Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Energy expenditure in preadolescent African American and white boys and girls: the Baton Rouge Children's Study.

BACKGROUND Low energy expenditure has been identified as a potential risk factor for body fat gain. OBJECTIVE The objective was to determine the relations between race, sex, body fat, and energy expenditure. DESIGN As part of the Baton Rouge Children's Study, energy expenditure was examined in 131 preadolescent African American and white girls and boys, further stratified as obese or lean. Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) was measured by the doubly labeled water method. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) and the thermic effect of food were measured by indirect calorimetry. Fat-free mass and fat mass were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. To account for differences in body size, energy expenditure variables were adjusted with the use of fat-free mass or fat-free mass and fat mass as covariates. RESULTS The African American children had lower TDEE and RMR than did the white children. A lower level of energy expended in physical activity by the African American girls and a lower RMR in the African American boys accounted for the racial differences in TDEE. The white boys had a higher RMR than did the white girls. The girls had a lower TDEE and expended less energy in activity than did the boys. Energy expended in activity was lower in the obese children. CONCLUSIONS The African American children expended less energy than did the white children. The obese children spent less time engaged in activity or engaged in lower-intensity activity. Obese children may maintain their obese state by spending less time in physical activity, but they do not have a reduced RMR or thermic effect of food.
Institute for International Integration Studies Testing the 'brain Gain' Hypothesis: Micro Evidence from Cape Verde Testing the 'brain Gain' Hypothesis: Micro Evidence from Cape Verde Testing the 'brain Gain' Hypothesis: Micro Evidence from Cape Verde

Disclaimer Any opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and not those of the IIIS. All works posted here are owned and copyrighted by the author(s). Papers may only be downloaded for personal use only. Abstract Does emigration really drain human capital accumulation in origin countries? This paper explores a unique household survey purposely designed and conducted to answer this research question. We analyze the case of Cape Verde, a country with allegedly the highest 'brain drain' in Africa, despite a marked record of income and human capital growth in recent decades. Our micro data enables us to propose the first explicit test of 'brain gain' arguments according to which the prospects of own future migration can positively impact educational attainment. According to our results, a 10pp increase in the probability of own future migration improves the average probability of completing intermediate secondary schooling by 8pp. Our findings are robust to the choice of instruments and econometric model. Overall, we find that there may be substantial human capital gains from lowering migration barriers. 2008. We are indebted to Paul Collier for providing initial encouragement for this research project. We acknowledge financial support from the ESRC-funded Global Poverty Research Programme (GPRG) for the tailored household survey conducted in Cape Verde on which this paper is based. We are indebted to the dedicated team of local enumerators with whom we worked,
Clinical di ff erences between cocaine-dependent patients with and without antisocial personality disorder

The aim of this study is to compare the features of two groups of cocaine dependent patients in treatment, one of them with co-morbid diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder and the other not. Cross-sectional design, with 143 cocaine-dependent patients attending a drug unit, distributed in two groups: patients with and without Antisocial Personality Disorder. As results, we found that the 15.38% of the sample were diagnosed with an Antisocial Personality Disorder. In relation to socio-demographic variables, Antisocial Personality Disorder patients have less probability of being working or studying (9.1% vs. 47.9%). After multivariate analysis it was found that significantly Antisocial Personality Disorder patients have more opiates dependence (OR: 0.219; 95% IC 0.072–0.660), sedative dependence (OR: 0.203; 95% IC 0.062–0.644) and in more cases show Borderline Personality Disorder (OR: 0.239; 95% IC 0.077–0.746). This study highlights significant differences between cocaine addicts with or without an Antisocial Personality Disorder. All these differences are good indicators of the complexity of the patients with this personality disorder. Better knowledge of their profile will help us to improve the design of specific treatment programs.
Non-peptidic Cruzain Inhibitors with Trypanocidal Activity Discovered by Virtual Screening and In Vitro Assay

