Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Time-integrated blood lead concentration is a valid surrogate for estimating the cumulative lead dose assessed by tibial lead measurement.

The concentration of lead in tibia (Pb-T) was measured in vivo by a 109Cd K-shell X-ray fluorescence technique in 123 workers from a primary lead smelter (age: mean, 45 years; range, 30-61; duration of employment: mean, 20 years; range, 7-45). Their cumulative blood lead index (CBLI) was also calculated on the basis of the blood lead (Pb-B) records available from the company's medical files. Geometric mean for Pb-T was 49 micrograms Pb/g bone mineral (range, 15-167). The company's health surveillance programs, implemented since 1945, resulted in Pb-B values which rarely exceeded 70 micrograms Pb/dl whole blood. Pb-B at the time of Pb-T measurement averaged 31 micrograms Pb/dl (range, 6-62) and the geometric mean for CBLI amounted to 803 micrograms Pb/dl x year (range, 220-2130). Despite various assumptions and uncertainties inherent in the assessment of the cumulative lead dose through Pb-T measurement or CBLI calculation, the relation between both variables in the present lead smelter populations is very strong (rpearson = 0.80, P < 0.0001; age explained at the most 9.5% of the variance). The slope of the regression equation of log Pb-T vs log CBLI showed that a doubling of CBLI also corresponds to doubling of Pb-T. It may be concluded that a sound calculation of CBLI represents a valid surrogate for estimating the life time integrated dose of lead as assessed by the measurement of cortical bone lead (e.g., in tibia).
The involvement of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the locomotor stimulation produced by (+)-amphetamine in naive and dopamine-depleted mice.

The interaction between (+)-amphetamine and dopamine (DA) D1 and D2 receptors was investigated. In naïve mice, i.e., mice with intact stores of DA, both the selective D1 antagonist SCH23390 and the selective D2 antagonist spiperone blocked the locomoter stimulation produced by (+)-amphetamine. The selective D1 agonist SKF38393 (6 mg/kg intraperitoneally) did not produce a consistent dose-dependent effect on the response to (+)-amphetamine in naïve mice. In mice depleted of DA with reserpine 24 hr before a challenge with (+)-amphetamine, neither SCH23390 nor spiperone were completely effective in blocking (+)-amphetamine. A combination of spiperone plus SCH23390 was, however, more effective than either drug alone, although significant activity remained even after the combination. In mice pretreated with reserpine and various doses of alpha methyl-p-tyrosine (alpha MPT, intraperitoneally), the degree of stimulation produced by (+)-amphetamine was dependent on the amount and frequency of alpha MPT dosage - the higher and more frequent the dose, the more effective the blockade. In these animals, both SKF38393 and the selective D2 agonist quinpirole potentiated the stimulation induced by (+)-amphetamine when the dose of alpha MPT was not maximal. However, in those animals pretreated with reserpine plus two doses each of 400 mg/kg alpha MPT, neither SKF38393 nor quinpirole were effective in potentiating (+)-amphetamine. Nevertheless, when SKF38393 and quinpirole were administered simultaneously to these mice, marked locomotor stimulation occurred implying that the pretreatment itself had not rendered the mice incapable of locomotion. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Big Data and changes in audit technology: contemplating a research agenda

This study explores the most recent episode in the evolution of audit technology, namely the incorporation of Big Data and Data Analytics (BDA) into audit firm approaches. Drawing on 22 interviews with individuals with significant experience in developing, implementing or assessing the impact of BDA in auditing, together with publicly available documents on BDA published within the audit field, the paper provides a holistic overview of BDA-related changes in audit practice. In particular, the paper focuses on three key aspects, namely the impact of BDA on the nature of the relationship between auditors and their clients; the consequences of the technology for the conduct of audit engagements and the common challenges associated with embedding BDA in the audit context. The study’s empirical findings are then used to establish an agenda of areas suitable for further research on the topic. The study is one of the first empirical accounts providing a perspective on the rise of BDA in auditing.
Access to coronary catheterisation: fair shares for all?

