Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protein Intake during Energy Restriction: Effects on Body Composition and Markers of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health in Postmenopausal Women

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to assess the effects of dietary protein intake on energy restriction (ER)-induced changes in body mass and body composition. Clinical markers of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases were also measured. Design: 54 postmenopausal women, age 58 ± 2 y, body mass index 29.6 ± 0.8 kg/m2, were assigned to one of four groups. For 9 weeks, three ER groups ate a 1000 kcal/d lacto-ovo vegetarian basal diet plus 250 kcal/d of either beef (BEEF, n = 14), chicken (CHICKEN, n = 15), or carbohydrate/fat foods (CARB (lacto-ovo), n = 14), while a control group (CON, n = 11) consumed their habitual diets. Results: Energy intake was lower in the ER groups compared to CON (BEEF, 1114 ± 155 kcal/d, CHO: PRO: FAT, 46:24:30 % of energy intake; CHICKEN, 1098 ± 203 kcal/d, 51:25:24; CARB 1158 ± 341 kcal/d, 59:17:24; CON, 1570 ± 633 kcal/d, 47:20:33), but did not differ among ER groups. For all ER subjects combined, body mass (−6.7 ± 2.4 kg, 9 %), fat mass (−4.6 ± 1.9 kg, 13 %), and fat-free mass (−2.1 ± 1.1 kg, 5 %) decreased. These responses did not differ among the ER groups, except for body mass (CHICKEN −7.9 ± 2.6 kga; BEEF −6.6 ± 2.7 kga,b; CARB −5.6 ± 1.8 kgb; CON −1.2 ± 1.2 kgc; values with a difference superscript differ, p < 0.05). From PRE (week 0) to POST (week 9), total and LDL cholesterol decreased ∼12%, with no differences among groups. Triacylglycerol, HDL cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin were not changed over time or differentially affected by diet. Conclusions: Overweight postmenopausal women can achieve significant weight loss and comparable short-term improvements in body composition and lipid-lipoprotein profile by consuming either a moderate-protein (25% of energy intake) poultry- or beef-containing diet or a lacto-ovo vegetarian protein (17% of energy intake) diet.
Efficient induction of immune tolerance to coagulation factor IX following direct intramuscular gene transfer

Summary. Background: The formation of inhibitory anti‐factor IX (anti‐FIX) antibodies is a major complication of FIX protein replacement‐based treatment for hemophilia B. It is difficult to treat patients with anti‐FIX antibodies. Gene therapy is emerging as a potentially effective treatment for hemophilia. Direct i.m. injection of adeno‐associated virus (AAV) is a safe and efficient procedure for hemophilia B gene therapy. However, the development of anti‐FIX antibodies following i.m. of AAV may impede its application to patients. Objective: We aimed to investigate induction of immune tolerance to human FIX (hFIX) by i.m. of AAV1, further validating i.m. of AAV1 for hemophilia B gene therapy. Methods and results: Cohorts of hemostatically normal and hemophilia B mice with diverse genetic and MHC backgrounds received i.m. of AAV‐hFIX. Human FIX antigen and anti‐hFIX antibodies were examined. I.m. of 1 × 1011 vector genomes (VG) of AAV2 elicits formation of anti‐hFIX antibodies comparable to those by hFIX protein replacement. I.m. of 1 × 1011 VG of AAV1 results in expression of therapeutic levels of hFIX (up to 950 ng mL−1, mean = 772 ng mL−1, SEM ± 35.7) and hFIX‐specific immune tolerance in C57BL/6 mice. Conclusions: A single i.m. of AAV1 can result in efficient expression of therapeutic levels of hFIX and induction of hFIX tolerance in hemostatically normal and hemophilic B mice. Our results substantiate the prospect of i.m. of AAV1 for hemophilia B gene therapy and FIX tolerance induction.
Influence of chronic ethanol consumption on extra-pancreatic secretory function in rat

