Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between intraocular pressure and eye growth in chick

In infants, abnormally high intraocular pressure (IOP) results in excessive eye enlargement. In the study reported here, we investigated whether IOP might be a determinant of ocular elongation using the chick as an animal model. Specifically, we examined IOP changes in (I) normally developing eyes, and (II) eyes undergoing altered growth. In the first case (I), developmental changes in IOP, axial length and refractive error were assessed at approximately daily intervals during early development (days 2–11 post‐hatch, n = 8), and at weekly intervals from weeks 1 to 6 (n = 8). In the second case (II), opposite ocular growth responses were elicited using −15 D and +15 D defocusing spectacle lenses fitted monocularly to 8‐day‐old chicks (n = 8 and 7, respectively). Treated eyes were measured 3 and 7 h after lens application (between 9 and 10 am), as well as 1, 2 and 4 days later, around the same time as the initial lens application. In normal development (I), IOP increased over the first post‐hatch week, peaking at 18.0 ± 5.1 mmHg, and declined slowly thereafter to be back to near ‘hatching’ values at 6 weeks (12.7 ± 5.3 mmHg at day 2 cf. 13.4 ± 1.9 mmHg). Eyes elongated at an approximately linear rate over the entire monitoring period. The −15 D and +15 D lenses (II) produced opposing effects on eye growth, as indicated by axial length changes of + 0.67 ± 0.25 mm cf. −0.33 ± 0.17 mm over the 4‐day treatment period. Both groups showed decreases in IOP over the first 20 h of lens wear. The faster growing eyes of the −15 D group exhibited a later relative increase in IOP. The described changes in IOP are compatible with, but do not prove, a modulatory influence of IOP on early eye growth.
Genome-wide annotation of microRNA primary transcript structures reveals novel regulatory mechanisms

Precise regulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression is critical for diverse physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. Nevertheless, elucidation of the mechanisms through which miRNA expression is regulated has been greatly hindered by the incomplete annotation of primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) transcripts. While a subset of miRNAs are hosted in protein-coding genes, the majority of pri-miRNAs are transcribed as poorly characterized noncoding RNAs that are 10's to 100's of kilobases in length and low in abundance due to efficient processing by the endoribonuclease DROSHA, which initiates miRNA biogenesis. Accordingly, these transcripts are poorly represented in existing RNA-seq data sets and exhibit limited and inaccurate annotation in current transcriptome assemblies. To overcome these challenges, we developed an experimental and computational approach that allows genome-wide detection and mapping of pri-miRNA structures. Deep RNA-seq in cells expressing dominant-negative DROSHA resulted in much greater coverage of pri-miRNA transcripts compared with standard RNA-seq. A computational pipeline was developed that produces highly accurate pri-miRNA assemblies, as confirmed by extensive validation. This approach was applied to a panel of human and mouse cell lines, providing pri-miRNA transcript structures for 1291/1871 human and 888/1181 mouse miRNAs, including 594 human and 425 mouse miRNAs that fall outside protein-coding genes. These new assemblies uncovered unanticipated features and new potential regulatory mechanisms, including links between pri-miRNAs and distant protein-coding genes, alternative pri-miRNA splicing, and transcripts carrying subsets of miRNAs encoded by polycistronic clusters. These results dramatically expand our understanding of the organization of miRNA-encoding genes and provide a valuable resource for the study of mammalian miRNA regulation.
Nocturnal rise of leptin in lean, obese, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus subjects.

