Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Myopia Progression in Chinese Children is Slower in Summer Than in Winter

Purpose. To characterize seasonal variation in the myopic progression of Chinese children. Methods. Myopia progression data are presented for a total of 85 Chinese children, aged 6 to 12 years, with baseline myopia of −0.75 D to −3.50 D sphere and astigmatism ⩽−1.50 D, who wore traditional single-vision spectacles in two clinical trials (trial A: n = 37, trial B: n = 48). Refractive error and axial length data were obtained at 6-month intervals using cycloplegic autorefraction and partial coherence interferometry, respectively. Progression rates for right eyes were defined for the first and second 6 months of the studies and classified in terms of “summer,” “autumn,” “winter,” or “spring” based on the mid-point of the 6-month period between visits. Results. The mean 6-month spherical equivalent progression was −0.31 ± 0.25 D for summer, −0.40 ± 0.27 D for autumn, −0.53 ± 0.29 D for winter, and −0.42 ± 0.20 D for spring (p < 0.001). Mean axial elongation was 0.17 ± 0.10 mm for summer, 0.24 ± 0.09 mm for autumn, 0.24 ± 0.09 mm for winter, and 0.15 ± 0.08 mm for spring (p < 0.001). Post hoc analysis indicated that data for summer and winter were different from each other at p < 0.05 for both myopia progression and axial elongation after adjusting for age. Conclusions. Myopia progression in summer months was approximately 60% of that seen in winter, and axial elongation was likewise significantly less in summer. It is unclear whether more time spent outdoors in summer vs. winter is a contributing factor, or the difference in progression rates is a result of “seasonal” variations in the intensity or amount of close work performed. These results indicate that studies of potential myopia treatment strategies should be at least 12 months in duration to take seasonal variations into account.
Amphetamine withdrawal produces region‐specific and time‐dependent changes in connexin36 expression in rat brain

Repeated amphetamine treatment produces a long‐lasting augmentation of locomotor behavior in rats, a phenomenon known as behavioral sensitization. This process is thought to be a correlate of the addictive process in humans, and it is believed that there are drug‐induced neuroadaptations that underlie these behavioral changes. One mechanism by which amphetamine can alter brain function is by affecting direct intercellular communication between neurons via gap junctions. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of an amphetamine treatment regimen known to produce changes in dye coupling between neurons, a functional correlate of gap junction function, on the expression of the neuronal gap junction‐forming protein, connexin36. Here we report that withdrawal from an extended amphetamine regimen produces region‐specific and time‐dependent changes in connexin36 expression in rat nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex, brain regions known play roles in sensitization and addiction. This is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of pharmacological manipulation of connexin36 in vivo. Synapse 56:39–44, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Pinealectomy on Glucagon Responsiveness to Hypoglycaemia Induced by Insulin Injections in Fed Rats

The glucagon response to insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia was tested in rats that had been pinealectomised (Px), pinealectomised and fitted with melatonin implants (Px + MLT), or sham‐operated (SO). The glucagon response to hypoglycaemia observed in SO rats (216 ± 27 pg ml−1 at baseline versus 397 ± 35 pg ml−1 at the hypoglycaemic peak, mean ± S.D.) was stronger than that in Px rats (180 ± 37 pg ml−1 and 229 ± 21 pg ml−1, respectively) and weaker than that in Px + MLT rats (256 ± 19 pg ml−1 and 516 ± 11 pg ml−1, respectively). Our data indicate that the capacity to release glucagon during insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia is altered in pinealectomised rats.
Major League Baseball Attendance

Although Major League Baseball has a long history, most studies of attendance have focused on recent years because important explanatory data, such as ticket prices, are often missing for earlier periods. This study fills gaps in the data by analyzing individual team attendance records between 1904 and 2012. If important missing variables are determined using common factors that can influence between-team attendance, the attendance function can be estimated by a panel factor model. Our results indicate that the determinants of fans’ attendance decisions have changed over time. In earlier years (1904-1957), the home team’s win record was the only significant team characteristic influencing attendance. However, in recent years (1958-2012), outcome uncertainty, size, and quality of the stadium, and playing styles have also influenced fan attendance.
Metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia: Differences between antipsychotic-naïve and treated patients

