Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Changes in Human Corneas After Femtosecond Laser-Assisted LASIK and Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) Using Non-Contact Tonometry and Ultra-High-Speed Camera (Corvis ST)

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate theoretical biomechanical advantages of human corneas treated with small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) compared with femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK (FS-LASIK) Patients and methods: In a prospective, comparative, non-randomized, consecutive case series patients with moderate to high myopia and/or astigmatism underwent corneal refractive surgery. Patients either received standard FS-LASIK or SMILE. Preoperatively and up to 3 months postoperatively data were analyzed including tomography with Pentacam HR, Goldmann tonometry, non-contact tonometry, and deformability of the cornea using an ultra-high-speed camera (Corvis ST). Data were analyzed and p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant (t-test). Results: Seventy-three patients (128 eyes) were treated. Forty-eight eyes of 29 patients underwent FS-LASIK and 80 eyes of 44 patients underwent SMILE. Preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was −3.23 ± 1.64 D (FS-LASIK group) and −4.83 ± 1.63 D (SMILE group) (p < 0.0001). Almost all parameters obtained by Corvis ST between preoperative and postoperative measurements showed significant changes after refractive surgery. Significant changes were seen between both groups postoperatively. However, matched pair subgroup analysis (n = 69; 26 eyes FS-LASIK; 43 eyes SMILE) of eyes with initially equal pachymetry, intraocular pressure, SE, and difference of pre- to postoperative pachymetry (p>0.05), showed no significant changes in parameters measured with Corvis ST (p>0.05). Conclusions: Corneal biomechanical parameters measured preoperatively with Corvis ST showed significant differences postoperatively in total and in both groups. In subgroup analysis with homogenous groups, FS-LASIK showed no significant changes in biomechanical data measured with Corvis ST compared with SMILE.
The Evolution of the Physical Activity Field

This article includes an historical review of research on physical activity and health, and how the findings have contributed to physical activity participation and promotion today. In the 20th century, research began to accumulate on the effects of exercise on physiological functions, and later on the relation between regular activity and various health outcomes. In the latter half of the 20th century, it became clear that physical inactivity is one of the major public health problems in the world. This prompted numerous organizations and governments to issue recommendations for increasing physical activity in the population. The United States now has official governmental guidelines for physical activity. In addition, numerous public and private organizations have collaborated to develop and implement a U.S. National Physical Activity Plan.
Defects in the interferon‐γ and interleukin‐12 pathways

Summary: The interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ)/interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) pathway is a pivotal player in the immune system and is central to controlling mycobacterial infections. We highlight the most recent and relevant advances in understanding this pathway and their repercussions on basic and clinical science. Human mutations in IFN‐γ receptor‐1 (IFN‐γR1), IFN‐γR2, IL‐12p40, IL‐12 receptor‐β1, signal transducer and activator of transcription‐1, and nuclear factor‐κB essential modulator are analyzed in the context of genetic susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases. A diagnostic and therapeutic approach is described. The IFN‐γ/IL‐12 pathway is central in immune control of both environmental and autochthonous challenges, as reflected in human mutations and animal models. Besides being crucial for mycobacterial control, the IFN‐γ/IL‐12 pathway is also involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease as well as tumor development and control. Genotype–phenotype correlations have been established for certain genes in this pathway, some of which have therapeutic implications.
Sex offender laws in the United States: smart policy or disproportionate sanctions?

In the 1990s, the United States began enacting a series of laws to monitor and supervise sex offenders living in the community. These evolved to include Internet registries of sex offenders, sex offender residence restrictions, GPS monitoring, and even civil commitment of sex offenders at the conclusion of their criminal sentences. Though other countries have enacted legislation to monitor sex offenders, none have implemented laws impinging on the civil liberties of offenders to the extent of those in the United States. This article examines the basis of the US laws and their challenges, provides an overview of their efficacy, and compares the US approach to those of other countries.
Transmembrane domain membrane proximal external region but not surface unit-directed broadly neutralizing HIV-1 antibodies can restrict dendritic cell-mediated HIV-1 trans-infection.

