Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of eccentric exercise on muscle oxidative metabolism in humans.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of eccentric exercise on muscle oxidative function. METHODS Thirteen subjects performed high-intensity eccentric cycling for 30 min. Muscle oxidative function in vastus lateralis was evaluated by measurements of respiration in permeabilized muscle fibers (skinned fibers) and from the kinetics of oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb) saturation measured with near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). RESULTS After eccentric cycling, all subjects reported extensive delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), but plasma markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase and beta-glucuronidase activity) were not significantly altered. The half time of oxyHb desaturation after circulatory occlusion (128 +/- 11 s, mean +/- SE) and oxyHb resaturation after restoration of blood flow (13.8 +/- 0.7 s) were not significantly changed after eccentric cycling (N = 7). Respiration in skinned muscle fibers measured in the absence of ADP and in the presence of a submaximal (0.1 mM) or maximal ADP concentration (1 mM) was not significantly changed after eccentric cycling (N = 6). The sensitivity of respiration to ADP was not significantly changed after eccentric cycling. CONCLUSIONS Muscle oxidative function (maximal respiration and respiratory control by ADP) was not compromised after high-intensity eccentric cycle exercise. Furthermore, NIRS indicates that after eccentric cycling muscle oxygen utilization and local oxygen transport at rest are unchanged. It is concluded that eccentric cycling, although causing DOMS, does not negatively affect skeletal muscle oxidative function.
Newer antidepressants and panic disorder: a meta-analysis

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and venlafaxine are currently considered as first-line agents for patients with panic disorder (PD). However, a systematic comparison of newer antidepressants for the treatment of PD is lacking thus far. Eligible studies focusing on PD patients treated with newer antidepressants were entered in the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager. Our primary outcome measure was the mean change in panic symptoms from the baseline to the endpoint in patients treated with antidepressants as compared with those treated with placebo. Secondary outcome measures included the mean change in the overall anxiety scores and dropout rates. Sensitivity analyses were also carried out. Fifty studies focusing on 5236 patients were included. The following antidepressants were significantly superior to placebo for PD patients with the following increasing order of effectiveness: citalopram, sertraline, paroxetine, fluoxetine, and venlafaxine for panic symptoms and paroxetine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram, venlafaxine, and mirtazapine for overall anxiety symptoms. Aside from reboxetine and fluvoxamine, all drugs were associated with significantly lower dropout rates as compared with placebo. Several clinical variables moderated clinical outcomes. However, because of some inconsistencies across the studies and limited evidence for some drugs under investigation, further head-to-head comparisons are required.
The isolation and characterisation of antiplatelet antibodies

Abstract: The isolation and characterisation of antiplatelet antibodies in autoimmune thrombocytopenia purpura patients (ITP) is described. Autoimmune thrombocytopenia purpura is an autoimmune disease, clinically defined by low platelet counts, normal or increased megakaryocytopoiesis and antiplatelet antibodies in serum. This study used phage display to isolate Fab antiplatelet antibodies to study the structure–function relationships of pathogenic antibodies in ITP. Out of six randomly selected colonies, four colonies reacted strongly with whole platelets in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sequence analysis showed that all four colonies had the same DNA sequence and were the same antibody. Results of Western blotting against non‐reduced human platelet lysate showed that the Fab reacted with platelet proteins with apparent molecular weights of 116, 92 and 39 kD. Furthermore, Western blotting assay against purified membrane glycoprotein IIIa demonstrated reactivity against a band with a molecular weight of 92 kD. Results from Western blotting against platelet lysate and pure platelet glycoprotein confirmed the Fab fragment recognised the platelet glycoprotein IIIa. Three out of the four phage colonies produced soluble Fab, which demonstrated reactivity against platelet autoantigens in ELISA. Further sequence analysis showed that the Fab was somatically mutated suggesting antigen drive and therefore T‐cell assistance was important in the development of this antibody. One of the somatic mutations introduced an RSD amino acid sequence in the complementary determining region 1 (CDR1) of the light chain, which may mimic the RGD motif of fibrinogen which binds integrin GPIIb/IIIa. This raises the possibility that somatic mutation and antigen drive have produced a pathogenic autoantibody.
Altered cardiac function and minimal cardiac damage during prolonged exercise.

