Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ocular Health Status of Chemical Industrial Workers

Background. Approximately 1.2 million workers are employed within chemical industries throughout South Africa. Very little basic data exists regarding the ocular health status and prevalence of occupationally related eye disorders of these workers. Method. A questionnaire was administered and an ocular health examination was carried out on 78 workers in a chemical factory. Workers and the ocular disorders found were then classified according to those exposed and those not exposed to chemicals. Results. Ocular disorders were more prevalent in exposed workers (73.1 %) than in nonexposed workers (43.6%). Statistically significant differences between exposed and nonexposed workers were found with respect to the prevalence of certain anterior segment disorders, viz., tear disorders, dry eye conditions, allergic conjunctivitis, and conjunctival melanosis. In respect to the prevalence of ocular disorders found, 40.8% were attributed to occupational exposure to chemicals. Conclusion. This pilot study shows that further research is required to explore the causeeffect relation between chemical exposure and development of certain anterior segment disorders. Occupational exposure to chemicals should be reduced and exposure protocols at work need to be revised in order to reduce the prevalence of occupationally related eye disorders.
The Functional Neuroanatomy of Spatial Attention in Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study investigated the functional neuroanatomical correlates of spatial attention impairments in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) using an event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) design. Eight ASD participants and 8 normal comparison (NC) participants were tested with a task that required stimulus discrimination following a spatial cue that preceded target presentation by 100 msec (short interstimulus interval [ISI]) or 800 msec (long ISI). The ASD group showed significant behavioral spatial attention impairment in the short ISI condition. The FMRI results showed a reduction in activity within frontal, parietal, and occipital regions in ASD relative to the NC group, most notably within the inferior parietal lobule. ASD behavioral performance improved in the long ISI condition but was still impaired relative to the NC group. ASD FMRI activity in the long ISI condition suggested that the rudimentary framework of normal attention networks were engaged in ASD including bilateral activation within the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes. Notable activation increases were observed in the superior parietal lobule and extrastriate cortex. No reliable activation was observed in the posterior cerebellar vermis in ASD participants during either long or short ISI conditions. In addition, no frontal activation during short ISI and severely reduced frontal activation during long ISI was observed in the ASD group. Taken together, these findings suggest a dysfunctional cerebello-frontal spatial attention system in ASD. The pattern of findings suggests that ASD is associated with a profound deficit in automatic spatial attention abilities and abnormal voluntary spatial attention abilities. This article also describes a method for reducing the contribution of physical eye movements to the blood-oxygenation level dependent activity in studies of ASD.
The influence of demographics on real interest rates and house prices

This paper complements and extends the research of Lu & Teulings (2016). I investigate the effect of demographics on real interest rates and house prices for six developed countries by using their stylized overlapping generations model. The current demographic structures, which consist i.a. of a baby boom followed by smaller cohorts, are far from a balanced growth path, in which real interest rates would equal population growth. The relatively large cohort causes the population to be biased towards saving. Oversaving results in the real interest rate undershooting the new lower population growth/decline. The low real interest rates are most likely to stay until 2030. This result is backed by observing Japan where the demographic transition took place 15 years earlier. Finally, I find that the growth of a bubble is a natural and efficient response to the asset shortage and low interest rates and consistent with the observed increase in real house prices over the past decades.
Stereoselective Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Anti-Asthma Agents

OBJECTIVE: To review the previously published studies on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chiral drugs used in the treatment of asthma. DATA SOURCES: Primary and review articles were identified with a MEDLINE search (1980–May 2001) and through secondary sources. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All English-language studies and reviews obtained from the MEDLINE search pertaining to stereoselective pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chiral anti-asthma drugs were assessed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Several anti-asthma drugs (e.g., β2-adrenergic agonists, leukotriene modifiers) are chiral and marketed as racemates, which consist of equal proportions of 2 enantiomers. Significant stereoselectivity has also been reported in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the β2-agonists. The enantiomers of β2-agonists in the R configuration are primarily responsible for the bronchodilating effects of the racemate. The plasma concentrations of the enantiomers of anti-asthma drugs may differ as a reflection of stereoselectivity in clearance, volume of distribution, and route of administration. CONCLUSIONS: Stereoselectivity in the pharmacokinetics of anti-asthma drugs may complicate the relationship between dose and/or plasma concentration of racemic drug versus effect relationship. An appreciation of the stereoselective pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chiral anti-asthma drugs may optimize the use of these agents in asthmatic patients.
Value of right ventricular-left ventricular interlead electrical delay to predict reverse remodelling in cardiac resynchronization therapy: the INTER-V pilot study.