Background: The usefulness of the typical direct methods involving duodenal intubation, such as the secretin and secretin-cholecystokinin tests, in the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic dysfunction is widely accepted. However, these diagnostic tests tend to be avoided because of their technical complexity and the burden on patients. Recently, a simple breath test was developed for assessment of exocrine pancreatic function employing 13C-dipeptide [i.e., benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-[1-13C] alanine (Bz-Tyr-Ala)]. Although alcohol abuse causes pancreatic damage in humans, this has been unclear in rats. Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of ethanol exposure beginning at an early age on extra-pancreatic secretory function in rats. Materials and Methods: Twelve female rats of the F344 strain aged 12 months were used. Seven rats were fed on a commercial mash food with 16% ethanol solution (Japanese Sake) as drinking-fluid since at 29 days of age (ethanol group). The remaining five rats were fed on a nutrient-matched isocaloric diet with water as drinking-fluid (control group). After 24-hr fasting, rats are orally administrated 1cc of water containing sodium 13C-dipeptide (5 mg/kg) and housed in an animal chamber. The expired air in the chamber is collected in a breath-sampling bag using a tube and aspiration pump. The 13CO2 concentration is measured using an infrared spectrometer at 10-min interval for 120 min and expressed as delta per mil. Results: The breath 13CO2 level increased and peaked at 20 min in both two groups. In general, 13CO2 excretion peaked rapidly and also decreased sooner in ethanol rats than in control rats. The mean value of the maximal 13CO2 excretion is 34.7 per mil in ethanol rats, greater than in control rats (31.4 per mil), but the difference did not reach the statistically significance. Conclusion: Chronic ethanol feeding beginning at an early age does not affect extra-pancreatic secretory function in rats.
A 2.45-GHz dual-diode RF-to-dc rectifier for rectenna applications

This paper reports a novel dual-diode microwave rectifier with a microstrip access at 2.45 GHz. This circuit has been developed using a global analysis technique which associates electromagnetic and circuit approaches. Due to the differential topology of the rectifier, the input low-pass filter is not necessary. This makes the structure more compact. Two rectifiers with different Schottky diodes (HSMS 2860 and 2820) has been etched on Arlon 25N substrate and measured. Both rectifiers achieve an RF-to-dc conversion efficiency of 60% at 10 mW input power. A dc power more than 30 mW can be obtained with both rectifiers when the power density is 1 mW/cm2. The proposed circuits can be interconnected to form rectenna arrays. The parallel-connected array has been investigated. It was shown that by properly choosing the optimal load of the array, higher output dc power can be reached.
A Hybrid Mobile-based Patient Location Tracking System for Personal Healthcare Applications

In the next generation of Infocommunications, mobile Internet-enabled devices and third generation mobile communication networks have become reality, location based services (LBS) are expected to be a major area of growth. Providing information, content and services through positioning technologies forms the platform for new services for users and developers, as well as creating new revenue channels for service providers. These crucial advances in location based services have opened up new opportunities in real time patient tracking for personal healthcare applications. In this paper, a hybrid mobile-based location technique using the global positioning system (GPS) and cellular mobile network infrastructure is employed to provide the location tracking capability. This function will be integrated into the patient location tracking system (PLTS) to assist caregivers or family members in locating patients such as elderly or dependents when required, especially in emergencies. The capability of this PLTS is demonstrated through a series of location detection tests conducted over different operating conditions. Although the model is at its initial stage of development, it has shown relatively good accuracy for position tracking and potential of using integrated wireless technology to enhance the existing personal healthcare communication system through location based services
Multiple credit constraints and borrowing behavior of farm households: panel data evidence from rural Ethiopia

