Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Drug-cholestyramine interactions. I. Physicochemical factors affecting in vitro binding of sodium fusidate to cholestyramine.

The in vitro binding of the steroidal antibiotic, sodium fusidate, to cholestyramine was investigated. Equilibrium data were interpreted by means of the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and rate of binding data were interpreted by use of a second-order kinetic model. The results indicated that the anionic exchange resin had a marked affinity for the drug. It was shown that the extent of the fusidate-resin interaction at equilibrium was affected insignificantly by temperature. However, the second-order rate constant governing the binding process was found to increase with increasing temperature, the apparent energy of activation associated with the rate process being 4.47 kcal. /mole. The addition of physiologic concentrations of the inorganic electrolytes, sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, produced a significant decrease in both the extent and rate of the interaction. The available evidence suggests that the drug-resin interaction involves both primary electrostatic and secondary nonelectrostatic forces. In addition, it was demonstrated that physiologic bile salt and fatty acid anions effectively compete with fusidate anions for the available binding positions on the resin. These in vitro findings strongly suggest that the resin may interfere with the normal GI absorption pattern of sodium fusidate.
Pricing Lives: Guideposts for a Safer Society

How society's undervaluing of life puts all of us at risk? and the groundbreaking economic measure that can fix it Like it or not, sometimes we need to put a monetary value on people's lives. In the past, government agencies used the financial "cost of death" to monetize the mortality risks of regulatory policies, but this method vastly undervalued life. Pricing Lives tells the story of how the government came to adopt an altogether different approach--the value of a statistical life, or VSL? and persuasively shows how its more widespread use could create a safer and more equitable society for everyone. In the 1980s, W. Kip Viscusi used the method to demonstrate that the benefits of requiring businesses to label hazardous chemicals immensely outweighed the costs. VSL is the risk-reward trade-off that people make about their health when considering risky job choices. With it, Viscusi calculated how much more money workers would demand to take on hazardous jobs, boosting calculated benefits by an order of magnitude. His current estimate of the value of a statistical life is $10 million. In this book, Viscusi provides a comprehensive look at all aspects of economic and policy efforts to price lives, including controversial topics such as whether older people's lives are worth less and richer people's lives are worth more. He explains why corporations need to abandon the misguided cost-of-death approach, how the courts can profit from increased application of VSL in assessing liability and setting damages, and how other countries consistently undervalue risks to life. Pricing Lives proposes sensible economic guideposts to foster more protective policies and greater levels of safety in the United States and throughout the world.
To lead or to follow: Translating innovative technologies as a result of industrial fashion

As the technologies included in the concept of ‘Industry 4.0’ have been hailed as to be ushering in a fourth industrial revolution, corporations within the industrial sector strive to adopt innovative information technology (IT) systems in order to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage – or to avoid redundancy. In this article, we analyse how the idea of implementing an innovative technology managed to travel through time and space, from a German industrial exhibition to an educational department within a Swedish multinational corporation (MNC). Utilizing a framework based on Scandinavian institutionalism and actor network theory (ANT), we demonstrate how firms come to adopt technologies as a result of social networking processes and organizational fashion. Furthermore, we find that the successful implementation of an idea within a MNC involves active institutional entrepreneurship and careful navigation of the initial problematization phase. In doing so, we contribute to the literature of the translation of innovation and provide practical insight regarding how firms may approach innovation which spreads as a result of organizational fashion. Finally, we point out the importance of a successful knowledge management program for both successful and failed innovation projects.
Enhanced formation of aerenchyma and induction of a barrier to radial oxygen loss in adventitious roots of Zea nicaraguensis contribute to its waterlogging tolerance as compared with maize (Zea mays ssp. mays).

Enhancement of oxygen transport from shoot to root tip by the formation of aerenchyma and also a barrier to radial oxygen loss (ROL) in roots is common in waterlogging-tolerant plants. Zea nicaraguensis (teosinte), a wild relative of maize (Zea mays ssp. mays), grows in waterlogged soils. We investigated the formation of aerenchyma and ROL barrier induction in roots of Z. nicaraguensis, in comparison with roots of maize (inbred line Mi29), in a pot soil system and in hydroponics. Furthermore, depositions of suberin in the exodermis/hypodermis and lignin in the epidermis of adventitious roots of Z. nicaraguensis and maize grown in aerated or stagnant deoxygenated nutrient solution were studied. Growth of maize was more adversely affected by low oxygen in the root zone (waterlogged soil or stagnant deoxygenated nutrient solution) compared with Z. nicaraguensis. In stagnant deoxygenated solution, Z. nicaraguensis was superior to maize in transporting oxygen from shoot base to root tip due to formation of larger aerenchyma and a stronger barrier to ROL in adventitious roots. The relationships between the ROL barrier formation and suberin and lignin depositions in roots are discussed. The ROL barrier, in addition to aerenchyma, would contribute to the waterlogging tolerance of Z. nicaraguensis.
Association between coffee consumption and markers of inflammation and cardiovascular function during mental stress