AIMS Few studies have systematically evaluated the value of intra-procedural parameters in predicting response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We investigated whether intracardiac (electrogram) measurements of electrical delays between the positioned right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) leads at implantation could predict the mid-term CRT response. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty-two patients underwent CRT implantation according to standard techniques and clinical indications. The RV-LV interlead electrical delay measured during spontaneous rhythm and the difference between the pacing-induced (Deltap) RV-LV interlead electrical delays measured during RV and LV pacing were defined intraoperatively using the electrical depolarizations registered at the ventricular leads on the device programmer. At 6 months, a reduction of LV end-systolic volume > or = 15% was used to define CRT responders. Responders (62%), when compared with non-responders, showed a higher proportion of ischaemic aetiology (P = 0.007) and a lower value of DeltapRV-LV interlead electrical delay (22.1 +/- 18.4 vs. 46.3 +/- 15.0 ms, P = 0.0001). At multivariate analysis, the DeltapRV-LV interlead electrical delay was the only independent predictor of response to CRT (P = 0.001). For such a parameter, the receiving operating characteristic curve analysis identified a cut-off value of 42 ms corresponding with the highest accuracy: sensitivity 90.6%; specificity 70%; positive and negative predictive value 83% and 82%, respectively. Conversely, no difference was ascertained between responders and non-responders when RV-LV interlead electrical delay was measured during spontaneous rhythm (76.1 +/- 28.5 vs. 89.6 +/- 21.2, P = 0.078). CONCLUSION Intraprocedural measuring of paced RV-LV interlead electrical delay obtained during RV and LV pacing predicts mid-term CRT response.
PARASITES AND THE EVOLUTION OF SELF‐FERTILIZATION

Abstract. — Assuming all else is equal, an allele for selfing should spread when rare in an outcrossing population and rapidly reach fixation. Such an allele will not spread, however, if self‐fertilization results in inbreeding depression so severe that the fitness of selfed offspring is less that half that of outcrossed offspring. Here we consider an ecological force that may also counter the spread of a selfing allele: coevolution with parasites. Computer simulations were conducted for four different genetic models governing the details of infection. Within each of these models, we varied both the level of selfing in the parasite and the level of male‐gamete discounting in the host (i.e., the reduction in outcrossing fitness through male function due to the selfing allele). We then sought the equilibrium level of host selfing under the different conditions. The results show that, over a wide range of conditions, parasites can select for host reproductive strategies in which both selfed and outcrossed progeny are produced (mixed mating). In addition, mixed mating, where it exits, tends to be biased toward selfing.
Interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed antepartum women: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE Antenatal depression, a substantial risk factor for postpartum depression, occurs in 10% of pregnant women, but no clinical treatment trials of antenatal depression exist. In an effort to establish treatment guidelines for depression during pregnancy, the author reports on a treatment program using interpersonal psychotherapy for antepartum depression. METHOD A 16-week open pilot trial conducted with 13 pregnant women who met DSM-III-R criteria for major depression. RESULTS The women's mean depression ratings decreased significantly from week 0 to week 16 of the treatment program. CONCLUSIONS Interpersonal psychotherapy for antepartum depression appears to be an effective alternative to pharmacotherapy in pregnancy. This study served as a pilot for an ongoing controlled clinical treatment trial.
Evidence for the Presence of Myosin I in the Nucleus*

We produced and affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies to adrenal myosin I. These antibodies recognize adrenal myosin I by Western blot analysis (116 kDa) and inhibit the actin-activated ATPase activity of purified adrenal myosin I. They also recognize a 120-kDa protein in extracts prepared from many different cell lines. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated the presence of immunoreactive material in the perinuclear region, the leading edges, and the nuclei of 3T3 cells. Fluorescence microscopy also demonstrated nuclear staining in mouse oocytes at the germinal vesicle stage and in the pronuclei during fertilization. Confocal and immunoelectron microscopy confirmed the intranuclear localization. Electron microscopy also demonstrated staining of structures in nucleoli that are thought to be associated with rDNA transcription. Western blot analyses revealed the presence of the 120-kDa protein in extracts prepared from nuclei that are apparently free of cytosolic contamination. The same nuclear protein binds 125I-calmodulin and is photoaffinity labeled with [α-32P]ATP. The 120-kDa protein was partially purified from twice washed nuclei using ammonium sulfate fractionation and gel filtration chromatography. Column fractions containing 120-kDa protein as revealed by Western blot analysis also contain K+-EDTA ATPase activity. The 120-kDa protein was also shown to bind actin in the absence, but not the presence, of ATP. Since K+-EDTA ATPase activity, actin, and ATP binding are defining features of the members of the myosin superfamily of proteins, we propose that the 120-kDa protein is a previously undescribed myosin I isoform that is an intranuclear actin-based molecular motor.
State reconstructor for real-time freeway ramp metering

