Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exposure to a Tobacco-Specific Lung Carcinogen in Adolescent versus Adult Smokers

Background: Previous studies with adult smokers have shown an association between number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD) and levels of biomarkers of exposure to the tobacco-specific lung carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). This study compared carcinogen and nicotine exposure in adolescent and adult smokers across categories of CPD. Method: Baseline smoking history and biomarker data were merged from six studies to make two samples: one of adolescent smokers and one of adult smokers. Metabolites of NNK, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), and its glucuronides (NNAL-Gluc) and total cotinine were quantified in urine. Results: CPD was stratified into categories of 5 to 10, 11 to 15, and 16 to 20 CPD. Adolescents tended to have lower mean levels of NNAL plus NNAL-Glucs (total NNAL) compared with adults, although differences were not significant overall. Adolescent mean levels of NNAL/CPD were significantly lower than adult levels only in the 11 to 15 CPD category (P = 0.045). However, a significant positive relationship was observed for total NNAL/CPD by age. No significant differences between adolescents and adults were found in mean levels of total cotinine or cotinine/CPD. A subsample of urines from adolescents and adults were analyzed for NNAL-Glucs and NNAL. Adolescents and adults did not significantly differ in the ratio of NNAL-Glucs to NNAL. Conclusions: Adolescent uptake of NNK and nicotine tends to be lower although not statistically different from adults. The lack of significant differences may be due to the wide variation in exposure in adolescents. Some adolescent smokers are exposed to lung carcinogens at levels similar to those of adults. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(12):3337–43)
Developing a Regime-Switching Present Value Model: An Application to the UK Housing Market

In contrast to the prediction of the present-value model, many empirical studies find the price-rent ratio nonstationary. This finding is frequently interpreted as evidence of speculative bubbles. In this paper, we seek an alternative explanation. Allowing the expectations of future housing market variables to switch between two distinctive regimes, we derive a present value formula for the price-rent ratio whose mean is regime-dependent. Applied to the U.K. housing market, our model successfully identifies two distinctive regimes in the expectations of the investors and the mean of the price-rent ratio. Standard unit root tests are strongly supportive of the stable relation between house price and rents, once the regime-specific means of the ratio are taken into account. It is also found that the higher mean of the ratio in one regime does not reflect higher rates of expected rent growth. Instead, it is due to the lower discount rate for future payoffs in that regime.
The innovation strategies for managing a specific paradox: exploration/exploitation

The present era requires new research in order to manage the current exploration/exploitation paradoxes. The paper analyses the influence of Total Quality Management (TQM) on exploratory and exploitative strategies. The study tests the hypotheses empirically using a sampling of over 12,000 Spanish firms, by performing several logistic regressions to analyse the impact of TQM on each type of strategy innovation. Organisational innovations based on TQM have been very important in Spain in the last years. Managers can use the potential inherent in TQM to meet the exploration–exploitation paradox. TQM contains values pertaining to exploration and exploitation which are useful for promoting strategies for innovation processes, but means a greater weakness for promoting exploration in strategic formulation. When a company engages in internal R&D activities within a TQM environment, its capacity to make commitments and establish objectives in terms of exploration and exploitation is reinforced.
Study of the Influence of Arc Ignition Position on Arc Motion in Low-Voltage Circuit Breaker

Arc-motion process is crucial to the interruption capability of the low-voltage circuit breaker. First, to a simplified chamber with full open venting, with a 2-D optical-fiber arc-motion measurement system, experiments were done to measure the arc-motion velocity in order to analyze the influence of different arc ignition position on the arc motion. It demonstrates that the larger the volume behind the arc is, the slower the arc moves. In addition, the influence of the gassing material on arc-motion velocity was also studied experimentally. Then, the commercial computational fluid dynamics software FLUENT was adapted and modified to develop a 2-D magneto-hydrodynamic model of the arc with the same conditions as the experimental model. The simulation result was consistent with the experiment conclusions
New Evidence of Construct Validity Problems for Pettigrew and Meertens’ (1995) Blatant and Subtle Prejudice Scale

Given the current debate over the distinction between subtle and blatant prejudice, this study provides new evidence regarding problems with the construct validity of the Pettigrew and Meertens’ Blatant and Subtle Prejudice Scale. To assess these issues, an existing data sample of 896 Chilean participants collected in 2010 was reanalyzed. The main analysis method used was a confirmatory factor analysis. The model that best represented the original theory (a model of two correlated second-order factors) had an improper solution due to the unidentified model. The scale has substantial psychometric problems, and it was not possible to distinguish between subtle and blatant prejudice.
Distinct breast cancer subtypes in women with early-onset disease across races.

