Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF MULTIPLE DEXAMETHASONE INTRAVITREAL IMPLANTS IN PATIENTS WITH MACULAR EDEMA ASSOCIATED WITH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION

Background: Limited data have evaluated multiple injections of the dexamethasone 700 &mgr;g implant (DEX) (Ozurdex; Allergan, Inc.) for cystoid macular edema (CME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) over an extended regimen. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated patients treated with DEX for CME associated with RVO. Each patient had ophthalmologic evaluation, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and 4 weeks to 6 weeks follow-up intervals. Retreatment criterion was fluid on OCT. Outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), central macular thickness on OCT, fluid resolution on OCT, and required treatment for elevated IOP and cataract. Results: Thirty-one patients had 82 DEX injections, with 19 patients having ≥2, 12 having ≥3, 10 having ≥4, 6 having ≥5, and 4 having ≥6 DEX injections. All patients were followed at least 12 weeks and had a mean follow-up period of 344.94 days. Fourteen patients (45%) developed ocular hypertension (≥22 mmHg), and 40% of phakic patients required cataract surgery. Mean interval of OCT fluid resolution was 52 days (range, 28–245; SD, ±8), and mean retreatment interval was 119 days (range, 42–309; SD, ±9). No patients required glaucoma surgery or developed endophthalmitis. Conclusion: This study suggests that repeated, as needed, DEX injections for CME associated with RVO may be performed. Patients should be monitored and treated for ocular hypertension and cataract progression.
Whole-Genome Restriction Mapping by “Subhaploid”-Based RAD Sequencing: An Efficient and Flexible Approach for Physical Mapping and Genome Scaffolding

Assembly of complex genomes using short reads remains a major challenge, which usually yields highly fragmented assemblies. Generation of ultradense linkage maps is promising for anchoring such assemblies, but traditional linkage mapping methods are hindered by the infrequency and unevenness of meiotic recombination that limit attainable map resolution. Here we develop a sequencing-based “in vitro” linkage mapping approach (called RadMap), where chromosome breakage and segregation are realized by generating hundreds of “subhaploid” fosmid/bacterial-artificial-chromosome clone pools, and by restriction site-associated DNA sequencing of these clone pools to produce an ultradense whole-genome restriction map to facilitate genome scaffolding. A bootstrap-based minimum spanning tree algorithm is developed for grouping and ordering of genome-wide markers and is implemented in a user-friendly, integrated software package (AMMO). We perform extensive analyses to validate the power and accuracy of our approach in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and human. We also demonstrate the utility of RadMap for enhancing the contiguity of a variety of whole-genome shotgun assemblies generated using either short Illumina reads (300 bp) or long PacBio reads (6–14 kb), with up to 15-fold improvement of N50 (∼816 kb-3.7 Mb) and high scaffolding accuracy (98.1–98.5%). RadMap outperforms BioNano and Hi-C when input assembly is highly fragmented (contig N50 = 54 kb). RadMap can capture wide-range contiguity information and provide an efficient and flexible tool for high-resolution physical mapping and scaffolding of highly fragmented assemblies.
Enhancing Occupational Performance through Occupationally Embedded Exercise: A Meta-Analytic Review

Occupation or purposeful activity is the unique historical root of occupational therapy and is thought to enhance health and prevent disability. Nelson's (1988) recent conceptual framework of occupation consolidates the beliefs of occupational therapy. One focus for empirical research and theoretical inquiry is the relationship between occupational form and occupational performance. This article critically analyzes this important part of the Nelson model and meta-analytically summarizes findings of the empirical studies that have examined this relationship. Results of the meta-analysis showed a substantial relationship of occupational form to occupational performance (weighted mean effect size r=0.50) in support of the proposition of the Nelson model that occupation can be analyzed in terms of the relationship between occupational form and occupational performance. The impact of potential moderators on the study findings is explored. Implications for occupational therapy theory and practice are discussed.
Model Selection Criteria for Learning Belief Nets: An Empirical Comparison

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Pick a Card, Any Card: The Relationship Between Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms and Decision-Making

Specific deficits in decision-making have been demonstrated in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The experience of anxious arousal in obsessive-compulsive (OC) patients has been posited to be responsible for disrupting the cognitive processes that lead to efficacious decision-making (Sachdev & Malhi, 2005). In spite of this, research has neglected to examine explicitly the effect of anxiety on the relationship between decision-making and OCD. The current study investigates whether decision-making differences on the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) occur as a function of OC symptomatology in a non-clinical sample (n = 110). Participants were randomly allocated to either an anxiety condition (n = 58) or control condition (n = 52). Anxious arousal was induced in the anxiety condition via an experimental manipulation prior to commencing the IGT. Participants in the anxiety condition performed significantly worse than those in the control group on the IGT. However, OC symptomatology did not significantly predict IGT performance. The experience of anxiety did not significantly moderate the relationship between OC symptomatology and IGT performance. These findings indicate that decision-making differences do not occur as a function of OC symptomatology in a non-clinical sample; however, they do suggest that the experience of anxiety significantly impairs decision-making performance. The theoretical and practical applications of the findings are discussed.
Housing Dynamics Over the Business Cycle

