Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment in Bangladeshi adults: results of the National Blindness and Low Vision Survey of Bangladesh

Aim: To determine the age, sex, and cause specific prevalences of blindness and visual impairment in adults 30 years of age and older in Bangladesh. Methods: A nationally representative sample of 12 782 adults 30 years of age and older was selected based on multistage, cluster random sampling with probability proportional to size procedures. The breakdown of the cluster sites was proportional to the rural/urban distribution of the national population. The examination protocol consisted of an interview, visual acuity (VA) testing, autorefraction, and optic disc examination on all subjects. Corrected VA retesting, cataract grading, and a dilated fundal examination were performed on all visually impaired subjects. The definitions of blindness (<3/60) and low vision (<6/12 to ≥3/60) were based on the presenting visual acuity in the better eye. The World Health Organization/Prevention of Blindness proforma and its classification system for identifying the main cause of low vision and blindness for each examined subject was used. Results: In total, 11 624 eligible subjects were examined (90.9% response rate) across the 154 cluster sites. A total of 162 people were bilaterally blind (1.53% age standardised prevalence) while a further 1608 subjects (13.8%) had low vision (<6/12 VA) binocularly. Visual acuity was >6/12 in the “better eye” in the remaining 9854 subjects (84.8%); however, 748 of these people had low vision in the fellow eye. The main causes of low vision were cataract (74.2%), refractive error (18.7%), and macular degeneration (1.9%). Cataract was the predominant cause (79.6%) of bilateral blindness followed by uncorrected aphakia (6.2%) and macular degeneration (3.1%). Conclusions: There are an estimated 650 000 blind adults (95% CI 552 175 to 740 736) aged 30 and over in Bangladesh, the large majority of whom are suffering from operable cataract. This survey indicates the need for the development and implementation of a national plan for the delivery of effective eye care services, aimed principally at resolving the large cataract backlog and the inordinate burden of refractive error.
Academic practice in ecology and evolution: Soliciting a new category of manuscript

We are excited to announce a new category of paper: “Academic Practice in Ecology and Evolution. ” As ecologists and evolutionary biologists, we apply scholarly approaches to the myriad roles we have undertaken in our professions. Publishing about such new knowledge and advances in our ‘roles’ (e.g., teaching, service, outreach, professional development, and change) typically occurs in a range of transdisciplinary journals. Tracking down this literature, in what can be disparate fields of research, is timeconsuming and can prevent groundbreaking ideas from being more generally acknowledged and ultimately implemented in the daytoday. Our new category “Academic Practice” is intended to remedy this situation and bring highquality studies in the following broad categories to the attention of our readers:
Cone opsin determines the time course of cone photoreceptor degeneration in Leber congenital amaurosis

Mutations in RPE65 or lecithin-retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) disrupt 11-cis-retinal recycling and cause Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), the most severe retinal dystrophy in early childhood. We used Lrat−/−, a murine model for LCA, to investigate the mechanism of rapid cone degeneration. Although both M and S cone opsins mistrafficked as reported previously, mislocalized M-opsin was degraded whereas mislocalized S-opsin accumulated in Lrat−/− cones before the onset of massive ventral/central cone degeneration. As the ventral and central retina express higher levels of S-opsin than the dorsal retina in mice, our results may explain why ventral and central cones degenerate more rapidly than dorsal cones in Rpe65−/− and Lrat−/− LCA models. In addition, human blue opsin and mouse S-opsin, but not mouse M-opsin or human red/green opsins, aggregated to form cytoplasmic inclusions in transfected cells, which may explain why blue cone function is lost earlier than red/green-cone function in patients with LCA. The aggregation of short-wavelength opsins likely caused rapid cone degenerations through an endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway, as demonstrated in both the Lrat−/− retina and transfected cells. Replacing rhodopsin with S-opsin in Lrat−/− rods resulted in mislocalization and aggregation of S-opsin in the inner segment and the synaptic region of rods, ER stress, and dramatically accelerated rod degeneration. Our results demonstrate that cone opsins play a major role in determining the degeneration rate of photoreceptors in LCA.
Prevalence of valvular heart disease in a cohort of patients taking cabergoline for management of hyperprolactinemia.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of valvular heart disease in a cohort of patients taking cabergoline for the management of hyperprolactinemia. METHODS A retrospective review of medical records identified patients with hyperprolactinemia who underwent evaluation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center between January and June 2007. The medical records of those patients who were prescribed cabergoline and who underwent elective echocardiography were reviewed for details pertaining to cardiac valvular abnormalities and cabergoline use. RESULTS Forty-five patients (mean age, 41 +/- 10 years [SD]) taking 0.91 +/- 0.96 mg of cabergoline per week for a mean duration of 39 +/- 29 months underwent echocardiography. Abnormalities of the cardiac valves were present in 3 patients (7%): 1 patient exhibited mild mitral regurgitation, 1 patient had focal aortic valve thickening, and 1 patient demonstrated mitral valve thickening. We found no significant difference in either the cumulative dose of cabergoline (P = .800) or the duration of cabergoline therapy (P = .745) between those patients with and those without these echocardiographic abnormalities. CONCLUSION We found echocardiographic valve abnormalities in 3 of 45 patients (7%) who had been prescribed cabergoline for the management of hyperprolactinemia. This prevalence of valvular heart disease after approximately 3 years of cabergoline treatment is no different from that previously reported in normal populations as determined by echocardiography.
Quantitative determination of the human MRP1 and MRP2 mRNA expression in FACS‐sorted peripheral blood CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, and CD56+cells