BACKGROUND Racial disparities among breast cancer (BCa) patients are known but not well studied in early-onset BCa. We analyzed molecular subtypes in early-onset BCa across five major races. METHODS A total of 2120 cases were included from non-Hispanic White (NHW), African American (AA) and Hispanic, Chinese and Indian. Based on ER, PR and HER-2 status, BCa was classified into 4 intrinsic subtypes as Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2/neu overexpression and Triple negative BCa (TNBC) subtypes. Data was stratified according to race and age as younger/early-onset group (40-years and younger) and older group (50-years and older). RESULTS In early-onset BCa, incidence of TNBC was significantly higher (p = 0.0369) in Indian women followed by AA, Hispanic, NHW and Chinese women. Incidence of Her2 over-expression subtype also was highest in Indian women, followed by Hispanic, Chinese, AA and NHW women. In contrast, Luminal B subtype was most significantly higher in AA women (p = 0.0000) followed by NHW (p = 0.0002), Chinese (p = 0.0003), Hispanic (0.0128) and Indian (p = 0.0468) women. Luminal A subtype was most significantly reduced in Indian women (p = 0.0113) followed by Hispanic, AA, NHW and Chinese women. These results were based on statistical analysis with the mean of older group populations. CONCLUSIONS These results show significant disparities in receptor subtypes across races. This study will contribute in developing optimal clinical trial protocols and personalized management strategies for early-onset BCa patients.
The EMSY Gene Collaborates with CCND1 in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinogenesis

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. The main risk factor is smoking but the risk is also associated with various genetic and epigenetic components in addition to environmental factors. Increases in the gene copy numbers due to chromosomal amplifications constitute a common mechanism for oncogene activation. A gene-dense region on chromosome 11q13 which harbors four core regions that are frequently amplified, has been associated with various types of cancer. The important cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin D1 (CCND1) is an essential driver of the first core region of the Chr11q13 amplicon. Deregulation of CCND1 has been associated with different kinds of human malignancies including lung cancer. The EMSY (c11orf30) gene has been proposed as the possible driver of the fourth core of the 11q13 amplicon and its amplification has been associated with breast and ovarian cancers. There is no report in the literature investigating the EMSY gene in lung cancer. Methods: In this study, expression levels of the EMSY and CCND1 genes were investigated in 85 patients with non small cell lung cancer by Real Time PCR. Results: Expression of the EMSY and CCND1 genes were increased in 56 (65.8%) and 50 (58.8%) of the patients, respectively. Both genes showed a higher expression in the tumors when compared to normal tissues. A strong correlation was present between the expression rates of both genes (p<0.001). Patients with adenocarcinoma had higher expression levels of both genes (p=0.02). Conclusion: We conclude that EMSY and CCND1 work in collaboration and contribute to the pathogenesis of lung cancer.
Continuous and discrete mathematical models of tumor-induced angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, the formation of blood vessels from a pre-existing vasculature, is a process whereby capillary sprouts are formed in response to externally supplied chemical stimuli. The sprouts then grow and develop, driven initially by endothelial-cell migration, and organize themselves into a dendritic structure. Subsequent cell proliferation near the sprout tip permits further extension of the capillary and ultimately completes the process. Angiogenesis occurs during embryogenesis, wound healing, arthritis and during the growth of solid tumors. In this paper we present both continuous and discrete mathematical models which describe the formation of the capillary sprout network in response to chemical stimuli (tumor angiogenic factors, TAF) supplied by a solid tumor. The models also take into account essential endothelial cell-extracellular matrix interactions via the inclusion of the matrix macromolecule fibronectin. The continuous model consists of a system of nonlinear partial differential equations describing the initial migratory response of endothelial cells to the TAF and the fibronectin. Numerical simulations of the system, using parameter values based on experimental data, are presented and compared qualitatively with in vivo experiments. We then use a discretized form of the partial differential equations to develop a biased random-walk model which enables us to track individual endothelial cells at the sprout tips and incorporate anastomosis, mitosis and branching explicitly into the model. The theoretical capillary networks generated by computer simulations of the discrete model are compared with the morphology of capillary networks observed in in vivo experiments.
On the effectiveness of capital controls during the Great Recession: The Brazilian experience (2007–2013)

ABSTRACT In this study, we analyze the impact in Brazil of a tax on external capital flows called “Imposto Sobre Operações Finaceiras” (IOF), by following data on a monthly basis from 2007 to 2013. Our goal is to determine whether a change in tax legislation can produce significant effects on the pattern of financial inflows from abroad. Using univariate structural models, our results show that changes in the IOF produced structural breaks on foreign portfolio investments.
Elements in placenta and pregnancy outcome in arctic and subarctic areas