The work presented in this paper aims to solve the problem of isolated ramp metering in the case of unavailable (not measured) traffic state variables (density and mean speed). A state reconstructor is then proposed and a systematic approach is developed for real time freeway ramp metering. The state reconstructor is developed using a second order sliding mode observer, while the control algorithm is based on the concept of differential flatness. Numerical simulations demonstrate the relevance of the provided algorithm for both state reconstructor and control of freeway networks.
Stakeholder Corporate Social Responsibility Orientation Congruence, Entrepreneurial Orientation and Environmental Performance of Chinese Small and Medium‐Sized Enterprises

Stakeholder studies have discovered that strong stakeholder corporate social responsibility (CSR) orientation can motivate firms to engage better in environmental activities. However, when multiple stakeholders are involved, strong yet incongruent stakeholder pressure may not lead to improved environmental performance. The authors integrate complexity science with stakeholder management theory to address this issue. Using a sample of 149 Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises, they find that the average stakeholder's CSR orientation improves environmental strengths, but generates an inverted U-shaped relationship with environmental concerns. Further, results indicate that the congruence in stakeholders’ CSR orientation enhances this inverted U-shaped relationship, and that the moderating impact of congruence is weaker when entrepreneurial orientation is higher.
Dose ratios between high dose oral morphine or equivalents and oral methadone.

BACKGROUND Methadone is a commonly used opioid in hospice and palliative care for patients with refractory pain. Various methadone dose conversion methods utilize progressively higher morphine equivalent dose (MED) to methadone dose ratios to compensate for increased methadone potency with escalating opioid doses. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the dose ratio between equianalgesic doses of high dose oral morphine (daily doses >1200 mg morphine or MED) and oral methadone. METHODS This study was a retrospective chart review of 324 patients who received methadone at Strong Memorial Hospital or the associated outpatient clinic during a nine-month period in 2011. Ten patients met the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the pain scale scores. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess level of correlation between morphine dose and methadone dose. RESULTS Patients rotated to methadone from high opioid doses had a two-point improvement in median pain scale scores after conversion (p=0.039). However, there was no correlation identified for patients taking daily doses >1200 mg oral morphine or MED prior to methadone rotation (p=0.19). There were no reported methadone adverse effects during the study. CONCLUSIONS No correlation was identified between high MED doses and methadone at dose stabilization after opioid rotation. A fixed maximum methadone dose of 30 mg/day produced clinically meaningful improvements in pain scores without adverse drug effects. Caution should be exercised before considering rotation to methadone doses higher than 30 mg/day in a patient receiving >1200 mg oral MED/day.
Changes in tumour oxygenation during fractionated hyperthermia and radiation therapy in spontaneous canine sarcomas

Tumour oxygenation was measured in seven canine soft tissue sarcomas being treated with a fractionated course of radiation and hyperthermia. Measurements obtained during treatment were compared to pre-treatment measurements. The most important finding was an increase in oxygenation in tumours with low pre-treatment oxygenation that persisted throughout treatment. This is an advantageous hyperthermia effect as it may lead to increased radiation cell killing at each fraction. In other tumours, potentially less advantageous changes in oxygenation may be hyperthermia fractionation related and this deserves further investigation.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: day-care versus clinical observation.

OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility and desirability of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in day-care versus LC with clinical observation. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been performed regularly as outpatient surgery in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease in the United States, but this has not been generally accepted in Europe. The main objections are the risk of early severe complications (bleeding) or other reasons for readmission, and the argument that patients might feel safer when observed for one night. Quality-of-life differences hitherto have not been investigated. METHODS Eighty patients (American Society of Anesthesiology [ASA] I/II) with symptomatic gallstones were randomized to receive LC either in day-care or with clinical observation. Complications, (re)admissions, consultations of general practitioners or the day-care center within 4 days after surgery, use of pain medication, quality of life, convalescence period, time off from professional activities, and treatment preference were assessed. The respective costs of day-care and clinical observation were determined. RESULTS Of the 37 patients assigned to the day-care group who underwent elective surgery, 92% were discharged successfully after an observation period of 5.7+/-0.2 hours. The remainder of the patients in this group were admitted to the hospital and clinically observed for 24 hours. For the 37 patients in the clinical observation group who underwent elective surgery, the observation time after surgery was 31+/-3 hours. Three patients in the day-care group and one patient in the clinical observation group had complications after surgery. None of the patients in either group consulted a general practitioner or the hospital during the first week after surgery. Use of pain medication was comparable in both groups over the first 48 hours after surgery. There were no differences in pain and other quality-of-life indicators between the groups during the 6 weeks of follow-up. Of the patients in the day-care group, 92% preferred day-care to clinical observation. The same percentage of patients in the clinical observation group preferred at least 24 hours of observation to day-care. Costs for the day-care patients were substantially lower (approximately $750/patient) than for the clinical observation patients. CONCLUSION Effectiveness was equal in both patient groups, and both groups appeared to be satisfied with their treatment. Because no differences were found with respect to the other outcomes, day-care is the preferred treatment in most ASA I and II patients because it is less expensive.
PRAKTIK KEPEMIMPINAN ISLAM (STUDI FENOMENOLOGI PADA MANAJER RUMAH SAKIT PKU MUHAMMADIYAH TEMANGGUNG)

