Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Associations between thrombophilic risk factors and determinants of atherosclerosis and inflammation in patients with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy

Summary Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is caused by ischaemia of the optic nerve head. The pathophysiology of NAION is unclear, and no proven effective treatment exists. Patients, methods: We analyzed thrombophilic risk factors and determinants of atherosclerosis and inflammation in 109 consecutive patients and 109 age- and sex-matched volunteers using a case-control design. Results: High levels of fibrinogen (>384 mg/dl; OR 3.2, p = 0.003), factors VIII:C (>183%; OR 2.6, p = 0.02), IX (>153%; OR 2.6, p = 0.026), XI (>142%; OR 3.4, p = 0.006), von Willebrand factor (activity >205%; OR 3.1, p = 0.005; antigen >194%; OR 3.5, p = 0.002), and triglycerides (>228 mg/dl; OR 2.8, p = 0.026), higher platelet counts (>294 000/[uni03BC]l; OR 2.5, p = 0.04), low levels of HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dl; OR 2.7, p = 0.032), and an accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (>20 mm/h; OR 4.4, p = 0.003) were associated with NAION. Conclusion: Our findings support the contention of a complex pathogenesis of NAION resulting from the coincidence of proatherogenic, prothrombotic and proinflammatory processes. The alterations described could be causative, side effects, or just coincidental findings. Zusammenfassung Die nichtarteriitische anteriore ischämische Optikusneuropathie (NAION) wird durch eine Ischämie des Sehnervenkopfs bedingt. Die Pathophysiologie der NAION ist nicht geklärt, und bisher gibt es keine Behandlung, die sich als effektiv erweisen konnte. Patienten, Methoden: Wir haben thrombophile Risikofaktoren und Determinanten der Atherosklerose und Inflammation bei 109 konsekutiven Patienten und 109 alters- und geschlechtsangepassten Freiwilligen in einem Fall-KontrollStudien-Design analysiert. Ergebnisse: Hohe Werte für Fibrinogen (>384 mg/dl; OR 3,2, p = 0,003), Faktor VIII:C (>183%; OR 2,6, p = 0,02), Faktor IX (>153%; OR 2,6, p = 0,026), Faktor XI (>142%; OR 3,4, p = 0,006), vonWillebrand-Faktor (Aktivität >205%; OR 3,1, p = 0,005; Antigen >194%; OR 3,5, p = 0,002) und Triglyzeride (>228 mg/dl; OR 2,8, p = 0,026), hohe Thrombozytenwerte (> 294 000/[uni03BC]l; OR 2,5, p = 0,04), niedrige Werte für HDL-Cholesterin (<40 mg/dl; OR 2,7, p = 0,032) sowie eine beschleunigte BSG (>20 mm/h; OR 4,4, p = 0,003) waren mit der NAION assoziiert. Schlussfolgerung: Unsere Ergebnisse bestätigen den Verdacht einer komplexen Pathogenese einer NAION, die aus der Interaktion proatherogener, prothrombotischer und proinflammatorischer Prozesse hervorgeht. Diese Veränderungen können kausal zur Entstehung von NAION beitragen, könnten jedoch auch Nebeneffekte der NAION oder zufälliger Natur sein.
Overweight and obesity in school age children in western Romania.

UNLABELLED Obesity prevalence in both adults and children has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Romania seems to follow the same trend, but studies proving this fact are scarce. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and to find correlations to certain health-risk behaviors in children from western Romania. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a total of 3626 children aged 7-18 years were examined by medical students (February 2010- June 2011). Children were classified by their body mass index using International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) reference. The children were asked to complete a short questionnaire inquiring about 5 health-risk behaviors: consumption of fast-food, sweetened beverages, sweets and fruits and about physical exercise. RESULTS The overall prevalence of overweight was 18.2% (16.2% in girls and 20.7% in boys) and 7.2% for obesity (5.8% in girls and 9.0% in boys). The prevalence of both overweight and obesity was higher in boys versus girls and rural versus urban. Overweight and obesity was correlated with the consumption of sweetened beverages and sweets and also with sedentary behavior. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of overweight and obesity children is alarming, particularly in boys, higher in rural versus urban. The findings confirm the urgent need for national preventive strategy for childhood obesity and targeted interventions tailored to local circumstances.
Validation of the RSQS in apparel specialty stores