PURPOSE The purpose of the present study was to examine markers of cardiac function and cardiac damage during a simulated half-ironman triathlon in highly trained athletes. METHODS Nine highly trained male triathletes volunteered for the study (mean +/- SD; age: 33 +/- 3 yr; height: 1.8 +/- 0.1 m; body mass: 77.7 +/- 3.2 kg). The subjects completed a half-ironman triathlon; 1.9-km swim in an indoor 20-m pool, followed by a laboratory-based 90-km cycle and 21.1-km run. Venous blood samples were drawn and echocardiographic assessment completed before the start of exercise, immediately after each stage, and 24 h postexercise. Serum was analyzed for total creatine kinase activity (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB(mass) (CK-MB(mass)), and cardiac troponin T (cTnT). Left ventricular systolic (stroke volume, and systolic blood pressure/end systolic volume ratio (SBP/ESV)) and diastolic (ratio of early [E] to late [A], ventricular filling E:A) measurements were derived from echocardiographic assessment. RESULTS The mean completion time of the half-ironman triathlon was 301 +/- 28 min. Left ventricular contractility (SBP/ESV) was significantly reduced after the half-ironman triathlon (P < 0.05). A significant reduction in E:A was observed after the run phase of the half-ironman triathlon (P < 0.05). Significant increases in CK and CK-MB(mass) were observed during and after the half-ironman triathlon (P < 0.05), and cTnT was elevated in four subjects over the course of the half-ironman triathlon. CONCLUSIONS The physiologic stress imposed by the half-ironman triathlon resulted in a reduced left ventricular contractility and altered diastolic filling, coupled with minimal cardiac damage in a number of highly trained male triathletes. The mechanisms behind such altered cardiac function and cardiac damage after prolonged exercise are yet to be elucidated.
Experiences and preferences of general practitioners regarding continuing medical education: a qualitative study.

AIM To explore the experiences and preferences of general practitioners (GPs) regarding their continuing medical education (CME). METHODS Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of twenty four GPs from Auckland and North Island rural areas assessing GPs' experiences and preferences. RESULTS The need for CME was emphasised. Primary themes identified were: the value of personal interaction; the perception that CME that did not involve personal interaction was adjunctive; an opportunistic rather than needs-based approach to learning; a preference for succinct, evidenced-based, GP-focused content; and lack of time as a major barrier to obtaining optimal CME. CONCLUSIONS Interactive formats are generally preferred, but identification of which elements of interactive formats facilitate learning is not established. Most GPs do not direct their CME according to the adult learning model. The challenge for CME providers is to provide avenues to facilitate needs identification and self-directed learning.
Can collective conditionality improve agri-environmental contracts? Insights from experimental economics

Traditional agri-environmental contracts, action-based voluntary and individual, have not succeeded in meeting the environmental targets set in the European Common Agricultural Policy, despite the large amounts dedicated to their implementation. One of the main reasons for this unsatisfying outcome is the limited and scattered adoption of contracts and the existence of threshold environmental effects. We use a threshold public good experiment to test an agri-environmental contract with a collective conditionality, a new form of contract in which farmers are paid only if the environment production threshold is collectively attained, a sort of collective result-based contract. Our experimental results show that conditional agri-environmental contracts are more efficient than the traditional ones and improve the environmental outcome. We also highlight that early stages of implementation of such mechanism is fundamental for its success and that risk aversion can limit its effectiveness, suggesting the importance of accompanying its introduction with facilitation activities. We conclude that this new form of contracts should be considered in the design of future agri-environmental policies.
Negotiating Female Genital Cutting as a Difficult Characteristic in Kurdish National Identity

Abstract Based on fieldwork among Kurds in Norway, this article explores how participants described the presence of female genital cutting (FGC) in Kurdistan as a difficult topic to address in public. Perceptions of how FGC should be addressed ranged from acknowledging and directly confronting it to silencing and rejecting it as a Kurdish practice. The participants associated FGC with a “traditional mindset” and perceptions of female sexuality that did not readily fit into new ideologies of women’s liberation. Based on literature on how to manage a “difficult” characteristic in national identity construction, we argue that the participants’ negotiation of “modern” and “traditional” aspects of national identity is one strategy for dealing with FGC. FGC has the potential for spoiled national identity. However, we find reason to suggest that a condemnation of the practice based on women’s liberation may strengthen the aspects of Kurdish national aspirations that are grounded in human rights and gender equality.
Exchange-Traded Notes: An Introduction

The first Exchange-Traded Note (ETN) was introduced in 2006. Since then, at least 64 other ETNs have been issued, with more announced. This financial security, which is growing in number and popularity, is often confused with Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and seems to be largely misunderstood by the general investing public and even by institutional investors and academicians. Since no academic work has been published on the subject, this article offers a seminal introduction to ETNs. It provides five basic categories of information: 1) descriptive information about ETNs, 2) fine print related to ETNs that we believe investors should understand before purchasing shares, 3) a few simple examples of ETNs that are available, 4) a simple analysis of how closely ETN market prices track their indicative values (something akin to NAV), and 5) a discussion of why ETNs may appeal to various investor classes. The authors believe this article will provide the catalyst for much future empirical work on these financial securities.
Structural basis of VDR–DNA interactions on direct repeat response elements