We studied 24-h profiles of circulating leptin levels using a sensitive and specific RIA in lean controls and obese subjects with or without non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) during normal routine activity. Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in obese (41.7 +/- 9.0 ng/ml; n = 11) and obese NIDDM (30.8 +/- 6.7; n = 9) subjects compared with those in lean controls (12.0 +/- 4.4, n = 6). In all the three groups, serum leptin levels were highest between midnight and early morning hours and lowest around noon to midafternoon. The nocturnal rise in leptin levels was significant when data were analyzed by ANOVA (lean: F = 3.17, P < 0.0001, n = 4; obese: F = 2.02, P < 0.005, n = 11; and obese NIDDM: F = 4.9, P < 0.0001, n = 5). The average circadian amplitude between acrophase and nadir was 75.6% in lean, 51.7%, in obese and 60.7% in obese NIDDM groups, respectively. No significant correlations (P > 0.05) were observed between circulating levels of leptin and either insulin or glucose levels in any of the 20 subjects studied for 24-h profiles. The nocturnal rise in leptin observed in the present study resembles those reported for prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and free fatty acids. We speculate that the nocturnal rise in leptin could have an effect in suppressing appetite during the night while sleeping.
Essays in risk management and asset pricing with high frequency option panels

The thesis investigates the information gains from high frequency equity option data with applications in risk management and empirical asset pricing. Chapter 1 provides the background and motivation of the thesis and outlines the key contributions. Chapter 2 describes the high frequency equity option data in detail. Chapter 3 reviews the theoretical treatments for Recovery Theorem. I derive the formulas for extracting risk neutral central moments from option prices in Chapter 4. In Chapter 5, I specify a perturbation theory on the recovered discount factor, pricing kernel, and the physical probability density. In Chapter 6, a fast and fully-identified sequential programming algorithm is built to apply the Recovery Theorem in practice with noisy market data. I document new empirical evidence on the recovered physical probability distributions and empirical pricing kernels extracted from both index and single-name equity options. Finally, I build a left tail index from the recovered physical probability densities for the S&P 500 index options and show that the left tail index can be used as an indicator of market downside risk. In Chapter 7, I uniquely introduce the higher dimensional option-implied average correlations and provide the procedures for estimating the higher dimensional option-implied average correlations from high frequency option data. In Chapter 8, I construct a market average correlation factor by sorting stocks according to their risk exposures to the option-implied average correlations. I find that (a) the market average correlation factor largely enhances the model-fitting of existing risk-adjusted asset pricing models. (b) the market average correlation factor yields persistent positive risk premiums in cross-sectional stock returns that cannot be explained by other existing risk factors and firm characteristic variables. Chapter 9 concludes the thesis.
Aid, Trade and Migration: How Do Bilateral Flows Interact?

This paper takes as its point of departure the European Commission's position, set out in 2005, which laid clear emphasis on aid and trade as tools for controlling immigration. We attempt to subject this position to empirical investigation. We exploit data on bilateral aid, trade and migration flows between developed and developing countries, for the period 2000â€“10, adopting an instrumental variable approach to address the endogeneity issue due to potential simultaneity bias. Our results establish that increasing aid and trade with developing countries is likely to fail to contain immigration, at least in the short run. The pattern of results is consistent with the hypothesis that promoting development in migrantâ€ sending countries, or cooperating with such countries to control migration outflows, is not sufficient to lessen immigration. Increasing visa restrictions and controls at borders is generally controversial; still, the results imply that policymakers cannot attain their shortâ€ term immigration goals with the soâ€ called smart solutions of aid and trade.
Characterisation of pncA mutations in clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in New Zealand

Aims: To describe the molecular basis of pyrazinamide (PZA) resistance among Mycobacterium tuberculosis in New Zealand, and to compare the pncA gene sequence among isolates with phenotypic (Bactec 960 and Wayne's assay) evidence of PZA resistance. Methods: The pncA gene of 26 clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis found to be PZA resistant by phenotypic methods was sequenced. Phenotypic and genotypic data were compared. Results: Mutations were detected in 11 isolates, predominantely among isolates with a multi‐drug resistance phenotype. While the mutations were dispersed along the pncA gene, a clustering of mutations were found at amino acid Ser18–His57 and His82–Val128 regions. Seven of the identified mutations have not been described previously. Conclusions: A high diversity of pncA gene mutation was seen among PZA resistant strains of M. tuberculosis. The Bactec 960 phenotypic test may over report PZA resistance.
Yesterday once more? Unemployment and health in the 21st century

