Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vertigo as a migraine trigger

Background: It is reported in some individual patients that vestibular stimuli can trigger migraine attacks. This study used a case-control design to examine systematically the hypothesis that vertigo induced by vestibular stimulation (rotation/caloric testing) can act as a specific migraine trigger. Methods: A total of 123 new patients attending neuro-otology or neurology clinics were studied with questionnaires and physician interview to ascertain migraine history according to International Headache Society criteria. A total of 79 who underwent rotation/caloric vestibular testing (test group) were compared with 44 control patients in whom no such testing was carried out (control group). The principal outcome measure was the occurrence of a migraine attack within 24 hours of exposure to vestibular stimulation. Results: Of those participants with a past history of migraines, 19/39 (49%) of the test group experienced a migraine in the study time window, compared with 1/21 (5%) of the control group. Binary logistic regression analysis confirmed that vestibular testing was associated (p < 0.05) with migraine attacks. Conclusions: The results indicate that induced vertigo can act as a migraine trigger, a finding with implications for the diagnosis of patients with episodic vertigo and migraine headache. While such patients may well have basilar migraine or migrainous vertigo, alternatively, another disorder causing episodic vertigo (e.g., benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or Ménière disease) may be triggering migraine headaches.
Urine cytology of micropapillary carcinoma of the urinary bladder

A case of micropapillary carcinoma (MPC) of urinary bladder is presented, in which the urine smear was studied in detail in an attempt to better characterize the cytologic findings of MPC. When the voided urine was examined in low power, cancer cells were scattered in the specimens as compact papillary/spheroidal clusters composed of pleomorphic cancer cells. Solitary carcinoma cells were occasionally observed. High power view of the smear revealed that the papillae/spheroids consisted of high‐grade urothelial carcinoma cells. The cancer cells had pleomorphic nuclei with coarsely granular chromatin and thickened, irregular nuclear membrane, and thick cytoplasm. Histologically, the tumor in the resected bladder appeared as small nests with surrounding hallo both in the luminal surface and in the site of wall involvement. These tightly bound papillary/spheroidal clusters comprised of highly atypical cancer cells were the most specific cytologic finding in the urine of MPC, which were considered as a key diagnostic clue of MPC. The background of the urine smear showed numerous granulocytes and bacilli compatible with cystitis, which is a previously known complication of MPC. Differential diagnoses of MPC from those with pertinent cytologic findings such as conventional UC (including glandular differentiation), and primary/secondary adenocarcinoma of urinary bladder are discussed with a brief review of literature. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inflammation and Uncoupling as Mechanisms of Periodontal Bone Loss

Periodontal disease is characterized by both inflammation and bone loss. Advances in research in both these areas have led to a new appreciation of not only each field but also the intimate relationship between inflammation and bone loss. This relationship has resulted in a new field of science called osteoimmunology and provides a context for better understanding the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. In this review, we discuss several aspects of the immuno-inflammatory host response that ultimately results in loss of alveolar bone. A proposal is made that periodontal inflammation not only stimulates osteoclastogenesis but also interferes with the uncoupling of bone formation and bone resorption, consistent with a pathologic process. Furthermore, arguments based on experimental animal models suggest a critical role of the spatial and temporal aspects of inflammation in the periodontium. A review of these findings leads to a new paradigm to help explain more fully the impact of inflammation on alveolar bone in periodontal disease so that it includes the effects of inflammation on uncoupling of bone formation from resorption.
The HR department's role in organisational performance

This is an overview of what the authors believe to be every empirical research article into the linkages between HRM and performance published in pre-eminent international refereed journals between 1994 and 2003. The analysis covers the design of the study, including the primary level of analysis and the identity of the respondents; the dominant theoretical framework(s) informing the article; how HRM is conceived and operationalised; how performance is conceived and operationalised; and which control and/or contingency variables are incorporated. Finally, the article examines how each study depicts the so-called ‘black box’ stage between HRM and performance. It reports wide disparities in the treatment of these components, but also some welcome commonalities and indicative trends that point towards a gradual convergence on how future research into this complex relationship might usefully be conducted. The findings are compared with previous reviews of the literature. The analysis should illuminate the ongoing debate about the linkages between HRM and performance, and prove valuable for future research designs.
The Solow Productivity Paradox in Historical Perspective

A growth accounting methodology is used to compare the contributions to growth in terms of capital-deepening and total factor productivity growth of three general-purpose technologies, namely, steam in Britain during 1780-1860, electricity and information and communications technology in the United States during 1899-1929 and 1974-2000, respectively. The format permits explicit comparison of earlier episodes with the results for ICT obtained by Oliner and Sichel. The results suggest that the contribution of ICT was already relatively large before 1995 and it is suggested that the true productivity paradox is why economists expected more sooner from ICT.
The Determinants of China's Defense Expenditure Before and After Transition

