Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The aging effect on corneal curvature and the validity of Javal's rule in Hong Kong Chinese.

PURPOSE The current study compared the central corneal curvature and the refractive error of Hong Kong Chinese to study the validity of Javal's rule. METHODS Subjects without corneal pathology were recruited at different age ranges. Their refractive error and the corneal curvature were measured and compared for the right eye only. Two instruments were used for the measurement of corneal curvature including a conventional Bausch & Lomb (B&L) keratometer and a computer-assisted videokeratoscope (TMS-1). RESULTS Subjects age ranged from 21 years to 77 years were recruited and were categorized into five groups according to age. The Bausch & Lomb keratometer was found to provide corneal information similar to that from the TMS-1. The corneal astigmatism was found to change from with-the-rule to against-the-rule with advancing age. The spectacle astigmatism followed a similar trend. There was a hyperopic shift in the spherical component of the refractive error with aging as well. A regression equation: Spectacle astigmatism = 0.93 (Corneal astigmatism) + (-0.58D x 90) was found, which is similar to the simplified Javal's rule. There was a shift of 1.03D in hyperopia (spherical equivalent) for each decade. CONCLUSIONS Both the corneal and spectacle astigmatism demonstrated a shift from with-the-rule to against-the-rule with age. The simplified Javal's rule is more suitable for predicting the spectacle astigmatism from corneal astigmatism in Hong Kong Chinese.
PEAK POWER,GROUND REACTION FORCES, AND VELOCITY DURING THE SQUAT EXERCISE PERFORMED AT DIFFERENT LOADS

This study examined the changes in peak power, ground reaction force and velocity with different loads during the performance of the parallel squat movement. Twelve experienced male lifters (26.83 ± 4.67 years of age) performed the standard parallel squat, using loads equal to 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Each subject performed all parallel squats with as much explosiveness as possible using his own technique. Peak power (PP), peak ground reaction force (PGRF), peak barbell velocity (PV), force at the time of PP (FPP), and velocity at the time of PP (VPP) were determined from force, velocity, and power curves calculated using barbell velocity and ground reaction force data. No significant differences were detected among loads for PP; however, the greatest PP values were associated with loads of 40 and 50% of 1RM. Higher loads produced greater PGRF and FPP values than lower loads (p = 0.05) in all cases except between loads equal to 60–50, 50–40, and 40–30% of 1RM for PGRF, and between loads equal to 70–60 and 60–50% of 1RM for FPP. Higher loads produced lower PV and VPP values than lower loads (p < 0.05) in all cases except between the 20–30, 70–80, and 80–90% of 1RM conditions. These results may be helpful in determining loads when prescribing need-specific training protocols targeting different areas of the load-velocity continuum.
An integration approach for graphene double-gate transistors

In this work, we propose an integration approach for double gate graphene field effect transistors. The approach includes a number of process steps that are key for microelectronics integration: bottom gates with ultra-thin (2nm) high-quality thermally grown SiO2 dielectrics, shallow trench isolation between devices and atomic layer deposited Al2O3 top gate dielectrics. The complete process flow is demonstrated with fully functional GFET transistors and can be extended to wafer scale processing and other graphene-based devices.
Psychiatric Hospitalizations: A Comparison by Gender, Sociodemographics, Clinical Profile, and Postdischarge Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify differences between men and women hospitalized for psychiatric conditions. METHODS Men and women with an inpatient psychiatric hospitalization in Ontario, Canada, between 2008 and 2013 (N=95,055) were compared on sociodemographic characteristics, health history, and clinical profiles and on 30-day and 90-day postdischarge readmission, emergency department (ED) visits, self-harm, and death. RESULTS Compared with men, women were older and more likely to be educated, to live with a partner, and to report trauma history. Mood disorders were more common among women; psychotic and substance use disorders were more common among men. Postdischarge, there was no difference in either readmission or ED revisits. Compared with men, women had greater risk of self-harm at 30 days (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.04-1.32) and at 90 days (AOR=1.28, CI=1.17-1.39). Death was rare (<1%), with women at lower risk at both 30 days (AOR=.49, CI=.38-.63) and 90 days (AOR=.53, CI=.45-.63). CONCLUSIONS These data can inform inpatient psychiatric service delivery for both men and women.
Effect of the orlistat on serum endotoxin lipopolysaccharide and adipocytokines in South Asian individuals with impaired glucose tolerance

