Mode-matching technique with boundary conditions are applied to compute the unknown modal coefficients in each region. For the usefulness of mode-matching technique to open boundary, the artificial ground plane is added away from the top- loading disc. Compared results between two methods show that the proper radius and height of parasitic elements can reduce the peak value of input impedance at the resonant frequencies over wide bandwidth without power dissipation due to lossy material used in conventional ways.
The Use of Accruals to Manage Reported Earnings: Theory and Evidence

This paper develops a model in which firm managers maximize their own compensation by using accruals to manage reported earnings. The results of the model suggest that the form of the managerial compensation function and managerial time preferences may have an important influence on the relationship between accruals and latent earnings. Among the possible relationships suggested by the model are strategies we call Smooth Income, Occasional Big Bath, Live for Today, and Maximize Variability, each of which suggests a different reporting strategy pursued by managers. Most empirical tests of accruals are inconsistent with this and other theoretical models because they include a single earnings variable in a linear regression analysis. Instead, we document the reporting of accruals by two firms, Sunbeam and Citicorp, that is consistent with the “Live for Today” and “Occasional Big Bath” strategies.
Supply Chain Flexibility: An Empirical Study

SUMMARY This article examines dimensions of supply chain flexibility and their relationships with environmental uncertainty, business performance, and functional interfaces. The findings indicate that volume flexibility and launch flexibility are key responses to marketing practices uncertainty and product uncertainty, respectively, in the highly cyclical furniture industry. Volume flexibility is also positively related to all measures of overall firm performance and highly related to market share and market share growth. Overall, excellent performers on supply chain flexibility are rewarded at the bottomline. However, performance with respect to volume, launch, and target market flexibilities has the widest ranging impact on financial and market performance.
Lumbar CSF Shunting Preferentially Drains the Cerebral Subarachnoid over the Ventricular Spaces: Implications for the Treatment of Slit Ventricle Syndrome

Based on a proposed pathophysiology of slit ventricle syndrome (SVS), we have hypothesized that lumboperitoneal shunting exerts effects in SVS patients by increasing the buffering capacity for raised intracranial pressure (ICP) via an increase in cerebrospinal fluid drainage from the cerebral subarachnoid space (SAS). We describe 3 SVS patients with patent lumbar subarachnoid drainage but under-functioning ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) who presented with ventriculomegaly (not SVS), and persistence of shunt malfunction like symptoms. Revision of the VPS resulted in complete resolution of symptoms despite a finding of low pressure in the ventricular space. This supports the hypothesis that lumboperitoneal shunting preferentially drains the SAS over the intraventricular space and in these cases allows the ‘SVS’ ventricles to enlarge by creating a pressure gradient from ventricles to SAS through the cortical mantle.
Credit market disruption and corporate innovation : an empirical analysis

This paper investigates the effects of systemic banking crises on the quantity (amount of investment) and quality (efficiency of investment) of innovation in the corporate landscape. Using the 2007-2008 financial crises as a setting for heightened credit-market friction, we find that firms reduce investment in innovation activities during periods of elevated credit-market friction. However, the decline in innovation spending is disproportionately less for high-tech firms compared to low-tech firms. We show that this is due to the R&D expenditure smoothing by technologically-intensive firms. Despite the across-the-board reduction in innovation spending, we find that indeed innovation quality improves during periods of credit-market disruption. Our results show that a tighter financial constraint induced by credit contraction significantly enhances the efficiency of innovation, particularly for technologically-intensive firms. These results suggest that credit-market conditions are important determinants in understanding the extensive (quantity) and intensive (efficiency) margins of innovation in the business sector.
Decreased inhibition by leptin of hypothalamic arcuate neurons in neonatally overfed young rats

Rats neonatally overnourished due to a reduced litter size develop persisting overweight throughout life. A presumed mechanism leading to this ‘malprogramming’ consists of an acquired change of the responsiveness to leptin of the neuronal system regulating feeding behavior. The study reports significant differences in the effects of leptin on single unit activity of the arcuate nucleus in brain slices of normal compared wirh early postnatally overfed juvenile rats. The firing rate of arcuate neurons in normal rats was inhibited by leptin (Wilcoxon test p < 0.0001, n =42), whereas it was not changed in obese rats (Wt p = 0.24, n = 35). The reduced inhibition by leptin of arcuate neurons in neonatally overfed rats might indicate an acquired hypothalamic leptin resistance contributing to persistent hyperphagia and overweight.
Local Residents' Perceptions of an Influx of Tourists: A Hong Kong Case Study

