Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Cessation of Mass Screening for Neuroblastoma at 6 Months of Age: A Population-Based Study in Osaka, Japan

Background In 2004, the Japanese government halted the 6-month mass screening program for neuroblastoma. We investigated whether its cessation had led to an increase not only in mortality due to this disease but also in the incidence of advanced-stage disease among older children. Methods Study subjects were neuroblastoma patients retrieved from the population-based Osaka Cancer Registry. Trends of incidence and mortality from neuroblastoma were analyzed by calendar year and birth cohort. Prognostic factors, including stage and v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene neuroblastoma derived homolog (MYCN) oncogene status, were compared before and after the cessation of mass screening. Results Age-standardized incidence rates in 2005–2009 (the cessation period of mass screening; 11.1 per million) were similar to those in 1975–1979 (the pre-screening period; 8.6 per million). Age-standardized mortality rates tended to decrease from 1975–1979 (4.0 per million) to 2005–2009 (2.7 per million) in parallel with the improvement in survival. Analysis by birth cohort indicated that the mortality rates in 2004–2005 (after cessation) for children 0–4 years of age were lower than those in 1975–1979 (O:E ratio 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.03–0.90). For children 1–9 years of age, there was a not significant difference in the distribution of stage, MYCN oncogene status, and DNA ploidy between 1991–2003 (the mass screening period) and 2004–2008 (after cessation). Conclusions The cessation of mass screening for neuroblastoma does not appear to have increased mortality due to this disease or incidence of advanced-stage disease among older children.
An econometric study of the role of the political stability on the relationship between democracy and economic growth

This article examines the nexus between democracy and economic growth while taking into account the role of political stability, using dynamic panel data model estimated by means of the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) over the period 1998 to 2011 for 17 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. Our empirical results showed that there is a bidirectional causal relationship between democracy and economic growth. Moreover, it was found that the effect of democracy on economic growth depends on the political stability. The results also indicated that there is important complementarity between political stability and democracy. In fact, political stability is a key determinant variable of economic growth. Eventually, democracy and political stability, taken together, have a positive and statistically significant effect on economic growth. This finding suggests that, if accompanied by a stable political system, democracy can contribute to the economic growth of countries. Thus, the MENA governments should use policies to promote political stability in the region. Key words: Political stability, Democracy, Economic growth, MENA countries. JEL: C33, F68, O11, O43, P16, P26. Ekonometrijska studija o ulozi politicke stabilnosti na odnos između demokratije i ekonomskog rasta Rad ispituje vezu između demokratije i ekonomskog rasta uzimajuci u obzir ulogu politicke stabilnosti, upotrebom dinamickog panel modela ocenjenog pomocu metoda uopstenih momenata (GMM) tokom perioda od 1998. do 2011. godine za 17 zemalja Bliskog istoka i severne Afrike (MENA). Nasi empirijski rezultati su pokazali da postoji dvosmerna uzrocna veza između demokratije i ekonomskog rasta. Osim toga, utvrđeno je da efekat demokratije na ekonomski rast zavisi od politicke stabilnosti. Rezultati takođe ukazuju da postoji znacajna komplementarnost između politicke stabilnosti i demokratije. U stvari, politicka stabilnost je kljucna odrednica promenljive ekonomskog rasta. Konacno, demokratija i politicka stabilnost, uzeti zajedno, imaju pozitivan i statisticki znacajan uticaj na ekonomski rast. Ovaj nalaz ukazuje na to da, ako je povezana sa stabilnim politickim sistemom, demokratija može da doprinese privrednom rastu zemalja. Dakle, vlade MENA zemalja treba da koriste politike da promovisu politicku stabilnost u regionu. Kljucne reci: politicka stabilnost, demokratija, ekonomski rast, MENA zemlje.
Complex formation by the Drosophila MSL proteins: role of the MSL2 RING finger in protein complex assembly

Drosophila MSL proteins are thought to act within a complex to elevate transcription from the male X chromosome. We found that the MSL1, MSL2 and MSL3 proteins are associated in immunoprecipitations, chromatographic steps and in the yeast two‐hybrid system, but that the MLE protein is not tightly complexed in these assays. We focused our analysis on the MSL2–MSL1 interaction, which is postulated to play a critical role in MSL complex association with the X chromosome. Using a modified two‐hybrid assay, we isolated missense mutations in MSL2 that disrupt its interaction with MSL1. Eleven out of 12 mutated residues clustered around the first zinc‐binding site of the RING finger domain were conserved in a Drosophila virilis MSL2 homolog. Two pre‐existing msl2 alleles, which fail to support male viability in vivo, have lesions in the same region of the RING finger. We tested these in the two‐hybrid system and found that they are also defective in interaction with MSL1. Mutation of the second zinc‐binding site had little effect on MSL1 binding, suggesting that this portion of the RING finger may have a distinct function. Our data support a model in which MSL2–MSL1 interaction nucleates assembly of an MSL complex, with which MLE is weakly or transiently associated.
The dynamic relationship between oil wealth and economic growth: the case of Nigeria.