This paper examines the determinants of China's defense expenditure over the period 1960—1999, and two sub-samples before and after transition for 1960—1980 and 1981— 1999, applying official Chinese data and SIPRI Yearbook data. An empirical econometric model is set up on the basis of standard neo-classical theory. The empirical results suggest that earlier defense expenditure, changes in the strategy environment, and GDP are major determinants of China's defense expenditure on the long run. For the split periods, the national security environment, economic factor, and earlier defense expenditure are the main determining factors prior to 1981, but earlier defense expenditure is the main determinant after 1981 (when official Chinese data are used). The impact of Taiwanese military spending on Mainland China's demand for defense expenditure was not statistically significant.
REACTIONS TO REGULATION OF ACCOUNTING FOR GOODWILL

: Regulations designed to achieve “uniformity in practice” in Australian firms' reporting of goodwill were first adopted in 1985 with the introduction of AAS18. Because of the requirement to amortise purchased goodwill, a number of firms either did not comply or took evasive actions to mitigate the effects of the standard. This paper documents and explains the pre-regulation cross-sectional variation in accounting practices. Reactions to the set of regulations introduced between 1985 and 1989 are then described and explained through a longitudinal study of accounting policy choice. We develop hypotheses which explain why the goodwill accounting rules reversed relations between the accounting methods adopted by firms and both the earnings effect of compliance and the market value of the firm's goodwill. The results are confirmatory.
Satisfaction and dimensions of control among call centre customer service representatives

The impact of the call centre workplace upon employee satisfaction or well-being is beginning to attract the attention of researchers. The aim of this paper is to explore the factors related to control and other work-based characteristics that impact upon employee well-being in call centres. Based on a survey data are presented to highlight antecedents of employee well-being or job satisfaction in a call centre. Using factor analysis and regression modelling, we have isolated eight factors that are significantly associated with job satisfaction (see Figure 1 ). Figure 1 The predictors of satisfaction Emotional pressure emerges as a significant as a dimension of control underpinning factors impacting upon job satisfaction. In addition, work-based characteristics including computer-facilitated and supervisory control associated with the role of the customer service representative (CSR) are shown to be direct antecedents of satisfaction. Another element of control, that of targets, emerged as a distinct factor, contributing indirectly to job satisfaction via its influence on work-based job characteristics. Much current research infers relatively low levels of satisfaction with both work and management on the part of customer service representatives (CSRs). The significance of our analysis resides partly in the qualification of the view that CSRs are subjected to, and perceive themselves as being victims at the ‘sharp end’ of, extreme technological control of the ‘electronic panopticon’ variety, itself based on a ‘mass production of services’ model. Moreover, much call centre work is considered relatively low-skilled, and much sociological research indicates that low-skilled work generally is not intrinsically satisfying and, indeed, employees look to extrinsic factors such as pay and job security as compensatory mechanisms. Following on from this, and even more significant for our purposes, is the argument that those call centre workers who generally regard themselves as playing a positive role within the wider organization, are regularly informed and valued by team leaders, and recognize the benefits of certain HRM practices, will have their view of the work situation ameliorated by those compensatory mechanisms. Given the validity of this argument, call centre work in certain circumstances may therefore accord more with the characteristics of ‘mass customization’ models. This is not to deny, however, the undoubted pressures of call centre work, which were commented upon by respondents and which still may represent the ‘unacceptable face’ of call centre culture.
Science teacher education partnerships with schools (STEPS): Partnerships in science teacher education

This paper reports on the STEPS project which addressed international concerns about primary teachers' lack of confidence to teach science, and on-going questions about the effectiveness of teacher education. The five universities involved had each independently established a science education program incorporating school-based partnerships between the university and local schools to enable primary pre-service teachers (PSTs) to teach science. The diversity of the programs enabled an examination of the relevant literature underpinning the approaches and comparison of data from participants to identify key features and success factors for establishing and maintaining working relationships with schools. This preliminary analysis of learning from STEPS uses case studies and feedback from PSTs who participated. These findings indicate that authentic teaching experiences build the confidence of PSTs to teach science. Ultimately, the project will develop an Interpretive Framework which will articulate the characteristics of partnerships to be validated through feedback from other science educators from Australia and overseas.
Immigration and Trade Creation: Econometric Evidence from Canada

Immigrants may expand trade with their country of origin, owing to superior knowledge of, or preferential access to, market opportunities. The authors test this proposition using Canadian trade data with 136 partners from 1980 to 1992. In an augmented gravity equation, they find that a 10 percent increase in immigrants is associated with a 1 percent increase in Canadian exports to the immigrant's home country and a 3 percent increase in imports. They also find that, among the primary categories of immigrants, independents have the greater influence on trade. Immigration via the entrepreneur class appears to have less impact on trade than all other classes except refugees.
Clinical impact of thyroglobulin (Tg) and Tg autoantibody method differences on the management of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinomas.