Over the U.S. business cycle, fluctuations in residential investment are well known to systematically lead GDP. These dynamics are documented here to be specific to the U.S. and Canada. In other developed economies residential investment is broadly coincident with GDP. Nonresidential investment has the opposite dynamics, being coincident with or lagging GDP. These observations are in sharp contrast with the properties of nearly all business cycle models with disaggregated investment. Including mortgages and interest rate dynamics aligns the theory more closely with U.S. observations. Longer time to build in housing construction makes residential investment coincident with output.
Prevalence of infertility and use of fertility treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: data from a large community-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 6%-21% of women. PCOS is the primary cause of anovulatory infertility, with major health and economic costs, yet we are unaware of any community-based, natural history studies on fertility and fertility treatments published to date. We aim to compare infertility, fertility treatment use, and relationship to body mass index (BMI) in women reporting PCOS to women not reporting PCOS in a community-based population. METHODS This is a cross-sectional analysis of a longitudinal cohort study, the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). For the ALSWH, women from the general community were randomly selected from the national public insurance database. Mailed survey data were collected at multiple time points. At survey 4, there were 9145 respondents aged 28-33 years. Of 8612 women with known PCOS status, 478 women reported having PCOS. Information regarding fertility status was available for 4856 women. This was the subgroup used in this analysis. The main outcomes measures are self-reported PCOS status, BMI, infertility, and use of fertility therapies including ovulation induction and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with infertility and use of fertility treatment. RESULTS Self-reported PCOS prevalence was 5.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3%-6.4%). Infertility was noted by 72% of 309 women reporting PCOS, compared with 16% of 4547 women not reporting PCOS (p<0.001). Infertility was 15-fold higher in women reporting PCOS (adjusted odds ratio 14.9, 95% CI 10.9-20.3), independent of BMI. Of women reporting infertility, there was greater use of fertility hormone treatment, (62%, n=116 vs. 33%, n=162, p<0.001) in women reporting PCOS; however, IVF use was similar. CONCLUSIONS In this community-based cohort of women, infertility and use of fertility hormone treatment was significantly higher in women reporting PCOS. Considering the prevalence of PCOS and the health and economic burden of infertility, strategies to optimize fertility are important.
Self-optimizing architecture for ensuring Quality Attributes in the cloud

We describe various challenges in ensuring Quality Attributes (QA) of applications hosted in the cloud and hence the perceived quality of service of the cloud as a whole. We advocate a self-management/optimization architecture-driven approach to ensure that Quality Attributes are met. We discuss the limitations of current approaches to self-managing architecture. We propose a novel approach, which exploits the El Farol problem as a modelling mechanism for QAs in architectures of applications in the cloud. The approach uses Service Level Agreements (SLA) and Utility Theory to direct the self-optimization. We conclude by looking at directions for further work.
Dentate gyrus volume is reduced before onset of plaque formation in PDAPP mice: A magnetic resonance microscopy and stereologic analysis

High-resolution magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) was used to determine regional brain volumetric changes in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. These transgenic (Tg) mice overexpress human mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP) V717F under control of platelet-derived growth factor promoter (PDAPP mice), and cortical and hippocampal β-amyloid (Aβ) deposits accumulate in heterozygotes after 8–10 mos. We used MRM to obtain 3D volumetric data on mouse brains imaged in their skulls to define genotype- and age-related changes. Hippocampal, cerebellar, and brain volumes and corpus callosum length were quantified in 40-, 100-, 365-, and 630-day-old mice. Measurements taken at age 100 days, before Aβ deposition, revealed a 12.3% reduction of hippocampus volume in Tg mice compared with WT controls. This reduction persisted without progression to age 21 mos. A significant 18% increase in hippocampal volume occurred between 40 and 630 days in WT mice, and no corresponding significant increase occurred in Tg mice. Cavalieri volume estimates of hippocampal subfields from 100-day-old Tg mice further localized a 28% volume deficit in the dentate gyrus. In addition, corpus callosum length was reduced by ≈25% in Tg mice at all ages analyzed. In summary, reduced hippocampal volume and corpus callosum length can be detected by MRM before Aβ deposition. We conclude that overexpression of APP and amyloid may initiate pathologic changes before the appearance of plaques, suggesting novel targets for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and further reinforcing the need for early diagnosis and treatment.
Testing the Predictions of the Cusp Catastrophe Model of Anxiety and Performance