OBJECTIVE--To determine the effects of patient's sex and area's material deprivation on utilisation rates of coronary catheterisation and angiography in the investigation of ischaemic heart disease. DESIGN--Retrospective analysis of routinely collected hospital statistics. SETTING--Acute hospitals throughout Northern Ireland. SUBJECTS--24,179 episodes of patients discharged from hospital with a primary diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease and 1270 episodes relating to patients with an underlying diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease who had either coronary catheterisation or angiography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Age standardised admission rates for heart disease and age standardised utilisation rates for catheterisation or angiography, or both, for 566 electoral wards ranked by Townsend "deprivation" scores. RESULTS--Catheterisation-angiography rates in men were over fivefold those of women, ranging from 85.5/100,000 v 16/100,000 in patients from "well off" areas to 123/100,000 v 22/100,000 for patients from deprived areas. After admission rates for heart disease were controlled for, the overall rate ratio for women was 0.48 (95% confidence interval 0.38 to 0.60). After differential admission rates for heart disease and other potential clinical confounders were controlled for, the investigation rates of patients from the least and most "deprived" areas were not significantly different (rate ratio 1.04 (0.87 to 1.25)). CONCLUSION--Although investigation rates were significantly lower in women than in men, further clinical data would be required before labelling this underutilisation as evidence of bias. There was no significant difference in invasive investigation rates for heart disease in areas of varying deprivation or affluence.
ELECTRON PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE AND FLUORESCENCE IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION-BASED INVESTIGATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL DOSES FOR PERSONS LIVING AT METLINO IN THE UPPER REACHES OF THE TECHA RIVER

Waterborne releases to the Techa River from the Mayak Production Association in Russia during 1949–1956 resulted in significant doses to persons living downstream; the most contaminated village was Metlino, about 7 km from the site of release. Internal and external doses have been estimated for these residents using the Techa River Dosimetry System-2000 (TRDS-2000); the primary purpose is to support epidemiological studies of the members of the Extended Techa River Cohort. Efforts to validate the calculations of external and internal dose are considered essential. One validation study of the TRDS-2000 system has been performed by the comparison of calculated doses to quartz from bricks in old buildings at Metlino with those measured by luminescence dosimetry. Two additional methods of validation considered here are electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements of teeth and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) measurements of chromosome translocations in circulating lymphocytes. For electron paramagnetic resonance, 36 measurements on 26 teeth from 16 donors from Metlino were made at the GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health (16 measurements) and the Institute of Metal Physics (20 measurements); the correlation among measurements made at the two laboratories has been found to be 0.99. Background measurements were also made on 218 teeth (63 molars, 128 premolars, and 27 incisors). Fluorescence in situ hybridization measurements were made for 31 residents of Metlino. These measurements were handicapped by the analysis of a limited number of cells; for several individuals no stable translocations were observed. Fluorescence in situ hybridization measurements were also made for 39 individuals believed to be unexposed. The EPR- and FISH-based estimates agreed well for permanent residents of Metlino: 0.67 ± 0.21 Gy and 0.48 ± 0.18 Gy (mean ± standard error of the mean), respectively. Results of the two experimental methods also agreed well with the estimates derived from the use of the TRDS-2000. For all persons investigated according to each technique, the EPR-measured dose to enamel was 0.55 ± 0.17 Gy, and the TRDS-2000 prediction for the dose to enamel for these individuals is 0.55 ± 0.07 Gy. The fluorescence in situ hybridization-based dose, 0.38 ± 0.10 Gy, compared well to the TRDS-2000 prediction of external dose, 0.31 ± 0.03 Gy, to red bone marrow for these persons. Validation of external doses at the remaining villages is an active area of investigation.
Exploring the fertility trend in Egypt

