Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural studies of starches with different water contents.

The proportion of double helices in starches from a series of pea [rb, rug4-b, rug3-a, and lam-c mutants, and the wild type (WT) parental line], potato and maize (normal and low amylose), and wheat (normal) lines, ranged from about 30-50% on a dry weight basis. In relatively dry starch powders, only about half of the double helices were in crystalline order, this proportion being higher for A-type than for B-type starches. Using starch from WT pea as an example, it was found that increasing water content results in an increase in total crystallinity. When the water content was raised to a level similar to that in excess water, the proportion of crystallinity was close to the proportion of double helices (DH). Measuring crystallinity in starches with a high water content is difficult using traditional methods such as x-ray diffraction. A method was developed, therefore, for determining starch structural characteristics in excess water by measuring the enthalpy of gelatinization transition in quasi-equilibrium differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments. It is suggested that DH% = DeltaH(sp)/DeltaH(DH) x 100%, where DeltaH(sp) and DeltaH(DH) represent the specific enthalpies of gelatinisation transition, DeltaH(sp) being measured as J/g dry starch weight and DeltaH(DH) as J/g DH, in starch. Studies on potato and maize starches in excess water and in 0.6M KCl showed, respectively, that DeltaH(DH) was 36.3 and 35.6 J/g for B-type polymorphs and 33.0 and 35.0 J/g for A-type polymorphs. For C-type starches, such as those from pea, intermediate values of DeltaH(DH), related to the proportions A-/B-polymorphs, should be used. The type of crystallinity in starch can be determined by the shift in peak temperature for thermograms in excess water and in excess 0.6M KCl. For B-polymorphs this shift was found to be approximately 2-3 degrees C and for A-polymorphs approximately 7-12 degrees C. The ratio between ordered areas with both A- and B-polymorphs can be determined from the enthalpies of disruption of each area. These enthalpies can be obtained by deconvolution of bimodal thermograms produced by C-type starches in excess 0.6M KCl. This methodical approach can be applied to all starches that give a sharp gelatinisation thermogram in excess water. Using a range of methods, including DSC, it was found that starch granules from the mutant peas are constructed in a similar way to those from the WT, with B-polymorphs in the centre and A-polymorphs at the periphery of all granules. The proportion of A/B-polymorphs, however, differed between the mutants. It was found that in addition to increasing the total crystallinity, increasing the water content within the granules also resulted in an increase in the proportion of B-polymorphs.
The use of a potential novel tool in virtual crossmatching for platelet transfusion in platelet refractoriness

Transfusion support for immune‐mediated platelet refractoriness (PR) is clinically challenging, technically laborious and costly. The development of ‘EpHLA/EpVix software’ has been used successfully to select kidney donors. Here, we sought to evaluate this new software as a tool for platelet virtual crossmatch (VxM).
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Viral Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 Inhibits Gamma Interferon and Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Expression

ABSTRACT Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) carries four genes with homology to human interferon regulatory factors (IRFs). One of these IRFs, the viral interferon regulatory factor 3 (vIRF-3), is expressed in latently infected primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells and required for their continuous proliferation. Moreover, vIRF-3 is known to be involved in modulation of the type I interferon (IFN) response. We now show that vIRF-3 also interferes with the type II interferon system and antigen presentation to the adaptive immune system. Starting with an analysis of the transcriptome, we show that vIRF-3 inhibits expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) molecules: small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of vIRF-3 in KSHV-infected PEL cell lines resulted in increased MHC II levels; overexpression of vIRF-3 in KSHV-negative B cells leads to downmodulation of MHC II. This regulation could be traced back to inhibition of class II transactivator (CIITA) transcription by vIRF-3. Reporter assays revealed that the gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-sensitive CIITA promoters PIV and PIII were inhibited by vIRF-3. Consistently, IFN-γ levels increased upon vIRF-3 knockdown in PEL cells. IFN-γ regulation by vIRF-3 was confirmed in reporter assays as well as by upregulation of typical IFN-γ target genes upon knockdown of vIRF-3 in PEL cells. In summary, we conclude that vIRF-3 contributes to the viral immunoevasion by downregulation of IFN-γ and CIITA and thus MHC II expression.
Generation Y’s revisit intention and price premium for lifestyle hotels: brand love as the mediator