CONTEXT Changes in thyroglobulin (Tg) and/or Tg antibody (TgAb) methods can disrupt the serial monitoring of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients. OBJECTIVE This study compared Tg measurements made in TgAb-negative and TgAb-positive sera using four RIA and 10 immunometric assay (IMA) methods. DESIGN TgAb detection using a panel of 12 direct methods was contrasted with four Tg recovery tests. Sera from 110 normal euthyroid subjects (68 TgAb negative/42 TgAb positive) and 131 TgAb-negative DTC patients had Tg and/or TgAb analyses made by 10 laboratories in four countries. Euthyroid controls were used to compare Tg and TgAb ranges, sensitivities, and TgAb interference, whereas DTC patients were used to study Tg assay specificities, hook effects, and the influence of high Tg levels on TgAb measurements. RESULTS Tg methods had high between-method variability [47 +/- 3% (+/-sem)] that was only marginally reduced by CRM-457 standardization (37 +/- 3%). All methods had suboptimal sensitivity, and some failed to detect Tg in some normal euthyroid controls. Although direct TgAb measurements were more reliable than exogenous recovery tests, TgAb status was only concordant in 65% of sera. Only four of 42 (9.5%) sera containing TgAb had antibody detected by all direct methods. All IMA methods reported paradoxically undetectable Tg for many TgAb-positive euthyroid controls, suggesting TgAb interference, whereas RIA methods reported appropriate normal range values for these same subjects. Some sera displaying interference had TgAb detected by only a minority of methods. CONCLUSIONS Specificity differences, suboptimal sensitivity, hook effects, and an inability to reliably detect interfering TgAb compromise the clinical utility of current Tg and TgAb methods. All of the IMA methods were prone to underestimate serum Tg in the presence of TgAb, whereas the RIA methods appeared resistant to TgAb interference.
Risk factors for and prevention of sporadic infections with vero cytotoxin (shiga toxin) producing Escherichia coli O157.

BACKGROUND Recent outbreaks of vero cytotoxin (shiga toxin) producing Escherichia coli O157 (VTEC O157) infection have stimulated debate on food safety. However, 90% of cases in England and Wales are sporadic. We report a case-control study of sporadic VTEC O157 infection. METHODS We compared 85 sporadic cases of VTEC O157 infection, identified through population surveillance, with 142 controls, randomly selected from general practitioners' lists. We matched cases and controls for age, sex, and family doctor's practice. Exposures to foods, water, animals, farms, and environmental factors were recorded. We visited the premises concerned when cases had eaten beefburgers or cooked sliced meats from caterers or had had contact with a farm. FINDINGS Consumption of a beefburger from a catering premises other than from a fast-food chain A (a national chain) and consumption of cold cooked sliced meat (eg, in a salad or sandwich) from caterers, but not butchers, was associated with VTEC O157 infection (odds ratios 4.63 [95% CI 1.33-30.14] and 3.36 [1.04-12.74], respectively). Policies for ensuring thorough cooking of burgers by one national fast-food chain differed from the other catering premises we visited. There was evidence of person-to-person spread and transmission of VTEC O157 infection from animals. INTERPRETATION Local inspection of catering establishments that serve cooked meats together with public education to prevent spread on farms and in houses would reduce the burden of VTEC O157 infection by about 10% for each risk factor.
Information Sharing in Credit Markets

We present a model with adverse selection where information sharing between lenders arises endogenously. Lenders' incentives to share information about borrowers are positively related to the mobility and heterogeneity of borrowers, to the size of the credit market and to advances in information technology; on the other hand, such incentives are reduced by the fear of competition from potential entrants. In addition, information sharing increases the volume of lending when adverse selection is so severe that safe borrowers drop out of the market. These predictions are supported by international and historical evidence in the context of the consumer credit market. Information sharing is widespread in countries, such as Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, where the geographical mobility of households is high and the consumer credit market is deep; while in countries with low mobility and thin consumer credit markets, e.g. Belgium and Italy, information sharing is minimal. The same predictions are also supported by US historical data.
African Rural Labour, Income Diversification and Livelihood Approaches: A Long-term Development Perspective*

