Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating chronic kidney disease in rural South Africa: comparing estimated glomerular filtration rate using point-of-care creatinine to iohexol measured GFR

Abstract Objectives The prevalence of chronic kidney disease is rising rapidly in low- and middle-income countries. Serum creatinine and estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are critical diagnostic tools, yet access to centralised laboratory services remains limited in primary care resource-limited settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate point-of-care (POC) technologies for serum creatinine measurement and to compare their performance to a gold standard measurement using iohexol measured GFR (mGFR). Methods POC creatinine was measured using iSTAT® and StatSensor® devices in capillary and venous whole blood, and laboratory creatinine was measured using the compensated kinetic Jaffe method in 670 participants from a rural area in South Africa. GFR estimating equations Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (CKD-EPI and MDRD) for POC and laboratory creatinine were compared to iohexol mGFR. Results Calculated GFR for laboratory and POC creatinine measurements overestimated GFR (positive bias of 1.9–34.1 mL/min/1.73 m2). However, all POC devices had less positive bias than the laboratory Jaffe method (1.9–14.7 vs. 34.1 for MDRD, and 8.4–19.9 vs. 28.6 for CKD-EPI). Accuracy within 30% of mGFR ranged from 0.56 to 0.72 for POC devices and from 0.36 to 0.43 for the laboratory Jaffe method. POC devices showed wider imprecision with coefficients of variation ranging from 4.6 to 10.2% compared to 3.5% for the laboratory Jaffe method. Conclusions POC estimated GFR (eGFR) showed improved performance over laboratory Jaffe eGFR, however POC devices suffered from imprecision and large bias. The laboratory Jaffe method performed poorly, highlighting the need for laboratories to move to enzymatic methods to measure creatinine.
Genetic Approaches for the Treatment of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by progressive, asymmetric muscle weakness at the face, shoulders, and upper limbs, which spreads to the lower body with age. It is the third most common inherited muscular disorder worldwide. Around 20% of patients are wheelchair-bound, and some present with extramuscular manifestations. FSHD is caused by aberrant expression of the double homeobox protein 4 (DUX4) gene in muscle. DUX4 codes for a transcription factor which, in skeletal muscle, dysregulates numerous signaling activities that culminate in cytotoxicity. Potential treatments for FSHD therefore aim to reduce the expression of DUX4 or the activity of its toxic protein product. In this article, we review how genetic approaches such as those based on oligonucleotide and genome editing technologies have been developed to achieve these goals. We also outline the challenges these therapies are facing on the road to translation, and discuss possible solutions and future directions
Beyond community characteristics: a leader's gender and local government adoption of energy conservation practices and redistributive programmes

ABSTRACT Most research examining factors associated with local government adoption of sustainability practices focuses on the impact of community characteristics. Little is known about whether adoption is also related to the characteristics of the leaders in these jurisdictions. To address this gap in the literature, this exploratory study uses data from a national survey of U.S. local governments (n = 1,672) to examine the potential correlation between adoption of certain sustainability practices and the gender of a jurisdiction's highest elected official. Our regression models find that jurisdictions led by women were more likely to have adopted redistributive programmes and practices encouraging community-based energy conservation. But, there is no correlation between a local government's adoption of measures promoting government energy conservation and its leader's gender. Future research should explore whether female leaders’ greater openness to citizen involvement in the policymaking process and women's socialisation to focus on communal rather than individual interests help account for our findings.
Another one breathes the dust. The relation between severe air pollution episodes and school attendance in southern Chile

ABSTRACT The intermediate-sized cities of southern Chile experience days of high pollution levels every winter due to the use of wood-burning stoves. Several studies have analysed the factors that hinder energy transition and the social acceptance of measures to improve air quality, the consequences of which are disturbing. However, they have mainly focused on health issues without considering the social impacts of air pollution. This study aims to assess whether exposure to outdoor air pollution is associated with school absenteeism. We analysed the records of approx. 5,000 students in the fourth grade from 25 schools in five cities in southern Chile (2010–2017). Using a fixed-effects model and applying it to the school level, we were able to estimate the effect of air pollution on absenteeism from school after controlling for the effects of individual characteristics. Previous studies have found that independent of air pollution, students from low-income families have a higher absenteeism rate. Our findings suggest that as air pollution worsens, pupils from middle and high-income households are also more likely to miss school days. We argue that this is, presumably, because high-income families are able to develop protective behaviour such as bringing their children to the doctor or keeping them at home on highly polluted days.
Microstructural evolution of Mg–6Zn–0.6Zr alloy during high strain rate compression deformation