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) forms homo‐ or heterodimers on response elements composed of two hexameric half‐sites separated by 3 bp of spacer DNA. We describe here the crystal structures at 2.7–2.8 Å resolution of the VDR DNA‐binding region (DBD) in complex with response elements from three different promoters: osteopontin (SPP), canonical DR3 and osteocalcin (OC). These structures reveal the chemical basis for the increased affinity of VDR for the SPP response element, and for the poor stability of the VDR–OC complex, relative to the canonical DR3 response element. The homodimeric protein–protein interface is stabilized by van der Waals interactions and is predominantly non‐polar. An extensive α‐helix at the C‐terminal end of the VDR DBD resembles that found in the thyroid hormone receptor (TR), and suggests a mechanism by which VDR and TR discriminate among response elements. Selective structure‐based mutations in the asymmetric homodimeric interface result in a VDR DBD protein that is defective in homodimerization but now forms heterodimers with the 9‐cis retinoic acid receptor (RXR) DBD.
Accelerating Energy Games Solvers on Modern Architectures

Quantitative games, where quantitative objectives are defined on weighted game arenas, provide natural tools for designing faithful models of embedded controllers. Instances of these games are the so called Energy Games. Starting from a sequential baseline implementation, we investigate the use of massively data computation capabilities supported by modern GPUs to solve the initial credit problem for Energy Games. We present different parallel implementations on multi-core CPU and GPU systems. Our solution outperforms the baseline implementation by up to 36x speedup and obtains a faster convergence time on real-world graphs.
A Unified Scheduling Approach for Power and Resource Optimization With Multiple $V_{\mathrm{ dd}}$ or/and $V_{\mathrm{ th}}$ in High-Level Synthesis

In this paper, we focus on the low-power scheduling problem with multiple threshold and/or supply voltage technologies in high-level synthesis. We propose a unified scheduling approach which is applicable to various optimization problems, including: 1) dynamic power and resource usage co-optimization; 2) leakage power optimization; and 3) dynamic power and leakage power co-optimization. To deal with different objectives with high flexibility, three problems are divided into two common subproblems including delay assignment and resource density variance minimization, then a vertex potential-based mobility allocation model is proposed to solve two subproblems simultaneously. Experimental results show that, for dynamic power and resource co-optimization, our scheduling approach produces optimum solutions for all six benchmarks with 15 groups of data; for leakage power optimization it also greatly excels the latest existing work, by 20% leakage power reduction and 52 times speedup. Besides, for dynamic and leakage power co-optimization, the Pareto solutions are studied.
House Prices and Consumption Inequality

I characterize how house price shocks affect consumption inequality using a life-cycle model of housing and nonhousing consumption with incomplete markets. I derive analytical expressions for the dynamics of inequalities and use these to analyze large house prices swings seen in the UK. I show that movements in consumption inequality were large, that they correspond with the theoretical predictions qualitatively, and that the model explains a large fraction of the movements quantitatively. I demonstrate the accuracy of this analysis using an extended model’s full non-linear solution. Finally, accounting for house price shocks alters estimates of labour-income risks using cross-sectional data.
Characterizing the severe asthma population in the United States: claims-based analysis of three treatment cohorts in the year prior to treatment escalation

Abstract Objectives: Little is known about the disposition of severe patients prior to treatment escalation. To classify patients by treatment step using pharmacy data and describe their economic and healthcare utilization, insurance status, and sociodemographic characteristics in the year prior to escalation to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) steps 4 and 5. Methods: This was a retrospective claims cohort study of asthma patients (age 12–75 years) newly initiated on “stable therapy” (three consecutive months of therapy) with omalizumab, high intensity corticosteroids (HICS; ≥1000 µg/d inhaled fluticasone equivalent or oral prednisone), or high-dose inhaled corticosteroid (HDICS; ≥500–<1000 µg/d fluticasone equivalent) from 2002 to 2011. Other asthma treatments were compared as a reference. Results: Of 25 297 patients, 856 initiated omalizumab, 6926 initiated HICS, and 11 445 initiated HDICS. In the year prior to treatment escalation to omalizumab, HICS, and HDICS, respectively, individuals had high annual mean medical expenditures ($14 071, $12 030, and $7570), utilization (27 outpatient and 10 specialty care visits; 19 outpatient and three specialty; 15 outpatient and two specialty), asthma-related prescription drugs (11.74, 7.8, and 5.17) and chronic comorbidities (2.68, 2.67, and 2.19). Prior to omalizumab treatment, patients were more likely to be salaried, full-time employees with commercial PPO/POS insurance. Conclusions: Prior to escalating treatment to GINA steps 4 and 5, individuals experienced significant annual medical expenditures, healthcare resource utilization and polypharmacy burden, which may reflect poorly controlled asthma and the need to escalate treatment. Medical claims data and utilization-based measures may be helpful in classifying individuals by GINA treatment step.
Adaptive response: stimulated DNA repair or decreased damage fixation?

