Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes of Dry Eye Related Markers and Tear Inflammatory Cytokines After Upper Blepharoplasty

Objectives: To investigate the changes of dry eye-related clinical manifestations, ocular surface parameters, and tear inflammatory cytokines after upper blepharoplasty. Methods: Forty eyes of 20 who underwent upper blepharoplasty were divided into either the group with or the group without preexisting dry eye before upper blepharoplasty. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Schirmer I test, tear meniscus height, lipid layer thickness, non-invasive tear break-up time (NIKBUT), fluorescein tear film break-up time (FBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, meibum expression, lid margin changes, and tear inflammatory cytokines were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Correlations between inflammatory cytokines and dry eye-related parameters were determined. Results: The OSDI scores increased significantly at 1 month (p = 0.040) and subsequently decreased to the preoperative levels at 6 months postoperatively in subjects with dry eye. First (f)-NIKBUT and FBUT were significantly shortened at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively in subjects with dry eye (f-NIKBUT: p <0.001, p = 0.010, p = 0.042; FBUT: p = 0.002, p = 0.005, p = 0.037, respectively), but were only shortened at 1 month (p = 0.028, p = 0.005) and returned to baseline levels at 6 months postoperatively in subjects without preexisting dry eye. A significant increasing trend of interleukin (IL)-6 was found in both dry eye and subjects without preexisting dry eye (p = 0.016, p = 0.008), while IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were only found to be increased in subjects with dry eye postoperatively (p = 0.031, p = 0.031). The levels of IL-8 and TNF-α were positively correlated with OSDI scores (p = 0.046, p = 0.043, respectively) and negatively correlated with f-NIKBUT and FBUT (p = 0.026, p = 0.006, respectively). Conclusions: Upper blepharoplasty might increase the release of tear inflammatory cytokines and tear film instability that contribute to the development of postoperative dry eye in the early postoperative period and the changes most relieved in 6 months. Preexisting dry eye is a higher risk factor for worse and persistent ocular surface damage after upper blepharoplasty.
Mammographic screening practices among Chinese-Australian women.

PURPOSE To report mammographic screening practice among Chinese-Australian women, and to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics, acculturation factors (English proficiency and length of stay in Australia), cultural beliefs, and having a mammogram as recommended. DESIGN Cross-sectional and descriptive. The study was conducted in 2009 in Sydney, Australia. Of 988 Chinese-Australian women over 18 years of age invited to participate in the study, 785 (79%) completed and returned the questionnaire. Of these women, 320 (40.8%) were in the target age range of 50 to 69 years. METHODS The Chinese Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire (CBCSB) was used as a data collection instrument. Analysis included descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis using chi-square and t tests, and logistic regression. RESULTS Of the 320 women in the targeted age range of 50 to 69 years, 238 (74.4%) had a mammogram as recommended biannually. Being married-de facto, in the 60 to 69 age group, and speaking Cantonese at home were positively associated with women's mammographic screening practice. However, no statistically significant differences in acculturation factors and having a mammogram as recommended were found. In terms of CBCSB score, women who had mammograms as recommended had more positive attitudes toward health checkups and perceived fewer barriers to mammographic screening. CONCLUSIONS Effort should be focused on specific subgroups of Chinese-Australian women in order to fully understand the barriers involved in participating in mammographic screening. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Nurses can use the findings from the present study to design culturally sensitive breast cancer screening programs to encourage women's participation in mammography.
The Glass Ceiling Conundrum: Illusory belief or Barriers that impede Women’s Career Advancement in the Workplace.