Background Coffee is widely consumed in the Western diet and therefore has important implications for public health. Research findings pertaining to the effects of coffee consumption on cardiovascular health are conflicting, and the role of caffeine is not clear. Objective To examine the relationship between coffee intake, inflammation and cardiovascular function at baseline and during mental stress, both cross-sectionally and after a 4-week period of withdrawal of coffee during which intake of caffeine was maintained. Methods Eighty-five healthy, non-smoking men with varying coffee-drinking habits were recruited. Blood pressure, heart rate, and markers of inflammation [C-reactive protein (CRP), von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF)], were measured at baseline and during mental stress. These measures were repeated after a 4-week period of withdrawal of coffee, during which intake of caffeine was maintained. Habitual levels of coffee and caffeine consumption were assessed from a self-reported questionnaire, and saliva samples for the analysis of caffeine concentrations were collected regularly throughout the period of withdrawal, to confirm compliance. Results Multiple linear regression analysis of pre-withdrawal data, adjusted for age, body mass index and intake of tea, red wine, fruit, vegetables, oily fish and dietary supplements revealed that coffee consumption was positively related to baseline systolic blood pressure, and increased heart rate and vWF responses to mental stress. Four weeks after withdrawal of coffee, the heightened vWF and heart rate responses to stress in habitual coffee drinkers persisted, whereas baseline systolic blood pressure had decreased. Total caffeine intake was unrelated to any measures of physiological function. Conclusions Habitual coffee consumption is associated with heightened acute vascular inflammatory responses to mental stress, although these effects are not affected by short-term abstinence from coffee. These findings suggest that the relationship between coffee and markers of cardiovascular risk may be explained by residual or unmeasured confounding factors.
The Effects of Social Information Cues Featured in SNS Ads on Unfamiliar Product Adoption

Abstract This study tests the effects of social information cues on ad responses and consumer decision making processes in the domain of unfamiliar product adoption. The findings show that participants having a huge size of the social network are particularly responsive to social information cues featured in the ads, showing an inverted U-shape pattern of purchasing intentions as the number of prior product purchasers increased. Findings suggest targeting and marketing strategies on social network service platforms.
The Effect of Acebrophylline vs Sustained Release Theophylline in Patients of COPD- A Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION Over the past several decades, the use of drug therapy in COPD has expanded, and provides an optimistic picture. Methyixanthines are used freely in COPD. Of them, Theophylline is an age old bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory agent while Acebrophylline is a newer one. Both are used as add on therapy in management of stable COPD patients on LAMA (long acting muscarinic antagonists like Tiotropium) in present day respiratory practice. This study was designed to compare the efficacy as well as tolerability/side-effects of these two drugs at recommended doses. MATERIALS AND METHODS An open randomized comparative longitudinal study was conducted on 40 moderate degree COPD patients over a period of one year. The patients were randomized into Group-1:receiving Acebrophylline 100mg twice daily and Group-2: receiving sustained release (SR) Theophylline 300mg once daily orally, in addition to 18μgm Tiotropium inhalation per day through metered dose inhaler. Spirometric variables, symptomatic benefit and adverse effects were recorded on three visits (day '0', '21' and '42'). All the data were analyzed by SPSS version 17. RESULTS A comparable clinical improvement of symptoms score and spirometric parameters with both the drugs has been observed (p-value>0.05). Amount of sputum, frequency of use of reliever medication and dyspnoea showed improvement with both the drugs but cardiovascular side effects are less with Acebrophylline. CONCLUSION This study reaffirms the rationale of use of Methylxanthines as add on therapy with LAMA in COPD management and cardiac safety level with Acebrophylline was considerable.
Governing Climate Adaptation in the Local Arena: Challenges of Risk Management and Planning in Sweden

Abstract This paper directs attention to conditions for climate adaptation as an important part of governing climate change in the local arena. Empirical focus is put on attempts to manage flood risks by means of risk management and planning in two Swedish municipalities. Following the need to widen our understanding of how, when and under what conditions climate adaptation occurs, three challenges are particularly emphasized from the case studies: facing the safety vs. scenery conflict where political priorities and reducing societal vulnerabilities prove difficult; the process of deciding what to adapt to, in which the troublesome role of knowledge is striking; and finally, taking responsibility for measures of flood protection. At the end of the paper, analytical generalizations illustrate the need to give increased attention to institutional challenges and challenges emanating from the science–policy interface in order to come to terms with the implementation deficit in governing climate change in the local arena.
Evaluating The Impact Of Reward Policies On Employee Productivity And Organizational Performance In Hospitals