Background: The unusual fertility increase experienced by several Arab countries in the recent years is particularly visible in Egypt, where fertility declined very slowly after 2000 and started to increase again between 2008 and 2014. Objective: We first check the quality and measurement accuracy of Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). The analysis confirms the trend since 2000. We descriptively look for possible underlying causes. Methods: We use quality criteria to check DHS data and control for tempo effect. We also perform a proximate determinants analysis to study the mechanisms affecting fertility, particularly marriage and contraceptive use patterns. Results: The trend in fertility, which has been at a level slightly below 3.5 children per woman since 2000, is due to an increase in parity one-to-three children and a steady decline in parity four-and-more children. While changes in contraception use had the largest and a growing suppressing effect before 2000, after the turn of the century there was no change in the impact of either marriage or contraception on fertility. Conclusions: We find that well-educated women between 20 and 29 years lack labour market opportunities. They may have preponed their fertility. Fertility could start declining again once the labour market situation for women has improved. On the other hand, the family model of three children is still widespread in the country. Contribution: The article studies the fertility increase in Egypt. It contributes to the literature on exceptions to the demographic transition, such as stalls in fertility decline, particularly in the context of Arab countries.
Genetic Determinants of Folate and Vitamin B12 Metabolism: A Common Pathway in Neural Tube Defect and Down Syndrome?

Abstract One-carbon metabolism is under the influence of folate, vitamin B12 and genetic polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR 677 C→T and 1298 A→C), of methionine synthase (MTR 2756 C→G), methionine synthase reductase (MTRR 66 A→G) and transcobalamin (TCN 776 C→G). The pathogenesis of neural tube defect (NTD) may be related to this metabolism. The influence of the MTHFR 677 C→T polymorphism reported in The Netherlands and Ireland can be questioned in southern Italy, France and Great Britain. MTRR, combined with a low level of vitamin B12, increases the risk of NTD and of having a child with NTD in Canada, while TCN 776 GG and MTRR 66 GG mutated genotypes associated with the MTHFR 677 CC wild-type are predictors of NTD cases in Sicily. Down syndrome (DS) is due to a failure of normal chromosomal segregation during meiosis, possibly related to one-carbon metabolism. MTHFR 677 C→T and MTRR 66 A→G polymorphisms are associated with a greater risk of having a child with DS in North America, Ireland and The Netherlands. In contrast, MTHFR 677 C→T has no influence on DS risk in France and Sicily, while homocysteine and MTR 2756 AG/GG genotypes are predictors of DS risk in Sicily. In conclusion, NTD and DS are influenced by the same genetic determinants of onecarbon metabolism. The distinct data produced in different geographical areas may be explained by differences in the nutritional environment and genetic characteristics of the populations.
Results of a Phase 2 Clinical Trial at 48 Weeks (AI424-007): A Dose-Ranging, Safety, and Efficacy Comparative Trial of Atazanavir at Three Doses in Combination with Didanosine and Stavudine in Antiretroviral-Naive Subjects

Three dose levels of the protease inhibitor (PI) atazanavir (200, 400, and 500 mg once daily) were compared with nelfinavir (750 mg three times daily) when given both as monotherapy and in combination with didanosine and stavudine in 420 antiretroviral-naive subjects infected with HIV-1. Subjects received monotherapy for 2 weeks, followed by combination therapy for 46 weeks. After 48 weeks, mean change from baseline in HIV RNA (−2.57 to −2.33 log10 copies/mL), the proportion of subjects with HIV RNA <400 copies/mL (56%–64%) and <50 copies/mL (28%–42%), and mean increases in CD4 cell count (185–221 cells/mm3) were comparable across treatment groups. Diarrhea was two to three times more common in the nelfinavir group (61% of subjects) than in the atazanavir groups (23%–30% of subjects, p < .0001 versus nelfinavir), and jaundice occurred only in atazanavir-treated subjects (6%, 6%, and 12% in the 200-, 400-, and 500-mg groups, respectively) (p < .03 for all atazanavir regimens vs. nelfinavir). Mean percent change from baseline in fasting low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was significantly less in the atazanavir groups (−7% to 4%) than in the nelfinavir group (31%) (p < .0001). In conclusion, once-daily atazanavir is a potent, safe, and well tolerated PI that rapidly and durably suppresses HIV RNA and durably increases CD4 cell count in antiretroviral-naive subjects. Through 48 weeks, atazanavir was not associated with clinically relevant increases in total cholesterol, fasting LDL cholesterol, or fasting triglycerides. In comparison, nelfinavir was associated with prompt, marked, and sustained elevations in these parameters of a magnitude that suggests they are clinically relevant.
Sectoral Heterogeneity in Nominal Rigidities in Korea: Implications for Monetary Policy