Background: Orlistat has been shown to increase adiponectin and reduce progression to type 2 diabetes in obese Caucasians. Some effects of orlistat are thought to be independent of weight loss by altering gut flora and the production of endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We studied the effect of dietary treatment with and without orlistat in South Asian individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) on adiponectin and inflammatory markers including LPS.
Computerized Bone Age Estimation Using Deep Learning Based Program: Evaluation of the Accuracy and Efficiency.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of a new automatic software system for bone age assessment and to validate its feasibility in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS A Greulich-Pyle method-based deep-learning technique was used to develop the automatic software system for bone age determination. Using this software, bone age was estimated from left-hand radiographs of 200 patients (3-17 years old) using first-rank bone age (software only), computer-assisted bone age (two radiologists with software assistance), and Greulich-Pyle atlas-assisted bone age (two radiologists with Greulich-Pyle atlas assistance only). The reference bone age was determined by the consensus of two experienced radiologists. RESULTS First-rank bone ages determined by the automatic software system showed a 69.5% concordance rate and significant correlations with the reference bone age (r = 0.992; p < 0.001). Concordance rates increased with the use of the automatic software system for both reviewer 1 (63.0% for Greulich-Pyle atlas-assisted bone age vs 72.5% for computer-assisted bone age) and reviewer 2 (49.5% for Greulich-Pyle atlas-assisted bone age vs 57.5% for computer-assisted bone age). Reading times were reduced by 18.0% and 40.0% for reviewers 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION Automatic software system showed reliably accurate bone age estimations and appeared to enhance efficiency by reducing reading times without compromising the diagnostic accuracy.
Effects of Ginger for Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy (NVEP) is commonly encountered in family medicine. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a popular nonpharmacological treatment but consensus of its use is lacking. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of clinical trials using ginger for NVEP as published in PubMed and EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and all EBM reviews. Studies satisfying 3 criteria were selected: (1) randomized placebo-controlled design; (2) use of ginger or Z. officinale; and (3) extractable data on improvement in NVEP. Data were synthesized into pooled odd ratios based on the random effects model, and results were tabulated with the aid of Forest plots. Results: We identified 135 potentially relevant records; only 6 studies met the final criteria. Of the total 508 subjects, 256 and 252 subjects were randomly assigned to receive ginger and placebo, respectively. The use of ginger (∼1 g daily) for at least 4 days is associated with a 5-fold likelihood of improvement in NVEP. Heterogeneity among the clinical studies were acknowledged in the final interpretation of results. Conclusions: Despite the widespread use of ginger in the diet, its clinic value and safety profile in treating NVEP is still unknown. Our meta-analysis suggests that ginger is an effective nonpharmacological treatment for NVEP.
Aus dem Institut für Medizinische Psychologie der Medizinischen Fakultät Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin DISSERTATION Spontaneous neural oscillations bias perception by modulating baseline excitability

1 . Affidavit 3 . Excerpt of the Journal Summary List (ISI Web of KnowledgeSM) 5 . Print copy of the selected publication 6 . Curriculum Vitae 20 . Complete List of Publications 24 . Acknowledgements 25 .
Reinitiation of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis by deoxyribonucleic acid initiation mutants of Escherichia coli: role of ribonucleic acid synthesis, protein synthesis, and cell division