BACKGROUND Although broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) have been shown to block a diverse array of cell-free human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1) infections, it remains unclear whether these antibodies exhibit similar potency against mature dendritic cell (mDC)-mediated HIV-1 trans-infection. METHODS Sensitivity to bNAbs targeting HIV-1 envelope surface unit gp120 (VRCO1, PG16, b12, and 2G12) and transmembrane domain gp41 (4E10 and 2F5) was examined for both cell-free and mDC-mediated infections of TZM-bl and CD4(+) T cells. RESULTS Compared with cell-free infection, mDC-mediated infection was significantly less susceptible to gp120-directed bNAbs for the majority of virus isolates. A b12 antigen-binding fragment blocked both cell-free and mDC-mediated infection with equal efficiency. In contrast, cell-free and mDC-associated viruses were equally sensitive to gp41-directed bNAbs. Anti-gp41 bNAbs bound to the surface of mDCs and localized at the mDC-T cell synaptic junctions in the absence of virus. CONCLUSIONS Anti-gp41 bNAbs have the potential to inhibit mDC-mediated HIV-1 infection because they bind plasma membranes prior to the formation of an infectious synapse, positioning them to neutralize subsequent virus transfer. As opposed to gp120-directed antibodies, anti-gp41 bNAbs might prevent HIV-1 infection if transmission or spread at the initial site of invasion occurs from a DC-associated source.
Characterization of a Brucella Species 25-Kilobase DNA Fragment Deleted from Brucella abortus Reveals a Large Gene Cluster Related to the Synthesis of a Polysaccharide

ABSTRACT In the present study we completed the nucleotide sequence of aBrucella melitensis 16M DNA fragment deleted fromB. abortus that accounts for 25,064 bp and show that the other Brucella spp. contain the entire 25-kb DNA fragment. Two short direct repeats of four nucleotides, detected in theB. melitensis 16M DNA flanking both sides of the fragment deleted from B. abortus, might have been involved in the deletion formation by a strand slippage mechanism during replication. In addition to omp31, coding for an immunogenic protein located in the Brucella outer membrane, 22 hypothetical genes were identified. Most of the proteins that would be encoded by these genes show significant homology with proteins involved in the biosynthesis of polysacharides from other bacteria, suggesting that they might be involved in the synthesis of aBrucella polysaccharide that would be a heteropolymer synthesized by a Wzy-dependent pathway. This polysaccharide would not be synthesized in B. abortus and would be a polysaccharide not identified until present in the genusBrucella, since all of the known polysaccharides are synthesized in all smooth Brucella species. Discovery of a novel polysaccharide not synthesized in B. abortusmight be interesting for a better understanding of the pathogenicity and host preference differences observed between theBrucella species. However, the possibility that the genes detected in the DNA fragment deleted in B. abortusno longer lead to the synthesis of a polysaccharide must not be excluded. They might be a remnant of the common ancestor of the alpha-2 subdivision of the class Proteobacteria, with some of its members synthesizing extracellular polysaccharides and, asBrucella spp. , living in association with eukaryotic cells.
Financial Intermediation and Economic Growth in Sudan: An Empirical Investigation, 1970-2011

This paper investigates empirically the long-run relationship and short-run dynamic linkages between financial development and economic growth in Sudan during the period 1970- 2011. The study employs the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration. The analysis is carried out using three indicators to measure the level of financial developments which are the ratio of the credit provided to private sector by commercial banks as a percentage of GDP, the ratio of liquid liabilities of commercial banks to nominal GDP and the broad money supply as a percentage of GDP. We also include four control variables in our analysis. These variables are inflation rate, trade openness, gross investment and government expenditures. As financial development indicators concerned, the result of the long run analysis indicates that credit to the private sector and the liquid liabilities exert positive effect while money supply affect real per capita GDP negatively. The credit to the private sector and the liquid liabilities coefficients have expected signs. Although the relation between financial development indicators and real per capita GDP is low and insignificant especially in the case of liquid liabilities and money supply, credit to the private sector is the only indicator that affects the economy in Sudan in the long-run. Although we could not find any short-run relationship between the explanatory variables and real per capita GDP in Sudan, these variables are found to be related in the long-run. The results indicate that government expenditure, inflation, money supply and trade openness exert negative effects, while investment, private credit and liquidity have positive effect on real per capita GDP. These findings may be attributed to the weak capital base of Sudanese banks, the high cost of borrowing due to insufficient inter-bank competition, the risk of extending credit to sectors other than trade, which is considered by banks as unjustifiably high and the absence of an appropriate investment Research Article
Control of subsidiaries of MNCs from emerging economies in developed countries: the case of Taiwanese MNCs in the UK

There has been considerable research over the past few decades on the process through which headquarters of multinationals from developed economies exercise control over their network of subsidiaries in foreign countries. However, little research has been conducted on multinationals from emerging economies operating in developed countries. In this article, we examine the motives for, and mechanisms by which, headquarters of Taiwanese multinationals exercise control over their subsidiaries in the UK. The article draws on data collected through 66 interviews with top managers and human resource managers from four UK based subsidiaries of Taiwanese multinationals. The study reveals that Taiwanese multinationals use both output control and behaviour control to manage their subsidiaries in the UK.
The Global Debate on Budgeting: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria

This study provides that though the budgetary system is not perfect, its usefulness cannot be over emphasized. The primary source of data was used and data were collected through the use of questionnaire. A Non-Parametric test -Chi-square test and the descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The study reveals that budgeting is perceived by managers a worthwhile exercise and a value creation process. It is recommended therefore that, researches should be directed towards budgetary system improvement rather than its total abandonment.
[Survival of patients with diabetic nephropathy on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Own experiences].