Managers from healthcare area considered employees' reward and performance as key elements of the work due to the challenges posed by the emigration phenomenon of employees, which leads to reduced patient satisfaction and a poor image of health care units. The number of jobs available in health care continues to increase, while the total number of employees in the medical sector has fallen. Satisfactory reward is a continuing concern for organizational managers, especially from the healthcare industry. The purpose of this paper is to build methodological support to explore reward policies that managers from healthcare areas can implement to improve employees' productivity and organizational efficiency in providing healthcare services. In the research, data collection will consist of direct observations and investigations made at a hospital level. Research findings could improve the quality of patient care, as highly motivated hospital staff can have a more patient-friendly interaction, leading to improved quality of care and better outcomes. In addition, the results could improve relations between managers of health organizations and external stakeholders that affect organizational social responsibility (National Health Insurance Agency from Romania, local community, NGOs advocating for patient rights, trade unions, etc.).
Isolation and sequence‐specific DNA binding of the Antennapedia homeodomain.

The homeodomain encoded by the Antennapedia (Antp) gene of Drosophila was overproduced in a T7 expression vector in Escherichia coli. The corresponding polypeptide of 68 amino acids was purified to homogeneity. The homeodomain was analysed by ultracentrifugation and assayed for DNA binding. The secondary structure of the isolated homeodomain was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. DNA‐binding studies indicate that the isolated homeodomain binds to DNA in vitro. It selectively binds to the same sites as a longer Antp polypeptide and a full‐length fushi tarazu (ftz) protein. Therefore, the homeodomain represents the DNA‐binding domain of the homeotic proteins.
Impracticalities of thiopurine S‐methyltransferase determination in daily inflammatory bowel disease practice

SIRS, We greatly enjoyed the discussion concerning the cost-effectiveness of prior-to-treat genotyping of thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) in inflammatory bowel disease patients (IBD). 2 Thiopurines (azathioprine and mercaptopurine) are frequently used immunosuppressive agents in the treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The metabolism of thiopurines is complex as multiple enzymatic steps are needed to ultimately generate the pharmacologically active 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN). The activity of the methylating enzyme TPMT plays a key role in the bioavailability of 6-TGN. Less efficient methylation by TPMT leads to relative high levels of 6-TGN, which are considered to be a causative factor in the development of myelotoxicity. High levels of methylated thiopurine metabolites [e.g. 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP)] will be generated as a consequence of high-TPMT activity. Elevated 6-MMP levels have been associated with the development of hepatotoxicity, but also with refractoriness to thiopurine therapy. For this reason, prior-to-treat determination of the TPMT status by genotyping (or phenotyping) has been proposed to avoid toxicity by adjusting the dosage to the individual TPMT status. Winter et al. conclude that pre-treatment screening for TPMT polymorphisms in IBD patients commencing thiopurine therapy represents good value for money. In order to evaluate whether prior-to-treat determination of the TPMT status is currently utilized in daily IBD practice, a questionnaire regarding this topic was sent to all Dutch registered gastroenterologists (n 1⁄4 250) per e-mail. A total of 133 questionnaires (53%) was returned. The results of the questions concerning the currently used and preferred toxicity screening techniques are depicted in Table 1. Five percent of gastroenterologists currently determined the TPMT status and 36% wants to determine the TPMT status prior to initiation of thiopurine therapy (v-test, P 1⁄4 0.001). The aforementioned discrepancy may be explained by the lack of proper laboratory facilities in the Netherlands. Therefore, it is likely that gastroenterologists will expand their toxicity screening by determining the TPMT status when facilities become generally available. Nevertheless, the greater part of physicians (64%) does not consider TPMT determination as an additional or valuable toxicity screening tool. Possible explanations, as stated by several respondents, are that
Estimating population‐level HC5 for copper using a species sensitivity distribution approach

Estimation of population‐level benchmark concentrations for protecting aquatic organisms from chemicals is important for value‐relevant ecological risk assessments. By employing a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach, the authors aimed to derive the population‐level hazardous concentration for 5% of species (PHC5) for copper. Based on available information on copper toxicity and population models, the authors estimated population threshold concentrations at which the population size is stable (that is, 0 net population growth) for 13 freshwater species (3 algal, 6 invertebrate, and 4 fish species). The PHC5 for copper was then estimated (6.8 µg/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8–13.6 µg/L), by fitting a log‐normal distribution to the population threshold concentrations obtained. The close overlap between the present study's estimate of the PHC5 and a field‐derived threshold concentration suggests that the population‐level SSD approach provides a reasonable level of protection for species richness in the natural environment. By contrast, and counterintuitively, the authors' estimate was comparable with the individual‐level HC5 reported in the European Union risk assessment. Although the present study cannot determine the underlying reasons for the similar figures, the result provides an indication that the margin between individual‐level and population‐level benchmarks derived from SSD approaches can be very small. The results therefore suggest that attention is needed to achieve population‐level protection using an individual‐level SSD approach. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1396–1402. © 2013 SETAC
Integrated visitor support system for tourism industry based on IoT technologies