A multi-step cascade strategy using integrated ligand- and target-based virtual screening methods was developed to select a small number of compounds from the ZINC database to be evaluated for trypanocidal activity. Winnowing the database to 23 selected compounds, 12 non-covalent binding cruzain inhibitors with affinity values (K i) in the low micromolar range (3–60 µM) acting through a competitive inhibition mechanism were identified. This mechanism has been confirmed by determining the binding mode of the cruzain inhibitor Nequimed176 through X-ray crystallographic studies. Cruzain, a validated therapeutic target for new chemotherapy for Chagas disease, also shares high similarity with the mammalian homolog cathepsin L. Because increased activity of cathepsin L is related to invasive properties and has been linked to metastatic cancer cells, cruzain inhibitors from the same library were assayed against it. Affinity values were in a similar range (4–80 µM), yielding poor selectivity towards cruzain but raising the possibility of investigating such inhibitors for their effect on cell proliferation. In order to select the most promising enzyme inhibitors retaining trypanocidal activity for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, the most potent cruzain inhibitors were assayed against T. cruzi-infected cells. Two compounds were found to have trypanocidal activity. Using compound Nequimed42 as precursor, an SAR was established in which the 2-acetamidothiophene-3-carboxamide group was identified as essential for enzyme and parasite inhibition activities. The IC50 value for compound Nequimed42 acting against the trypomastigote form of the Tulahuen lacZ strain was found to be 10.6±0.1 µM, tenfold lower than that obtained for benznidazole, which was taken as positive control. In addition, by employing the strategy of molecular simplification, a smaller compound derived from Nequimed42 with a ligand efficiency (LE) of 0.33 kcal mol−1 atom−1 (compound Nequimed176) is highlighted as a novel non-peptidic, non-covalent cruzain inhibitor as a trypanocidal agent candidate for optimization.
Implantation of Stromal Vascular Fraction Progenitors at Bone Fracture Sites: From a Rat Model to a First‐in‐Man Study

Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) cells freshly isolated from adipose tissue include osteogenic‐ and vascular‐progenitors, yet their relevance in bone fracture healing is currently unknown. Here, we investigated whether human SVF cells directly contribute to the repair of experimental fractures in nude rats, and explored the feasibility/safety of their clinical use for augmentation of upper arm fractures in elderly individuals. Human SVF cells were loaded onto ceramic granules within fibrin gel and implanted in critical nude rat femoral fractures after locking‐plate osteosynthesis, with cell‐free grafts as control. After 8 weeks, only SVF‐treated fractures did not fail mechanically and displayed formation of ossicles at the repair site, with vascular and bone structures formed by human cells. The same materials combined with autologous SVF cells were then used to treat low‐energy proximal humeral fractures in 8 patients (64‐84 years old) along with standard open reduction and internal fixation. Graft manufacturing and implantation were compatible with intraoperative settings and led to no adverse reactions, thereby verifying feasibility/safety. Biopsies of the repair tissue after up to 12 months, upon plate revision or removal, demonstrated formation of bone ossicles, structurally disconnected and morphologically distinct from osteoconducted bone, suggesting the osteogenic nature of implanted SVF cells. We demonstrate that SVF cells, without expansion or exogenous priming, can spontaneously form bone tissue and vessel structures within a fracture‐microenvironment. The gained clinical insights into the biological functionality of the grafts, combined with their facile, intra‐operative manufacturing modality, warrant further tests of effectiveness in larger, controlled trials. Stem Cells 2016;34:2956–2966
High dilution rate of bull semen affects cryopreservation outcomes: kinematic and flowcytometric parameters