We analyzed 5 years survival on CAPD diabetics with respect to the type of diabetes (D). There were 24 pts with type 1 D, 13 pts with type 2 D and 29 non diabetic CAPD pts (for comparison of long-term survival). In the D groups we analyzed adequacy of dialysis, nutritional status (albumin level), frequency of peritonitis (PN) as well as character and progression of cardiovascular complications. Patients with type 2 D were older (58.46 +/- 8.54 yrs), had lower initial level of albumin's in serum (3.3 +/- 1.0 g/dl), more cardiovascular complications at the start of CAPD. Survival of 1st 3rd, and 5th year of CAPD was achieved respectively in 89%, 70.8% and 58.3% of type 1 D; in 100%, 69% i 38.5% of type 2 D; and in 96.5%, 72.4% i 65.5% of the control group of non diabetics. Despite similar adequacy of CAPD (Kt/V 2.14 +/- 0.62 vs 2.08 +/- 0.36; weekly CrCI 64.15 +/- 16.1 vs 62.08 +/- 12.72 ml/min/1.73 sq.m) and low ratio of PN (1:30.6 vs 1:32.7 ptsmnths) cardiovascular complications progressed in both groups of D, especially in type 2, being responsible for death of 3/24 pts with type 1 D and 8/13 pts with type 2 up to 5th year of observation. Because of progressive character of cardiovascular complications and high ratio of death especially in diabetes type 2 despite adequate dialysis, we recommend early referral of predialysis diabetics to nephrologist as well as earlier start of CAPD with simultaneous application for kidney or kidney and pancreas transplantation.
Technology Life-Cycles in the Energy Sector – Technological Characteristics and the Role of Deployment for Innovation

Understanding the long-term patterns of innovation in energy technologies is crucial for technology forecasting and public policy planning in the context of climate change. This paper analyzes which of two common models of innovation over the technology life-cycle – the product-process innovation shift observed for mass-produced goods or the system-component shift observed for complex products and systems – best describes the pattern of innovation in energy technologies. To this end, we develop a novel, patent-based methodology to study how the focus of innovation changes over the course of the technology life-cycle. Specifically, we analyze patent-citation networks in solar PV and wind power in the period 1963–2009. The results suggest that solar PV technology followed the life-cycle pattern of mass-produced goods: early product innovations were followed by a surge of process innovations in solar cell production. Wind turbine technology, by contrast, more closely resembled the life-cycle of complex products and systems: the focus of innovative activity shifted over time through different parts of the product, rather than from product to process innovations. These findings point to very different innovation and learning processes in energy technologies and the need to tailor technology policy to technological characteristics. They also help conceptualize previously inconclusive evidence about the impact of technology policies in the past.
Will East Germany Become a New Mezzogiorno

Abstract Despite massive regional policy efforts, GDP per capita in Southern Italy has only briefly converged on Northern Italian levels in the 1960's. Failure of convergence since then is associated with a policy switch from investment toward income maintenance, with reduced wage sensitivity to regional labor market conditions and with increases in rent-seeking opportunities and corruption. East Germany's early experience of rapid wage and income, but not productivity, convergence raised fears that a Mezzogiorno scenario could be repeated. Since then, however, investment and productivity have risen while wage setting has become more flexible. Given East Germany's greater “social capability” for growth, and provided that investment continues to be encouraged, the prospects for convergence are now more promising. J. Comp. Econom. , June 1997, 24 (3), pp. 241–264. Magdalen College, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 4AU, United Kingdom; University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; and School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, London WC1H 0XG, United Kingdom.
Regenerative activity and liver function following partial hepatectomy in the rat using 31P‐MR spectroscopy