The problem of weak economic development in Nigeria despite a substantial inflow of revenues from oil exports especially from the early 1970s and other subsequent periods is an important issue to examine. This outcome presents a number of problems for any government regime in Nigeria seeking to provide solutions to enable the country to escape the adverse effects of natural resource wealth. At present, the Nigerian government is still struggling to find solutions to tackle the deteriorating state of affairs, particularly in terms of unemployment, rising food prices and internal security. The main aim of this study is to help understand the dynamic relationship between natural resource wealth and economic development. This research study analyses the trajectory of economic and political development in Nigeria over the period 1960 to 2010. This study employs historical political economy and empirical approaches in examining the relationship between oil wealth and economic development. This method distinguishes the study from others carried out in the literature, particularly from those on Nigeria where the common approach in this strand has been to examine the relationship using economic theories alone. The rationale for the approach employed in this study is that Nigeria has its own unique development in terms of politics, which has been influenced by the social structure and colonial history of the country and thus the impact of oil on economic growth should be investigated separately using a historical and empirical approach so as to capture time trend interactions between societal issues, politics and economic outcomes. First, this study examined the relationship between oil and economic performance using social, political and economic factors such as ethnic and regional differences, political instability, changes in ownership structure of the oil sector and government expenditure, which is largely financed by oil revenues. Next, the research empirically examined the impact of these factors on economic sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. Afterwards, it analyses the impact of political and economic events in the preceding periods on the current or subsequent period that coincided with a return to democratic rule on major economic sectors. In general, the results show that the period, which marked a transition to a stable political regime, has no impact on economic performance from 1999 - 2010. Implicitly, this means that democracy in isolation is not a process that accompanies economic development and that a strong policy which could foster national unity and overcome regional and ethnic differences is needed. In order to promote sound economic development this policy should be dynamic, specific and directed to the promotion of a national agenda that will target and benefit important sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing through creating forward and backward linkages in a multiplier effect.
Climate change acknowledgement and responses of summer (glacier) ski visitors in Norway

ABSTRACT The mutual interaction of climate change and the highly weather-dependent ski tourism business is drawing increasing attention from the academic, commercial and political arenas. Changes in the cryosphere are becoming major determinants of the sustainability of ski areas. Therefore, there is a great deal of literature entailing impact and adaptation studies regarding ski areas, resorts, and destinations; however, research on the demand side of the issue is relatively limited. In this paper, the relationship between climate change and a niche segment of ski tourism, summer skiing, is discussed with regard to the awareness, perceptions, and mitigation and substitution behaviours of visitors to the summer downhill ski centres in Norway – an underresearched country, despite its recognition as the cradle of skiing. For this purpose, a comprehensive survey was administered to a sample of 224 subjects. The results revealed high climate change awareness but limited climate friendliness, and a strong emphasis on the immediate climate impacts on summer skiing that create a tendency towards ski activity substitution within Norway. Individual profiles also played a significant role in the anticipated mitigation and substitution behaviours. The implications of the results involving demand attitude and behaviour are further discussed with regard to the suppliers.
On the origin of two types of current pulses observed during the initial stage of upward lightning

We analyzed high-speed video images and corresponding current records for eight upward lightning flashes initiated by the Peissenberg tower (160 m) in Germany. These flashes contained a total of 33 measurable initial stage (IS) current pulses, which are superimposed on steady IS currents. Seven IS pulses had relatively short (< 8 μs) 10-to-90% risetimes and 26 IS pulses had relatively long (> 8 μs) risetimes. Six (86%) of seven IS current pulses with shorter risetimes each developed in a newly-illuminated branch, and 25 (96%) of 26 IS pulses with longer risetimes occurred in already luminous (current-carrying) channels. These results support the hypothesis that longer risetimes are indicative of the M-component mode of charge transfer to ground, while shorter risetimes are associated with the leader/return stroke mode. Similar results were obtained for M-component pulses that are superimposed on continuing currents following return-stroke pulses.
Online mindfulness as a promising method to improve exercise capacity in heart disease: 12-month follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