BACKGROUND: Semen cryopreservation might be influenced by sperm concentration. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate three different semen concentrations [100 (C100), 50 (C50), and 25 (C25) × 106 spermatozoa/mL] on freezability of bull semen. METHODS: On each collection day, four ejaculates were collected (a total of 24 ejaculates from four bulls), pooled and divided to three equal parts. Each part was diluted to reach to one of the above mentioned final semen concentration and then frozen. After thawing, sperm motility, apoptosis status and mitochondrial activity were assessed. RESULTS: The results showed that C100 resulted in significantly higher total sperm motility compared to C50 and C25 groups. The percentage of live spermatozoa was significantly higher in C100 compared to C50 and C25 groups. Also, C25 resulted in significantly higher early and late apoptotic spermatozoa compared to C50 and C100 groups. The mitochondrial activity was significantly lower in C25 compared to C100 and C50 groups. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that low sperm concentrations (as low as 50×106) may be less advantageous for cryopreservation.
Electroacupuncture Promotes Central Nervous System‐Dependent Release of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Electroacupuncture (EA) performed in rats and humans using limb acupuncture sites, LI‐4 and LI‐11, and GV‐14 and GV‐20 (humans) and Bai‐hui (rats) increased functional connectivity between the anterior hypothalamus and the amygdala and mobilized mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the systemic circulation. In human subjects, the source of the MSC was found to be primarily adipose tissue, whereas in rodents the tissue sources were considered more heterogeneous. Pharmacological disinhibition of rat hypothalamus enhanced sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation and similarly resulted in a release of MSC into the circulation. EA‐mediated SNS activation was further supported by browning of white adipose tissue in rats. EA treatment of rats undergoing partial rupture of the Achilles tendon resulted in reduced mechanical hyperalgesia, increased serum interleukin‐10 levels and tendon remodeling, effects blocked in propranolol‐treated rodents. To distinguish the afferent role of the peripheral nervous system, phosphoinositide‐interacting regulator of transient receptor potential channels (Pirt)‐GCaMP3 (genetically encoded calcium sensor) mice were treated with EA acupuncture points, ST‐36 and LIV‐3, and GV‐14 and Bai‐hui and resulted in a rapid activation of primary sensory neurons. EA activated sensory ganglia and SNS centers to mediate the release of MSC that can enhance tissue repair, increase anti‐inflammatory cytokine production and provide pronounced analgesic relief. Stem Cells 2017;35:1303–1315
Predictors of loss to follow-up in antiretroviral treatment for adult patients in the Oromia region, Ethiopia

Purpose It is known that antiretroviral treatment (ART) reduces mortality from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome related causes. Patient’s lost to follow-up (LTFU) in this treatment poses a paramount problem to the public and health care services. Information on predictors of loss to follow-up is scarce in this study area and similar settings. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying correlates of loss to follow-up in ART among adult patients in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. Methods A case–control study was conducted between February 2015 and April 2015 using medical records. The stratified sampling technique was used to select health facilities. The number of patient records to be included in the study was proportionally allocated to each stratum based on their patient proportion in the regional data. Specific health facilities from which to include the records were randomly selected from a list of the health facilities per stratum. All adult patient records registered as LTFU (416) in the selected health facilities during the 12-month period prior to the data collection date, and 832 patients with good adherence to ART were included. Data were double-entered into Epi Info 7 and analyzed using SPSS 20. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to report the results. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed using open code computer software. Results Age 15–24 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 19.82 95% CI: 6.80, 57.73); day laborers (AOR, 5.36; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.23, 8.89), rural residents (AOR, 2.35; 95% CI: 1.45, 3.89), World Health Organization clinical stage IV (AOR, 2.29; 95% CI: 1.45, 3.62), baseline CD4 <350 cells/mL (AOR, 2.06; 95% CI: 1.36, 3.13), suboptimal adherence to ART (AOR, 7.42; 95% CI: 1.87, 29.41), were factors which increased the risk of loss to follow-up in ART. Conclusion Multiple risk factors, both socioeconomic and clinical, were associated with loss to follow-up. Attention is required to address these factors during patient preparation for the treatment and follow-up counseling by practitioners. We recommend that other studies identify what happened to the patients registered as LTFU as the current study could not address this issue.
Perceptual resolution of color for multiple chromatically ambiguous objects.