The dnaA and dnaC genes are thought to code for two proteins required for the initiation of chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid replication in Escherichia coli. When a strain carrying a mutation in either of these genes is shifted from a permissive to a restrictive temperature, chromosome replication ceases after a period of residual synthesis. When the strains are reincubated at the permissive temperature, replication again resumes after a short lag. This reinitiation does not require either protein synthesis (as measured by resistance to chloramphenicol) or ribonucleic acid synthesis (as measured by resistance to rifampin). Thus, if there is a requirement for the synthesis of a specific ribonucleic acid to initiate deoxyribonucleic acid replication, this ribonucleic acid can be synthesized prior to the time of initiation and is relatively stable. Furthermore, the synthesis of this hypothetical ribonucleic acid does not require either the dnaA of dnaC gene products. The buildup at the restrictive temperature of the potential to reinitiate deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis at the permissive temperature shows rather complex kinetics the buildup roughly parallels the rate of mass increase of the culture for at least the first mass doubling at the restrictive temperature. At later times there appears to be a gradual loss of initiation potential despite a continued increase in mass. Under optimal conditions the increase in initiation potential can equal, but not exceed, the increase in cell division at the restrictive temperature. These results are most easily interpreted according to models that postulate a relationship between the initiation of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and the processes leading to cell division.
Diaqua(1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxacyclopentadecane)iron(II) bis(μ-cis-1,2-dicyano-1,2-ethylenedithiolato)bis[(cis-1,2-dicyano-1,2-ethylenedithiolato)ferrate(III)] 1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxacyclopentadecane disolvate

The title compound, [Fe(C10H20O5)(H2O)2][Fe2(C4N2S2)4]·2C10H20O5, consists of an [FeII(15-crown-5)(H2O)2]2+ cation, sandwiched between and O—H⋯O hydrogen bonded by two additional 15-crown-5 ether molecules and two independent [FeIII(mnt)2]− anions, where 15-crown-5 ether denotes 1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxacyclopentadecane and mnt denotes cis-1,2-dicyano-1,2-ethylenedithiolate. Each independent [FeIII(mnt)2]− unit forms a centrosymmetric dimer supported by two intermonomer FeIII—S bonds [Fe—S = 2.4715 (9) and 2.4452 (9) Å]. In the crystal structure, the dimers form one-dimensional π–π stacks along the a axis, with an interplanar separation of 3.38 (6) Å.
Do You Have Too Much IT

In the late 1990s, companies often bought huge quantities of IT for reasons that had nothing to do with their business models or long-term strategies. There was a ? follow the pack? approach to IT investment that continues, to a lesser degree, today. For managers seeking to break away from fear-driven IT investment, the author suggests that they consider the operations of Inditex Group, a clothing manufacturer and retailer based in northwestern Spain and best known for its Zara stores. Although few would think first of this industry or region in a search for IT leaders, Inditex? s experience demonstrates that it is possible to select, adopt and leverage IT masterfully while spending very little on it. Inditex has higher operating profit and much better recent stock-price performance than any of its competitors, and the author believes that there is a direct connection between its financial performance and its IT excellence. For managers weary of me-too IT investment, he lays out the five general principles that underlie Inditex? s approach to technology spending.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca associated with meibomian secretion polar lipid abnormality.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether an association between keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and meibomian gland lipids exists in patients with chronic blepharitis. METHODS Meibomian gland lipids were collected from normal patients and those with chronic blepharitis. Some of the chronic blepharitis patients had an ocular surface abnormality with apparent aqueous deficiency similar to KCS. Lipids were separated by thin-layer chromatography and polar lipids were further separated by high-pressure liquid chromatography with detection by UV absorbance. Lipids were identified by retention time with comparison with standards and by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. RESULTS A strong association between specific lipids and KCS signs was observed only with the polar lipids. Low levels of 2 phospholipids, identified as phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin, were significantly (P < .05) associated with ocular surface abnormalities that were consistent with KCS. CONCLUSIONS Evaporative KCS syndrome (rather than tear insufficiency) in many individuals may be the result of polar lipid abnormalities. We believe that the 2 associated phospholipids identified in the patients with chronic blepharitis act as important structural components in the polar phase of the tear film lipid layer. We suggest that a deficiency in these lipids results in a poorly structured polar phase that in turn affects the nonpolar phase. Ultimately water transmission through the tear film lipid layer increases, thus resulting in evaporative KCS. These results should aid in development of tear film substitutes directed toward specific abnormalities.
Elective Stoma Construction Improves Outcomes in Medically Intractable Pressure Ulcers

