Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Prediction of Drug Metabolism, Tissue Distribution, and Bioavailability of 50 Structurally Diverse Compounds in Rat Using Mechanism-Based Absorption, Distribution, and Metabolism Prediction Tools

The aim of this study was to assess a physiologically based modeling approach for predicting drug metabolism, tissue distribution, and bioavailability in rat for a structurally diverse set of neutral and moderate-to-strong basic compounds (n = 50). Hepatic blood clearance (CLh) was projected using microsomal data and shown to be well predicted, irrespective of the type of hepatic extraction model (80% within 2-fold). Best predictions of CLh were obtained disregarding both plasma and microsomal protein binding, whereas strong bias was seen using either blood binding only or both plasma and microsomal protein binding. Two mechanistic tissue composition-based equations were evaluated for predicting volume of distribution (Vdss) and tissue-to-plasma partitioning (Ptp). A first approach, which accounted for ionic interactions with acidic phospholipids, resulted in accurate predictions of Vdss (80% within 2-fold). In contrast, a second approach, which disregarded ionic interactions, was a poor predictor of Vdss (60% within 2-fold). The first approach also yielded accurate predictions of Ptp in muscle, heart, and kidney (80% within 3-fold), whereas in lung, liver, and brain, predictions ranged from 47% to 62% within 3-fold. Using the second approach, Ptp prediction accuracy in muscle, heart, and kidney was on average 70% within 3-fold, and ranged from 24% to 54% in all other tissues. Combining all methods for predicting Vdss and CLh resulted in accurate predictions of the in vivo half-life (70% within 2-fold). Oral bioavailability was well predicted using CLh data and Gastroplus Software (80% within 2-fold). These results illustrate that physiologically based prediction tools can provide accurate predictions of rat pharmacokinetics.
Business Simulation to Stage Critical Thinking in Introductory Accounting: Rationale, Design, and Implementation

This article explains the rationale for, the design of, and the implementation of business simulation episodes for eliciting a developmental shift from knowing to thinking in introductory accounting courses. Using business simulations this way responds to a long‐standing need for learning experiences that create opportunities for students to work on developing the higher‐order thinking skills required for success in business and the accounting profession. The needed capability can be characterized as critical thinking: the ability to solve problems that cannot be described with a high degree of completeness, cannot be resolved with a high degree of certainty, or elicit disagreement from experts about the best solution. This use of business simulation, illustrated with an episode from the Safe Night Out (SNO) simulation, immerses students in the life of an evolving business for which they develop a continuing stream of business advice based on the application of accounting principles. Emphasizing communica.
Prelaunch spectral calibration of the atmospheric infrared sounder (AIRS)

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) is a high-resolution infrared sounder launched aboard the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Aqua satellite on May 4, 2002. AIRS is a grating spectrometer with 2378 channels located between 15 and 3.8 /spl mu/m, with nominal resolving powers of /spl nu///spl Delta//spl nu/=1200. As the first of a new generation of upcoming infrared instruments with similar spectral coverage and resolution, there will be much interest in the performance of AIRS. The ability to retrieve good atmospheric profiles from AIRS observations will depend in part upon our knowledge of the spectral response of AIRS to the upwelling radiance. This paper discusses the spectral calibration of AIRS based upon an extensive set of laboratory test data generated by the instruments prime contractor, BAE. In particular, we describe the calibration of the AIRS spectral response functions, showing that our requirement for accuracies of "1% of a width" have been achieved.
The Determining Factors in Prescribing Anti-Hypertensive Drugs to First-Ever Ischemic Stroke Patients

Prescription of drugs plays a vital role not only in patient care but also to the health care industry for the many consequences it is entangled with. With the advanced use of mathematical models in healthcare today, it has become possible for healthcare personnel to practice evidence-based- decision making. This paper attempts to aid in the prescription of anti-hypertensive drugs for first ever ischemic stroke patients by conducting sensitivity and post-optimality analysis of a previously proposed multi-objective mixed-integer nonlinear integer programming model. Determining factors that contribute to the optimal drug prescription will be identified, enabling decision makers to make informed decisions on how a patient's drug therapy needs to be adjusted when the need arises.
Politically Feasible Emission Target Formulas to Attain 460 ppm CO2 Concentrations

A new climate change treaty must plug three gaps: the absence of emission targets extending far into the future, the absence of participation by the United States, China, and other developing countries, and the absence of reason to expect compliance. To be politically acceptable, it must obey certain constraints regarding country-by-country economic costs. We offer a framework to assign quantitative emission allocations, across countries, one budget period at a time. The two-part plan: (i) China and other developing countries accept targets at BAU in the coming budget period, the same period in which the US first agrees to cuts below BAU; (ii) all countries are asked in the future to make further cuts in accordance with a formula which sums a Progressive Reductions Factor, Latecomer Catch-up Factor, and Gradual Equalization Factor. An earlier proposal for specific parameter values in the formulas achieved the environmental goal that CO2 concentrations plateau at 500 ppm by 2100. It obeyed our political constraints: keeping the economic cost for every country below thresholds of Y=1% of income in Present Discounted Value, and X=5% of income in the worst period. In this paper we attain a concentration goal of 460 ppm CO2, but only by loosening political constraints.
In vivo histopathologic comparison of the acute injury following treatment with five fractional ablative laser devices.