The implementation of SAP and economic liberalisation throughout sub‐Saharan Africa during the last fifteen years has coincided with the rapid expansion of rural income diversification. Many analysts see income diversification as a vital coping strategy for the rural poor, while recognising that its growing incidence amongst all sections of the African rural population can serve as a mechanism for increasing wealth differentiation. The current income diversification and livelihoods literature primarily restricts itself to situational analysis underpinned by assumptions of economic optimization on the part of decision‐making households, while ignoring the broader process of depeasantization. Early agrarian change took the form of urban migration, funnelling labour from rural areas and creating an array of stimuli that acted indirectly upon village life. Rural income diversification adds a new, more immediate dimension. Villagers are now actively part of in situoccupational change that has far‐reaching impl.
A comparison between the first-fit settings of two multichannel digital signal-processing strategies: music quality ratings and speech-in-noise scores.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine which level-dependent hearing aid digital signal-processing strategy (DSP) participants preferred when listening to music and/or performing a speech-in-noise task. METHOD Two receiver-in-the-ear hearing aids were compared: one using 32-channel adaptive dynamic range optimization (ADRO) and the other wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) incorporating dual fast (4 channel) and slow (15 channel) processing. The manufacturers' first-fit settings based on participants' audiograms were used in both cases. Results were obtained from 18 participants on a quick speech-in-noise (QuickSIN; Killion, Niquette, Gudmundsen, Revit, & Banerjee, 2004) task and for 3 music listening conditions (classical, jazz, and rock). RESULTS Participants preferred the quality of music and performed better at the QuickSIN task using the hearing aids with ADRO processing. A potential reason for the better performance of the ADRO hearing aids was less fluctuation in output with change in sound dynamics. CONCLUSION ADRO processing has advantages for both music quality and speech recognition in noise over the multichannel WDRC processing that was used in the study. Further evaluations of which DSP aspects contribute to listener preference are required.
Cancer incidence among workers in the asbestos-cement producing industry in Norway.

OBJECTIVES The incidence of cancer among employees of a Norwegian asbestos-cement factory was studied in relation to duration of exposure and time since first exposure. The factory was active in 1942-1968. Most of the asbestos in use was chrysotile, but for technical reasons 8% amphiboles was added. METHODS For the identification of cancer cases, a cohort of 541 male workers was linked to the Cancer Registry of Norway. The analysis was based on the comparison between the observed and expected number of cancer cases. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated. Period of first employment, duration of employment, and time since first employment were used as indicators of exposure. Poisson regression analysis was used for the internal comparisons. RESULTS The standardized incidence ratio was 52.5 (95% CI 31.1-83.0) for pleural mesothelioma, on the basis of 18 cases. The highest standardized incidence ratio was found for workers first employed in the earliest production period (SIR 99.0, 95% CI 51.3-173). No peritoneal mesothelioma was found. The standardized incidence ratio for lung cancer was 3.1 (95% CI 2.14.3), but no dose-response effect was observed. The ratio of mesothelioma to lung cancer cases was 1:2. CONCLUSIONS This study showed a high incidence of mesothelioma and a high ratio of mesothelioma to lung cancer among asbestos-cement workers. The high incidence of mesothelioma was probably due to the fact that a relatively high proportion of amphiboles was used in the production process.
Perfect Competition in Differential Information Economies: Consistency of Incentive Compatibility and Efficiency ∗

The idea of perfect competition for an economy with differential information is formalized via an idiosyncratic signal process in which the private signals of almost every individual agent can influence only a negligible group of agents, and the individual agents’ relevant signals are essentially pairwise independent conditioned on the true states of nature. The existence of incentive compatible, individually rational and Pareto efficient allocations is shown for such a perfectly competitive differential information economy with or without “common values” via simple measure-theoretic methods. Thus, the conflict between incentive compatibility and Pareto efficiency is resolved exactly, and its asymptotic version derived for a sequence of large, but finite private information economies.
Implied cost of equity capital in earnings-based valuation: international evidence*

Abstract Assuming the clean surplus relation, the Edwards-Bell-Ohlson residual income valuation (RIV) model expresses market value of equity as the sum of the book value of equity and the expected discounted future residual incomes. Without assuming the clean surplus relation, Ohlson and Juettner-Nauroth (2000) articulate the role of forward earnings per share in valuation. We compare the implied costs of equity capital from these two approaches to earnings-based valuation within seven developed countries. We hypothesise superior performance from the RIV model in countries where the clean surplus relation holds well. First, we provide preliminary international evidence on the frequency and magnitude of the clean surplus deviations. Consistent with our hypothesis, we document superior reliability of the implied cost of equity capital derived from the RIV model when clean surplus adequately describes the firms' financial reporting. That is, the implied cost of equity capital derived from Ohlson and Juettner-Nauroth (2000) is relatively more reliable in countries where the clean surplus deviations are common. Our analyses suggest that the proper choice of earnings-based valuation model may depend on analysts' interpretation of their financial reporting environment.