The aim was to review the present state of knowledge on the adaptive response and attempt to redefine the acknowledged model in the framework of the transcription-based model of damage fixation of Radford (2002). Data are reviewed that suggest that the priming stimulus is the source of signalling that eventually leads to expression of the adaptive response. For a certain time, the ‘primed’ cell can then respond to the challenge dose by an increased recovery, as compared with the control one. An essential part of the adaptive response is generation or receipt and transmission of a signal that is the direct cause of initiation of a cellular response that diminishes the effects of DNA damage. The often accepted view that DNA repair is stimulated in the ‘primed’ and challenged cell is not supported by all the available data. Taking into account the abrogation of radio-adaptation by poly(ADP-ribosylation) inhibitors applied simultaneously with the challenge dose and the fact that adaptation is revealed as a decrease in chromosomal aberration frequency, one can apply to the adaptive response the same arguments as those that support the fixation model of Radford. Adaptive response (at least in part) is due to diminished fixation of double-strand breaks in the transcription factories by the mechanism proposed by Radford.
MPPT techniques for photovoltaic system under uniform insolation and partial shading conditions

The photovoltaic energy is one of the renewable energies that has attracted the attention of researchers in the recent decades. The photovoltaic generators exhibit nonlinear I-V and P-V characteristics. The maximum power produced varies with solar insolation and temperature. It requires maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control techniques to extract the maximum available power from PV arrays. Due to partial shading condition, the characteristics of a PV system considerably change and often exhibit several local maxima with one global maxima. Conventional Maximum Power Point Tracking techniques can easily be trapped at local maxima under partial shading. This significantly reduced the energy yield of the PV systems. In this paper, various MPPT algorithms for uniform insolation and partial shading conditions are reviewed with their merits and demerits. Also, some new algorithms are proposed which are shown to be more efficient than the existing ones.
Frequency of Metabolic Syndrome among Hemodialysis Patients According to NCEP-ATP III and IDF Definitions

Objective. Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) have an increased risk of death from cardiovascular diseases. The metabolic syndrome is a common risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, it was aimed to evaluate the frequency of metabolic syndrome using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adults Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definitions in patients with end-stage CRF undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Materials and Methods. A total of 222 cases undergoing HD were enrolled in the study. After obtaining medical history and physical examination, blood samples were collected from each patient for the measurements of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Results. Among HD patients evaluated according to both IDF and NCEP-ATP III definitions, the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was confirmed by IDF in 56.5% of those fulfilling the criteria for NCEP-ATP III. Similarly, 86% of the undiagnosed patients according to NCEP-ATP III were confirmed by IDF definitions. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of NCEP-ATP III for metabolic syndrome were 81.25% and 64.8%, respectively. The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve for NECP-ATP III and IDF was 0.730. False-positive rate and probability ratio for NECP-ATP III were 0.352 and 2.49, respectively. In other words, among the patients who were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome according to NCEP-ATP III definitions, the proportion of subjects whose diagnosis was confirmed by IDF definitions was 2.49-fold higher than those with unconfirmed diagnosis. Conclusion. It is logical to evaluate patients with CRF for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors at the time of diagnosis and regularly thereafter due to the high ratio of metabolic syndrome in this population.
Use of short-term culture for identification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in tissue from Crohn's disease patients.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in Crohn's disease (CD), using short-term mycobacterial culture media. METHODS Sixty-three tissue specimens from 27 CD patients and 36 controls were processed and inoculated into a modified 7H9 broth base medium and incubated at 37 degrees C and 5% CO2 for up to 1 year. Acid-fast staining, determination of mycobactin dependency, PCR analysis using two IS900-derived oligonucleotides and hybridization with an internal probe were performed. RESULTS MAP was present in six of seven (86%) surgically resected tissue samples and in four of 20 (20%) biopsies, with an overall 37% from CD patients, as compared to two of 36 (5.6%) of control specimens. The presence of MAP in Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) cultures was detected within 10-12 weeks for surgically resected tissue and after 40 weeks for biopsy specimens, with no MAP growth detected in 12B* Bactec cultures. CONCLUSIONS Because MAP was present in 86% of resected tissue compared to 20% of biopsy specimens from CD patients, we speculate that MAP resides in the submucosal layer closer to the active part of the ulcer rather than on the surface of the mucosal cells. Thus, surgically resected tissue cultured in MGIT medium is a favorable protocol for rapid cultivation of MAP and for investigating its role in CD pathogenesis. The data support the mycobacterial role in CD pathogenesis.