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in general population and in patients with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia. This paper reviews studies on MetS in schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, and assesses the contribution of antipsychotics toward the development of MetS. Databases of Medline (PubMed), PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched for MetS, psychotic disorders, and antipsychotic drugs from inception till present. Prevalence of MetS in patients with schizophrenia was found to be ranging from 3.3% to 68.0%. Prevalence in antipsychotic-naïve and antipsychotic-treated patients ranged between 3.3-26.0% and 32.0-68.0% respectively, and was higher in younger patients, female gender and Hispanics, and lower in African-Americans and Orientals. Prevalence of metabolic abnormalities was higher in patients receiving second generation antipsychotics (SGAs), especially with clozapine, olanzapine, and risperidone, as compared to first generation antipsychotics (FGAs). Antipsychotic-induced changes on metabolic indices became evident after 2 weeks and reached maximum at 3 months of treatment. There is a need to sensitize the mental health professionals at all levels about the need of screening and monitoring for MetS in patients receiving antipsychotics.
New Urbanism as Sustainable Growth?

New Urbanism is being promoted as a set of ideas to mitigate sprawl, to encourage sustainable growth, and to facilitate infill development. In this article, the author focuses on the supply side story of New Urbanism to examine its implications for public policy. Specifically, the author evaluates where designers, developers, and planners involved with New Urbanist projects differ (or concur) in their endorsement of New Urbanist principles and in their satisfaction with the implementation of these ideas. Research reveals that in general, these designers, developers, and planners are endorsing New Urbanist ideas as a tool for achieving sustainable growth. The study shows that New Urbanist principles that focus on neighborhood design are most likely to be promoted and are expected to influence public policy, while principles that focus on regional planning may not generate enough support and are least likely to be implemented. The article concludes with policy recommendations.
Structural change in the West German agricultural sector

This article explains regionally differentiated patterns of structural change based on a theoretical framework dealing with strategic interaction of farms on the land market. The main research question focuses on the causes of regionally persistent structures. An empirical Markov chain model is defined for the West German agricultural sector. The model is used to explain the probabilities of farm growth, decline, or exit in terms of the current and former regional farm size structure. Further, the impact of variables describing the regional farm structure, thereby indicating market power of the large, the potential of high competition for land within a region, and possibly high rents of the status quo in combination with sunk costs, is quantified. The results confirm the relevance of strategic interaction as a crucial determinant of persistent regional differences in the farm size structure over time.
Expression and Identification of Immunological Activities of the HIV‐gp120N‐Human Interferon Gamma Fusion Protein

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) envelope glycoprotein gp120 is a vaccine immunogen that has been studied extensively. To enhance the immune response of cells against HIV‐1 gp120, we tested the coexpression of gp120N with interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) as an immune adjuvant. Two recombinant prokaryotic plasmids were constructed: the pET44b‐HIV‐1‐gp120N plasmid construct carried the HIV‐1 gp120N gene (pET44‐gp120N), whereas the pET44b‐HIV‐1‐gp120N‐IFN‐γ plasmid construct carried a fusion gp120N‐IFN‐γ gene (pET44b‐gp120N‐IFN‐γ). Target protein expression was achieved in E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells by chemical induction. To test the immunological activity of the proteins, mice were injected with a control, gp120N, or the fusion gp120N‐IFN‐γ protein. The serum and spleen cells of the mice were collected for immunological detection. Results showed that specific T lymphocyte proliferation and the expression of the Th1‐type cytokines (IL‐2 and IFN‐γ) were higher in the gp120N‐IFN‐γ group than the other two groups (P < 0.05). No difference was observed in the expression levels of the Th2‐type cytokines (IL‐4 and IL‐10; P > 0.05). These results suggest that IFN‐γ plays a prominent role as an immune adjuvant when coexpressed with HIV‐1 gp120N. IFN‐γ enhances the specific cell immune response of mice against HIV‐1 gp120. Anat Rec, 292:381–386, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Barcoding, types and the Hirudo files: Using information content to critically evaluate the identity of DNA barcodes

Species identifications based on DNA barcoding rely on the correct identity of previously barcoded specimens, but little attention has been given to whether deposited barcodes include correspondence to the species' name-bearing type. The information content associated with COX1 sequences in the two most commonly used repositories of barcodes, GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), is often insufficient for subsequent evaluation of the robustness of the identification procedure. We argue that DNA barcoding and taxonomy alike will benefit from more information content in the annotations of barcoded specimens as this will allow for validation and re-evaluation of the initial specimen identification. The aim should be to closely connect specimens from which reference barcodes are generated with the holotype through straight-forward taxonomy, and geographical and genetic correlations. Annotated information should also include voucher specimens and collector/identifier information. We examine two case studies based on empirical data, in which barcoding and taxonomy benefit from increased information content. On the basis of data from the first case study, we designate a barcoded neotype of the European medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, on morphological and geographical grounds.
An Exploratory Study Into The Adoption of Internet Banking in a Developing Country: Malaysia