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to validate the Retail Service Quality Scale (RSQS) developed by Dabholkar et al. in the Malaysian business setting, specifically in the context of apparel specialty stores.Design/methodology/approach – Two well‐known retail clothing store chains were selected for this study. Purposive sampling method was used, with a total of 211 responses collected from customers of all X and Y's chain stores in the northern region of Malaysia.Findings – The paper finds that all the five dimensions: physical aspects, reliability, personal interaction, problem solving, and policy, are highly suited for measuring retail service quality in clothing stores, also proving that the instrument is applicable in the Malaysian setting. Retail service quality is furthermore associated with future consumption behaviour in terms of the customers' intention to visit, purchase and recommend the stores to others.Research limitations/implications – The instrument is proven to be valid, reliable and .
A Critical Appraisal of the Current Use of Transaction Cost Explanations for Government Make-Or-Buy Choices: Towards a Contingent Theory and Forms of Tests

Abstract This article aims at contributing to the extant literature on government make-or-buy choices building on transaction cost economics (TCE) by explicitly theorizing about transaction alignment and its relation to performance. It is argued that current theoretical and empirical models of government make-or-buy choices are not able to make predictions that corroborate theory. They are dependent upon the assumption of perfect competition that is ill-suited for the public sector setting. Instead, contingent models that take performance differences into account constitute a more valid model of TCE in this setting. In this article, theoretical models and empirical approaches for such a research agenda are developed.
Optimal Export Taxes in a Multicountry Framework

Using a computable general equilibrium model of the global cocoa market we analyze optimal export taxes in a multicountry framework. We show that Lerner's symmetry theorem for uniform taxes does not carry to the case of intraindustry trade with non-uniform taxes. Import liberalization in other sectors leads to a decrease, rather than an increase, in the optimal export tax on cocoa. We also show that, because the elasticity of domestic cocoa supply is not constant, the partial equilibrium definition of the optimal export tax does not hold in a general equilibrium model.
Macroeconomic Forces and Stock Prices: Some Empirical Evidence from an Emerging Stock Market

This paper examines the causal relationships among stock prices and macroeconomic variables in an emerging stock market, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). We use data on six macroeconomic variables and All share Price Index (ASPI) of the CSE for the period January 1985 to December 2004. In the empirical analysis, we employed recently developed root tests that possess better power and size properties than widely-used Dickey-Fuller type unit root tests. Johansen's test, Error-correction models, variance decomposition and impulse response analyses indicate that there are both short and long-run causal relationships among stock prices and macroeconomic variables in Sri Lanka. These results indicate that stock prices can be predicted from certain macroeconomic variables and hence violate the validity of the semi-strong version of the efficient market hypothesis. The above results have implications for investors, both domestic and international.
A multidimensional and integrative approach to study global digital divide and e-government development

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of the digital divide on e-government development. Design/methodology/approach – The study takes a multidimensional and integrative approach in order to examine the various ways in which different contextual factors affecting the digital divide (i.e. economic, social, political, demographic, cultural and ICT infrastructure) interact to influence e-government development. To test the hypotheses, authors perform a correlation and multiple regression analysis using SPSS. Findings – After analysing several global data sets such as those of the World Bank and the United Nations, the study finds that the digital divide is a multidimensional construct that has a significant impact on e-government development in various ways. In contrast to the consensus view of a correlation existing between economic status on the one hand, and the digital divide and e-government development on the other, this study finds that economic status is not a significant pred.
Transitions and trajectories in the build‐up of innovation capabilities: Insights from the global value chain approach