In this study, the microstructural evolution and single magnesium cell deformation behaviour of extruded Mg–6Zn–0.6Zr alloy were investigated along the extrusion direction with strain rate at 1800 s−1 using a split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus. The microstructural evolution and deformation mechanism were studied by X-ray diffraction, electron back scatter diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Analysis of the microstructural evolution shows that <10 0> tension twinning and (0001)<11 0> basal plane slip were dominant when the strain was less than 6%, and <11 3> pyramidal plane slip was the major deformation mechanism when the strain exceeded 6%. In particular, the transformation process of single magnesium crystal cell during deformation was studied in detail.
Institutional intermediaries as legitimizing agents for social enterprise in China and India

ABSTRACT This study conducts a comparative analysis of social enterprise intermediaries in China and India to better understand how they legitimize social enterprises in new settings. To address theoretical weakness in this sphere, it combines several institutional theories to capture disruptions created by institutional innovation and also legitimizing processes. Drawing on data collected from surveys, interviews, and websites in each country, it finds that intermediaries mitigate negative and leverage positive influences of external institutions though their strategies vary due to country differences in institutional pressures. This information is key to building intermediaries’ capacity to institutionalize social enterprises as new institutional actors.
Student Voices: Child Perspectives on the Impact of Working With Teacher Candidates via Clinically Based Teacher Preparation Programs

ABSTRACT This study seeks to understand the perspectives of children who work with teacher candidates in classrooms that partner with clinically based teacher preparation programs. Researchers interviewed 32 third- and fourth-grade students who work with teacher candidates. The study presents the little-heard voices of children, who spend considerable time with teacher candidates during clinical field experiences and whose perspectives contribute meaningfully to what is known about implementation of clinically based teacher preparation. The findings reveal that children perceive that teacher candidates have a positive impact on student learning outcomes and school culture by providing needed emotional and behavior support, contributing to lowered student-teacher ratios, and increasing perceptions of a safe school environment. The findings fill a void in the research literature and inform implementation of effective clinically based teacher preparation programming.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Diabetes Mellitus Are Associated With Post–Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Renal Dysfunction: An Advancing Liver Therapeutic Approaches Group Study

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an effective intervention for portal hypertensive complications, but its effect on renal function is not well characterized. Here we describe renal function and characteristics associated with renal dysfunction at 30 days post‐TIPS. Adults with cirrhosis who underwent TIPS at 9 hospitals in the United States from 2010 to 2015 were included. We defined “post‐TIPS renal dysfunction” as a change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR) ≤−15 and eGFR ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or new renal replacement therapy (RRT) at day 30. We identified the characteristics associated with post‐TIPS renal dysfunction by logistic regression and evaluated survival using adjusted competing risk regressions. Of the 673 patients, the median age was 57 years, 38% of the patients were female, 26% had diabetes mellitus, and the median MELD‐Na was 17. After 30 days post‐TIPS, 66 (10%) had renal dysfunction, of which 23 (35%) required new RRT. Patients with post‐TIPS renal dysfunction, compared with those with stable renal function, were more likely to have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; 33% versus 17%; P = 0.01) and comorbid diabetes mellitus (42% versus 24%; P = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regressions showed NAFLD (odds ratio [OR], 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00‐4.17; P = 0.05), serum sodium (Na; OR, 1.06 per mEq/L; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.12; P = 0.03), and diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.16‐3.61; P = 0.01) were associated with post‐TIPS renal dysfunction. Competing risk regressions showed that those with post‐TIPS renal dysfunction were at a higher subhazard of death (subhazard ratio, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.18‐2.56; P = 0.01). In this large, multicenter cohort, we found NAFLD, diabetes mellitus, and baseline Na associated with post‐TIPS renal dysfunction. This study suggests that patients with NAFLD and diabetes mellitus undergoing TIPS evaluation may require additional attention to cardiac and renal comorbidities before proceeding with the procedure.
A murine model of dengue virus infection in suckling C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice

Dengue is a significant public health concern across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, principally causing disease in children. Very young children are at increased risk of severe manifestations of dengue infection. The mechanism of dengue disease in this population is not fully understood. In this study, we present a murine model of dengue virus primary infection in suckling C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice in order to investigate disease pathogenesis. Three‐day‐old C57BL/6 mice intraperitoneally infected with DENV‐2 NGC were more susceptible to infection than BALB/c mice, showing increased liver enzymes, extended viremia, dissemination to organs and histological alterations in liver and small intestine. Furthermore, the immune response in DENV‐infected C57BL/6 mice exhibited a marked Th1 bias compared to BALB/c mice. These findings highlight the possibility of establishing an immunocompetent mouse model of DENV‐2 infection in suckling mice that reproduces certain signs of disease observed in humans and that could be used to further study age‐related mechanisms of dengue pathogenesis.
Trace metal retention on biogenic manganese oxide nanoparticles

Manganese oxides produced by microorganisms are abundant environmental nanoparticles whose high retention capacity for toxic trace metals, especially lead, is well established. Until very recently, our knowledge of the molecular-scale structure and reactivity of these biogenic Mn4+ oxide minerals was inferred from studies of synthetic analogues prepared in the laboratory. However, biogenic Mn oxides and their reactions with trace metals now can be investigated directly using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, thus bringing new insights into the molecular mechanisms behind the very high scavenging efficiency of these minerals. This new knowledge has important implications for the remediation of trace metal contamination.
WHAT RATE STRUCTURE FOR A VALUE-ADDED TAX?