Objectives. This paper describes a comprehensive assessment of the association of concentrations of essential and toxic elements in maternal and neonatal body fluids and the placenta as predictors of birth weight and newborn body mass index (BMIC) for deliveries in northern Norway and Russia. Study design. A prospective cross-sectional study of delivering women and their outcomes from different locations in Russian and Norwegian arctic and sub-arctic areas. Methods. Life-style information, blood, urine and placenta specimens were collected for 50 consecutive mother-infant pairs from hospital delivery departments in a total of six communities located in Finnmark, Norway, or the western arctic/subarctic regions of Russia. Questionnaire information was collected by individual interviews performed by trained health personnel. Pregnancy outcomes were verified by consulting medical records. Cadmium, copper, iron (as ferritin), nickel, lead, selenium and zinc were measured in maternal blood, serum or maternal urine; and in cord blood, or neonatal urine and placental tissue. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis and ANOVA were employed to explore associations between these clinical chemistry outcomes and birth weight and BMIC. Results. A number of significant relationships were evident between: placental and maternal blood cadmium (p < 0.005); cord and maternal blood lead (p < 0.001); placental and maternal blood lead (p < 0.001); placental and cord-blood lead (p < 0.001); placental and maternal serum, or blood, selenium (p < 0.001); and placental and maternal serum copper (p < 0.001). Maternal body mass index (BMI), maternal age, placental lead, or maternal blood lead, and smoking were retained as predictors of birth weight and BMIC in the multivariate modelling. Birth weights in both countries were normally distributed. Conclusions. Maternal age and BMI as positive predictors of birth weight, and cigarette smoking and lead exposure as negative determinants, are discussed in terms of established evidence and recognized confounders, including maternal genetic factors, socio-economic status, socio-political change, life-style issues, prenatal care and nutrition. It is recommended that future work in societies undergoing socio-economic transition might best focus on preventive measures to improve neonatal health and development. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2004; 63(2):169–187)
Metatarsal Strains Are Sufficient to Cause Fatigue Fracture During Cyclic Overloading

Human in vivo tibial strains during vigorous walking have not been found to exceed 1200 microstrains. These values are below those found in ex vivo studies (>3000 microstrains) to cause cortical bone fatigue failure, suggesting that an intermediate bone remodeling response may be associated with tibial stress fractures. Metatarsal stress fractures, however, often develop before there is time for such a response to occur. Simultaneous in vivo axial strains were measured at the mid diaphysis of the second metatarsal and the tibia in two subjects. Peak axial metatarsal compression strains and strain rates were significantly higher than those of the tibia during treadmill walking and jogging both barefoot and with running shoes and during simple calisthenics. During barefoot treadmill walking metatarsal compression strains were greater than 2500 microstrains. During one- and two-leg vertical jumps and broad jumping, both metatarsal compression and tension strains were >3000 microstrains. Compression and tension strains in the metatarsus unlike those of the tibia may be sufficiently high even during moderate exertional activities to cause fatigue failure of bone secondary to the number of loading cycles without an intermediate bone remodeling response.
Effectiveness Of Justice-Based Measures In Managing Trust And Privacy Concerns On Social Networking Sites: An Intercultural Perspective

The unprecedented success of social networking sites (SNSs) has been recently overshadowed by concerns about privacy risks. As SNS users grow weary of privacy breaches and thus develop distrust, they may restrict or even terminate their platform activities. In the long run, these developments endanger SNS platforms’ financial viability and undermine their ability to create individual and social value. By applying a justice perspective, this study aims to understand the means at the disposal of SNS providers to leverage the privacy concerns and trusting beliefs of their users—two important determinants of user participation on SNSs. Considering that SNSs have a global appeal, empirical tests assess the effectiveness of justice measures for three culturally distinct countries: Germany, Russia and Morocco. The results indicate that these measures are particularly suited to address trusting beliefs of SNS audience. Specifically, in all examined countries, procedural justice and the awareness dimension of informational justice improve perceptions of trust in the SNS provider. Privacy concerns, however, are not as easy to manage, because the impact of justice-based measures on privacy concerns is not universal. Beyond theoretical value, this research offers valuable practical insights into the use of justice-based measures to promote trust and mitigate privacy concerns in a cross-cultural setting.
Empty follicle syndrome prevalence and management in oocyte donors.