Summary Building up innovation capabilities is a process but much research on this topic remains static. This paper shows how Martin Bell has helped researchers to move from models to trajectories and understand the transitions from production to innovation capabilities. In what circumstances is it likely and does it include strategic innovation activities? The paper distils the insights which can be derived from the global value chain literature by focussing on the Bell agenda of understanding transitions and trajectories.
The habitat concept and a plea for standard terminology

We compared the uses and definitions of habitat-related terms in 50 articles from 1980 to 1994 to operational definitions we derived from the literature. Only 9 (18%) of the arti- cles we reviewed defined and used habitat-related terms consistently and according to our definitions of the terms. Forty-seven articles used the term "habitat;" however, it was only defined and used consistent with our definition in 5 articles (11 %) and was confused with vegetation association or defined incompletely in 42 papers (89%). "Habitat type" was the term most commonly used incorrectly; 1 6 of 1 7 times (94%) it was used to indi- cate vegetation association, but habitat and vegetation association are not synonymous. Authors did not provide definitions for habitat use, selection, preference, or availability 23 of 28 times (82%). We concluded that habitat terminology was used vaguely in 82% of the articles we reviewed. This distorts our communication with scientists in other dis- ciplines and alienates the public because we give ambiguous, indefinite, and unstandard- ized answers to ecological questions in public and legal situations. Scientists should de- fine and use habitat terminology operationally, so that the concepts are measurable and accurate. We must take the challenge to standardize terminology seriously, so that we can make meaningful statements to advance science.
Is the Grass Greener? Sector Shifting and Choice of Sector by MPA and MBA Graduates

Despite debate about distinctions among employment in the government, nonprofit, and business sectors, little research exists on the likelihood of, or barriers to, movement across sector boundaries. The authors propose and test models explaining individuals' current sector of employment—business, government, or nonprofit—and their sector-shifting behavior. They use survey data from 688 alumni of four schools: two offering MBAs and two offering MPAs. Study results indicate that most respondents have a favored sector when they graduate and remain within that sector for their employment. Results also indicate that this sector preference is influenced by perceived competence in the sectors and individuals' career values. This study shows that sector shifting is tied to sector desires and the strength of protean career orientation. The results are used to address existing claims about careers and to build understanding of influences on perceived sector competence and desires. The discussion informs employers and educators.
Knowledge flow at the fuzzy front-end of inter-firm R&D collaborations â€“ insights into SMEs in the pharmaceutical industry

In this paper we present the preliminary results of our research which explores the role of reciprocal knowledge flow in the fuzzy front-end of collaboration activities. On the basis of desk research, i.e., a secondary research, we develop a model to display the impact of open innovation capacities in the initiation and constitution phases. We then match this model with our empirical findings in a study with pharmaceutical SMEs. We find that both absorptive and desorptive capacities play a pivotal role in the interaction of potential cooperation partners. During the negotiation process, however, the importance of these capacities shifts from the firm to the personal level.
Trading strategies based on term structure model residuals

The term structure of interest rates is an important input for basically every pricing model and is mostly calibrated on coupon bond prices. Therefore, the estimated interest rates should accurately explain the market prices of these bonds. However, nearly all empirical papers on interest rate estimation, e.g. Svensson, L.E. O. 1994. Estimating and interpreting forward interest rates: Sweden 1992–1994, IMF Working Paper, International Monetary Fund, report significant pricing errors in their sample. So an important question is what drives these pricing errors of the bonds. One simple explanation would be different tax treatment or different liquidity, but most papers on this research topic, e.g. Elton, E. , and T.C. Green. 1998. Tax and liquidity effects in pricing government bonds. Journal of Finance 53: 1533–62, cannot fully explain the observed pricing errors. Therefore, these errors must be at least partially caused by either model misspecification or by the deviation of particular bond prices from general market conditions, i.e. mispricing revealing insufficient market efficiency. We provide empirical evidence for the German government bond market that risk-adjusted trading strategies based on bond pricing errors can yield about 15 basis points p.a. abnormal return compared to benchmark portfolios. Furthermore, the abnormal returns are continuously achieved over the whole time period and not randomly on a few days and show a relation to changes in the level and the curvature of the term structure of interest rates. Therefore, pricing errors contain economic information about deviations of bond prices from general market conditions and are not exclusively caused by model misspecification and/or differences in liquidity and tax treatment of individual bonds.
Achieving R0 resection in the colorectum using endoscopic submucosal dissection