This paper documents how the frequency of price changes differs across sectors in Korea and what implications such heterogeneity may have for monetary policy. Under heterogeneity, i) monetary policy has larger and more persistent real effects, ii) stabilizing an alternative (optimal) price index that places disproportionately larger weights on “sticky”sectors rather than the consumer price index is welfare improving, iii) the central bank,targeting such an alternative index, should move nominal interest rates slowly, which may justify “gradualism” in monetary policy, and iv) the condition for equilibrium determinacy is different. The results suggest that the monetary authority must consider how firms’ pricing behaviors differ across sectors in the design of monetary policy.
Nexus Requirements for Taxation of Non- Residents’ Business Income: A Normative Evaluation in the Context of the Global Economy

This book explores one of the most fundamental issues of international tax law: the conditions under which a state may assert a taxing claim over business income derived by a person who is neither its national nor its resident. The term “nexus” or “genuine link” is commonly used in international tax scholarship to describe such basic requirements for the exercise of income tax jurisdiction. When it comes to non- residents, income tax is intimately connected to the notion of “source”, in that every state has the right to tax income derived from sources located within its territory. The main purpose is to analyse the appropriateness of different nexus norms used by states in the taxation of non-resident business income. Particular attention is drawn to developments associated with the global economy, e.g. the introduction and expansion of e-commerce and the rise in cross-border services trade. Methodologically, the value- oriented approach is followed, analysing the research question in light of traditional tax policy benchmarks, such as equity, neutrality and administrability.
Expertise Differences in Movement Switching in Kendo Players

To succeed in many sports, players must not only adjust their movements during execution in response to environmental changes, but also switch to diŠerent movements altogether. Previous studies have implicated executive functions in movement switching ability. We aimed to clarify expertise diŠerences in movement adjustment and switching, and compared performance on three tasks of target striking between expert and intermediate kendo players as participants. Task 1 was a simple strike, whereby participants struck targets at one position; Task 2 was an adjusted strike, whereby participants struck targets at three positions in a random order. Task 3 was strike–defense switching, whereby participants struck targets as in Task 2 while were also required to switch to defense when an opponent made a counter-strike. That is, the participants were required accurate strike in Task 1 and 2 close to the kendo practices, and were required accurate strike and defense in Task 3 close to the real matches. We found no diŠerences in strike movement time and accuracy in any of the tasks between groups. However, expert players were able to execute successful strike-defense switching in Task 3, whereas intermediate players were not. These results suggest that an expertise diŠerence exists in executive functions, and that it is essential for players to practice focused on acquisition of switching skills in order to further improve their performance.
Preceding infections, immune factors, and outcome in Guillain–Barré syndrome

Objective: To test the hypothesis that different preceding infections influence the neurophysiologic classification and clinical features of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). Methods: We tested pretreatment sera, 7 ± 3 (mean ± SD) days from onset, from 229 patients with GBS in a multicenter trial of plasma exchange and immunoglobulin, for serological markers of infection, adhesion molecules, and cytokine receptors, and compared these with neurophysiologic and clinical features. Results: Recent infection by Campylobacter jejuni was found in 53 patients (23%), cytomegalovirus in 19 (8%), and Epstein–Barr virus in four (2%). Patients with C. jejuni infection were more likely than others to have neurophysiologic criteria of axonal neuropathy or inexcitable nerves, antiganglioside GM1 antibodies, pure motor GBS, lower CSF protein, and worse outcome. Patients with cytomegalovirus infection were younger and more likely than others to have raised serum concentrations of molecules important in T lymphocyte activation and migration, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble leukocyte selectin, and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R). Concentrations of sICAM-1 and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor were higher in patients with inexcitable nerves than those with demyelinating neurophysiology. Logistic regression analysis showed death or inability to walk unaided at 48 weeks were associated with diarrhea, inexcitable nerves, severe arm weakness, age over 50, raised sIL-2R concentration and absence of immunoglobulin (Ig) M antiganglioside GM1 antibodies. Conclusions: Subtypes of GBS defined by preceding infections were only approximately associated with different patterns of clinical, neurophysiologic, and immunologic features. A single infectious agent caused more than one type of pathology in GBS, implying interaction with additional host factors. Most patients had no identified infection.
A Study on the Influencing Factors of Stock Returns Based on PCA -LASSO Model