STUDY QUESTION Is the drug used for final oocyte maturation a factor in determining the prevalence of empty follicle syndrome (EFS)? SUMMARY ANSWER The drug used for final oocyte maturation is not a factor in determining the prevalence of EFS among women unaffected by infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Despite satisfactory follicular stimulation and adequate follicular development, cases of EFS, i.e. failure to recover any cumulus oocyte complex, have been reported both with hCG and GnRH agonist triggering. No standard management protocol has been proposed so far. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Retrospective analysis of oocyte donation cycles performed between August 2006 and April 2013 in a large private fertility centre. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The analysis included 12 483 oocyte donation cycles of which 74 were EFS cycles. All cycles were triggered with either hCG or GnRH agonists. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE There were no differences in the gonadotropic stimulation, pituitary suppression and triggering drug between cycles where oocytes were recovered successfully and EFS cycles. The total prevalence of EFS was 0.59%. Given the rarity of the syndrome, caution is advised when interpreting the analysis. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The main limitation of this study is its retrospective nature. Although this is the largest analysis of EFS in donors reported so far, its statistical power is limited because the syndrome has a low incidence. In some cycles of EFS from 2006 to 2007 there is a lack of hormone data. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings may be generalized to oocyte donors and IVF patients younger than 35 years old, with cycles undergoing final maturation triggering with either hCG or GnRH agonists. The generalization cannot be extended to patients with an ovarian factor as the cause of their reproductive pathology. The theoretical aetiology of a temporary hypothalamic-pituitary hyposensitivity can explain the cycles where a rescue protocol with hCG has been successful. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported in part by funding from Fundaciò EUGIN. The authors have no conflicts to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NA.
The Impact of Uncertainty Shocks on the Cross-Section of Returns

Historically, value stocks earn higher average returns than growth stocks; however, the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) cannot explain this pattern, which is called the value premium puzzle. This study shows that uncertainty shocks can explain the puzzle. Intuitively, the value of growth options increases with uncertainty. As a result, growth stocks provide a hedge against uncertainty risk and earn lower risk premiums than value stocks. An investment-based asset pricing model augmented with time-varying uncertainty accounts for both the value premium and the empirical failure of the CAPM. This study also shows that uncertainty shocks differentially affect corporate investment, depending on the book-to-market ratio. Value firms reduce their investment more severely than growth firms when uncertainty increases.
The roles of valine 208 and histidine 211 in ligand binding and receptor function of the ovine Mel1a beta melatonin receptor.

Site-directed mutagenesis was used to study two residues, valine 208 and histidine 211, in transmembrane domain 5 of the ovine Mel1a beta melatonin receptor. A series of 4 mutants were constructed (V208A, V208L, H211F, H211L), and each engineered to contain a FLAG-epitope. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that all the mutants were expressed in COS-7 cells at levels comparable to the FLAG-epitope tagged wild-type Mel1a beta receptor (approximately 120 fmol/mg protein). Ligand binding revealed however that all mutants had reduced affinities for 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin (Kd wild-type 139 pM, Kd mutants 320 to 989 pM). Competition studies, with a series of melatonin analogues, identified a probable interaction between histidine 211 and the 5-methoxy group of melatonin. The wild-type receptor and both valine 208 mutants displayed a dose-dependent melatonin mediated inhibition of cyclic AMP levels in HEK293 cells, with IC50 values in the same rank-order as their melatonin binding affinities. Both H211F and H211L, however, did not display any melatonin mediated effects and may suggest that histidine 211 is critical for melatonin mediated receptor activation.
Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Prospective, Randomized Evaluation of Steroids, Latent Phase, and Expectant Management

A prospective, randomized study was conducted comparing the use of betamethasone and early delivery, early delivery alone, and expectant management in patients in the 28th to 34th week of pregnancy with premature rupture of the membranes (PROM). Tocolytic drugs were used to delay delivery until 24 hours had elapsed after the first dose of steroid or 24 to 48 hours of latent period had elapsed in the second group. There were ho significant differences in maternal age, gestation at PROM, maximum maternal temperature, birth weights, maternal hospital days, respiratory distress, maternal sepsis, or delivery routes in the three groups. Comparisons with one other similar prospective, randomized study support the concept that expectant management offers less risk from tocolytic side effects.
Dissociations in Visual Attention Deficits among Persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment

ABSTRACT Impairments in visual attention and visual information processing have been identified as part of the neuropsychological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD), even in its earliest stages. There is increasing recognition that these deficits may be selective rather than global, with some attentional subtypes being more vulnerable than others. The few studies that have investigated attentional deficits in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a putatively prodromal phase of AD, have not satisfactorily addressed the possible selectivity in attentional deficits in MCI. This study examined potential dissociations in visual attention deficits in MCI using a measure that assesses simple, divided, and selective attention. The results indicated a hierarchy of attentional impairments, with divided attention being the most affected and simple attention the least. Among participants with MCI, 53% showed evidence of impairment in divided attention compared to 19% of controls (OR = 4.81, p < .001). Poorer visual attention was also associated with poorer overall cognitive status. The implications of these findings for early identification of MCI, prevention of functional decline in MCI, and delay/reversal of cognitive degradation in MCI are discussed.