Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of d-aspartic acid supplementation in resistance-trained men over a three month training period: A randomised controlled trial

Context Research on d-aspartic acid (DAA) has demonstrated increases in total testosterone levels in untrained men, however research in resistance-trained men demonstrated no changes, and reductions in testosterone levels. The long-term consequences of DAA in a resistance trained population are currently unknown. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of DAA to alter basal testosterone levels over 3 months of resistance training in resistance-trained men. Design Randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial in healthy resistance-trained men, aged 18–36, had been performing regular resistance training exercise for at least 3 d.w-1 for the previous 2 years. Randomised participants were 22 men (d-aspartic acid n = 11; placebo n = 11) (age, 23.8±4.9 y, training age, 3.2±1.5 y). Intervention D-aspartic acid (6 g.d-1, DAA) versus equal-weight, visually-matched placebo (PLA). All participants performed 12 weeks of supervised, periodised resistance training (4 d.w-1), with a program focusing on all muscle groups. Measures Basal hormones, total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E2), sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin (ALB); isometric strength; calf muscle cross-sectional area (CSA); calf muscle thickness; quadriceps muscle CSA; quadriceps muscle thickness; evoked V-wave and H-reflexes, were assessed at weeks zero (T1), after six weeks (T2) and after 12 weeks (T3). Results No change in basal TT or FT were observed after the intervention. DAA supplementation (n = 10) led to a 16%, 95% CI [-27%, -5%] reduction in E2 from T1-T3 (p<0.01). The placebo group (n = 9) demonstrated improvements in spinal responsiveness (gastrocnemius) at the level of the alpha motoneuron. Both groups exhibited increases in isometric strength of the plantar flexors by 17%, 95% CI [7%, 28%] (p<0.05) as well as similar increases in hypertrophy in the quadriceps and calf muscles. Conclusions The results of this paper indicate that DAA supplementation is ineffective at changing testosterone levels, or positively affecting training outcomes. Reductions in estradiol and the blunting of peripheral excitability appear unrelated to improvements from resistance training. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12617000041358
Optimum Interference Management in Underlay Inband D2D-Enhanced Cellular Networks

For device-to-device (D2D) communications underlaying a cellular network with uplink resource sharing, both cellular and D2D links cause significant co-channel interference. In this paper, we address the critical issue of interference management in the network considering a practical path loss model incorporating both line-of-sight (LoS) and non-line-of-sight (NLoS) transmissions. To reduce the severe interference caused by active D2D links, we consider a mode selection scheme based on the maximum received signal strength (MRSS) for each user equipment (UE) to control the D2D-to-cellular interference. Specifically, a UE will operate in a cellular mode, only if its received signal strength from the strongest base station (BS) is larger than a threshold beta; otherwise, the UE will operate in a D2D mode. Furthermore, we analyze the performance in terms of the coverage probability and the area spectral efficiency (ASE) for both the cellular network and the D2D one. Analytical results are obtained and the accuracy of the proposed analytical framework is validated through Monte Carol simulations. Through our theoretical and numerical analyses, we quantify the performance gains brought by D2D communications in cellular networks and we find an optimum mode selection threshold beta to maximize the total ASE in the network.
The Economics of Crime and Money Laundering: Does Anti-Money Laundering Policy Reduce Crime?

Abstract Anti-money laundering policy has become a major issue in the Western world, especially in the United States after 9-11. Basically, all countries in the world are more or less forced to cooperate in the global fight against money laundering. In this paper, the criminalization of money laundering is modelled, assuming rational behavior of criminals, following the law and economics strand of the literature described as the economics of crime. The theoretical model shows that a) the probability of being caught for money laundering, b) the sentence for money laundering, c) the probability of being convicted for the predicate crime, and d) the transaction costs of money laundering are negatively related to the amount of crime. Under the assumption that these factors are all positively influenced by a stricter anti-money laundering policy, the hypothesis empirically tested in this paper is that anti-money laundering policy deters potential criminals from illegal behavior and therefore lowers the crime rate. Since the data on anti-money laundering policy used in the literature thus far is not all-embracing, a unique indicator is constructed using information from the mutual evaluation reports on money laundering of the FATF, IMF and World Bank. This unique dataset is used in an empirical estimation based on a Mundlak specification to test the effect of anti-money laundering policy on the crime rate. Among the four policy areas measured – the role of law, the institutional framework, the duties of the private sector in law enforcement, and international cooperation – the latter turned out to be the policy area that is associated with a lower crime rate. This result should be an extra incentive for countries and international organizations to continue their efforts to promote and develop international cooperation in the fight against money laundering.
Grid-Tie Control of Cascade Dual-Buck Inverter With Wide-Range Power Flow Capability for Renewable Energy Applications