In a classic study, Kovács et al. [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA93, 15508 (1996)PNASA60027-842410.1073/pnas.93. 26.15508] used an array of many disks presented dichoptically with half of the disks in one eye "red" and the other half "green;" disk chromaticities in the fellow eye were reversed, resulting in binocular color rivalry for every disk, thus creating color ambiguity. Surprisingly, the binocularly fused percept sometimes was all disks of the same color (red or green), which showed that perceptual resolution of the many ambiguous neural representations did not rely completely on monocular dominance or on independent resolution for each disk. The present study replicates and expands on the original with the aim to isolate binocularly driven neural mechanisms of perceptual resolution without contamination from monocular dominance. Observers viewed a color-rivalrous array with 16 disks presented either steadily to each eye, as in Kovács et al., or with chromatic interocular-switch rivalry (CISR), which swaps the two images between the eyes every 133 ms. The total proportion of viewing time when the 16 disks were perceived to be all red or all green was measured. For three observers, the disks all appeared the same color more often with CISR than with steady rivalrous presentation, suggesting that monocular dominance interferes with grouped perceptual resolution of ambiguous stimuli in the Kovács paradigm. This conclusion was supported by an additional condition using CISR, but with every disk the same color in one eye at each instant (e.g., all "red" disks in one eye and all "green" in the other). This condition was never significantly different from the original CISR condition, as expected if CISR reveals only binocularly mediated perceptual resolution of the disks' color, irrespective of monocular neural representations. In conclusion, chromatically tuned binocularly driven neurons account for perceptual resolution of CISR.
Male quality influences male provisioning in house wrens independent of attractiveness

Female reproductive investment can vary according to their mate's attractiveness, and males may differentially invest according to their own attractiveness. Thus, when studying female parental investment, male investment must also be considered. We tested the hypothesis that the attractiveness of male house wrens (Troglodytes aedon) influences their investment independent of their own intrinsic quality by manipulating the number of nest sites (one e control; 4 e attractive) in each male's territory. Treatments (attractive or control) were applied prior to (natural state) or after (imposed state) male settlement, and male investment was determined twice during the nestling stage by the number of trips males made to the nest to provision their nestlings. Males that settled in the attractive territories were significantly older than those that settled in control territories in the natural state. There was a significant interaction effect between state and treatment on male provisioning. Provisioning rates of attractive and control males in the imposed state did not differ, but attractive males in the natural state provisioned at a lower rate than control males late in the nestling stage. Thus, provisioning by males is influenced more by their intrinsic quality than their attractiveness. Copyright 2010, Oxford University Press.
Identifying Spinal Injury Patterns in Underbody Blast to Develop Mechanistic Hypotheses

Study Design. A retrospective case series of UK victims of blast injury. Objective. To identify the injury patterns in the spine caused by under-vehicle blast, and attempt to derive the mechanism of those injuries. Summary of Background Data. The Improvised Explosive Device has been a feature of recent conflicts with frequent attacks on vehicles, leading to devastating injuries. Vehicle design has evolved to reduce the risk of injury to occupants in underbody blast, where the device detonates beneath the vehicle. The mechanism of spinal injury in such attacks is not well understood; understanding the injury mechanism is necessary to produce evidence-based mitigation strategies. Methods. A Joint Theatre Trauma Registry search identified UK victims of blast between 2008 and 2013. Each victim had their initial scan reviewed to classify spinal fractures. Results. Seventy-eight victims were identified, of whom 53 were survivors. There were a total of 284 fractures, including 101 thoracolumbar vertebral body fractures and 39 cervical spine fractures. Most thoracolumbar fractures were wedge compression injuries. Most cervical spine fractures were compression-extension injuries. The most common thoracic and lumbar body fractures in this group suggest a flexed posture at the time of injury. Most cervical spine fractures were in extension, which might be compatible with the head having struck another object. Conclusion. Modifying the seated posture might reduce the risk of thoracolumbar injury, or allow the resulting injury patterns to be controlled. Cervical spine injuries might be mitigated by changing vehicle design to protect the head. Level of Evidence: N/A
Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor Geometric Characterization and Calibration