Given the preponderance of women in the workforce, it remained a puzzle why the entry of women into higher managerial positions remains restricted and why the syndrome of ‘think manager think male is growing progressively? The objective of this paper is to examine the glass ceiling conundrum with a view of ascertain how it limits women’s career advancement in the workplace. Extensive review of literature was presented and discussed. The paper revealed that women are not making it to the very top of their career not as a result of lack of requisite qualifications, and experience etc.; but as a result of factors that are rooted in cultural, societal, organizational, individual and psychological factors that inhibit women career advancement. Against the aforementioned background, the paper concludes that women advance marginally to certain level in corporate executive cadre, before they experience ‘glass ceiling’ that impedes their prospect of attaining senior executive position. Accordingly, women compared to men represent an insignificant fraction of those in managerial positions due to cultural prejudice, religion convictions, family related issues, individual and organizational influences. Similarly, inadequate opportunity to networks and seek sponsorship limits women progression to top managerial hierarchy. The study recommends the need to articulate policy frameworks that promote strong organizational culture and a more helpful and supportive environment to develop women leadership skills. Similarly, there is need to promote sponsorship for women in a way and manner that safeguard the relationships between sponsors and proteges.
Director Networks and Managerial Response to Non-Fundamental Price Shocks

We examine whether boardroom connections help managers identify non-fundamental price shocks. We find that managers of well-connected firms are less likely to cut investment in response to exogenous non-fundamental drops in stock prices. Moreover, firms with stronger corporate governance and less managerial entrenchment are more successful at cultivating the informational benefits of boardroom connections. We further find that executive networks and director connections to board members at firms in the same industry are more effective at insulating firm investment from the adverse effects of exogenous non-fundamental shocks. Taken together, our findings suggest that improving managers’ assessment of firm fundamentals is an important channel through which director networks add value to the firm.
The Dithiol Glutaredoxins of African Trypanosomes Have Distinct Roles and Are Closely Linked to the Unique Trypanothione Metabolism*

Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of African sleeping sickness, possesses two dithiol glutaredoxins (Grx1 and Grx2). Grx1 occurs in the cytosol and catalyzes protein deglutathionylations with kcat/Km-values of up to 2 × 105 m−1 s−1. It accelerates the reduction of ribonucleotide reductase by trypanothione although less efficiently than the parasite tryparedoxin and has low insulin disulfide reductase activity. Despite its classical CPYC active site, Grx1 forms dimeric iron-sulfur complexes with GSH, glutathionylspermidine, or trypanothione as non-protein ligands. Thus, contrary to the generally accepted assumption, replacement of the Pro is not a prerequisite for cluster formation. T. brucei Grx2 shows an unusual CQFC active site, and orthologues occur exclusively in trypanosomatids. Grx2 is enriched in mitoplasts, and fractionated digitonin lysis resulted in a co-elution with cytochrome c, suggesting localization in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Grx2 catalyzes the reduction of insulin disulfide but not of ribonucleotide reductase and exerts deglutathionylation activity 10-fold lower than that of Grx1. RNA interference against Grx2 caused a growth retardation of procyclic cells consistent with an essential role. Grx1 and Grx2 are constitutively expressed with cellular concentrations of about 2 μm and 200 nm, respectively, in both the mammalian bloodstream and insect procyclic forms. Trypanothione reduces the disulfide form of both proteins with apparent rate constants that are 3 orders of magnitude higher than those with glutathione. Grx1 and, less efficiently, also Grx2 catalyze the reduction of GSSG by trypanothione. Thus, the Grxs play exclusive roles in the trypanothione-based thiol redox metabolism of African trypanosomes.
Far-right activism in Hungary: youth participation in Jobbik and its network