ABSTRACT Mainland Chinese consumers are increasingly crossing borders to purchase luxury brands. However, a large influx of tourists to a given destination has the potential to impact the quality of life of local residents. In this research, the influx of Mainland Chinese visitors (particularly those purchasing luxury products) to Hong Kong was investigated using a case study approach. How Hong Kong residents perceive this phenomenon and how it affects Hong Kong as a whole were topics of particular interest. The case study involved observations of Mainland consumers purchasing in Hong Kong shopping malls, in-depth interviews, and a focus group with Hong Kong residents, and compiling data from documents and video sources. The results are categorized into three themes: the economy, the environment, and attitudes. While the purchases boost Hong Kong's economy and generate profits for luxury goods retailers, Hong Kong people were found to have negative perceptions of the Mainland consumers' activity. This is because of the negative effects on daily life in Hong Kong. The Mainland consumers were found to be unintended endorsers of luxury brands, which negatively impacted their image among Hong Kong people. Based on the findings, theoretical implications are built up. In addition, the implications of these findings for public policymakers and luxury brands both in Hong Kong and elsewhere are discussed and recommendations for further research are made.
Noninhibitory effect of antioxidants ethoxyquin, 2(3)-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene on hepatic peroxisome proliferation and peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation induced by a hypolipidemic agent in rats.

6-Ethoxy-1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline (ethoxyquin) and the phenolic antioxidants 2(3)- tert -butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and 3,5-di- tert -butyl-4-hydroxytoluene inhibit the development of tumors induced by several chemical carcinogens that are genotoxic. The antioxidants appear to exert these protective effects by inhibiting metabolic activation and by enhancing enzyme systems that facilitate the detoxification of electrophilic form(s) of carcinogens. Information regarding the protective effects, if any, of antioxidants against carcinogenesis by chemical carcinogens that do not appear to generate electrophilic or mutagenic metabolites is, however, lacking. To examine the proposal that the carcinogenicity of such nonmutagenic compounds is due to their ability to initiate lipid peroxidation chain reactions either directly or indirectly, we plan to systematically investigate the effects of antioxidants on hepatocarcinogenesis by peroxisome proliferators. We have studied the acute effects of antioxidants ethoxyquin, 2(3)- tert -butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, and 3,5-di- tert -butyl-4-hydroxytoluene on the induction, in the rat liver, of hepatic peroxisome proliferation and peroxisome-associated enzymes by 2-[4-(2,2-dichlorocyclopropyl)phenoxy]-2-methyl propionic acid (ciprofibrate), a potent peroxisome proliferator. Ethoxyquin at 0.5% (w/w) dietary level exerted no inhibitory effect on the induction by ciprofibrate (0.1%, w/w) of hepatomegaly, peroxisome proliferation (volume and numerical density), catalase, carnitine acetyltransferase, heat-labile peroxisomal enoyl-coenzyme A hydratase, and peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation system. Both 2(3)- tert -butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (0.7%, w/w) and 3,5-di- tert -butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (0.7 or 0.07%) also failed to inhibit the ciprofibrate-induced hepatomegaly and hepatic peroxisome proliferation. Additionally, none of these antioxidants altered the ciprofibrate-induced increase in M r 80,000 peroxisome proliferation-associated polypeptide in liver as analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate:polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The similar increases in peroxisome population and elevations of H2O2-producing peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation system suggest that excess levels of intracellular H2O2 are generated in the livers of rats fed ciprofibrate either alone or in combination with a dietary antioxidant. These experiments provide a model system to test the hypothesis that peroxisome proliferator carcinogenesis is mediated by H2O2 and that antioxidants by inhibiting lipid peroxidation could retard or inhibit this process.
Good manufacturing practice (GMP) in the food industry.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the components of Good Manufacturing Practice [“GMP”], which is first and foremost an integrated management system and requires, therefore, that there is full and detailed specification of the product and of everything that goes into making, storing, and distributing it; and management of the materials, resources, measures, and precautions to ensure that the specification requirements are fulfilled. This implies that GMP is the prime concern of company chairmen, presidents, and chief executives. Though not directly concerned in designing or implementing GMP measures, it is they who are responsible for establishing GMP policies and for providing authority, facilities, and resources to the functional managers and staff (and that includes provision of competent managers and staff with appropriate skills). The factors most likely to impact on GMP in the future are: changes in manufacturing methods; changes in requirements for, and facilities for carrying out, traceability; changes in various countries of the Acceptable Level of Protection [“ALOP”] demanded by legislators on behalf of society; and further developments in the power of major retailers to make stringent quality demands on their suppliers.
An Overrepresentation of High Frequencies in the Mouse Inferior Colliculus Supports the Processing of Ultrasonic Vocalizations