BACKGROUND Both erbium (Er:YAG) and carbon dioxide (CO(2)) devices are commonly-used, efficient laser systems for aggressive skin resurfacing procedures. The devices each have different adjustable parameters (density, spot size, number of pulses, pattern, etc) and utilize variable energy capabilities to tailor individual treatments depending on the skin pathology and goals of treatment. Overall, the consensus has been that multiple-pass erbium treatments needed for efficacious wrinkle reduction had similar downtime and comorbidity to the traditional CO(2) treatments. Unfortunately, there were limited data comparing the histological differences and changes throughout the wound-healing process over time between the two treatment methods. OBJECTIVES The authors compare the difference in injury following treatment with five novel fractional ablative laser systems in vivo. Differences in damage pattern, treatment depth, and degree of surrounding cellular injury following treatment with each device at common clinical settings are evaluated in a side-by-side histopathologic comparison. METHODS Prior to planned excisional surgery, the panni of 20 abdominoplasty patients were treated with five novel ablative fractional carbon dioxide or Er:YAG laser systems at various clinical parameters, in accordance with the manufacturers' treatment guidelines. After tissue removal two to four hours later, the skin was biopsied and processed for histopathologic evaluation. Specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, along with a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, to highlight the degree of irreversible cellular injury. RESULTS The acute damage profile differed between the fractional Er:YAG and CO(2) devices with respect to depth of penetration and extension of coagulation surrounding the microcolumns. The damage pattern was dependent on the parameters set with each device (eg, fluence, pulses, density, pulse width). The TUNEL-stained sections demonstrated more collateral cellular injury surrounding the ablated columns with the CO(2) devices than with the Er:YAG systems. CONCLUSIONS Following treatment with the fractional Er:YAG and CO(2) devices, deep tissue injury with various coagulative and ablative properties was observed, and it was confirmed that carbon dioxide and erbium devices result in different patterns of injury. As such, each may be better suited for different clinical situations. It is important for practitioners to understand the limitations of a specific device, as well as the tissue injury following a given treatment pattern or protocol, to appropriately tailor their treatment algorithm for a given patient. This extensive histopathologic evaluation of the acute characterization of injury across devices is helpful in clarifying the differences/similarities in laser-tissue interaction following treatment in an in vivo human model.
Foot posture and classification of the plantar arch among adolescent wearers and non-wearers of high-heeled shoes

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between foot posture and plantar arch among adolescent wearers and non-wearers of high-heeled shoes. Methods: Thirty-six female adolescents aged 13 to 20 years were selected and grouped as 16 high-heel nonwearers and 20 high-heel wearers. Foot posture was analyzed using photos, firstly barefoot and, secondly, after wearing previously standardized high-heeled platform shoes for an hour. The analysis was performed using the software SAPo. Barefoot impressions were taken, and the Chipaux-Smirak Index was calculated to classify the plantar arch of the foot. For statistical analyses, the paired t test was used to investigate equality between the right and left sides. The Shapiro-Wilk adherence test was performed, followed by inferential analysis using the non-parametric Wilcoxon test, the Mann-Whitney test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. The significance level used was 0.05. Results: There was no correlation between the type of plantar arch and foot posture among the female adolescents studied. However, the rearfoot angle was significantly different, with rearfoot varus after wearing the shoes in both groups. The plantar arch in the wearers group presented smaller values for the Chipaux-Smirak Index. Conclusions: There is no correlation between foot posture and the type of plantar arch, although these variables are influenced by high-heeled shoes. Article registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) under the number ACTRN12608000300370.
Morphologic predictive factors for development of optic disc hemorrhages in glaucoma.