Endoscopic mucosal resection is established for the removal of non‐invasive colorectal tumours smaller than 20 mm but is unsatisfactory for larger lesions. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) enables en bloc resection of lesions larger than 20 mm. A UK‐based prospective feasibility study of ESD for colorectal tumours was undertaken; primary endpoints were R0 resection, safety and recurrence.
Clinical Score to Differentiate Scrub Typhus and Dengue: A Tool to Differentiate Scrub Typhus and Dengue

Background: Dengue and scrub typhus share similar clinical and epidemiological features, and are difficult to differentiate at initial presentation. Many places are endemic to both these infections where they comprise the majority of acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses. Materials and Methods: We aimed to develop a score that can differentiate scrub typhus from dengue. In this cross-sectional study, 188 cases of scrub typhus and 201 cases of dengue infection who presented to the emergency department or medicine outpatient clinic from September 2012 to April 2013 were included. Univariate followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify clinical features and laboratory results that were significantly different between the two groups. Each variable was assigned scores based on the strength of association and receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (ROC-AUC) was generated and compared. Six scoring models were explored to ascertain the model with the best fit. Results: Model 2 was developed using the following six variables: oxygen saturation (>90%, ≤90%), total white blood cell count (<4000, 4001–7000 and >7000 cells/cumm), hemoglobin (≤14 and >14 g/dL), total bilirubin (<2 and ≥2 mg/dL), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (>200 and ≥200 IU/dL), and altered sensorium (present or absent). Each variable was assigned scores based on its strength of association. The AUC-ROC curve (95% confidence interval) for model 2 was 0.84 (0.79–0.89). At the cut off score of 13, the sensitivity and specificity were 85% and 77% respectively, with a higher score favoring dengue. Conclusion: In areas of high burden of ST and dengue, model 2 (the “clinical score to differentiate scrub typhus and dengue fever”) is a simple and rapid clinical scoring system that may be used to differentiate scrub typhus and dengue at initial presentation.
Modelling emergent trophic strategies in plankton

Plankton are typically divided into phytoplankton and zooplankton in marine ecosystem models. Yet, most protists in the photic zone engage in some degree of phagotrophy, and it has been suggested that trophic strategy is really a continuum between pure phototrophs (phytoplankton) and pure phagotrophs (unicellular zooplankton). Such a continuum of trophic strategies is well represented by trait-based modelling techniques. A key model ingredient is the size of individual cells, as size constrains affinities for nutrient uptake, photosynthesis and active encounter with other cells. We outline a general trait-based model of a unicellular planktonic organism where size is a central trait and where nutrient uptake, photosynthesis and phagotrophy are determined by investments into these functions and by the physical constraints imposed by organism size. This framework provides simple predictions of how trophic strategy correlates with size.
Clinical features and natural history of progressive supranuclear palsy

Objective: To describe clinical features and identify prognostic predictors in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Methods: Record-based diagnosis according to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke–Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy criteria was performed in 187 cases of PSP. Clinical information was abstracted from patient records. Sixty-two patients (33%) were examined by the investigators. Forty-nine of 62 patients (79%) underwent standardized clinical assessment. Predictors of survival were examined after a mean of 6.4 years. Results: The most common symptoms at disease onset related to mobility (69%). Of patients undergoing standardized clinical assessment, diplopia occurred in 61%, photophobia in 43%, and eyelid apraxia in 43%. Seventy-five cases (40%) died during follow-up. Older age at onset and classification as probable PSP were associated with poorer survival. Onset of falls (hazard ratio 3.28, 95% CI 1.17 to 9.13), speech problems (hazard ratio 4.74, 95% CI 1.10 to 20.4), or diplopia (hazard ratio 4.23, 95% CI 1.23 to 14.6) within 1 year and swallowing problems within 2 years (hazard ratio 3.91, 95% CI 1.39 to 11.0) were associated with a worse prognosis. Conclusions: Mobility problems are the commonest early feature in PSP and visual symptoms are often functionally disabling. Early falls, speech and swallowing problems, diplopia, and early insertion of a percutaneous gastrostomy predict reduced survival.
Systemic QX-314 Reduces Bone Cancer Pain through Selective Inhibition of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Subfamily 1–expressing Primary Afferents in Mice