ABSTRACT Although hotel firms have been creating lifestyle brands with generation Y as the intended target market, existing literature rarely discusses how generation Y establish relationships with these brands. Therefore, this study examined the mediating role of brand love in sustaining effects of novelty and brand identification to revisit intention and price premium. This study collected 315 responses from lifestyle hotel guests. The results proved the effects of novelty and brand identification on improving brand love, and the influences of brand love in enhancing revisit intention and willingness to pay a price premium. Brand love fully mediated the effects of novelty on revisit intention and on price premium but only partially mediated the effects of brand identification on revisit intention and price premium.
Uncovering psychosocial needs: Perspectives of Australian child and family health nurses in a sustained home visiting trial

Abstract The first Australian trial of sustained nurse home visiting provided an opportunity to explore nurses’ understanding of the situations that support mothers of infants to disclose personal and sensitive psychosocial information. Using a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcripts were analysed drawing upon aspects of Smith’s interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five themes pertaining to the experience of relationship building to foster disclosure of sensitive information emerged: (1) building trust is an ongoing process of giving and giving in return, (2) being ‘actively passive’ to develop trust, (3) the client is in control of the trust-relationship, (4) the association between disclosure of sensitive issues and a trust-relationship, and (5) empowerment over disclosure. This study provides a deeper understanding of how child and family health nurses develop relationships that lead women to entrust the nurse with personal, sensitive information, and may inform the practice of psychosocial needs assessment in other contexts.
Ab initio calculation of spin-dependent electron–phonon coupling in iron and cobalt

The spin-dependent coupling between electrons and phonons in ferromagnetic Fe and Co is calculated from first principles in a collinear-spin formalism. The added spin polarization is fundamental for the correct representation of the phonons, but also for obtaining good transport properties, and permits decomposition (e.g. of the resistivity) into the contributions of majority and minority spin. In Fe the minority spin coupling is only about 50% more important, but in Co the coupling between phonons and minority spin electrons is an order of magnitude larger than that with the majority spin, and both are strongly anisotropic.
Effectiveness and safety of memantine treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Memantine is approved as a treatment for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, recent studies report that memantine is harmful for AD patients in several ways. This paper will systematically review all the available studies to provide an update regarding memantine as a treatment for AD. METHOD Two authors queried nine databases containing literature published prior to September 15, 2012 and determined eligible studies based on the inclusion criteria. We used Review Manager to pool similar data. The Cochrane Handbook was used to assess the bias of the included studies. The chi-squared test, sensitivity analysis, Egger's test, and funnel plots were used to determine the heterogeneity and report bias, respectively. RESULT We obtained 889 studies and determined that 12 of those studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled analysis showed that memantine had significant benefits for AD patients in terms of cognition and the clinician's global impression. There were no significant benefits for AD patients in terms of mental state or activities of daily life. The results on brain volume and metabolism were controversial in two of the studies. Memantine did not significantly affect discontinuation caused by serious adverse events but did increase the risk for somnolence, weight gain, confusion, hypertension, nervous system disorders, and falling. CONCLUSION Memantine is beneficial for AD patients with regards to cognition and clinician's global impression but increases the risk for somnolence, weight gain, confusion, hypertension, nervous system disorders, and falling.
Eating and rumination activities two weeks prepartum to one month postpartum in 100 healthy cows and cows with peripartum diseases.