PURPOSE To evaluate which optic disc parameters are predictive factors for the development of disc hemorrhages in chronic open-angle glaucoma. METHODS The prospective comparative clinical observational study included 432 eyes of 281 white patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma. Mean follow-up time was 38.8 months (median, 31.5). Eyes in the whole study group were divided into those with an optic disc hemorrhage during the follow-up period (hemorrhagic group; n = 38; 8.8%), those without disc hemorrhages and with neuroretinal rim loss as sign of progression of glaucoma (rim loss group; n = 42; 9.7%), and those with neither disc hemorrhages nor neuroretinal rim loss (stable group; n = 352; 81.5%). Color stereo optic disc photographs were obtained repeatedly in all patients and subjected to qualitative and morphometric evaluation. RESULTS At baseline, neuroretinal rim area was significantly (P < 0.03) smaller and the beta zone of parapapillary atrophy (temporal lower sector) was significantly (P < 0.03) larger in the hemorrhagic group than in the stable group. Both study groups did not vary significantly (P > 0.05) in optic disc size and shape, optic cup depth, alpha zone of parapapillary atrophy, and retinal vessel diameter. In multivariate analysis, the neuroretinal rim area was the only significant predictor of hemorrhages. The hemorrhagic group and the rim loss group did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in any optic disc parameter measured. CONCLUSIONS In chronic open-angle glaucoma, morphologic predictive factors for the development of disc hemorrhages are small size of neuroretinal rim and, possibly, a large parapapillary beta zone. Development of disc hemorrhages is independent of optic disc size and shape, size of alpha zone of parapapillary atrophy, retinal vessel diameter, and optic cup depth. Optic nerve heads in eyes with eventual development of disc hemorrhages and in eyes with eventual progressive rim loss without observed disc hemorrhages do not differ markedly in appearance.
CD4+ T Cells and the Proinflammatory Cytokines Gamma Interferon and Interleukin-6 Contribute to Alveolar Bone Loss in Mice

ABSTRACT In this study, we used a mouse model to examine the role of the adaptive immune response in alveolar bone loss induced by oral infection with the human gram-negative anaerobic bacteriumPorphyromonas gingivalis. Severe combined immunodeficient mice, which lack B and T lymphocytes, exhibited considerably less bone loss than did immunocompetent mice after oral infection, suggesting that lymphocytes contribute to this process. Bone loss after oral infection was decreased in mice deficient in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-responsive CD4+ T cells, but no change in bone loss was observed in mice deficient in MHC class I-responsive CD8+ T cells or NK1+ T cells. Mice lacking the cytokine gamma interferon or interleukin-6 also demonstrated decreased bone loss. These results suggest that the adaptive immune response, and in particular CD4+ T cells and the proinflammatory cytokines that they secrete, are important effectors of bone loss consequent to P. gingivalis oral infection. The studies also reinforce the utility of the mouse oral infection model in dissecting the pathobiology of periodontal disease.
Is Afrin (Oxymetazoline) A Safe And Effective Drug In Normal, Healthy Adults With Reference To Nasal Congestion And The Nasal Response?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not, “Is Afrin (Oxymetazoline) a safe and effective drug in normal, healthy adults with reference to nasal congestion and the nasal response? ” STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published in 1997, 1999, 2003. DATA SOURCES: Randomized, controlled studies (double-blind, placebo-controlled) testing the efficacy and safeness of Afrin in comparison to a placebo group, were found using the PubMed database. OUTCOMES MEASURED: Nasal patency, congestion, degree of nasal blockage, and symptoms (quantity, consistency, color of nasal secretions, turbinate size/color) were measured through patient diary card symptom scores, visual analogue scales, and clinical nasal visual examinations. RESULTS: The Morris et al and Watanabe et al studies found that the subjective measurements and nasal examinations did not show clinically significant signs of rhinitis or differences between treatment groups after using Afrin. A clinically significant decongestant effect of Afrin was noted at each visit in all three RCT’s. Bickford et al reports that symptoms of congestion decreased significantly after using Afrin but not after using the placebo. Morris et al and Watanabe et al found no signs of increased tolerance to Afrin, but evidence of rebound nasal congestion was reported after 3 days of Afrin treatment in the Morris study and no significant rebound nasal congestion was discovered by Watanabe et al after 4 weeks treatment. CONCLUSIONS: All three RCT’s showed that Afrin is effective in treating nasal congestion in normal, healthy adults. After subjects were treated with various doses of Afrin nasal spray, no clinically significant nasal congestion was found in any of the treatment groups. Morris et al and Watanabe et al found that there was no tolerance to the medication after using repeated doses. However, Morris et al found rebound nasal congestion after 3 days of use, whereas Watanabe et al found no rebound congestion after using various doses of Afrin for 4 weeks. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate length of treatment and possible side effects (rebound congestion) of Afrin.
Trends in sustainability reporting by the Fortune Global 250