AbstractPURPOSE: Perineal pressure ulcers are a common and devastating complication for paralyzed or chronically bedridden patients. Controversy exists on the benefit of fecal diversion for the treatment and prevention of these ulcers. This study compared outcomes in bed-bound patients with pressure ulcers who electively underwent fecal diversion with those who did not. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on all disabled patients who underwent surgery for medically intractable pressure ulcer from 1993 to 2001. Charts were divided into the colostomy group or noncolostomy group. Recurrence rates, healing times, morbidity and mortality, and number of reoperations were calculated for each group. Additionally, stoma patients were interviewed for quality of life assessment. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were treated during the study period (colostomy, n = 41; noncolostomy, n = 26). The majority of colostomies were performed laparoscopically, with a 9.7 percent incidence of postoperative complications. The ulcer recurrence rate was lower in the treated colostomy group (43 percent) compared with the noncolostomy group (69 percent; P < 0.05). In addition, noncolostomy patients had longer healing times (7 vs. 3 months; P < 0.05), and this group required more ulcer operations than the stoma patients did. Quality of life and bowel care were much improved by the colostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Stoma construction is a safe procedure with low morbidity and mortality that helps heal pressure ulcers and decreases the incidence of recurrence. Additionally, laparoscopic stoma construction represents a technical advance that may reduce operative complications that have been previously reported with open fecal diversion.
Two Point Mutations of RPE65 from Patients with Retinal Dystrophies Decrease the Stability of RPE65 Protein and Abolish Its Isomerohydrolase Activity*

RPE65 is the isomerohydrolase in the retinoid visual cycle essential for recycling of 11-cis retinal, the chromophore for visual pigments in both rod and cone photoreceptors. Mutations in the RPE65 gene are associated with inherited retinal dystrophies with unknown mechanisms. Here we show that two point mutations of RPE65, R91W and Y368H, identified in patients with retinal dystrophies both abolished the isomerohydrolase activity of RPE65 after a subretinal injection into the Rpe65–/– mice and in the in vitro isomerohydrolase activity assay, independent of their protein levels. Further, the R91W and Y368H mutants showed significantly decreased protein levels but unchanged mRNA levels when compared with the wild-type RPE65 (wtRPE65). Protein stability analysis showed that wtRPE65 is a fairly stable protein, with an apparent half-life longer than 10 h, when expressed in 293A cells. Under the same conditions, mutants R91W and Y368H both showed substantially decreased protein stabilities, with half-lives less than 2 and 6 h, respectively. Subcellular fractionation and Western blot analysis demonstrated that wtRPE65 predominantly exists in the membrane fraction, while both of the mutants are primarily distributed in the cytosolic fraction, suggesting that these mutations disrupt the membrane association of RPE65. However, palmitoylation assay showed that wtRPE65 and both of the mutants were palmitoylated. These results suggest that these mutations may result in critical structural alterations of RPE65 protein, disrupt its membrane association, and consequently impair its isomerohydrolase activity, leading to retinal degeneration.
Developing a deeper insight into reproductive biomarkers