INTRODUCTION Eating and rumination activities were investigated in 100 cows from 14 days prepartum to 30 days postpartum. All cows were clinically healthy at the start of the study. A pressure sensor incorporated into the noseband of a halter was used to record jaw movements, which allowed the quantification of the daily duration of eating and rumination, number of regurgitated cuds and number of chewing cycles per cud. The cows were retrospectively divided into 2 main groups healthy (n = 24) and ill cows (n = 76), and the latter were further divided into the following subgroups: cows with periparturient paresis (n = 12), retained placenta (n = 13), metritis (n = 17), primary ketosis (n = 19) and lameness (n = 6). Healthy cows had the shortest eating and rumination times on the day of calving; duration of eating decreased continually before and increased steadily after calving. In contrast, duration of rumination varied little except for a significant drop on the days of calving. Compared with healthy cows, eating times of ill cows were significantly shorter before and after calving and rumination time was reduced on days 2 to 4 postpartum. The duration of eating differed between healthy and ill cows before calving, and therefore the usefulness of eating and rumination variables for early recognition of periparturient diseases in cows requires further investigation.
Dopaminergic Modulation of Sodium Current in Hippocampal Neurons via cAMP-Dependent Phosphorylation of Specific Sites in the Sodium Channel α Subunit

Phosphorylation of brain Na+ channel α subunits by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) decreases peak Na+ current in cultured brain neurons and in mammalian cells and Xenopus oocytes expressing cloned brain Na+ channels. We have studied PKA regulation of Na+ channel function by activation of D1-like dopamine receptors in acutely isolated hippocampal neurons using whole-cell voltage-clamp recording techniques. The D1 agonist SKF 81297 reversibly reduced peak Na+ current in a concentration-dependent manner. No changes in the voltage dependence or kinetics of activation or inactivation were observed. This effect was mediated by PKA, as it was mimicked by application of the PKA activator Sp-5,6-dichloro-1-β-d-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole-3′,5′-monophosphorothioate(cBIMPS) and was inhibited by the specific PKA inhibitor peptide PKAI5–24. cBIMPS had similar effects on type IIA brain Na+ channel α subunits expressed in tsA-201 cells, but no effect was observed on a mutant Na+ channel α subunit in which serine residues in five PKA phosphorylation sites in the intracellular loop connecting domains I and II (LI–II) had been replaced by alanine. A single mutation, S573A, similarly eliminated cBIMPS modulation. Thus, activation of D1-like dopamine receptors results in PKA-dependent phosphorylation of specific sites in LI–II of the Na+channel α subunit, causing a reduction in Na+current. Such modulation is expected to exert a profound influence on overall neuronal excitability. Dopaminergic input to the hippocampus from the mesocorticolimbic system may exert this influence in vivo.
Sitting balance as an early predictor of functional improvement in association with depressive symptoms in stroke patients

Abstract The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between sitting balance at an early stage and activities of daily living (ADL) function in 452 stroke patients. The effect of sitting balance on the two core elements of depression (apathy and depressive mood) was also examined. The ability to maintain a sitting position for 10 min (10‐min sitting balance) was assessed, along with ADL using the Functional Independence Measurement, and psychological status using the Zung Self‐rating Depression Scale (depressive mood), Apathy Scale (apathy) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Proportional‐hazards analysis was used to determine the independent effect of post‐stroke depression on functional outcome. Comparisons between sitting balance and psychological status were performed using logistic multiple regression analysis. Cox multiple regression analysis showed that significant differences were obtained for the sitting balance (P < 0.0002) and Mini‐Mental State Examination scores (P < 0.02) in all six ADL subscales, and for age in four of the six ADL subscales (Dressing–Upper Body and Dressing–Lower Body, Toileting, Walking). Kaplan–Meier survival curves for reaching independence in ADL subscales showed highly significantly differences in achievement rate and time to reach goal for each subgroup on 10‐min sitting balance (with or without assistance) and on age (young, <65; elderly, ≥65 years). Ten‐minute sitting balance correlated with depressive mood and apathy. A rapid and simple screening method, 10‐min sitting balance was related to scores for two core depressive symptoms, lowered mood and apathy, and was predictive of post‐stroke ADL outcomes in the rehabilitation unit along with age.
Merger and acquisition motives and outcome assessment