To lessen the regressivity of their valueadded taxes, member countries of the European Economic Community (EEC), except Denmark, impose lower than general rates on products regarded as essential. To introduce a progressive element, three countries also levy higher than general rates on luxury articles. Drawing on experience with the value-added tax in the Netherlands, the author of this article argues that reduced or increased rates make little sense; instead a unified rate is proposed. His observations should carry weight in countries that may consider the adoption of a value-added tax at some future date, as well as in countries that already have such a tax but contemplate changing the rate structure.
CAPITAL INCOME TAXATION AND EFFICIENCY IN THE ALLOCATION OF INVESTMENT

jor categories. One efficiency loss results from the distortion in the price of present versus future consumption and depends on the aggregate tax burden on capital income. The second type of efficiency loss can occur from the misallocation of capital when different sources of capital income are taxed at differential rates. In the latter case, the standard distortion addressed in the literature has been the
THE DEDUCTIBILITY OF STATE AND LOCAL TAXES

The paper analyzes the much-debated tax reform proposal to eliminate the deductibility of state-local taxes. This change would appear to hurt high income itemizers and not low income non-itemizers, but for two separate trickle down effects. One involves the possibility that state-local spending will decline as a result of the higher effective tax price; the other the possibility that rich itemizers will leave low income communities. The paper analyzes both effects with micro data on taxes, incomes, and demand for public spending in various communities, and finds them, and the losses to low income people from an elimination of deductibility, to be relatively modest. It also suggests some partial elimination provisions that seem attractive on equity and efficiency grounds.
Influence des variants génétiques de la β-lactoglobuline et de la κ-caséine sur la composition du lait et son aptitude fromagère

Resume L'etude porte sur l'influence du polymorphisme genetique de la ~-lactoglobuline (~-Lg) et de la x-caseine (K-Cn) sur la composition du lait et ses aptitudes a la coagulation et a la transformation fromagere. Quatre-vingt-trois fabrications de type Camembert au lait cru ont ete realisees au laboratoire a partir du lait de 230 vaches Pie Noire. Huit combinaisons genetiques de la ~-Lg et de la K-Cn ont ete etudiees; les mesures ont porte sur la composition physico-chimique des laits de fabrication, cailles et serums, les parametres d'aptitude a la coagulation mesures a l'aide d'un Formagraph et les bilans et pourcentages de recuperation des matieres lors des fabrications. L'influence positive du genotype BB et de la ~-Lg est mise en evidence essentiellement sur le taux de caseines du lait (+ 4,7% par rapport au genotype AA) et sur la retention des matieres azotees totales dans le caille (+ 2,9%). Le genotype BB de la K-Cn exerce des effets benefiques plus marques, notamment sur le temps de coagulation des laits et la fermete maximale des gels (respectivement -24% et +37% par rapport a l'homozygote AA), expliques notamment par une composition proteique plus favorable. Il en resulte une meilleure recuperation des constituants du lait dans les cailles BB en K-Cn. Le genotype AB occupe une position intermediaire. L'analyse factorielle discriminante souligne le caractere additif de l'interaction entre les variants genetiques de la ~-Lg et de la K-Cn. Un classement de qualite fromagere est propose, le double homozygote BB en ~-Lg/BB en K-Cn occupant la place la plus favorable.
THE EFFECTS OF INFLATION ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES

Much concern has been voiced in recent years over both the rapid growth in local government expenditures and the impact of inflation on the local economy. However, only recently have the interrelations between these changes been systematically analyzed. The purpose of this study is to derive an index of inflation for New York City government expenditures, and to apply that index to estimate the extent to which inflation has affected these expenditures. The findings of this analysis indicate that while there is a good deal of variation among the functional categories of expenditures, approximately 30 per cent of the growth in New York City total expenditures between 1965 and 1972 can be attributed to inflationary price increases. In total only slightly more than half of the expenditure increase can be attributed to increases in the quantities of goods and services provided by New York City government.
THE COMPLIANCE COST OF THE U.S. INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX SYSTEM: A SECOND LOOK AFTER TAX REFORM