Background:The aim of this study was to determine whether systemic administration of QX-314 reduces bone cancer pain through selective inhibition of transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily 1 (TRPV1)–expressing afferents. Methods:A mouse model of bone cancer pain was used. The authors examined the effects of bolus (0.01 to 3 mg/kg, n = 6 to 10) and continuous (5 mg kg−1 h−1, n = 5) administration of QX-314 on both bone cancer pain–related behaviors and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element–binding protein expression in dorsal root ganglion neurons (n = 3 or 6) and the effects of ablation of TRPV1-expressing afferents on bone cancer pain–related behaviors (n = 10). Results:The numbers of flinches indicative of ongoing pain in QX-314–treated mice were smaller than those in vehicle-treated mice at 10 min (3 mg/kg, 4 ± 3; 1 mg/kg, 5 ± 3 vs. 12 ± 3; P < 0.001; n = 8 to 9), 24 h (3 ± 2 vs. 13 ± 3, P < 0.001), and 48 h (4 ± 1 vs. 12 ± 2, P < 0.001; n = 5 in each group) after QX-314 administration, but impaired limb use, weight-bearing including that examined by the CatWalk system, and rotarod performance indicative of movement-evoked pain were comparable. QX-314 selectively inhibited the increase in phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element–binding protein expression in TRPV1-positive, but not in TRPV1-negative, dorsal root ganglion neurons compared to that in the case of vehicle administration (32.2 ± 3.0% vs. 52.6 ± 5.9%, P < 0.001; n = 6 in each group). Ablation of TRPV1-expressing afferents mimicked the effects of QX-314. Conclusion:This study showed that systemic administration of QX-314 in mice inhibits some behavioral aspects of bone cancer pain through selective inhibition of TRPV1-expressing afferents without coadministration of TRPV1 agonists.
Revolving Credit Card Holders: Who Are They and How Can They Be Identified?

All major credit card issuers, to a greater or lesser extent, are holding a portfolio consisting of three types of credit card holder: (i) non-active card holders; (ii) non-interest paying active card holders; and (iii) interest paying active card holders. This article, using two quantitative techniques more commonly associated with credit risk management or credit scoring, is concerned with identifying the characteristics of active card holders with the greatest propensity to revolve (i.e. pay interest). The sample consists of 27,681 bank credit card holders who had held and used their card in the 14 month sample period. Data was available on 313 socio-demographic and behavioural variables for which, a priori, there was good reason to include so as to discriminate between users who paid interest on their outstanding balances (i.e. revolvers) and those who did not. The main result of this research is that the most important discriminating variables are derived from the card holder's behaviour (i.e. cash advances, minimum payment due, interest paid in previous periods). This result is derived from and supported by the two competing techniques used for the analysis: Linear Discriminant Analysis and Logistic Regression.
Workplace Innovations and Employee Outcomes: Evidence from Finland

In the recent literature on workplace innovations, two competing views stand out. One strand of literature emphasizes positive outcomes for employees in the form of increased discretion, improved job security, and enhanced job satisfaction. In turn, critics argue that workplace innovations lead to increased job intensity and mental strain, and compromise job security. We address these issues by using a representative data set on individual employees from Finland. Our results indicate that workplace innovations are mainly associated with beneficial outcomes for employees. They are consistent with the view that institutional features of the Finnish labor market may mediate the outcomes.