The Landsat 8 spacecraft was launched on 11 February 2013 carrying two imaging payloads: the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS). The TIRS instrument employs a refractive telescope design that is opaque to visible wavelengths making prelaunch geometric characterization challenging. TIRS geometric calibration thus relied heavily on on-orbit measurements. Since the two Landsat 8 payloads are complementary and generate combined Level 1 data products, the TIRS geometric performance requirements emphasize the co-alignment of the OLI and TIRS instrument fields of view and the registration of the OLI reflective bands to the TIRS long-wave infrared emissive bands. The TIRS on-orbit calibration procedures include measuring the TIRS-to-OLI alignment, refining the alignment of the three TIRS sensor chips, and ensuring the alignment of the two TIRS spectral bands. The two key TIRS performance metrics are the OLI reflective to TIRS emissive band registration accuracy, and the registration accuracy between the TIRS thermal bands. The on-orbit calibration campaign conducted during the commissioning period provided an accurate TIRS geometric model that enabled TIRS Level 1 data to meet all geometric accuracy requirements. Seasonal variations in TIRS-to-OLI alignment have led to several small calibration parameter adjustments since commissioning.
Procedural justice, supervisor autonomy support, work satisfaction, organizational identification and job performance: the mediating role of need satisfaction and perceived organizational support.

AIM To test a model linking procedural justice, supervisor autonomy support, need satisfaction, organizational support, work satisfaction, organizational identification and job performance. BACKGROUND Research in industrial and organizational psychology has shown that procedural justice and supervisor autonomy support lead to positive outcomes. However, very little research related to this subject has been conducted in healthcare settings. Moreover, few studies have examined mechanisms that could account for these positive relationships. DESIGN A cross-sectional correlational design was used. METHOD Convenience sampling was used and a sample of 500 nurses working in haematology, oncology and haematology/oncology units in France was surveyed in 2011. The final sample consisted of 323 nurses (64.6% response rate). The hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modelling. RESULTS Procedural justice and supervisor autonomy support significantly and positively influenced need satisfaction and perceived organizational support, which in turn positively predicted work satisfaction, organizational identification and job performance. CONCLUSION Organizations could deliver training programmes for their managers aimed at enhancing the use of fair procedures in allocating outcomes and developing their autonomy-supportive behaviours to improve nurses' work satisfaction, organizational identification and job performance.
A Study to evaluate Some of the Esthetic Factors determining Attractive Smile

Materials and methods: This study was conducted with 214 students, between the age of 18 and 25 years, from Dharwad SDM College of Dental Sciences with natural dentition and who fulfilled the required criteria; the frontal photograph was taken of each individuals with smile displaying upper anterior teeth as well as gingiva. Each student’s smile was compared, analyzed, and evaluated. Differences between smile types were determined statistically with Z-proportionality test.
Functionalized titanium surfaces for biomedical applications: physico-chemical characterization and biological in vitro evaluation

xv Zusammenfassung . xvii
Modulation of obesity by a green tea catechin.

studying many subjects a nonefﬁcacious instrument. Our ﬁndings indicate that food-frequency questionnaires do not accurately esti-mate absolute dietary intakes. We found that our 3 diets, composed of very different amounts of total fat (15%, 26%, and 35% of energy), were estimated to be very similar by the food-frequency questionnaire (22%, 27%, and 28%, respectively, of energy). The food-frequency questionnaire could not reliably distinguish a high-fat diet from a low-fat diet in our study. Our data are consistent with the view that 3-d food records provide a much more accurate assessment of dietary macronutrient intake than do food-frequency questionnaires, which in our be highly