This paper analyzes the influence factors to explain the cross-section of expected returns. Our paper proposes the PCA-LASSO model and its reduced model, comparing them with the results of traditional linear regression model and LASSO regression model. The results show that the proposed PCA-LASSO model and its reduced model are superior to the existing two methods in the prediction of the stock returns of the industry. For practical applications, the research method proposed in this paper has wide applicability and the research conclusion can provide important reference for the securities investors.
Interferons and interferon (IFN)‐inducible protein 10 during highly active anti‐retroviral therapy (HAART)—possible immunosuppressive role of IFN‐α in HIV infection

Interferons play an important, but incompletely understood role in HIV‐related disease. We investigated the effect of HAART on plasma levels of IFN‐α, IFN‐γ, neopterin and interferon‐inducible protein 10 (IP‐10) in 41 HIV‐infected patients during 78 weeks of therapy. At baseline HIV‐infected patients had raised levels of both IP‐10 and IFN‐α compared with healthy controls (n = 19), with particularly high levels in advanced disease. HAART induced a marked decrease in levels of both IFN‐α, neopterin and IP‐10, though not to normal concentrations. In contrast, IFN‐γ levels were low throughout the study, and not different from controls. While neopterin and IP‐10 remained significantly decreased compared with baseline levels throughout the study, IFN‐α levels returned to baseline at the end of the study. Persistently high IP‐10 and IFN‐α levels were associated with immunological treatment failure and even high baseline levels of IFN‐α appeared to predict immunological relapse. Furthermore, we found a markedly suppressive effect of exogenously added IFN‐α on phytohaemagglutinin‐stimulated lymphocyte proliferation in both patients and controls, and this suppressive effect seemed not to involve enhanced lymphocyte apoptosis. Our findings suggest a pathogenic role of IFN‐α in HIV infection, which may be a potential target for immunomodulating therapy in combination with HAART.
Mixed methods research for the novice researcher

Abstract Mixed methods research is becoming increasingly popular in the health and social science disciplines. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the varieties of mixed methods designs. We begin by situating mixed methods research in the context of a paradigmatic framework which assists a researcher in making decisions concerning the design of their study. Although the most commonly used mixed methods designs are underpinned by positivist/postpositivist assumptions, the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods can be used within any research paradigm.
Practical Strategies for Enhancing Adherence to Treatment Regimen in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract:Promoting adherence to treatment among pediatric and adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a critical yet challenging task for health care providers. Several existing interventions to enhance adherence among individuals with IBD offer useful information about practical strategies to enhance adherence. The current review article has 3 goals. First, the review provides a context for understanding treatment regimen adherence in IBD by reviewing key definitional, measurement, and conceptual challenges in this area. Next, published studies focused on interventions to enhance adherence in IBD are briefly summarized, followed by a synthesis of practical adherence promotion strategies for use in IBD by health care providers. Strategies are distinguished by the level of evidence supporting their utility as well as by age group. Finally, recommendations for future research to facilitate the development and implementation of practical, evidence-based strategies for adherence promotion in IBD are provided. Findings from the literature review suggest that strategies including education, regimen simplification, and use of reminder systems and organizational strategies (e.g., pill boxes) are likely to be best suited for addressing accidental nonadherence. In contrast, addressing motivational issues, teaching problem-solving skills, and addressing problematic patterns of family functioning are more likely to benefit individuals displaying intentional nonadherence.