The relationship between economic recession, higher unemployment and poorer health is well established in the medical and social science research literature. Much of this research resulted from the last major economic recessions of the early 1980s and 1990s. Many parallels are being made between then and now. Therefore, this paper revisits this literature to ascertain what the unemployment consequences of the economic recession may mean for public health and health services. However, this research agenda paper also outlines key differences between then and now focussing on the structure of the welfare system and the organisation and experience of work. Therefore, it is not simply a case of ‘yesterday once more’ and public health research, policy and practice needs to be sensitive and responsive to these changes.
Improving the Performance of Formamidinium and Cesium Lead Triiodide Perovskite Solar Cells using Lead Thiocyanate Additives.

Formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3 ) is considered as an alternative to methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3 ) because of its lower band gap and better thermal stability. However, owing to the large size of FA cations, it is difficult to synthesize high-quality FAPbI3 thin films without the formation of an undesirable yellow phase. Smaller sized cations, such as MA and Cs, have been successfully used to suppress the formation of the yellow phase. Whereas FA and MA lead triiodide perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) have achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) higher than 20 %, the PCEs of formamidinium and cesium lead triiodide (FA1-x Csx PbI3 ) PVSCs have been only approximately 16.5 %. Herein, we report our examination of the main factors limiting the PCEs of (FA1-x Csx PbI3 ) PVSCs. We find that one of the main limiting factors could be the small grain sizes (≈120 nm), which leads to relatively short carrier lifetimes. We further find that adding a small amount of lead thiocyanate [Pb(SCN)2 ] to the precursors can enlarge the grain size of (FA1-x Csx PbI3 ) perovskite thin films and significantly increase carrier lifetimes. As a result, we are able to fabricate (FA1-x Csx PbI3 ) PVSCs with significantly improved open-circuit voltages and fill factors and, therefore, enhanced PCEs. With an optimal 0.5 mol % Pb(SCN)2 additive, the average PCE is increased from 16.18±0.50 (13.45±0.78) % to 18.16±0.54 (16.86±0.63) % for planar FA0.8 Cs0.2 PbI3 PVSCs if measured under reverse (forward) voltage scans. The champion cell registers a PCE of 19.57 (18.12) % if measured under a reverse (forward) voltage scan, which is comparable to that of the best-performing MA-containing planar FA-based lead halide PVSCs.
An Advanced Mathematical Model and its Experimental Verification for Trilayer Conjugated Polymer Actuators

This paper describes the establishment of an enhanced mathematical model and an inversion-based controller based on the proposed model for a trilayer conjugated polymer actuator that will steer a cochlear implant through a 3-D structure. The multilayer electroactive polymer actuator that operates in air will suit many biomedical applications. We propose to use viscoelastic models for the conducting polymer and membrane layers of the actuator so that its mechanical properties can be incorporated into the actuator more accurately. The proposed model accurately predicts the frequency response of the electrical admittance and curvature of the conjugated polymer actuators, and its efficacy for different actuators has been experimentally evaluated. In addition, an inversion-based controller without an external sensor for position feedback data has successfully been evaluated to further validate the ability of the proposed model for sensorless position control of the actuators.
Modeling the contributions of chromosome segregation errors and aneuploidy to Saccharomyces hybrid sterility

Errors in meiosis can be important postzygotic barriers between different species. In Saccharomyces hybrids, chromosomal missegregation during meiosis I produces gametes with missing or extra chromosomes. Gametes with missing chromosomes are inviable, but we do not understand how extra chromosomes (disomies) influence hybrid gamete inviability. We designed a model predicting rates of missegregation in interspecific hybrid meioses assuming several different mechanisms of disomy tolerance, and compared predictions from the model with observations of sterility in hybrids between Saccharomyces yeast species. Sterility observations were consistent with the hypothesis that chromosomal missegregation causes hybrid sterility, and the model indicated that missegregation probabilities of 13–50% per chromosome can cause observed values of 90–99% hybrid sterility regardless of how cells tolerate disomies. Missing chromosomes in gametes are responsible for most infertility, but disomies may kill as many as 11% of the gametes produced by hybrids between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces paradoxus. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of regular consumption of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of simvastatin.