The aim of the present study was to determine whether alterations in hepatic energy expenditure following partial hepatectomy (PHx), as documented by in vivo hepatic 31P‐MRS, correlate with standard parameters of hepatic regeneration and/or liver function. In addition, we sought to determine whether changes in hepatic energy levels are proportional to the extent of hepatic resection. Adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats (4‐7 per group) underwent a 40%, 70%, or 90% PHx or sham surgeries. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) examinations were performed on each animal 24 or 48 hours thereafter. After MRS examinations, [3H]thymidine incorporation into hepatic DNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expression, and serum bilirubin determinations were performed on each rat. Twenty‐four hours following surgery, rats that had undergone 70% PHx had unchanged adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels but significantly lower ATP/inorganic phosphate (Pi) ratios (P < .05), whereas, at 48 hours post‐PHx, both ATP and ATP/Pi levels were lower than in sham‐ and nonoperated controls (P < .05). Hepatic regeneration and liver dysfunction mirrored these changes; correlations existed between ATP/Pi ratios and [3H]thymidine incorporation (r = −0.61, P < .005), PCNA protein expression (r = −0.62, P < .005), and serum bilirubin (r = −0.49, P < .05). For rats that had undergone graded resections, depleted energy levels 48 hours post‐PHx were proportional to the extent of resection, degree of enhanced regenerative activity, and liver dysfunction. In conclusion, 31P‐MRS‐generated ATP/Pi index is a noninvasive, robust determination that correlates with standard parameters of hepatic regeneration and function.
A Parametric Study of a Drive by Bridge Inspection System Based on the Morlet Wavelet

Many of the bridges currently in use worldwide are approaching the end of their design lives. However, rehabilitating and extending the lives of these structures raises important safety issues. There is also a need for increased monitoring which has considerable cost implications for bridge management systems. Existing structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques include vibration-based approaches which typically involve direct instrumentation of the bridge and are important as they can indicate the deterioration of the bridge condition. However, they can be labour intensive and expensive. In the past decade, alternative indirect vibration-based approaches which utilise the response of a vehicle passing over a bridge have been developed. This paper investigates such an approach; a low-cost approach for the monitoring of bridge structures which consists of the use of a vehicle fitted with accelerometers on its axles. The approach aims to detect damage in the bridge while obviating the need for direct instrumentation of the bridge. Here, the effectiveness of the approach in detecting damage in a bridge is investigated using a simplified vehicle-bridge interaction (VBI) model in theoretical simulations and a scaled VBI model in a laboratory experiment. In order to identify the existence and location of damage, the vehicle accelerations are recorded and processed using a continuous Morlet wavelet transform and a damage index is established. A parametric study is carried out to investigate the effect of parameters such as the bridge span length, vehicle speed, vehicle mass, damage level and road surface roughness on the accuracy of results.
Parotidectomy in the treatment of pleomorphic adenoma – analysis of long-term results

Abstract Conclusion: Parotidectomy is an efficient surgical treatment modality for pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland, although some morbidity may occur. In this study, the median time interval between primary surgery and the presentation of the recurrent tumor was observed to be 14.4 years. Objective: Analysis of the long-term results of patients undergoing lateral or total parotidectomy as first-line treatment of parotid pleomorphic adenoma at our institution between the years 1979 and 1996. Methods: The individual patient charts of 230 patients were feasible for retrospective analysis in 2007. Results: In all, 42 patients had dysfunction of the facial nerve after the primary surgery, but only 14 of them had permanent dysfunction. A recurrent tumor occurred in nine cases (3.9%). The time interval between primary surgery and the first recurrence ranged from 7.1 to 24.5 years. Recurrent tumors were treated with surgery, two patients received additional radiotherapy.
The rising of the new generation of high-tech entrepreneurs: an exploratory study

Who are the high-technology entrepreneurs: superheroes or jack-of-all-trades? Is there a new generation of young entrepreneurs who “think different” and use new and unexpected perspectives to imagine their business, products and mission? This paper presents some empirical evidences emerging from a multiple case study composed by 20 Italian technology intensive firms. After a review of the high-technology entrepreneur topic, some typologies of the Italian high-tech entrepreneurs are analyzed and finally an elementary classification is proposed in order to clarify the difference between “old” and “new way” entrepreneurship. New trends, behaviours, strategies and business models are explored in order to contribute to the academic debate and the practical knowledge about high-technology entrepreneurship. The last section of the paper suggests a future research agenda.
Cross-sectional estimation of stock returns in small markets: The case of the Athens Stock Exchange

This study is an investigation into the cross-sectional determinants of stock returns in a small market - the Athens Stock Exchange - where the Fama and French portfolio grouping procedure that is normally used to counter the error in variables problem in estimating beta is problematic due to the small number of stocks. A maximum likelihood technique is applied, similar to that developed by Litzenberger and Ramaswamy (Journal of Financial Economics, 7, 163–95, 1979), which is arguably a better procedure than the portfolio grouping method even for investigating large (developed) markets. A further empirical problem that was addressed was the possibility that the results were being driven by the ‘January effect’. The findings for the Athens market suggest that there is only one substantive variable in explaining the cross-sectional variation of market and that is market equity ME (which captures a size effect).