ABSTRACT The Movement for a Better Hungary (Jobbik) qualifies as one of the most successful far-right organisations in contemporary Europe. Through its swift rise in popularity and entry to parliament, the ‘movement party’ has been able to alter the Hungarian public discourse, existing patterns of party competition, additionally exerting effects on the government’s policy agenda. At least part of these effects should be attributed to Jobbik’s popularity among the youth; its overrepresentation among those aged below 30 is, by now, an established fact within national politics. The article argues for a broader understanding of youth participation in far-right politics and sets two principal research goals. First, to reconstruct the breeding ground of far-right youth activism at the grassroots level, by unveiling potential links between the subcultural, social movement, and party arenas. The study will chart far-right milieus in Hungary and their overlap with Jobbik: thus, it will introduce supply-side factors that contributed to its popularity among the youth. Second, we seek to investigate Jobbik’s appeal through the role of different elements used to justify joining a particular movement. The article uses primary data drawn from interviews and focus groups with students, and in-depth interviews with leaders of Jobbik.
A practical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND Both nonsurgical and surgical periodontal therapies are important in the control of most forms of periodontal disease. Sometimes, nonsurgical therapy is adequate to control the disease in mild cases and to slow progression and maintain periodontal stability in more advanced cases. Other times, both therapies may be indicated to obtain satisfactory results. The author presents treatment guidelines and recommendations for periodontal therapy. METHODS The author searched the dental literature for information pertaining to periodontal therapy. RESULTS The author found evidence-based data to support the effectiveness of nonsurgical and surgical periodontal therapy in controlling periodontal disease. Nonsurgical periodontal therapy requires time, effort, and good diagnostic and clinical skills to obtain satisfactory results. The results are determined by evaluating the patient's periodontal disease after active therapy, at which time additional surgical or nonsurgical treatment may be recommended. Evaluation should continue throughout the lifelong supportive phase of periodontal therapy. CONCLUSION Clinicians should continue to develop and enhance their diagnostic skills, assess factors that affect diagnosis and prognosis, formulate a comprehensive treatment plan, render appropriate treatment, evaluate the outcome and determine when periodontal care is indicated. CLINICAL IMPLICATION Failure to comply with monitoring the patient's periodontal status may lead to uncontrolled disease and eventually premature tooth loss. Premature tooth loss can be prevented through patient education and application of evidence-based nonsurgical and surgical therapy.
New DBS receiver antennas

High gain and low noise characteristics are strongly required for DBS receiving antennas; reflector antennas have been the most popular. Recently, various kinds of flat array antennas are proposed and used as commercial products. This paper describes the state of the art of DBS receiving flat arrays. Firstly, comparative studies of various arrays in commercial use are performed to demonstrate the effects of feeding loss upon the antenna efficiency. It includes classical arrays composed of microstrip, triplate and suspended lines as well as novel slotted waveguide arrays which are highlighted in this talk. In the next place, remarkable efficiency of a radial line slot antenna (RLSA) of more than 85% is reported. Theoretical design method is also surveyed. Radial waveguide arrays with different elements are also introduced. Finally, slotted waveguide arrays for wider applications are summarized. It includes (1) Parallel plate waveguide arrays, (2) Leaky wave slotted waveguide arrays with 50 tilted beam for mobile DBS reception and (3) wideband and slim base station antennas for mobile communication. The unique concepts as well as promising characteristics are presented.
Descriptive epidemiology of anophthalmia and microphthalmia, Hawaii, 1986-2001.

BACKGROUND Population-based epidemiologic data on anophthalmia and microphthalmia in the United States are limited and have come mainly from only a few states. The intent of this study was to report on the epidemiology of these eye defects. METHODS Cases were derived from a population-based birth defects registry in Hawaii and comprised all infants and fetuses with anophthalmia and microphthalmia who were delivered during 1986-2001. Anophthalmia and microphthalmia rates per 10,000 births were determined for selected factors, and comparisons were made by calculating the rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Ninety-six cases of anophthalmia and microphthalmia were identified, with a rate of 3.21 per 10,000 live births. The eye defects were isolated in 5 cases (5.2%), and 24 cases (25.0%) had confirmed chromosomal abnormalities. The risk of anophthalmia and microphthalmia varied over time and was significantly higher for live-born infants with low birth weights and gestational ages. The anophthalmia and microphthalmia rates also varied by maternal race/ethnicity, sex, and plurality, although these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Anophthalmia and microphthalmia frequently occurred with other birth defects, and the rate was consistent with that found in the literature. The risk of defects differed significantly with time period, birth weight, and gestational age. The impact of many factors on anophthalmia and microphthalmia in Hawaii was frequently consistent with that reported elsewhere.
Phaseolus vulgaris –leucoagglutinin tracing of commissural fibers to the rat dentate gyrus: Evidence for a previously unknown commissural projection to the outer molecular layer