Objectives: ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters extrude a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous compounds. In cancer cells, they are known to confer multidrug resistance. The aim of the present study was to determine the expression of the multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 (MRP1) and 2 (MRP2), which are members of the subfamily C of the ABC transporters family, in human hematopoietic cells.
Dietary protein and stroke prevention

The complexity of human diet resides in the heterogeneity of sources (e.g., animals, grains, vegetables, and fruits), preservatives used, and cultural, religious, and geographic factors. Other factors include age, personal preferences, concomitant diseases, and even genetic predispositions (e.g., gluten sensitivity). Growing evidence has shown that multiple dietary substrates increase the risk of stroke by increasing blood pressure or adversely contributing to atherogenesis.1 Excess salt intake, low potassium intake, excess weight, and high alcohol consumption increase the risk of hypertension.2 The American Heart Association (AHA)1,2 and the Canadian Stroke Best Practices recommend a sodium intake of less than 1,500 mg/d (avoiding processed foods), a diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, dietary and soluble fiber, whole grains, and very low alcohol consumption.3
Celecoxib inhibits meningioma tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model

Treatments for recurrent meningiomas are limited. We previously demonstrated universal expression of COX‐2 in meningiomas and dose‐dependent growth inhibition in vitro with celecoxib, a COX‐2 inhibitor. We therefore tested the effects of celecoxib on meningioma growth in a mouse xenograft model.
Structure of ricin B‐chain at 2.5 Å resolution

The heterodimeric plant toxin ricin has been refined to 2.5 Å resolution. The B‐chain lectin (RTB) is described in detail. The protein has two major domains, each of which has a galactose binding site. RTB has no regular secondary structure but displays several Ω loops. Each RTB domain is made of three copies of a primitive 40 residue folding unit, which pack around a pseudo threefold axis. In each domain, galactose binds in a shallow cleft formed by a three residue peptide kink on the bottom and an aromatic ring on the top. At the back of the cleft, an aspartate forms hydrogen bonds to the C3 and C4 hydroxyls of galactose, whereas a glutamine bonds to the C4 alcohol, helping to define specific epimer binding. In addition to analyzing the sugar binding mechanism, the assembly of subdomain units around the pseudo threefold axis of each domain is described. The subdomains contribute conserved Trp, Leu, and Ile residues to a compact central hydrophobic core. This tight threefold binding probably drives the peptide folding and stabilizes the protein structure.
Toll-Like Receptor 3 Has a Protective Role against West Nile Virus Infection

ABSTRACT Protection against West Nile virus (WNV) infection requires rapid viral sensing and the generation of an interferon (IFN) response. Mice lacking IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) show increased vulnerability to WNV infection with enhanced viral replication and blunted IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) responses. IRF-3 functions downstream of several viral sensors, including Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), RIG-I, and MDA5. Cell culture studies suggest that host recognizes WNV in part, through the cytoplasmic helicase RIG-I and to a lesser extent, MDA5, both of which activate ISG expression through IRF-3. However, the role of TLR3 in vivo in recognizing viral RNA and activating antiviral defense pathways has remained controversial. We show here that an absence of TLR3 enhances WNV mortality in mice and increases viral burden in the brain. Compared to congenic wild-type controls, TLR3−/− mice showed relatively modest changes in peripheral viral loads. Consistent with this, little difference in multistep viral growth kinetics or IFN-α/β induction was observed between wild-type and TLR3−/− fibroblasts, macrophages, and dendritic cells. In contrast, a deficiency of TLR3 was associated with enhanced viral replication in primary cortical neuron cultures and greater WNV infection in central nervous system neurons after intracranial inoculation. Taken together, our data suggest that TLR3 serves a protective role against WNV in part, by restricting replication in neurons.
Metric measures of interparticle interaction in an exactly solvable two-electron model atom