ABSTRACT In this study, we extend the decomposed theory of planned behavior (DTPB) by incorporating trust and examining its impact on an individual's intention to adopt Internet banking. A majority of the technology adoption research has been completed in developed countries such as the U.S. Overall, the results indicate that the proposed model provides a good understanding of factors that influence the intention to use Internet banking. From a theoretical perspective, the findings help further our understanding of the constructs that impact technology adoption in an under researched area: developing countries. It also confirms the multidimensionality of trust and its role in the adoption of Internet banking. From a practical perspective, the findings can help banks who wish to offer Internet banking services make informed decisions about what actions they can take to increase their chances of success.
Early Experiences With Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: Our First 70 Cases

Study Design. Prospective consecutive series. Objective. Analysis of the results and outcomes of patients treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for spinal pathology. Summary of Background Data. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is an alternative to open thoracotomy. It has been suggested that the learning curve is substantial. The authors present their early experience in treating a variety of spinal pathologies with this technique. Methods. Seventy cases were available at the 2-year follow-up. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with the goal of anterior spinal release and fusion was carried out on patients with the following diagnoses: idiopathic scoliosis, neuromuscular spinal deformity, Scheuermann kyphosis, congenital and infantile scoliosis, neurofibromatosis, Marfan syndrome, postradiation scoliosis, and repair of pseudarthrosis. Three patients had excision of the first rib to treat thoracic outlet syndrome. Two patients had excision of intrathoracic neurofibroma and a benign rib tumor. One had anterior fusion following thoracic spine fracture-dislocation. Results. The average operative time for the thoracoscopic anterior release with discectomy and fusion procedure was 256 minutes (range 150–405 minutes). The average number of discs excised was 8 (range 4–11 discs). The average operative time per disc was 32.5 minutes (range 20–45 minutes). The average blood loss during the thoracoscopic anterior release with diskectomy and fusion was 285 mL (range 150–405 mL). Final postoperative scoliosis and kyphosis corrections were 68% (range 41–91%) and 90% (range 47–100%), respectively. Complications related to thoracoscopy occurred in 3 patients. All deformity patients had evidence of anterior fusion radiographically. Conclusion. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery provides a safe and effective alternative to open thoracotomy in the treatment of thoracic pediatric spinal deformities. The procedure remains time consuming.
A national survey of stress reactions after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

BACKGROUND People who are not present at a traumatic event may also experience stress reactions. We assessed the immediate mental health effects of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. METHODS Using random-digit dialing three to five days after September 11, we interviewed a nationally representative sample of 569 U.S. adults about their reactions to the terrorist attacks and their perceptions of their children's reactions. RESULTS Forty-four percent of the adults reported one or more substantial stress symptoms; 91 percent had one or more symptoms to at least some degree. Respondents throughout the country reported stress syndromes. They coped by talking with others (98 percent), turning to religion (90 percent), participating in group activities (60 percent), and making donations (36 percent). Eighty-five percent of parents reported that they or other adults in the household had talked to their children about the attacks for an hour or more; 34 percent restricted their children's television viewing. Thirty-five percent of children had one or more stress symptoms, and 47 percent were worried about their own safety or the safety of loved ones. CONCLUSIONS After the September 11 terrorist attacks, Americans across the country, including children, had substantial symptoms of stress. Even clinicians who practice in regions that are far from the recent attacks should be prepared to assist people with trauma-related symptoms of stress.
Testing the Fama and French Three-Factor Model and its Variants for the Indian Stock Returns