There is increasing evidence that mindfulness can reduce stress, and thereby affect other psychological and physiological outcomes as well. Earlier, we reported the direct 3-month results of an online modified mindfulness-based stress reduction training in patients with heart disease, and now we evaluate the effect at 12-month follow-up. 324 patients (mean age 43.2 years, 53.7% male) were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to additional 3-month online mindfulness training or to usual care alone. The primary outcome was exercise capacity measured with the 6 minute walk test (6MWT). Secondary outcomes were blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, NT-proBNP, cortisol levels (scalp hair sample), mental and physical functioning (SF-36), anxiety and depression (HADS), perceived stress (PSS), and social support (PSSS12). Differences between groups on the repeated outcome measures were analyzed with linear mixed models. At 12-months follow-up, participants showed a trend significant improvement exercise capacity (6MWT: 17.9 meters, p = 0.055) compared to UC. Cohen’s D showed significant but small improvement on exercise capacity (d = 0.22; 95%CI 0.05 to 0.39), systolic blood pressure (d = 0.19; 95%CI 0.03 to 0.36), mental functioning (d = 0.22; 95%CI 0.05 to 0.38) and depressive symptomatology (d = 0.18; 95%CI 0.02 to 0.35). All other outcome measures did not change statistically significantly. In the as-treated analysis, systolic blood pressure decreased significantly with 5.5 mmHg (p = 0.045; d = 0.23 (95%CI 0.05–0.41)). Online mindfulness training shows favorable albeit small long-term effects on exercise capacity, systolic blood pressure, mental functioning, and depressive symptomatology in patients with heart disease and might therefore be a beneficial addition to current clinical care. Trial registration: www.trialregister. nl NTR3453
[Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in children with diabetes type 1].

INTRODUCTION Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a naturally occurring product of asymmetric methylation of proteins, is an endogenous inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. ADMA is now recognized as an independent marker of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Data concerning ADMA level in type 1 diabetes (DM1) are controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate ADMA level in children with DM1, without clinical evidence of vascular complications, with particular attention to additional cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group included 72 children with DM1, aged mean 15±3 yrs (8-20 yrs), 33 boys and 39 girls, with diabetes duration time mean 6.6±3.5 yrs (1-14 yrs), HBA1c mean level 8.2±2.3% (5.6-15%). The control group consisted of 41 (19 boys and 22 girls) healthy children, aged mean--14.8±2.6 yrs, from 8 to 18 yrs, gender matched, with no family history of cardiovascular disease. ADMA level was determined in plasma using ELISA kit (DLD Diagnostica, Hamburg, Germany) RESULTS ADMA level was similar in children with diabetes and in the control group: 0.69±0.33 vs. 0.7±0.27 μmol/L, ns. We did not find differences in ADMA level in diabetic children with the presence of additional diseases being cardiovascular risk factors. In the group of 13 children with hypertension ADMA level was the highest: 0.79±0.25 μmol/L, but the difference was statistically insignificant in comparison to children with diabetes without hypertension and in comparison to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS Children with DM1, without clinically evident vascular complications, have ADMA levels similar to healthy children. A possible relationship between ADMA and hypertension in these patients requires further investigation.
Election Outcomes and the Poor: Evidence from the Consumption of Scheduled Castes and Tribes in India

This article investigates whether parliamentary election outcomes affect the consumption of households belonging to scheduled castes and tribes (SC/STs), which are the poorest Indian households and constitute one-quarter of the population. Using arguably exogenous variation in party affiliation introduced by close election outcomes, this article finds that expenditures of SC/ST households were higher in regions where candidates more sympathetic to the groups were successful. These results demonstrate that SC/ST welfare responds to election outcomes in instances when successful politicians do not belong to SC/STs themselves and that electing candidates from left-leaning political parties can have a significant economic impact on the lives of poor and minority voters.
Recent Advances in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Recent Advances in CPR. Mechanical and pharmacologic measures intended to increase blood now to vital organs are the mainstay of therapy for patients in cardiac arrest. Several new cardiopilmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques as well as novel devices and pharmacologic agents have been developed and tested since the first report of manual closed chested CPR over three decades ago. These recent mechanical and pharmacologic advances in the treatment of cardiac arrest are described. Some of these new techniques, devices, and drug therapies are presently undergoing clinical evaluation in patients in cardiac arrest. While many of these new methods and techniques have shown promise in small clinical trials in humans, none have yet lo be found to be conclusively superior to manual closed chested CPR and treatment with standard pharmacologic agents.
Longitudinal Quality of Life in Liver Transplant Recipients