AIMS Simvastatin, a substrate for CYP3A4, is extensively metabolized during the first pass. Our aim was to investigate the effect of regular consumption of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of simvastatin. METHODS In a randomized cross-over study with two phases, 10 healthy volunteers ingested grapefruit juice 200 ml or water (control) for 3 days. On day 3, a single 40-mg dose of simvastatin was administered with grapefruit juice 200 ml or water. Plasma concentrations of simvastatin and simvastatin acid were determined up to 24 h. RESULTS Grapefruit juice increased the area under the plasma concentration-time curves from 0 to 24 h [AUC(0-24)] of simvastatin 3.6-fold (range 1.8-6.0-fold; P < 0.01) and that of simvastatin acid 3.3-fold (range 2.1-5.6-fold; P < 0.01), respectively. The peak concentrations (C(max)) of simvastatin and simvastatin acid were increased 3.9-fold (range 2.3-9.3-fold; P < 0.01) and 4.3-fold (range 2.7-7.9-fold; P < 0.01) by grapefruit juice. CONCLUSIONS Even one glass of grapefruit juice, taken daily, considerably increases the plasma concentrations of simvastatin and simvastatin acid. Grapefruit juice may increase both the cholesterol-lowering effect and the risk of adverse effects of simvastatin.
pH-triggered surface charge-switchable polymer micelles for the co-delivery of paclitaxel/disulfiram and overcoming multidrug resistance in cancer

Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a major challenge for providing effective chemotherapy for many cancer patients. To address this issue, we report an intelligent polymer-based drug co-delivery system which could enhance and accelerate cellular uptake and reverse MDR. The nanodrug delivery systems were constructed by encapsulating disulfiram (DSF), a P-glyco-protein (P-gp) inhibitor, into the hydrophobic core of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(l-lysine) (PEG-b-PLL) block copolymer micelles, as well as 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (DMA) and paclitaxel (PTX) were grafted on the side chain of l-lysine simultaneously. The surface charge of the drug-loaded micelles represents as negative in plasma (pH 7.4), which is helpful to prolong the circulation time, and in a weak acid environment of tumor tissue (pH 6.5–6.8) it can be reversed to positive, which is in favor of their entering into the cancer cells. In addition, the carrier could release DSF and PTX successively inside cells. The results of in vitro studies show that, compared to the control group, the DSF and PTX co-loaded micelles with charge reversal exhibits more effective cellular uptake and significantly increased cytotoxicity of PTX to MCF-7/ADR cells which may be due to the inhibitory effect of DSF on the efflux function of P-gp. Accordingly, such a smart pH-sensitive nanosystem, in our opinion, possesses significant potential to achieve combinational drug delivery and overcome drug resistance in cancer therapy.
Population Size and the Size of Government

We examine the effect of population size on government size for a panel of 130 countries for the period between 1970 and 2014. We show that previous analyses of the nexus between population size and government size were incorrectly specified, not accounting for cross-sectional dependence, non-stationarity and cointegration as well as parameter heterogeneity. Using a panel time-series approach that adequately models these issues, we find that population size has a positive long-run effect on government size. This finding suggests that the detrimental effects of population size on government size (primarily due to a greater risk of social conflict) dominate its beneficial ones (primarily due to scale economies). We also show that population size increases government size especially in countries that are vulnerable to social conflict due to ethnic heterogeneity.
TESTING OF TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL ON CORE BANKING SYSTEM: A PERSPECTIVE ON MANDATORY USE