Mice are of paramount importance in biomedical research and their vocalizations are a subject of interest for researchers across a wide range of health-related disciplines due to their increasingly important value as a phenotyping tool in models of neural, speech and language disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying the auditory processing of vocalizations in mice are not well understood. The mouse audiogram shows a peak in sensitivity at frequencies between 15-25 kHz, but weaker sensitivity for the higher ultrasonic frequencies at which they typically vocalize. To investigate the auditory processing of vocalizations in mice, we measured evoked potential, single-unit, and multi-unit responses to tones and vocalizations at three different stages along the auditory pathway: the auditory nerve and the cochlear nucleus in the periphery, and the inferior colliculus in the midbrain. Auditory brainstem response measurements suggested stronger responses in the midbrain relative to the periphery for frequencies higher than 32 kHz. This result was confirmed by single- and multi-unit recordings showing that high ultrasonic frequency tones and vocalizations elicited responses from only a small fraction of cells in the periphery, while a much larger fraction of cells responded in the inferior colliculus. These results suggest that the processing of communication calls in mice is supported by a specialization of the auditory system for high frequencies that emerges at central stations of the auditory pathway.
Explore Moderating Influence of Marketing in R&D Management

Through the empirical study on 177 US manufacturing corporations, this paper analyzed the relationship between firms’ R&D intensity and corporate financial performance while taking into account the moderating effect of marketing activities. Our finding continually proved a negative relation between R&D intensity and corporate performance, meanwhile, the lagged impact of integrated effect between R&D intensity and advertising intensity for firms’ performance. Some significant interaction could also be found that advertising could significantly moderate the relationship between R&D intensity and firms’ financial performance. Keywords-R&D intensity; advertising; financial performance; moderating influence
Cardioprotection by Carvedilol: Antiapoptosis is Independent of β-Adrenoceptor Blockage in the Rat Heart

Background: Carvedilol, a β-blocking agent with α-blocking properties is now widely used for the treatment of congestive heart failure. In addition to its β-adrenergic receptor blockage, antiapoptotic effects have been demonstrated in experimental animals. Objective: The cardioprotective effects of carvedilol and its hydroxylated analogue BM-91.0228 were tested with regard to their infarct-limiting and antiapoptotic properties in an experimental infarct model in the rat heart. Methods: Anesthetized rats were subjected to either 30 (groups I to 3) or 60 minutes (groups. 4 to 6) of coronary artery occlusion followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. Groups 1 and 4 served as the control; groups 2 and 5 received intravenous Carvedilol (1 mg/kg) and groups 3 and 6 received intravenous administration of BM-91.0228 (1 mg/kg), respectively, 5 minutes prior to coronary occlusion. Infarct sizes were measured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. In situ visualization of apoptosis was measured by nick end labeling. Results: Carvedilol reduced infarct size after 30 minutes of coronary occlusion compared to controls (8.7% ± 2.7% versus 27.3% ± 3.4%, P < .001), while BM-91.0228 showed no significant infarct size reduction (23.7% ± 5.9%, NS). Neither Carvedilol (36.9% ± 3.9%) nor BM-91.0228 (42.4% ± 3.6%) reduced infarct size after 60 minutes of coronary occlusion compared to controls (47.7% ± 3.9%, NS). Carvedilol reduced apoptosis after 30 minutes (4.9% ± 1.3% versus 16.7% ± 3.2%, P < .01) and after 60 minutes (11.7% ± 1.8% versus 25.5% ± 0.5%, P < .001) of coronary occlusion compared to controls. BM-91.0228 reduced apoptosis after 30 minutes (7.3% ± 1.4% versus 16.7% ± 3.2%, P < .01) and after 60 minutes (13.4% ± 1.8% versus 25.5% ± 0.5%, P < .001) of coronary occlusion compared to controls. Conclusion: Carvedilol is cardioprotective by preventing ischemia-perfusion-induced necrosis and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. The antiapoptotic effects of Carvedilol are independent of its β-adrenoceptor blocking effects, but its effects might be caused by antioxidant properties and by modulation of the signalling pathway.
Modelling Freight Transport Costs: A Case Study of the UK-Greece Corridor

ABSTRACT The large–scale movement of freight by road in Europe has contributed to worsening traffic congestion and deteriorating transport conditions generally. A number of policy initiatives have sought to address this problem by encouraging the use of rail or sea transport, especially over longer distances. A freight transport cost model, applicable to any given route over which freight is moved by a variety of means, is proposed. The model enables the logistics tradeoffs, such as those between speed and costs, to be thoroughly examined in a range of circumstances. In particular, the model highlights the factors which affect the choice of transport mode or combination of modes for given movements. By testing the model against real conditions on the UK–Greece transport corridor, it is shown to be robust and to contribute positively to the wider debate on modal choice for freight transport at large. The model may also be used in the process of transport policy formulation.
Budgetary analysis and factors influencing profit level of culture fish enterprises by gender in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria.