This paper presents a grid-tie control system for cascade dual-buck inverter with both active and reactive power flow capability in a wide range under two types of renewable energy sources. A fuel-cell power-conditioning system (PCS) is a Type I system with active power command generated by balance of plant of each unit; and photovoltaic or wind PCS is a Type II system with active power harvested by each front-end unit through maximum power point tracking. Reactive power command is generated by distributed generation control site for both systems. Selective harmonic proportional resonant controller and admittance compensation controller are first introduced to cascade inverter grid-tie control to achieve better steady-state and dynamic performance. Detailed analysis and derivation of both control systems were conducted. A 1-kV·A cascade dual-buck inverter system was designed and interfaced to 120-V, 60-Hz grid to verify the control strategy. Pure active power, pure reactive power, and mixed power flow with leading and lagging angles were fully tested under steady-state and command-dynamic conditions for both systems. The experimental results proved the effectiveness of the designed grid-tie control for both systems.
Production of Nonclassical Inclusion Bodies from Which Correctly Folded Protein Can Be Extracted

Human granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (hG‐CSF), an important biopharmaceutical drug used in oncology, is currently produced mainly in Escherichia coli. Expression of human hG‐CSF gene in E. coli is very low, and therefore a semisynthetic, codon‐optimized hG‐CSF gene was designed and subcloned into pET expression plasmids. This led to a yield of over 50% of the total cellular proteins. We designed a new approach to biosynthesis at low temperature, enabling the formation of “nonclassical” inclusion bodies from which correctly folded protein can be readily extracted by nondenaturing solvents, such as mild detergents or low concentrations of polar solvents such as DMSO and nondetergent sulfobetaines. FT‐IR analysis confirmed different nature of inclusion bodies with respect to the growth temperature and indicated presence of high amounts of very likely correctly folded reduced hG‐CSF in nonclassical inclusion bodies. The yield of correctly folded, functional hG‐CSF obtained in this way exceeded 40% of the total hG‐CSF produced in the cells and is almost completely extractable under nondenaturing conditions. The absence of the need to include a denaturation/renaturation step in the purification process allows the development of more efficient processes characterized by higher yields and lower costs and involving environment‐friendly technologies. The technology presented works successfully at the 50‐L scale, producing nonclassical inclusion bodies of the same quality. The approach developed for the production of hG‐CSF could be extended to other proteins; thus, a broader potential for industrial exploitation is envisaged.
Intra-articular Repair of an Isolated Partial Articular-Surface Tear of the Subscapularis Tendon

Background Partial-thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon in the articular surface is common. Hypothesis Intra-articular repair of a partial articular-surface tear of the subscapularis tendon will provide a successful outcome. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods A total of 29 shoulders with an isolated partial articular-surface tear of the subscapularis tendon without another rotator cuff lesion were treated with arthroscopic intra-articular repair using suture anchors. Biceps tenodesis was performed in 16 patients. Outcomes were prospectively evaluated at a mean of 27 months (range, 19-41 months) using 3 objective (University of California at Los Angeles, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Index, Simple Shoulder Test) and 2 subjective (pain and function visual analog scales) measurements. Results There were 21 men and 8 women, with a mean age of 54 years (range, 41-65 years). Tear widths were small (<1 cm) in 16 shoulders and large (>1 cm) in 13 shoulders. Twenty-six shoulders had articular cartilage erosion on the adjacent humeral head. Lesions of the biceps tendon were noted in 25 patients (partial tear in 15 shoulders; subluxation in 13 shoulders). Shoulder pain scores improved after surgery (5.0 ± 2.7 to 0.3 ± 0.7, P <. 05). According to American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Index scores, 18 were excellent; 10, good; and 1, fair. Internal rotation strength deficit improved from 32% to 4%. Twenty-six patients returned to more than 90% of previous activity. There were no surgical complications; tear size and biceps tenodesis did not affect outcome (P >. 05). Conclusion Arthroscopic intra-articular repair of a partial articular-surface tear of the subscapularis tendon is an effective procedure that spares the intact tendon attachment in the bursal surface. Short-term outcomes were reliable by both objective and subjective measurements.
Design of Robust Controller for a Class of Uncertain Discrete-Time Systems Subject to Actuator Saturation

This technical note studies the robust output tracking controller design for a class of uncertain discrete-time systems subject to actuator saturation. To achieve this capability, a new controller is proposed by robustifying the discrete-time composite nonlinear feedback (DCNF) control law. Since, the proposed controller may be saturated; a precise analysis is done to show its robust performance in spite of presence of actuator saturation and time-varying external disturbances. Additionally, a theorem is given and proved which guarantees the disturbance attenuation via the proposed control law for three different cases of the saturation function and it is shown that even if the control signal is saturated, the proposed controller achieves steady-state error of order $O(T)$ for state regulation. Finally, computer simulations are performed for a practical system and the applicability of the proposed controller is shown.
Exploring IT Governance Effectiveness: Identifying Sources of Divergence through the Adoption of a Behavioural-Based Organizational Routines Perspective