Hardy and Fazey’s (1987) cusp catastrophe model of anxiety and performance has been criticized for being overly complex and difficult to test. The present paper attempts to clarify the model for researchers who are less familiar with its more subtle nuances; it then differentiates between the characteristics of cusp catastrophe models in general and the specific predictions of Hardy and Fazey’s cusp catastrophe model of anxiety and performance. For each prediction, methodological and statistical procedures are suggested whereby the prediction can be tested, and the available evidence that has used these procedures is then briefly reviewed. Some of the practical implications of the cusp catastrophe model for best practice are also discussed.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Inhibition Augments Diabetic Endothelial Progenitor Cell Abundance and Functionality via Cathepsin B: A Novel Therapeutic Opportunity for Arterial Repair

Progenitor cell therapy is hindered in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) due to cellular senescence. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) activity is increased in DM, potentially exacerbating impaired cell-based therapies. Thus, we aimed to determine if and how GSK3β inhibitors (GSKi) can improve therapeutic efficacy of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) from patients with DM. Patients with DM had fewer EPCs and increased rates of apoptosis. DM EPCs also exhibited higher levels of GSK3β activity resulting in increased levels of phosphorylated β-catenin. Proteomic profiling of DM EPCs treated with GSKi identified 37 nonredundant, differentially regulated proteins. Cathepsin B (cathB) was subsequently confirmed to be differentially regulated and showed 40% less baseline activity in DM EPCs, an effect reversed by GSKi treatment. Finally, in vivo efficacy of cell-based therapy was assessed in a xenotransplant femoral wire injury mouse model. Administration of DM EPCs reduced the intima-to-media ratio, an effect that was further augmented when DM EPCs were pretreated with GSKi yet absent when cathB was antagonized. In DM, increased basal GSK3β activity contributes to accelerated EPC cellular senescence, an effect reversed by small molecule antagonism of GSK3β, which enhanced cell-based therapy after vascular injury.
Attitude toward Christianity among Secondary Pupils in Northern Ireland: Persistence of Denominational Differences?

A sample of 2,129 pupils attending the third, fourth, fifth and lower sixth forms of twelve Catholic and twelve Protestant grammar schools completed the Francis Scale of Attitude toward Christianity. The data demonstrate that, while males attending Catholic schools maintain a more positive attitude toward Christianity than males attending Protestant schools, females attending Catholic schools do not report a more positive attitude toward Christianity than females attending Protestant schools
BIOMASS FOR GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION REDUCTION

This paper discusses preliminary results of the BRED project (Biomass for greenhouse gas emission (REDuction). This project focuses on the optimal allocation of biomass for energy and materials production in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Western European MATTER1.0 systems engineering model has been applied for this analysis. The results show the important potential of biomaterials, a feature that is often neglected in greenhouse gas emission reduction studies. Moreover, increased use of biomaterials facilitates the use of bioenergy from by-products and waste biomaterials. The model calculations show that new technologies play a key role for future energy and material flows. The study can be considered as a case study that shows how systems engineering models can be used for ex-ante material flow analysis and for development of policies towards sustainability.
Subsidy competition in integrating economies

Regional integration affects location decisions of MNCs and therefore influences each member country's provision of investment incentives, which in turn may trigger relocation. As a consequence, subsidy competition increases as integration proceeds. We analyze the welfare consequences of this phenomenon, modelling subsidization as a game between a MNC facing different location alternatives and governments that may deter or induce relocation by means of subsidies. We show that the combination of integration and subsidy competition may lead to an excess of subsidization. We also discuss how the interest of harmonizing subsidies, the net gains from integration crucially depend on technological differences, ownership and the absorption capacity of MNC profits by countries. Lastly, we find that the gain from supranational subsidy coordination increases with integration.
Safety and efficiency of calcium channel blockers versus beta-blockers for rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation and no acute underlying medical illness.