Research on M&A outcome often focuses on tangible financial results and the reaction of stock markets. This research attempts to provide a more accurate assessment of M&A performance by linking tangible as well as intangible M&A motives to outcome assessment. The theoretical framework is based on evaluation theory. We analyze four case-studies of international M&As conducted by European companies. The findings indicate that M&A outcome can be more accurately measured by aligning it with the motives defined by the acquiring firms. They suggest that M&A outcome assessment should be considered as a process covering both pre-merger and post-merger stages.
An analysis of Decision Making in the Stock Investment

The research objective is to test how much risk investors are willing to take when making their investment associated with the loss aversion, in terms of the risk taking behavior in relation with that of the loss aversion. The later, the loss aversion is treated as the independent variable reviewed from the two sides of the gain and loss domain. When investors are in loss aversion within the gain domain, they tend to have a lower risk taking behavior than that of the loss domain. Such tendency of investor’s behavior differences in those two different domains is described in a hypothetical value function (Kahneman and Tversky, 1979). ANOVA Test is applied to determine the risk taking behavioral differences in the two domains toward the loss aversion. Hypothesis test results with the alpha index indicate that investors, when in the loss aversion of the gain domain, have a lower risk taking than that of the loss aversion in the loss domain. Meanwhile, using post hoc for significant test results in that the loss aversion has a significant influence for the risk taking decision making in investment, particularly in that of the stocks.
Sexual functioning in transsexuals following hormone therapy and genital surgery: a review.

INTRODUCTION Sexual function following genital sexual reassignment surgery (SRS) is an important outcome for many transsexuals, affecting the choice of surgical technique, satisfaction with surgery, and quality of life. However, compared to other outcome measures, little clinical and research attention has been given to sexual functioning following SRS. AIM To discuss the potential impact of cross-sex hormone therapy and SRS on sexual function and to summarize the published empirical research on postsurgical sexual functioning in male-to-female (MtF) and female-to-male (FtM) transsexuals. METHODS Cross-sex hormone therapy and SRS techniques are outlined, the potential roles of cross-sex hormone therapy and SRS on sexual function are discussed, and peer-reviewed literature published in English on postoperative sexual functioning in MtF and FtM transsexuals is reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sexual desire, sexual arousal, and ability to achieve orgasm following SRS. RESULTS Contrary to early views, transsexualism does not appear to be associated with a hyposexual condition. In MtF transsexuals, rates of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) are similar to those found in the general female population. In FtM transsexuals, sexual desire appears unequivocally to increase following SRS. Studies with MtF transsexuals have revealed not only vasocongestion, but also the secretion of fluid during sexual arousal. Research on sexual arousal in FtM transsexuals is sorely lacking, but at least one study indicates increased arousal following SRS. The most substantial literature on sexual functioning in postoperative transsexuals pertains to orgasm, with most reports indicating moderate to high rates of orgasmic functioning in both MtF and FtM transsexuals. CONCLUSIONS Based on the available literature, transsexuals appear to have adequate sexual functioning and/or high rates of sexual satisfaction following SRS. Further research is required to understand fully the effects of varying types and dosages of cross-sex hormone therapies and particular SRS techniques on sexual functioning.
Adverse Respiratory Effects Following Overhaul in Firefighters