Numerous studies have shown a lamina‐specific termination of commissural fibers to the dentate gyrus in the inner molecular layer. However, the exact course and arborization pattern of individual fibers remained unknown. In this study, the commissural fiber tract to the dentate gyrus of the rat has been studied using the anterograde tracer Phaseolus vulgaris ‐leucoagglutinin (PHA‐L), which labels individual axons and their collaterals. Following iontophoretic application of the tracer, anterogradely labeled fibers were followed through the posterior basal fornix and medial fimbria where they formed a dense fiber bundle. Labeled fibers then entered the dentate gyrus close to the medial blade of the granule cell layer where they separated and traversed the hilus. Only in those cases where the injection also involved CA3 pyramidal cells could axons arborizing in the hilus be observed. Typically, fibers that continued into the molecular layer did not arborize in the hilus. Upon their entrance into the molecular layer, these fibers changed direction, gave off several collaterals, and followed a new path parallel to the granule cell layer where they preferentially formed en passant contacts. These commissural fibers to the inner molecular layer terminated in a wide septotemporal (longitudinal) extension. However, a considerable number of fibers reached the outer molecular layer where some of them formed extensive arborizations. Moreover, these commissural fibers to the outer molecular layer appeared to be restricted to the hippocampal lamella, corresponding to the level of the contralateral injection site. These data suggest the existence of three commissural projections to the rat dentate gyrus: (1) commissural fibers to the hilus arising from CA3 neurons, (2) commissural fibers to the inner molecular layer, and, (3) commissural fibers to the outer molecular layer. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rites of passage: improving refugee access to general practice services.

BACKGROUND Refugees in Australia experience barriers in accessing healthcare services. The aim of this study was to analyse the factors influencing Afghan refugees' access to general practice. METHODS A qualitative study on a single general practice in south-east Melbourne in 2013 was conducted. Data were collected using individual, semi-structured interviews and field observations. Data were analysed thematically and informed by the Penchansky and Thomas concept of access. RESULTS The general practice utilised multiple strategies to improve access for refugees. Nevertheless, persistent barriers included language and cultural differences at reception, difficulties with transport to the practice, long wait times and the cost of care. DISCUSSION This case study highlights the benefits of providing affordable, co-located, culturally responsive services with integrated interpreter and settlement agency support. Increasing the use of interpreters and translated materials at reception, and improving the coordination of patient transport assistance could enhance refugees' access to general practice.
Age‐dependent dysregulation of brain amyloid precursor protein in the Ts65Dn Down syndrome mouse model

Individuals with Down syndrome develop β‐amyloid deposition characteristic of early‐onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in mid‐life, presumably because of an extra copy of the chromosome 21‐located amyloid precursor protein (App) gene. App mRNA and APP metabolite levels were assessed in the brains of Ts65Dn mice, a mouse model of Down syndrome, using quantitative PCR, western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation, and ELISAs. In spite of the additional App gene copy, App mRNA, APP holoprotein, and all APP metabolite levels in the brains of 4‐month‐old trisomic mice were not increased compared with the levels seen in diploid littermate controls. However starting at 10 months of age, brain APP levels were increased proportional to the App gene dosage imbalance reflecting increased App message levels in Ts65Dn mice. Similar to APP levels, soluble amino‐terminal fragments of APP (sAPPα and sAPPβ) were increased in Ts65Dn mice compared with diploid mice at 12 months but not at 4 months of age. Brain levels of both Aβ40 and Aβ42 were not increased in Ts65Dn mice compared with diploid mice at all ages examined. Therefore, multiple mechanisms contribute to the regulation towards diploid levels of APP metabolites in the Ts65Dn mouse brain.
Minimum word error training of RNN-based voice activity detection