SIMPLIFICATION cipal objectives was of the one tax of the reform principal objectives of th ax reform movement of the 1980's that culminated in the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (TRA86). To emphasize the importance of simplification, the Treasury Department's November 1984 proposal was entitled Tax Reform for Fairness, Simplicity and Economic Growth. Whether there was much, if any, simplification in the bill that resulted from nearly two years of subsequent debate has been hotly contested. Certainly some aspects of TRA86 were simplifying, and other aspects were complicating; it is the net result that is controversial. In this paper we attempt to provide a quantitative answer to that question for the individual income tax. Comparing data from surveys of compliance cost conducted in 1982 and 1989, we will conclude that tax reform did not reverse the growth in compliance costs in the 1980,s. To reach that conclusion, we proceed as follows. In the first section we briefly review the compliance cost literature, stressing the recent contributions, and discuss the kinds of activities and expenditures which are relevant. The second section describes the sample and our survey instrument. The results are presented and discussed in the third and fourth sections, and conclusions are presented in the final section.
BOND MARKET CONDITIONS AND STATE-LOCAL CAPITAL SPENDING

The municipal bond market finances state and local government capital outlays, thus transmitting policy actions (particularly tax-exemption) to affect statelocal investment. How important is this channel? In the context of an aggregate model designed to emphasize economic incentives, the evidence suggests that tax policy has a substantial impact on municipal bond yields and the quantity of debt finance. There is little effect, however, on investment spending. Instead, capital outlays are most influenced by economic resources and the demographic components of demand, suggesting that capital grants are an efficacious means of raising capital accumulation. In addition, a research strategy focusing on economic incentives appears a promising area for further research.
TAX AMNESTY: THE FEDERAL PERSPECTIVE

WITHIN a groundswell the past of year, support there for, has or been at a grounds e l of support for, or at least talk about, a Federal tax amnesty. Over a dozen bills have been introduced in the House or the Senate which include some form of tax amnesty.1 This talk has been generated by the apparent success of several state tax amnesties, by the large revenues supposedly obtainable from a Federal amnesty, and by the need to meet the budget deficit reduction targets mandated by the Gramm-Rudman budget-balancing legislation. Potential amnesty revenue seems to have been and may continue to be the most important factor driving this public discussion. Amnesty revenue would be at least a partial alternative to cutting government spending or increasing Federal taxes. Moreover, amnesty revenue would not come from good, honest, overburdened taxpayers, but from freeloaders who have not been paying their fair shares of the tax burden. If such a scenario is correct, a Federal tax amnesty would be like a free lunch. This article reviews some of the factors that should be considered in evaluating the wisdom of a Federal tax amnesty. The first of its six sections defines tax amnesty. The second outlines the basic arguments for and against amnesty. The third section reviews the differences between state and Federal tax systems that may affect the extent to which state experience is applicable at the Federal level. The fourth explains the concept of net amnesty revenue and outlines how state experience might be used to estimate the magnitude of the revenue from a Federal tax amnesty. The fifth section tries to place potential Federal amnesty revenue into perspective by reviewing the amount and composition of Federal noncompliance. The sixth and final section summarizes the
THE DETERMINANTS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT POLICE EXPENDITURES: A PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT APPROACH

Explanation of the level of local government police expenditures is generally drawn from the results of empirical analyses. However, the assumptions of the underlying statistical model are not realistic for the police function and as a consequence the regression results do not provide useful clues as to the reasons for either the rapid growth in police spending and employment or the wide variation in per capita expenditures among cities. This paper shows—within the context of a traditional consumer maximization model—how the socio-economic characteristics and fiscal capacities of a community determine the level of police expenditures through the effects of these characteristics on the level of police wages and employment. The model is developed by combining an existing body of public finance research with a growing body of labor economics research dealing with the state and local government sector, particularly with estimating the employment demand function and the determinants of the wage rate. Our results suggest that important explanatory variables have been excluded from earlier expenditure determinants studies and have led to serious problems in interpreting statistical results. Moreover, our estimation of a structural model facilitates interpretation of the contributions of supply and demand variables to public expenditure levels as well as enabling us to trace exogenous shocks through the model to their ultimate effects on employment, compensation and expenditure levels.
Calculation of the Liquid Bridge Volume and Bulk Saturation from the Half‐filling Angle

The volume of a liquid bridge between two spherical particles can be used to calculate the critical separation distance and the rupture energy. There exist a number of explicit but very complex equations for the calculation of the bridge volume as a function of the half-filling angle. In this paper, an empirical equation is presented that strongly simplifies these calculations. In addition, the presented approach leads to a calculation of the half-filling angle from the bulk liquid saturation which may be used for the estimation of the tensile strength of a wet powder.