This research seeks to broaden and strengthen the holistic understanding of IT governance effectiveness by specifically examining why IT governance systems often fail to produce appropriate or desired IT and organizational behaviours. To address this objective, we investigate and develop a theoretical framework for understanding and explaining the varied sources of divergence that occur during the enactment of IT governance mechanisms. Defined as the difference between desired behaviours and actual behaviours, we argue that the acceptance and consideration of all sources of divergence within the enactment of IT governance mechanisms, is not only necessary, but critical to the appropriate design and maintenance of an effective IT governance system. Traditional IT governance perspectives, heavily rooted in the structural and normative aspects of oversight and control (i.e. structures), have limited our ability to adequately and fully understand how IT governance performs in practice. Framing IT governance mechanisms as routines, we draw on institutional theory and organizational routines theory as an alternative lens for understanding why organizational behaviours are not always aligned to those expected by IT governance owners. Based on Pentland and Feldman`s (2008) generative model of organizational routines, we establish a novel conceptualization for IT governance divergence that posits and delineates three primary sources of IT governance divergence: Representational Divergence, Translational Divergence and Performative Divergence. Through the in-depth examination of the IT investment planning, prioritization and selection routines within two exploratory case studies, we inductively propose a model for explaining IT governance divergence. We apply a narrative networks approach to frame and analyse qualitative data captured through semi-structured interviews, archival and document review and direct observation. Pattern-matching and emergent themes analysis is performed to identify and define first-order and second-order constructs, along with 15 relational propositions. Given the dearth of theoretically-grounded research in this domain, the central contribution of this study rests in the establishment of a robust theoretical framework of IT governance divergence upon which further cumulative empirical study can be undertaken.
A thin film approach for SiC-derived graphene as an on-chip electrode for supercapacitors

We designed a nickel-assisted process to obtain graphene with sheet resistance as low as 80 Ω square−1 from silicon carbide films on Si wafers with highly enhanced surface area. The silicon carbide film acts as both a template and source of graphitic carbon, while, simultaneously, the nickel induces porosity on the surface of the film by forming silicides during the annealing process which are subsequently removed. As stand-alone electrodes in supercapacitors, these transfer-free graphene-on-chip samples show a typical double-layer supercapacitive behaviour with gravimetric capacitance of up to 65 F g−1. This work is the first attempt to produce graphene with high surface area from silicon carbide thin films for energy storage at the wafer-level and may open numerous opportunities for on-chip integrated energy storage applications.
Evaluation of the function of polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes in healthy dogs given a high dose of methylprednisolone sodium succinate.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate effects of a high dose of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) on function of polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes (PMNs) in dogs. ANIMALS 7 healthy male Beagles (body weight, 10.5 to 15 kg; age, 2 to 4 years). PROCEDURES All dogs were treated by IV administration of a high dose of MPSS (30 mg/kg). Additional doses of MPSS (15 mg/kg) were administered IV at 2 and 6 hours and then at 6-hour intervals until 48 hours after the initial dose. Blood samples were collected before and 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 days after completion of the MPSS administrations and used for evaluation of PMN functions. Isolated PMNs were used for assessment of functions, such as adhesion, migration, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst. RESULTS On days 1, 2, and 4 after completion of MPSS administration, there was a decrease in PMN expression of adhesion markers such as CD11b and CD18. There was a decrease in the phagocytotic ability of PMNs on days 1, 2, and 7 after completion of MPSS administration, with a reduction in the oxidative burst of PMNs detected on day 7. No significant changes were identified for migration. All functional changes returned to their pretreatment values by 14 days after completion of MPSS treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Treatment with a high dose of MPSS suppressed PMN functions in dogs. Analysis of these results suggested that treatment with a high dose of MPSS can suppress some of the major functions of PMNs for at least 7 days.
Implementing UML associations in Java: a slim code pattern for a complex modeling concept

Relationships are difficult to implement for two main reasons: Firstly, they provide a complex semantics for relating entities and secondly, relationships are not first class constructs in modern programming languages. The challenge of implementing relationships in code is to resolve the semantics of abstract model elements and turn them into references or pointers of the target language. Language extensions or libraries are often discussed as a means of facilitating the translation of relations into code. We present an approach that uses plain Java language concepts for the implementation of UML associations. We focus on symmetry of associations as well as on navigability, visibility and ownership of association ends and present a code pattern, that can easily be used for automatic code generation.
[Results of the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 4--a comparative analysis with genotype 1].