Against the background of critique on the negative social and environmental implications of globalisation, multinational enterprises have become active in reporting on activities undertaken to prevent these "externalities" of international trade and production. This article analyses to which extent and in what form the trend towards non-financial reporting, which started in the 1990s, has continued in the 21st century. It presents both trend and panel data of the Fortune Global 250 in 1998 and 2001, showing a continued and significant rise of sustainability reporting to approximately half of these multinationals, with some sector and country variations. One third of the reports is externally verified. Especially in Europe and Japan, the "sustained" nature of sustainability reporting is accompanied by regulatory requirements and government encouragements. The number of reports that includes social (and sometimes also financial) issues has increased considerably. The article also shows that in these reports the more "traditional" topics, on the environment, corporate philanthropy and employees, receive much more attention than the broader external societal issues. It concludes with a reflection on the extent to which current forms of disclosure might address the concerns raised about multinationals' behaviour.
The long-run performance of IPOs: the case of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius

This study examines the long-run performance of initial public offerings on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM). The results show that the 3-year equally weighted cumulative adjusted returns average −16.5%. The magnitude of this underperformance is consistent with most reported studies in different developed and emerging markets. Based on multivariate regression models, firms with small issues and higher ex ante financial strength seem on average to experience greater long-run underperformance, supporting the divergence of opinion and overreaction hypotheses. On the other hand, Mauritian firms do not on average time their offerings to lower cost of capital and as such, there seems to be limited support for the windows of opportunity hypothesis.
Tax Reforms in China and Russia

This paper compares tax reforms and current tax systems in China and Russia. In both countries, earlier tax reforms aimed at providing incentives to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to improve productivity. In the 1990s, China and Russia established market-oriented tax systems, and both experienced a decline in tax revenues. Entering the new century, China adopted an increased-spending fiscal policy, while Russia adopted a tax-cut policy to stimulate economic growth. Both countries have similar value-added tax systems, but their personal and corporate income tax structures and social security systems are substantially different. The tax share of the gross domestic product (GDP) is substantially higher in Russia than in China. Russia is expected to continue its tax-reduction policy, and China is also considering major tax reforms.
Institutionalizing Water Governance in England and Wales: Potential and Limitations

Abstract This paper evaluates the neo-institutional perspective in conceptualizing the public– private partnership in water provision in England and Wales. It questions the simplistic assumptions that effective water governance lies in getting institutions, incentives, and authority right. Drawing upon Mary Douglas's social embeddedness of institutions, this paper demonstrates that use of water is both individually-pursued and socially-shaped. This paper calls for a reorganization of the institutional arrangements to tackle power asymmetries between the regulators, water companies, and the public. It suggests that the design of the regulatory structures needs to cohere with the cultural meaning of water.
On the Effectiveness of Growth- Enhancing Policies in a Model of Growth Without Scale Effects

Abstract Standard R&D growth models have two disturbing properties: the presence of scale effects (i.e., the prediction that larger economies grow faster) and the implication that there is a multitude of growth-enhancing policies. Recent models of growth without scale effects, such as Segerstrom's (1998), not only remove the counterfactual scale effect, but also imply that the growth rate does not react to any kind of economic policy. They share a different disturbing property, however: economic growth depends positively on population growth, and the economy cannot grow in the absence of population growth. The present paper integrates human capital accumulation into Segerstrom's (1998) model of growth without scale effects. Consistent with many empirical studies, growth is positively related not to population growth, but to investment in human capital. And there is one way to accelerate growth: subsidizing education.
Refugees' Employment Integration in Sweden: Cultural Distance and Labor Market Performance

This paper is the first to specifically focus on the integration of refugee immigrants into the Swedish labor market. Using highly detailed register data on blue collar workers it is shown that refugees' employment lags that of natives basically for their whole life time in Sweden. Time in Sweden reduces drastically the unemployment days, though from very high initial levels. Refugees from culturally distant Iran/Iraq and Horn of Africa experience considerably more days in unemployment than refugees from the less distant Eastern Europe and Latin America. The differences are large during the first 20 years in Sweden but some convergence occurs thereafter. Following a business cycle upturn this paper finds that the reduction of refugees' unemployment is half of that of natives'. Since refugees arrive at different ages, high numbers of unemployment days are recorded also for relatively old refugees with the highest number for those above 30.
Interface between management accounting and strategic human resource management : four grounded theory case studies

The objective of this research project was to ascertain the role of management accountants in relation to strategic human resource management (SHRM) and the information provided for SHRM. To achieve this objective four case studies (two UK and two Canadian organisations) were conducted using a grounded theory approach. The two most important HR strategies in these cases were training and leadership development, which were linked to the overall goals of each organisation. Management accountants played a key role in providing information for the SHRM planning process in all four cases. The role of management accountants during the strategic planning process was very much as integral team members with a facilitating role. In all four cases management accountants provided HR managers with information for decision making.