The development of biomarkers of reproductive medicine is still in its infancy because many black boxes are still present in reproductive medicine. Novel approaches to human infertility diagnostics and treatment must be developed because reproductive medicine has lagged behind in the implementation of biomarkers in clinical medicine. Despite the dearth of the available literature, the current rapid pace of publications suggests that this gap will soon be filled therefore; this review is a précis of the research that has been done so far and will provide a basis for the development of biomarkers in reproductive medicine.
The prevalence and risk factors of anemia in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and risk factors of anemia in pregnant women. METHOD The pregnant women were screened with complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis and serology tests for hepatitis B, syphilis and HIV. In cases of anemia, serum for iron and ferritin were investigated. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level less than 11.0 g/dl in the first and third trimester of pregnancy or less than 10.5 g/dl in the second trimester. Factors associated with anemia were analyzed by using student's t-test and chi-square. The statistically significant factors were tested with the use of multiple logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 1,304 pregnant women were recruited. The prevalence of anemia was 19.2 per cent (251 cases). Classified in each trimester, the prevalence was 14.8 per cent, 20.5 per cent and 38.6 per cent in the first, second and third trimester, respectively. One hundred and sixty-one cases of anemia were available for serum iron and ferritin levels. Iron deficiency anemia, by means of serum ferritin, was detected in 32 cases (19.9%). An abnormal pattern of hemoglobin electrophoresis was detected in 367 cases (28.1%). Gestational age at first prenatal visit, abnormal hemoglobin electrophoresis and educational status were associated with anemia during pregnancy. CONCLUSION The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women who first attended the prenatal visit was 19.2 per cent. Factors associated with anemia during pregnancy were gestational age at first prenatal visit, abnormal hemoglobin electrophoresis and educational status.
Phase II study of fluorouracil and its modulation in advanced colorectal cancer: a Southwest Oncology Group study.

PURPOSE A variety of fluorinated pyrimidine-based regimens for the treatment of disseminated colorectal cancer have been presented in the medical literature. The Southwest Oncology Group designed a screening trial of seven regimens of fluorouracil (5-FU) to assess efficacy and toxicity afforded by biochemical modulation or schedule variations. PATIENTS AND METHODS Six hundred twenty patients were entered into this trial between August 1989 and January 1993. Eligible patients were classified as having recurrent or disseminated disease that was measurable or nonmeasurable. All eligible patients were evaluated for toxicity and survival; patients with measurable disease were evaluated for response according to standard criteria. RESULTS No regimen achieved a higher response rate than single-agent bolus 5-FU. Eighty-four percent of patients have been monitored until death. The median survival time for the entire cohort is 14 months. Survival hazards ratios showed a positive trend in favor of the unmodulated infusion regimens, while high-grade toxicities occurred more frequently in the 5-FU bolus arms. The major high-grade toxicities were granulocytopenia and diarrhea. CONCLUSION In this trial, no regimen provided substantial improvement relative to 5-FU bolus or single-agent therapy for either response or survival in the treatment of disseminated colorectal cancer. The single-agent infusion regimens demonstrated the most encouraging results with a favorable toxicity profile and a 2-month longer survival duration than 5-FU bolus therapy.
Value and Governance of the Brazilian Corporations: How is the Relationship between these Variables?

This study estimated the quality of governance practiced by a significant sample of Brazilian publicly traded companies between 2002 and 2006, and related it to risk, performance and value. An index composed of twenty questions, with all answers in binary form, was constructed to measure the quality of governance. Hausman test was used and the results showed endogeneity between governance and value. Afterwards the structural equations method was applied and constructed several models involving the relationships among governance; performance measured by roe (return on assets) and ets (ebit-to-sales); risk measured by the wacc (weighted average cost of capital), and value measured by mts (market-to-book sales) and mtbv (market-to-book value). Statistically significant results between higher levels of governance, lower risk, better performance and higher value were observed.
Regeneration of optic nerve fibers of adult mammals

The pathway from the retina to the brain in mammals provides a well‐defined model system for investigation of not only surviving axotomy but also axonal regeneration of injured neurons. Here I introduce our recent works on axonal regeneration in the optic nerve (OpN) of adult cats. Fibers of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) extend beyond the crush site of OpN with injections of a macrophage stimulator (oxidized galectin‐1) or a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor (Y‐39983 or Y‐27632) while axonal extension is blocked with injection of saline. Elongation of crushed optic fibers, however, is slowed after 2 weeks. Transplantation of peripheral nerve makes RGCs regenerate their transected axons into a graft but regenerated fibers extend only a few mm in the brain. Effectiveness of combination of the drugs and treatments has to be verified in future.