The exact ground-state solutions for the model of two particles in a confining harmonic oscillator potential interacting through a repulsive harmonic oscillator force are used from the standpoint of geometric distances [Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 050401 (2011). ] between wave functions and densities. The distances from the noninteracting reference state are calculated at a specified confinement by increasing the coupling of the interparticle interaction. Based on the analytic expressions for coupling-dependent geometric measures, a discussion of the Hohenberg-Kohn mapping is given.
A Novel Carrier for Phanerochaete chrysosporium Immobilization

Phanerochaete chrysosporium BKMF-1767 cells were immobilized on different carriers. The optimum carrier according to adsorbed P. chrysosporium cells number (86.38%) was determined to be polystyrene foam, a novel carrier. The conditions for the immobilization of cells on polystyrene foam were optimized and determined as 50 rpm, 37°C, and 2 h. The results show that the adsorption of P. chrysosporium on polystyrene foam follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. High manganese peroxidase activity (421 U/L) and dry mass (4.7 g/L) were recovered from the batch mode polystyrene foam solid state fermentation system.
The austerity question: 'How' is as important as 'how much'

Economists have engaged in some lively debates about how to measure and evaluate the effects of large fiscal adjustments episodes in OECD countries (Europe in particular). But a careful and fair reading of the evidence makes clear a few relatively uncontroversial points, despite the differences in approaches. The accumulated evidence from over 40 years of fiscal adjustments across the OECD speaks loud and clear:
Relative scarcity and convenience yield: evidence from non-ferrous metals

ABSTRACT We study the relationship between convenience yield and relative scarcity in the non-ferrous metal market for the period January 2000–March 2015. We identify various sets of economic relationships for six major base metals, namely, aluminium, copper, lead, nickel, tin and zinc. Our bivariate and multivariate VARs and associated Granger-causality test results generally support the existence of a positive relationship between convenience yields of base metals and our relative scarcity measure. Furthermore, the time-varying characteristics observed in the results, especially during contango and backwardation periods, provide useful information to market players in developing inventory strategies.
Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine excretion as a non-invasive marker of neutrophil activation in animal models of inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND Because free radicals contribute to ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, assessing oxidative load in vivo could provide a surrogate marker of inflammation and disease status. METHODS Electrochemical high-performance liquid chromatography was used to study urinary excretion of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dGUA), formed by reaction of hydroxyl radicals with native DNA, in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene-sulfonic acid (TNBS) and dextran sulfate (DSS) rat models of bowel inflammation. Bowel myeloperoxidase (MPO) and histopathology were also assessed. RESULTS TNBS enema (75 mg/kg in 50% ethanol) and oral DSS (6% via drinking water) both yielded an inflammatory response reflected by increases in bowel MPO that were significantly correlated with tissue injury. In both models urinary 8-OH-dGUA excretion was significantly correlated with bowel MPO activity and epithelial injury and remained at control levels when neutrophils (PMN) were eliminated, whereas epithelial injury and crypt erosion persisted despite neutropenia. CONCLUSIONS Urinary 8-OH-dGUA excretion directly reflects PMN activation in vivo, thereby providing a non-invasive surrogate marker for inflammation in these models which is more indicative of PMN activation than either MPO activity, which does not distinguish inactive from active MPO, or epithelial status, which is independent of PMN activation in both models.
Strategy and control: 25 years of empirical use of simons’ levers of control framework

Purpose Tremendous change has taken place in organisational structures, networks and strategy over the past 25 years. Yet, a strategic management framework developed 25 years ago has increased in popularity among researchers in the past decade. This paper aims to review how Simons’ Levers of Control (LOC) framework has been used in empirical research studies over the past 25 years. Design/methodology/approach The findings are based on electronic database searches of papers adopting Simons’ framework published in accounting and management journals. Findings A total of 45 empirical studies adopting the LOC framework are presented chronologically by research method. The review highlights the far greater use of the framework in qualitative compared to quantitative studies. Qualitative studies have extended the application of the framework to broader organisational issues such as sustainability, environmental accounting and inter-organisational controls. The quantitative studies have mainly sought to add to our understanding of the antecedents and outcomes of the use of interactive control systems. Originality/value This paper furthers our understanding of Simons’ framework by synthesising and analysing the literature over 25 years. It provides insight into the varying interpretations of the concepts underlying the framework in empirical studies including differences in operationalisation of the concepts in quantitative studies. In addition, it highlights the application of the framework beyond the original domain in which it was developed. Fruitful areas for future research are pointed to in the paper.
Europe's prolonged crisis : the making or the unmaking of a political union