This study aims to examine the acceptance of Core Banking System (CBS) which is mandatory use software. The objects of this research are teller, customer service, and back office Branch of Bank BPD DIY Wonosari. Data were measured using Likert scale in five range value. A number of 49 data were analyzed using Partial Least Square (PLS). The results showed that ease of use had no positive effect on symbolic adoption; attitudes toward usage and perceived conformance has a positive effect on symbolic adoption, ease of use and perceived compatibility has no effect on attitudes towards usage. Usability, satisfaction and compatibility that are felt to positively affect attitude toward usage. In the information technology model that is mandatory use, it is important to note the symbolic adoption of information technology therefore the performance of the user (employee/employee) can remain good. In particular for banking institutions that using CBS, it is important to improve the use of CBS, user satisfaction and CBS conformity with business processes, given the current banking business processes that are constantly expanding, there is no possibility of adjusting CBS to business processes at later.
Depressive symptoms among women with vulvar dysesthesia.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether vulvar dysesthesia is associated with elevated depressive symptoms. STUDY DESIGN This was a cross-sectional case-control study of women who underwent treatment of vulvar dysesthesia (n=32) or who were seen for a routine gynecologic examination (n=32). Subjects completed measures of depressive symptoms and pain and a sexual and medical history. Multivariate and univariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS Analyses that were adjusted for age, education, and medical conditions indicated that vulvar dysesthesia was associated positively with depressive symptoms (P=.002). However, this was attributable to the somatic (P=.002) rather than cognitive-affective symptoms (P=.16) of depression, partially related to the endorsement of sexual disinterest, and mediated by pain reports. CONCLUSION Vulvar dysesthesia is associated with elevated depressive symptom severity, although not to the extent that indicates probable depressive disorder. In this condition, depressive symptoms are likely to be a measurement artifact, rather than a depressive process. Certain depressive symptoms (eg, sexual disinterest) directly inflate depression estimates in this patient group.
Detention Conditions in a Cosmopolitan Europe

This dissertation provides an empirical analysis of the standard setting and policy-making processes at the Council of Europe (CoE) and the European Union (EU) in the area of detention conditions for prisoners and asylum seekers. In this way, the dissertation contributes to the emerging research area of European Criminology. The theory of cosmopolitanism is the theoretical framework that guides this dissertation. Cosmopolitanism entails a unity in diversity in which diversity is not a problem as long as certain common norms and standards are accepted. The research findings are based on a qualitative methodological approach: a literature review, a document analysis, and expert interviews with key policy-makers and external experts. To further narrow the scope of this dissertation, the following selected policy moments and outcomes are analysed. For the CoE: the European Prison Rules and the CPT recommendations regarding immigration detention; for the EU: the Green paper on detention and the recast Reception Conditions Directive. The analysed policy moments and outcomes are considered as reflections of the increasing unity in diversity in Europe regarding the issue of detention conditions for prisoners and asylum seekers. The theoretical framework of cosmopolitanism is operationalised by applying a policy and social network approach to the selected policy outcomes. By focusing on the actors involved and the relations between these actors, this provides us with increased insights into the standard setting and policy-making process at the European level and helps explain why this greater unity in Europe regarding the issue of detention conditions occurs. The research findings show that the topic of detention conditions in Europe is considered a very specialised area that involves only a limited number of active actors. Despite the limited number of actors, a solid block of common norms and values is present, such as the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and solidarity with the involved policy-makers and experts. This is important, because for cosmopolitanism to work, it has to be grounded on commonly accepted norms. While cosmopolitanism implies that national rhetoric is superseded, after digging deeper into the selected policy outcomes, it becomes evident that the priorities and considerations by the member states play an influential role in taking certain initiatives and driving a policy-making or standard setting process forward. The European Courts have an influential role in triggering policy change and give meaning to what is acceptable and what is considered substandard in Europe.