Basically, in Islamic perspective every human being is a leader whether for himself or another. Leadership someday will be counted in the presence of Allah SWT. Therefore, an Islamic leader is prohibited to act according to his will and his group but must follow the rules derived from Al-quran and As-sunnah. The main purpose of this research is to analyze and discuss the implementation of Islamic values in leadership functions. The method used in this research is qualitative and phenomenology study approach. The method is choosen in order to archive the participant’s life experience related to the phenomenon of Islamic leadership in RS PKU Muhammadiyah Temanggung. In attempt to collect the data, this research uses interview, observation, and documentation within a certain period of time. The finding of this research shows that managers of RS PKU Muhammadiyah Temanggung apply Islamic values such as siddiq (truthful), amanah (trustworthy), tabligh (deliver), and fatanah (smart) in instructive, consultative, control, and exemplary leadership functions.
Different α1-Adrenergic Receptor Sequences Required for Activating Different Gα Subunits of Gq Class of G Proteins (*)

In order to understand the specific interactions between receptors and guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G proteins), we attempted to delineate the α1B-adrenergic receptor sequences involved in activation of the α subunits of the Gq class of G proteins. A number of specific mutations were introduced into the third inner loop of the receptor, and the mutants were tested for their abilities to activate different Gα subunits of the Gq class. Our results indicate that the receptor sequences required for activating Gαq/11, Gα14, or Gα16 are different. The sequence extending from residues Lys240to His252is required for activation of Gαq/11, but not for activation of Gα14 or Gα16. Two segments in the third loop of the receptor are required for activation of Gα14: one is located at the N terminus of the loop ending at residue Asn226, and the other is located at the C terminus of the loop starting from residue Ser278. The latter contains a BB XXB motif, which is apparently critical for Gα14 coupling, but not for Gα16 or Gαq/11 coupling. Furthermore, the three amino acids stretch (Tyr217to Val219) included in the N-terminal segment is not only required for Gα14 coupling, but also for Gαq/11 coupling. It may be involved to some extent in Gα16 coupling as well.
Age, disease, and changing sex hormone levels in middle-aged men: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study.

To evaluate the hypothesis that endocrine profiles change with aging independently of specific disease states, we examined the age trends of 17 major sex hormones, metabolites, and related serum proteins in 2 large groups of adult males drawn from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, a population-based cross-sectional survey of men aged 39-70 yr conducted in 1986-89. Group 1 consisted of 415 men who were free of obesity, alcoholism, all prescription medication, prostate problems, and chronic illness (cancer, coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and ulcer). Group 2 consisted of 1294 men who reported 1 or more of the above conditions. Each age trend was satisfactorily described by a constant percent change per yr between ages 39-70 yr. Free testosterone declined by 1.2%/yr, and albumin-bound testosterone by 1.0%/yr. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), the major serum carrier of testosterone, increased by 1.2%/yr, with the net effect that total serum testosterone declined more slowly (0.4%/yr) than the free or albumin-bound pools alone. Among the major androgens and metabolites, androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol (androstanediol; 0.8%/yr) and androstanediol glucuronide (0.6%/yr) declined less rapidly than free testosterone, while 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone remained essentially constant between ages 39-70 yr. Androstenedione declined at 1.3%/yr, a rate comparable to that of free testosterone, while the adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (3.1%/yr) and its sulfate (2.2%/yr) declined 2-3 times more rapidly. The levels of testosterone, SHBG, and several androgen metabolites followed a parallel course in groups 1 and 2, remaining consistently 10-15% lower in group 2 across the age range of the study. Subgroup analyses suggested that obese subjects might be responsible for much of the group difference in androgen level. Serum concentrations of estrogens and cortisol did not change significantly with age or differ between groups. Of the pituitary gonadotropins, FSH increased at 1.9%/yr, LH increased at 1.3%/yr, and PRL declined at 0.4%/yr, with no significant difference between groups 1 and 2. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)