The paper aims to present the concepts of an innovative, integrated visitor support system for distributed entertainment parks, based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology and Big Data analysis. The proposed system will include logistical functions to streamline the customer service process in the centers, offering a profiled tourist product based on unique natural or thematic value. Basing on the modular structure, implementation and integration of the modern IT network, tracking and monitoring technologies, Fog Computing, decision support system and Big Data concepts, it is planned to create a flexible, scalable, reliable, fault tolerant and high security product, corresponding to the expectations of the potential recipients.
HOW MATURE IS REVERSE LOGISTICS? – CONCEPT OF THE PROCESS AND RESOURCE ORIENTED MATURITY MODEL

The paper presents background of reverse logistics maturity model. According to conducted theoretical research and own observations, it was stated, that the level of reverse logistics maturity depends on processes and resources used by those processes. The aim of this paper was to provide cross company valid maturity model for reverse logistics assessment which will be oriented on process and resources, considering various aspects of reverse logistics. The roots of the model lie in CMMI. Reverse logistics maturity model has become original approach in the field of logistics maturity research.
Essential Role for the C-Terminal Noncatalytic Region of SHIP in FcγRIIB1-Mediated Inhibitory Signaling

ABSTRACT The inositol phosphatase SHIP binds to the FcγRIIB1 receptor and plays a critical role in FcγRIIB1-mediated inhibition of B-cell proliferation and immunoglobulin synthesis. The molecular details of SHIP function are not fully understood. While point mutations of the signature motifs in the inositol phosphatase domain abolish SHIP's ability to inhibit calcium flux in B cells, little is known about the function of the evolutionarily conserved, putative noncatalytic regions of SHIP in vivo. In this study, through a systematic mutagenesis approach, we identified the inositol phosphatase domain of SHIP between amino acids 400 and 866. Through reconstitution of a SHIP-deficient B-cell line with wild-type and mutant forms of SHIP, we demonstrate that the catalytic domain alone is not sufficient to mediate FcγRIIB1/SHIP-dependent inhibition of B-cell receptor signaling. Expression of a truncation mutant of SHIP that has intact phosphatase activity but lacks the last 190 amino acids showed that the noncatalytic region in the C terminus is essential for inhibitory signaling. Mutation of two tyrosines within this C-terminal region, previously identified as important in binding to Shc, showed a reduced inhibition of calcium flux. However, studies with an Shc-deficient B-cell line indicated that Shc-SHIP complex formation is not required and that other proteins that bind these tyrosines may be important in FcγRIIB1/SHIP-mediated calcium inhibition. Interestingly, membrane targeting of SHIP lacking the C terminus is able to restore this inhibition, suggesting a role for the C terminus in localization or stabilization of SHIP interaction at the membrane. Taken together, these data suggest that the noncatalytic carboxyl-terminal 190 amino acids of SHIP play a critical role in SHIP function in B cells and may play a similar role in several other receptor systems where SHIP functions as a negative regulator.
‘Yin–Yang’ functions of transforming growth factor‐β and T regulatory cells in immune regulation

Summary: Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and forkhead box p3‐expressing T‐regulatory (Treg) cells are critical in maintaining self‐tolerance and immune homeostasis. The immune suppressive functions of TGF‐β and Treg cells are widely acknowledged and extensively studied. Nonetheless, recent studies revealed the positive roles of TGF‐β and Treg cells in shaping the immune system and the inflammatory responses. This review discusses our and other's efforts in understanding the negative (Yin) as well as the positive (Yang) roles for TGF‐β and Treg cells in immune regulation.
Modelling business process with services: towards agile enterprises

An agile enterprise rapidly adapts to changing business requirements by adapting or conceiving business processes BPs in response to normal or disruptive business events BEs. This paper stresses out the role of service-orientation, service-oriented architecture SOA, and web services along with the principles of abstraction, separation of concerns, and specialisation in modelling and implementing BPs. A BP is treated as a dynamic abstraction that specifies a state reflecting the control flow and data flow. This abstraction consists of a set of specialised services having separated concerns, namely controller service, and worker services. Shared, discoverable, reusable enterprise assets known as business objects BOs realise the latter. BOs encapsulate activities and data; and play the role of service units. Changes in the BP in terms of business functions and rules are solely reflected in the state, the controller service adapts to the state changes, which allows a dynamic composition of software solutions supporting changing BPs.