INTRODUCTION nearly all the data on the efficacy of combined antiviral therapy on chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 have been obtained in countries of Middle East. Genotype 4 is quite unusual in Spain. We report our experience in a group of Spanish patients treated with homogeneous criteria. PATIENTS AND METHODS between 2001 and 2007 we have treated 30 patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 (20 males) with pegylated Interferon alpha-2b (26 cases) or alpha-2a (4 cases) combined with ribavirin at a weight-adjusted dose. Results of therapy are known in all patients and liver biopsy is available in 24 cases. RESULTS ten patients (33.3%) obtained sustained viral response (SVR: HCV-RNA undetectable in blood 6 months after the end of therapy), 12 were primary non-responders, 4 relapsed after reaching undetectable HCV-RNA at the end of therapy and 4 interrupted the treatment due to severe adverse events. These results are very close to those obtained in 355 patients infected with HCV genotype 1. CONCLUSION HCV genotype 4 should be considered as "difficult to treat". The better results of therapy in other geographical areas (Middle East) may be due to a different distribution of the subtypes of HCV genotype 4.
Randomized controlled trials in pregnancy: scientific and ethical aspects. Exposure to different opioid medications during pregnancy in an intra-individual comparison.

BACKGROUND Chronic medical conditions such as opioid dependence require evidence-based treatment recommendations. However, pregnant women are under-represented in clinical trials. We describe the first within-subject comparison of maternal and neonatal outcomes for methadone- versus buprenorphine-exposed pregnancies. Although methadone is the established treatment of pregnant opioid-dependent women, recent investigations have shown a trend for a milder neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) under buprenorphine. However, it is not only the choice of maintenance medication that determines the occurrence of NAS; other factors such as maternal metabolism, illicit substance abuse and nicotine consumption also influence its severity and duration and represent confounding factors in the assessment of randomized clinical trials. CASE SERIES DESCRIPTION: Three women who were part of the European cohort of a randomized, double-blind multi-center trial with a contingency management tool [the Maternal Opioid Treatment: Human Experimental Research (MOTHER) study], each had two consecutive pregnancies and were maintained on either methadone or buprenorphine for their first and then the respective opposite, still-blinded medication for their second pregnancy. Birth measurements, the total neonatal abstinence score, the total amounts of medication used to treat NAS and the days of NAS treatment duration were assessed. RESULTS Both medications were effective and safe in reducing illicit opioid relapse and avoiding preterm labor. Methadone maintenance yielded to a significantly higher neonatal birth weight. Data patterns suggest that buprenorphine exposure was associated with lower neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) scores. Findings from this unique case series are consistent with earlier reports using between-group analyses. CONCLUSIONS Buprenorphine has the potential to become an established treatment alternative to methadone for pregnant opioid-dependent women. Under special consideration of ethical boundaries, psychopharmacological treatment during pregnancy must be addressed as an integral part of clinical research projects in order to optimize treatment for women and neonates.
Metformin reduces serum C-reactive protein levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Low-grade chronic inflammation, reflected in elevated levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), has recently been linked to obesity, insulin resistance syndromes such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Because the insulin sensitizer metformin has been shown to improve metabolic disturbances in PCOS, it was of particular interest to examine serum CRP levels during metformin therapy. Twenty nonobese women [body mass index (BMI) </= 25 kg/m(2)] and 32 obese women (BMI >/==" BORDER="0"> 27 kg/m(2)) with PCOS were randomized to receive either metformin (500 mg twice daily for 3 months, then 1000 mg twice daily for 3 months) or ethinyl estradiol (35 micro g)-cyproterone acetate (2 mg) oral contraceptive pills. The serum concentrations of CRP were significantly higher in obese than in nonobese subjects at baseline [4.08 +/- 0.53 (SE) vs. 1.31 +/- 0.28 mg/liter; P < 0.001] and correlated to BMI and to a lesser extent waist-hip ratio, suggesting that the elevated CRP levels may be related to obesity and not only to PCOS itself. During metformin treatment, serum CRP levels decreased significantly from 3.08 +/- 0.7 mg/liter to 1.52 +/- 0.26 mg/liter at 6 months in the whole study population (P = 0.006) and especially in obese subjects. In contrast, the treatment with ethinyl estradiol-cyproterone acetate increased serum CRP levels from 2.91 +/- 0.68 mg/liter to 4.58 +/- 0.84 mg/liter (P < 0.001). Whether this effect is related to estrogen action in the liver or whether it reflects increased inflammation process and possible risks for cardiovascular disease remains unclear. The decrease of serum CRP levels during metformin therapy is in accordance with the known beneficial metabolic effects of this drug and suggests that CRP or other inflammation parameters could be used as markers of treatment efficiency in women with PCOS.