Understanding the role that gender plays in fish culture enterprises is critical for designing agricultural policies to increase productivity and enhance economic growth and to reduce poverty. This study was carried out in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. The research investigated the budgetary analysis and factors influencing profit level of culture fish enterprises by gender. This was done by examining the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, the budgetary analysis and also factors influencing the profit of fish farming enterprise. This was achieved through random selection of 149 respondents. The method of analysis used was descriptive analysis to determine the socio economic characteristics of the fish farmers; profitability ratio was applied to examine budgetary analysis, while regression was done to capture the factors influencing the farmers profit level. The results showed that 54.4% were male and 45.6% were male. Majority of the respondents (67.9% male and 55.9% female) were married and (32.1% male and 44.1% female) were in the single category. It also revealed that 23.5% male and 17.6% female went through tertiary education. 43.2% male and 36.8% had about above 6 years experience in the business, 43.2% male and 42.6% female started their business with their own personal savings and 66.7% male and 70.6% female farmers purchased their land. The beta weight ranged from 0.0107 to 0.3547 for male and0.0532 to 0.2234 for female. The result shows that out of all (4) independent variables considered, fingerling is the most important input for the male farmers, while for the female fish farmers, feed is the most important input. It was concluded that the venture is profitable to both gender, and it was recommended that young people mostly female should be encouraged to practice fish farming, and also involve in carrying out research on fish farming as this may help in solving the problem of food security and food sufficiency.
The determinants of retailers' margin related bargaining power: evidence from the Irish food manufacturing industry

This paper investigates the determinants of retailers' margin related bargaining power in the context of food retailer-manufacturer relationships. The study is based on an empirical analysis of 97 trading relationships between Irish food manufacturers and their Irish and British retail customers. It complements earlier research, focused mainly on structural characteristics of the industries, by integrating product and relationship characteristics into the analysis. Using measures based on manufacturers' perceptions, the study finds that retailers' margin related power over food manufacturers is positively related to the importance of economies of scale in manufacturing, retail concentration and own brand penetration of the market. The results also show that retailers' margin related power increases as product shelf-life increases and as manufacturers' specific investments increase.
Five youth with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome of differing etiologies.

BACKGROUND Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is diagnosed by the abrupt onset of new obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or food-restricting symptoms, and at least two of a variety of other neuropsychiatric symptoms. Detailed clinical presentation of youth with this condition has not yet been provided in the literature. METHODS We review the clinical charts of five youth meeting criteria for PANS in our PANS Clinic. These five patients were selected for differing underlying causes thought to be driving an inflammatory response that appeared to impact psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS Five youth with varying potential etiologies impacting neuropsychiatric symptoms were identified. These youth were from 8 to 18 years old at the onset of their PANS illness, and had bacterial, autoimmune, and unknown etiologies. Treatment directed at presumed etiologies ranged from antibiotics to intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) to other immunomodulatory regimens, and appeared to improve the psychiatric illness. CONCLUSIONS Youth with PANS may present in differing ways, with psychiatric and physical symptoms overlapping with inflammatory or infectious diseases, pain syndromes, and other psychiatric diagnoses. Patients' psychiatric symptoms may respond to treatments targeting the underlying cause of physical illness. Faced with a pediatric patient demonstrating the abrupt onset or exacerbation of psychiatric and physical symptoms, clinicians should consider PANS in their differential diagnosis.
The Role of Cornerstone and Strategic Investors in IPO Survival

We examine the impact of the allocation of initial public offerings (IPOs) to specific investor groups on post-IPO performance in terms of how long an IPO remains listed. We focus on the Hong Kong IPO market, where detailed data on share allocation are publicly available. In this context, we assess the roles of so-called cornerstone and strategic investors in IPOs, who agree with the issuers a specified investment in the IPO and enter into lock-up periods. We find that the presence, number and lock-up periods of strategic investors, and the prevalence of foreign strategic investors, significantly increase IPO survival (delay the time to delisting). By contrast, the impact of cornerstone investors is at best marginally significant. Our results are robust to using different measures of survival.