Introduction: The Eurocrisis: Contributions from Political Sociology Hans-Jorg Trenz, Carlo Ruzza and Virginie Guiraudon PART I: STATE/SOCIETY RELATIONS 1. Not Just Singing the Blues: Dynamics of the EU Crisis Dennis Smith 2. The Crisis and the Question of De-parliamentarisation in Europe John-Erik Fossum 3. Constitutional Alternatives to the Crisis: A Political Sociological Approach to European ' 'anti-politics ' ' Paul Blokker PART II: EUROPEAN CRISIS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL RESILIENCE 4. Eurocrisis and EU Citizenship Espen D. H. Olsen 5. Individual and Collective Responses to Crisis: An Analytical Framework for the Study of Social Resilience Juan Diez Medrano 6. Bad Times, Good Times to Move? The Changing Landscape of Intra-EU Migration Ettore Recchi and Justyna Salamo? ska PART III: PARTICIPATION, PROTEST AND THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA Part 3: Participation, protest and the role of the media 7. Organised Civil Society, Participation and Citizenship in Europe. The Impact of the Economic and Social Crisis Thomas Boje 8. Crisis, Advocacy and Discrimination Carlo Ruzza 9. Crisis and Contention in Europe: A Political Process Account of Anti-Austerity Protests Marcos Ancelovici 10. A Media Perspective on European Crises Mai ' 'a K. Davis Cross and Xinru Ma 11. The European Crisis and the Media: Media Autonomy, Public Perceptions and New Forms of Political Engagement Asimina Michailidou and Hans-Jorg Trenz 12. The Populist Radical Right in Europe: A Xenophobic Voice in the Global Economic Crisis Dietmar Loch and Ov Cristian Norocel Afterword: The crisis of Europe - a Case of Creative Destruction: Descandalizing the Crisis of Europe as an Experimental Case of Social Evolution Klaus Eder
Age of onset of pubertal characteristics in boys aged 6–14 years of the Province of L’Aquila (Abruzzo, Italy)

Background: Previous results on growth patterns of children from central-southern Italy (Abruzzo region) showed an increasing tendency to obesity and suggested that the secular trend was still in progress in this region. However, data on pubertal development was lacking. Objective: The objective of the study was to provide population data on pubertal development in a sample of 535 boys aged 6–14 years as a contribution to the ongoing debate on earlier onset of pubertal traits and on the slowing down of the secular trend. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used. Data for genital and pubic hair development (GD and PHD) were analysed by probit analysis. Results: The boys start developing sexual characteristics at age 9: 13.3% had entered stage 2 of GD and 8.9% showed PHD. At 13 years of age, 5% and 7.4% were still in stage 1 of GD and PHD, respectively, whereas almost one-third had attained stage 5 for both sexual characteristics. The median age for attainment of stage 2 was 11.2 years for GD, 11.5 years for PHD and 11 years for one or both of them. Conclusions: These results are in line with those for several European and industrialized countries and do not show a significantly earlier onset of sexual maturation.
Comparison of Cross-Sectional Earnings Forecasting Models for the European Market

This paper aims to compare the cross-sectional models of earnings forecasts to the analysts’ earnings forecasts in the European markets. We introduce the models of Fama and French (2006), Novy-Marx (2013), and Hou et al. (2012). The target of the forecasting methods is to minimize the bias and to have a high forecasting accuracy in comparison to real earnings. Our results show that for almost all regions, the cross-sectional models of earnings forecast have a lower bias, but they are not as accurate as the analyst’s earnings forecast. In addition, the outcomes also show that cross-sectional models of earnings forecasts tend to be more accurate for long-term earnings forecasts, whereas for short-term forecasts analysts’ earnings forecasts are more reliable. The best cross-sectional earnings forecasts are calculated with the model of Novy-Marx (2013) in all the observed regions. Finally, the bias results show that even the cross-sectional forecasts are over-optimistic.
Clinical correlates of mitochondrial function in Huntington's disease muscle

Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by an abnormally expanded CAG repeat in the IT‐15 gene, which encodes a widely expressed protein called huntingtin. Abnormalities of mitochondrial respiratory chain function, specifically complex II/III, have been identified in HD striatum and defects of energy metabolism have been demonstrated in vivo in skeletal muscle in both symptomatic and presymptomatic HD patients. We have investigated respiratory chain function using histochemical and biochemical methods in HD skeletal muscle from 12 patients and compared these with 12 age and sex‐matched controls. The data from the HD patients were related to clinical parameters of HD including the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS). There were positive correlations between CAG repeat years (a product of CAG repeat length and age) and both motor (P < 0.002) and cognitive (P < 0.01) scores of the UHDRS. There was no significant difference in the activities of complexes I to IV compared to age‐matched controls. However, there were significant correlations for individual HD complex II/III activities with disease duration (P = 0.017), repeat years (P = 0.032), and cognitive scores (P = 0.019). There was also evidence from ultrastructural studies that inclusion formation may occur in HD muscle. These results provide additional evidence that mutant huntingtin influences mitochondrial complex II/III function in non‐neuronal tissue (skeletal muscle) and suggest that muscle may be a potential marker of disease progression in HD. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society