I empirically study the Fama and French three-factor model of stock returns along with its variants, including the one-factor Capital Asset Pricing Model for 79 stocks listed on the BSE-100 stock market index for India. These sample stocks are split into six portfolios sorted on size and book-to-market equity ratio. The factor portfolios that explain the returns are the market factor, size factor (SMB) and value factor (HML). I find strong evidence for the market factor in all the portfolios, it being regarded with having highest explanatory power. The SMB and HML factors can not be clearly ranked in this regard. On the basis of the adjusted R², I confirm that the three-factor model captures better the common variation in the stock returns than the CAPM, the average adjusted R² being 87% for the former model and 76% for the latter model. I further carry out a joint test on the constant term in the portfolio regressions using the GRS test statistic, checking for any abnormal returns that are not captured by the factor portfolios. Using this statistic, I again find that the three-factor model of Fama and French fairs better in explaining the cross-section of returns in the portfolios than its variants and the CAPM. I have also checked for any seasonal effects that could be present in the sample and have found none.
Absorptive and Desorptive Capacity‐Related Practices at the Network Level – The Case of SEMATECH

Previous research has predominantly conceptualized absorptive capacity as an intraorganizational phenomenon, primarily by means of quantitative methods. In contrast, this research develops a practice‐based understanding of how an interorganizational network can engage in network absorptive and desorptive capacity‐related (NAC and NDC respectively) activities. SEMiconductor MAnufacturing TECHnologies(SEMATECH) is an interorganizational network to develop innovative semiconductor manufacturing solutions globally. Based upon an in‐depth case study of SEMATECH we add to the literature as follows: first, we introduce NAC and NDC, venturing beyond the organization or dyad as the unit of analysis. Second, we adopt a practice perspective in order to illustrate how SEMATECH is able to engage in NAC‐ and NDC‐related activities, primarily by means of three practices, that is, congregating, roadmapping and offering access. These practices re‐inform each other, allowing SEMATECH, in effect, to coordinate the network's knowledge‐related activities with regard to knowledge outside of the network.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry rapid detection of carbapenamase activity in Acinetobacter baumannii isolates

Introduction: Carbapenamase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii are an increasing threat in hospitals and Intensive Care Units. Accurate and rapid detection of carbapenamase producers has a great impact on patient improvement and aids in implementation of infection control measures. Aim: In this study, we describe the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS) to identify carbapenamase-producing A. baumannii isolates in up to 3 h. Isolates and Methods: A total of 50 A. baumannii isolates (of which 39 were carabapenamase producers) were tested using MALDI TOF MS. Isolates were incubated for 3 h with 0.25 mg/ml up to 2 mg/ml of imipenem (IMP) at 37°C. Supernatants were analysed by MALDI TOF to analyse peaks corresponding to IMP (300 Da) and an IMP metabolite (254 Da) using UltrafleXtreme (Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany). Results: All carbapenamase-producing isolates were evidenced by the disappearance or reduction in intensity of the 300 Da peak of IPM and the appearance of a 254 Da peak of the IPM metabolite. In isolates that did not produce carbapenamase, the IPM 300 Da peak remained intact. Conclusion: MALDI TOF is a promising tool in the field of diagnostic microbiology that has the ability to transfer identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing time from days to hours.
Effects of Simulated Angler Capture and Live‐Release Tournaments on Walleye Survival

Abstract We examined the effects of acclimation water temperature,live-well (LW) water temperature,and LW dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration on survival of adult Walleyes Sander vitreus subjected to simulated tournament conditions (angling,LW confinement,and weigh-in procedures) under controlled laboratory conditions. We tested three acclimation temperatures (12,18,and 24°C),and three LW temperature differentials (ΔT = −4,0,and +4°C) were tested at each acclimation temperature. Survival was monitored after 8 h of LW confinement and during a 5-d retention period in 1,700-L tanks. None of the Walleyes that were acclimated to 24°C and subjected to simulated tournament procedures survived the 5-d retention period; for fish subjected only to simulated angling at 24°C,survival during the 5-d retention period was 29%. Five-day survival was generally over 70% at acclimation temperatures of 12°C and 18°C,and we observed a significant interaction between acclimation temperature and ΔT; survival was greatest in LWs.
Empirical measures of inflation uncertainty: a cautionary note

A direct, ex ante, measure of inflation uncertainty in the US is compared with a number of proxies used in empirical studies. The direct estimate is the root mean subjective variance of the probability distributions for inflation reported by respondents to the ASA/NBER survey. The proxies include forecast standard deviations from ARIMA, ARCH and structural models of inflation. These proxies are not significantly correlated with the direct measure, nor with one another. Use of the proxies leads to incorrect inferences about the correlation between inflation and inflation uncertainty, and between inflation uncertainty and the real interest rate.