Voice Activity Detection (VAD) is critical in speech recognition systems as it can dramatically impact the recognition accuracy especially on noisy data. This paper presents a novel method which applies Minimum Word Error (MWE) training to a Long Short-Term Memory RNN to optimize Voice Activity Detection for speech recognition. Experiments compare speech recognition WERs using RNN VAD with other commonly used VAD methods for two corpora: the conversational Vietnamese corpus used in the NIST OpenKWS13 evaluation and a corpus of French telephone conversations. The proposed VAD method combining MWE training with RNN yields the best ASR re-sults. This MWE training scheme appears to be particularly useful for low resource ASR tasks, as exempliﬁed by the IARPA BABEL data.
Australian mental health care practitioners’ practices and attitudes for encouraging smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction in smokers with severe mental illness

Reducing the burden of physical illness among people living with severe mental illnesses (SMI) is a key priority. Smoking is strongly associated with SMIs resulting in excessive smoking related morbidity and mortality in smokers with SMI. Smoking cessation advice and assistance from mental health practitioners would assist with reducing smoking and smoking-related harms in this group. This study examined the attitudes and practices of Australian mental health practitioners towards smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction for smokers with SMI, including adherence to the 5As (ask, assess, advise, assist and arrange follow up) of smoking cessation. We surveyed 267 Australian mental health practitioners using a cross-sectional, online survey. Most practitioners (77.5%) asked their clients about smoking and provided health education (66.7%) but fewer provided direct assistance (31.1-39.7%). Most believed that tobacco harm reduction strategies are effective for reducing smoking related risks (88.4%) and that abstinence from all nicotine should not be the only goal discussed with smokers with SMI (77.9%). Many respondents were unsure about the safety (56.9%) and efficacy (39.3%) of e-cigarettes. Practitioners trained in smoking cessation were more likely (OR: 2.9, CI: 1.5-5.9) to help their clients to stop smoking. Community mental health practitioners (OR: 0.3, CI: 0.1-0.9) and practitioners who were current smokers (OR: 0.3, CI: 0.1-0.9) were less likely to adhere to the 5As of smoking cessation intervention. The results of this study emphasize the importance and need for providing smoking cessation training to mental health practitioners especially community mental health practitioners.
Distribution of Kv3.3 potassium channel subunits in distinct neuronal populations of mouse brain

Kv3.3 proteins are pore‐forming subunits of voltage‐dependent potassium channels, and mutations in the gene encoding for Kv3.3 have recently been linked to human disease, spinocerebellar ataxia 13, with cerebellar and extracerebellar symptoms. To understand better the functions of Kv3.3 subunits in brain, we developed highly specific antibodies to Kv3.3 and analyzed immunoreactivity throughout mouse brain. We found that Kv3.3 subunits are widely expressed, present in important forebrain structures but particularly prominent in brainstem and cerebellum. In forebrain and midbrain, Kv3.3 expression was often found colocalized with parvalbumin and other Kv3 subunits in inhibitory neurons. In brainstem, Kv3.3 was strongly expressed in auditory and other sensory nuclei. In cerebellar cortex, Kv3.3 expression was found in Purkinje and granule cells. Kv3.3 proteins were observed in axons, terminals, somas, and, unlike other Kv3 proteins, also in distal dendrites, although precise subcellular localization depended on cell type. For example, hippocampal dentate granule cells expressed Kv3.3 subunits specifically in their mossy fiber axons, whereas Purkinje cells of the cerebellar cortex strongly expressed Kv3.3 subunits in axons, somas, and proximal and distal, but not second‐ and third‐order, dendrites. Expression in Purkinje cell dendrites was confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy. Kv3 channels have been demonstrated to rapidly repolarize action potentials and support high‐frequency firing in various neuronal populations. In this study, we identified additional populations and subcellular compartments that are likely to sustain high‐frequency firing because of the expression of Kv3.3 and other Kv3 subunits. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:953–972, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.