More than 75,000 deceased donor liver transplants have been performed in the United States since 1984, thus giving many people another chance at life. Liver transplantation is often scrutinized because of its high cost and limited resources (i.e., organs). Measuring recipient's quality of life posttransplant is one outcome to determine whether liver transplantation is making a difference. Limited information is available from a longitudinal perspective that studies the same recipient over time. The purpose of this study was to describe liver transplant recipients' quality of life pretransplant and 1 and 2 years posttransplant. Patients completed the Quality of Life form at initial evaluation for liver transplant at 1 and 2 years posttransplant. Data from 139 recipients were extracted from a database maintained by a large transplant center in the southwest United States. Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed a statistically significant difference in quality of life at 1 and 2 years posttransplant as compared with quality-of-life scores pretransplant. The major finding was a statistically significant difference in quality of life between men and women, with men reporting higher overall quality-of-life scores. Liver transplantation does make a difference in improving quality of life. Further investigation is suggested to explore the difference of quality of life between genders.
Influences of Governance and Economic Development Level on Happiness in High Income Asian and European Countries

This study explores the relationship between governance and human development indicators with happiness using the panel data fixed effect and random effect estimation approach. Findings from the study stress on the importance of good governance in influencing life satisfaction. In a way, good governance stimulates happiness in a positive manner. Governments in developed countries in Asia and Europe may increase happiness and promote equality through enhancements in the quality of governance. This can be done by ensuring good practices in managing the economy and resources of the country. However, the relationship between the economic development level and happiness is inconclusive and insignificant
Measurement of Trace Constituents by Electron-Excited X-Ray Microanalysis with Energy-Dispersive Spectrometry

Abstract Electron-excited X-ray microanalysis performed with scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) has been used to measure trace elemental constituents of complex multielement materials, where “trace” refers to constituents present at concentrations below 0.01 (mass fraction). High count spectra measured with silicon drift detector EDS were quantified using the standards/matrix correction protocol embedded in the NIST DTSA-II software engine. Robust quantitative analytical results for trace constituents were obtained from concentrations as low as 0.000500 (mass fraction), even in the presence of significant peak interferences from minor (concentration 0.01≤C≤0.1) and major (C>0.1) constituents. Limits of detection as low as 0.000200 were achieved in the absence of peak interference.
Evaluation of a cefoxitin 30 microg disc on Iso-Sensitest agar for detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the performance of a cefoxitin 30 microg disc on Iso-Sensitest agar, using a semi-confluent inoculum and overnight incubation at 35-36 degrees C, for detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). METHODS A total of 457 S. aureus, including 190 MRSA of several defined PFGE types and a number of low-level resistant isolates, were tested with a cefoxitin 30 microg disc on Iso-Sensitest agar, using a semi-confluent inoculum and overnight incubation at 35-36 degrees C. This method was compared with the standard SRGA (Swedish Reference Group for Antibiotics) method (oxacillin 1 microg disc on Iso-Sensitest agar supplemented with 5% defibrinated horse blood, confluent growth and 24 h incubation in ambient air at 30 degrees C). RESULTS The cefoxitin method was excellent, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99% using an interpretative zone diameter of S > or = 29 mm and R < 29 mm. Its performance was much better than the SRGA method, which with this collection of difficult strains had a sensitivity of only 78% using the current breakpoint of S > or = 12 mm. CONCLUSION We suggest that the cefoxitin method should replace that currently recommended by the SRGA for the detection of MRSA, and that it would fit well into BSAC methodology.
Clinical Evaluation of Implant-Supported Removable Partial Dentures With a Stress-Breaking Attachment

Purpose: The stress-breaking ball (SBB) attachment can distribute the occlusal force equally between the alveolar ridge and the implants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implant-supported distal extension removable partial dentures (RPDs) with SBB attachment in 10 patients who were partially edentulous. Methods: This randomized crossover study was designed to compare the function of RPDs with and without healing abutments and SBB attachments to support the posterior aspects of the RPDs. Mandibular jaw movements during mastication and the occlusal force and contact area were measured with a commercially available tracking device and pressure-sensitive sheets. Using a visual analog scale, 4 criteria—chewing, retention, stability, and comfort—were evaluated. All of the data obtained were analyzed using a 1-way analysis of variance (&agr; = 0.05). Results: There were no significant differences in either the mean time or the coefficient of variation among the SBB attachments and healing abutments of implant-supported removable partial dentures (ISRPDs) and conventional removable partial dentures (CRPDs). SBB attachments and healing abutments of ISRPDs had greater forces and contact areas than those of CRPDs with significant differences. For all criteria, patients preferred SBB attachments to healing abutments and CRPDs. Conclusions: The implant-supported distal extension RPDs with SBB attachment improved denture stability and patients' satisfaction.