Overhaul is the stage in which firefighters search for and extinguish possible sources of reignition. It is common practice not to wear respiratory protection during overhaul. Fifty-one firefighters in two groups, 25 without respiratory protection and 26 wearing cartridge respirators, were monitored for exposure to products of combustion and changes in spirometric measurements and lung permeability following overhaul of a structural fire. Testing at baseline and 1 hour after overhaul included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), serum Clara cell protein (CC16), and serum surfactant-associated protein A (SP-A). Overhaul increased CC16 in both groups, indicating increased alveolar-capillary membrane permeability. Contrary to expectations, SP-A increased and FVC and FEV1 decreased in the firefighters wearing cartridge respirators. Changes in FEV1, CC16, and SP-A were associated with concentrations of specific products of combustion or carboxyhemoglobin levels. Firefighter exposures during overhaul have the potential to cause changes in spirometric measurements and lung permeability, and self-contained breathing apparatus should be worn during overhaul to prevent lung injury.
Licochalcone A Suppresses Specificity Protein 1 as a Novel Target in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Licochalcone A (LCA), isolated from the root of Glycyrrhiza inflata, are known to have medicinal effect such as anti‐oxidant, anti‐bacterial, anti‐viral, and anti‐cancer. Though, as a pharmacological mechanism regulator, anti‐cancer studies on LCA were not investigated in human breast cancer. We investigated the anti‐proliferative and apoptotic effect of LCA in human breast cancer cells MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 through MTS assay, PI staining, Annexin‐V/7‐AAD assay, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, multi‐caspase assay, RT‐PCR, Western blot analysis, and anchorage‐independent cell transformation assay. Our results showed the little difference between two cells, as MCF‐7 cell is both estrogen/progesterone receptor positive, there were only effect on Sp1 protein level, but not in mRNA level. Adversely, estrogen/progesterone/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 triple negative, MDA‐MB‐231 showed decreased Sp1 mRNA, and protein levels. To confirm the participation of Sp1 in breast cancer cell viability, siRNA techniques were introduced. Both cells showed dysfunction of mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial ROS production, which reflects it passed intracellular mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Additionally, LCA showed the anti‐proliferative and apoptotic effect in breast cancer cells through regulating Sp1 and apoptosis‐related proteins in a dose‐ and a time‐dependent manner. Consequently, LCA might be a potential anti‐breast cancer drug substitute. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4652–4663, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of aging on corneal biomechanical parameters using the ocular response analyzer.

PURPOSE To assess the effect of aging on corneal biomechanical parameters in a normal population. METHODS We prospectively examined 204 normal eyes of 204 healthy Japanese volunteers (68 men, 136 women; mean age 46.7+/-19.4 years [range: 19 to 89 years]). Corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor, corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOP(cc)), and Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOP(G)) were qualitatively assessed using a Reichert Ocular Response Analyzer. Central corneal thickness was measured using an ultrasound pachymeter. This measurement was performed 3 times, and the mean value obtained was used for statistical analysis. The relationships between patient age and corneal biomechanical parameters, or age and intraocular pressure (IOP), were investigated. RESULTS Mean corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor were 10.1+/-1.5 mmHg and 10.1+/-1.6 mmHg, respectively. Mean central corneal thickness was 539.1+/-30.9 microm. A weak, but significant, negative correlation was found between age and corneal hysteresis (Pearson's correlation coefficient r=-0.17, P=.02) and corneal resistance factor (r=-0.18 P=.01). On the other hand, no significant correlation was found between age and central corneal thickness (r=-0.06, P=.41), age and IOP(cc) (r=-0.02, P=.82), or age and IOP(G) (r=-0.11, P=.11). CONCLUSIONS Corneal biomechanical parameters are significantly decreased by aging without significant changes in central corneal thickness or IOP, suggesting that age-related structural changes resulting from collagen cross-linking may lead to a reduction of corneal biomechanical variables independent of central corneal thickness or IOP.
A Phase II pilot trial of 13‐cis retinoic acid and interferon‐α in patients with advanced pancreatic carcinoma

Advanced unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma has a dismal prognosis. The authors previously have shown that retinoic acid (RA) and interferon‐α (IFN‐α) inhibit growth and induce differentiation in human pancreatic carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of this trial was to examine the feasibility and tolerability of a combination therapy of 13‐cis RA and IFN‐α in patients with advanced unresectable pancreatic carcinoma.