OBJECTIVES Many patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are not candidates for rhythm control and may require rate control, typically with beta-blocking (BB) or calcium channel blocking (CCB) agents. Although these patients appear to have a low 30-day rate of stroke or death, it is unclear if one class of agent is safer or more effective. The objective was to determine whether BBs or CCBs would have a lower hospital admission rate and to measure 30-day safety outcomes including stroke, death, and emergency department (ED) revisits. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used a database from two urban EDs to identify consecutive patients with ED discharge diagnoses of AF from April 1, 2006, to March 31, 2010. Comorbidities, rhythms, management, and immediate outcomes were obtained by manual chart review, and patients with acute underlying medical conditions were excluded by predefined criteria. Patients managed only with rate control agents were eligible for review, and patients receiving BB agents were compared to those receiving CCB agents. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients requiring hospital admission; secondary outcomes included the ED length of stay (LOS), the proportion of patients having adverse events, the proportion of patients returning within 7 or 30 days, and the number of patients having a stroke or dying within 30 days. RESULTS A total of 259 consecutive patients were enrolled, with 100 receiving CCBs and 159 receiving BBs. Baseline demographics and comorbidities were similar. Twenty-seven percent of BB patients were admitted, and 31.0% of CCB patients were admitted (difference = 4.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -7.7% to 16.1%), and there were no significant differences in ED LOS, adverse events, or 7- or 30-day ED revisits. One patient who received metoprolol had a stroke, and one patient who received diltiazem died within 30 days. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of ED patients with AF and no acute underlying medical illness who underwent rate control only, patients receiving CCBs had similar hospital admission rates to those receiving BBs, while both classes of medications appeared equally safe at 30 days. Both CCBs and BBs are acceptable options for rate control.
Exploiting the Burstiness of Intermediate-Quality Wireless Links

We address the challenge of link estimation and routing over highly dynamic links, thats is, bursty links that rapidly shift between reliable and unreliable periods of transmissions. Based on significant empirical evidence of over 100,000 transmissions over each link in 802.15. 4 and 802.11 testbeds, we propose two metrics, expected future transmissions (EFT) and MAC3, for runtime estimation of bursty wireless links. We introduce a bursty link estimator (BLE) that based on these two metrics, accurately estimates bursty links in the network rendering them available for data transmissions. Finally, we present bursty routing extensions (BRE): an adaptive routing strategy that uses BLE for forwarding packets over bursty links if they offer better routing progress than long-term stable links. Our evaluation, comprising experimental data from widely used IEEE 802.15. 4-based testbeds, reveals an average of 19% and a maximum of 42% reduction in the number of transmissions when routing over long-range bursty links typically ignored by routing protocols. Additionally, we show that both BLE and BRE are not tied to any specific routing protocol and integrate seamlessly with existing routing protocols and link estimators.
Taking it Out on the Dog: Psychological and Behavioral Correlates of Animal Abuse Proclivity

There is a lack of research examining the criminogenic factors related to animal abuse perpetrated by adults, despite the high prevalence of this type of offending. A correlational study examining the factors related to two types of animal abuse proclivity was used. We found that childhood animal abuse, empathetic concern, and a proneness for human-directed aggression were significant correlates of direct forms of nonhuman animal abuse (i.e., the animal was perceived to be the provocateur). We also found that childhood animal abuse, personal distress (i.e., anxiety from interpersonal interactions), and empathetic concern were significant correlates of indirect forms of animal abuse (i.e., a person was the perceived provocateur, the animal an alternative outlet for aggression). These findings highlight targets for prevention and intervention programs and the importance of distinguishing between different forms of and motivations for animal abuse.
xtended flowering in a Mediterranean shrub : Seasonal variability in seed uality and quantity

Fluctuating conditions throughout the year and changes in floral display may promote shifts in pollinator activity and predator pressure, influencing female reproductive output, especially for extended flowering species under seasonal climates. In this regard, flowering and fruit production were tracked in 2 different years in 2 populations of Ononis tridentata in Central Spain. Total fruit production was estimated, and fruits were harvested to obtain primary fruit investment, pollination success, predation incidence, seed production, seed weight and germination rates. Ononis tridentata combined spring mass flowering with a steady long flowering period across the summer and fall. The fewer flowers that are produced in fall were
Inversion of thermosensing property of the bacterial receptor Tar by mutations in the second transmembrane region.

The aspartate chemoreceptor Tar of Escherichia coli serves as a warm sensor that produces attractant and repellent signals upon increases and decreases in temperature, respectively. However, increased levels of methylation of the cytoplasmic domain of Tar resulting from aspartate binding convert Tar to a cold sensor with the opposite signaling behavior. Detailed analyses of the methylation sites, which are located in two separate alpha-helices (MH1 and MH2), have suggested that intra- and/or intersubunit interactions of MH1 and MH2 play a critical role in thermosensing. These interactions may be influenced by binding of aspartate, which could trigger some displacement of MH1 through the second transmembrane region (TM2). As an initial step toward understanding the role of TM2 in thermosensing, we have examined the thermosensing properties of 43 mutant Tar receptors with randomized TM2 sequences (residues 190-210). Among them, we identified one mutant receptor (Tar-I2) that functioned as a cold sensor in the absence of aspartate. This is the first example of attractant-independent inversion of thermosensing in Tar. Further analyses identified the minimal essential divergence from the wild-type Tar sequence (Q191V-W192R-Q193C) required for the inverted response. Thus, displacements of TM2 seem to influence the thermosensing function of Tar.