Promoting an inclusive rural credit market in developing countries is a reemerging and pressing development agenda, given its importance in the poverty reduction and economic growth process. Existing literature mainly focuses on the supply side of the market with little or no attention given to demand aspects. This paper analyzes both the demand and supply side factors affecting credit constraints and borrowing behavior of farmers. Two waves of survey data, which included about 1,200 randomly selected households from four zones of the Amhara region in Northern Ethiopia, were used for the analysis. The Generalized Linear Latent and mixed model (gllamm) was employed to account for unobserved heterogeneity and potential correlations across credit constraint categories. The results show that the probability of quantity rationing increased in the study area between the years 2011 and 2013. Exposure to climatic shocks, age, and lack of education were found to increase the probability of being constrained while female and married heads were relatively less constrained. The results further indicate that borrower's perceived probability of rejection due to strict lending policies and institutional rigidities; the transaction cost of borrowing; and risk aversion behavior of farmers highly reduced the probability of borrowing from the formal credit market. Compared to North Shewa, farmers living in South Wollo zone were found to be discouraged and hence did not prefer borrowing from the formal sector. However, farmers in West Gojjam were less discouraged and had a higher probability of participating in the formal credit market, signifying zonal variation in credit constraints and borrowing behavior. This suggests the need to work on more innovative lending approaches by giving attention to context-specific factors to build demand-driven, climate-smart, and inclusive rural credit market.
Structural Studies of Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype 8 Capsid Transitions Associated with Endosomal Trafficking

ABSTRACT The single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) parvoviruses enter host cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis, and infection depends on processing in the early to late endosome as well as in the lysosome prior to nuclear entry for replication. However, the mechanisms of capsid endosomal processing, including the effects of low pH, are poorly understood. To gain insight into the structural transitions required for this essential step in infection, the crystal structures of empty and green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene-packaged adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) have been determined at pH values of 6.0, 5.5, and 4.0 and then at pH 7.5 after incubation at pH 4.0, mimicking the conditions encountered during endocytic trafficking. While the capsid viral protein (VP) topologies of all the structures were similar, significant amino acid side chain conformational rearrangements were observed on (i) the interior surface of the capsid under the icosahedral 3-fold axis near ordered nucleic acid density that was lost concomitant with the conformational change as pH was reduced and (ii) the exterior capsid surface close to the icosahedral 2-fold depression. The 3-fold change is consistent with DNA release from an ordering interaction on the inside surface of the capsid at low pH values and suggests transitions that likely trigger the capsid for genome uncoating. The surface change results in disruption of VP-VP interface interactions and a decrease in buried surface area between VP monomers. This disruption points to capsid destabilization which may (i) release VP1 amino acids for its phospholipase A2 function for endosomal escape and nuclear localization signals for nuclear targeting and (ii) trigger genome uncoating.
Fabrication of Very-High-Aspect-Ratio Micro Metal Posts and Gratings by Photoelectrochemical Etching and Electroplating

A high-yield fabrication process for dense arrays of very-high-aspect-ratio (VHAR) freestanding metal posts and gratings is developed. Silicon molds of regularly arranged through-holes or trenches are first fabricated by photoelectrochemical etching. By studying the etching parameters, including geometry constraint, current density and potential, electrolyte concentration, and etching time, we succeed to produce dense arrays of VHAR holes ( depth = 610 μm; diameter = 5 μm; pitch = 14 μm) and trenches (depth = 320 μm ; width = 4 μm; pitch = 8 μm) with yields higher than 99% on 2-cm2 processing areas. The VHAR molds are then filled with metals using a new bottom-up electroplating technique, which features an intermittent vacuum degassing to remove the air and hydrogen bubbles from such deep and narrow voids during the plating. Zinc and nickel are successfully electroplated in high quality, and the freestanding metal structures are obtained by removing the silicon molds by XeF2 etching. Obtained are maximum aspect ratios of 120 : 1 for posts (height = 600 μm; diameter = 5 μm; pitch = 14 μm) and over 60 : 1 for gratings (height = 250 μm; width = 4 μm; pitch = 8 μm) with yields higher than 99% on ~ 0.5-1-cm2 samples.
Autophagy inhibitor Lys05 has single-agent antitumor activity and reproduces the phenotype of a genetic autophagy deficiency

Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent degradative process that protects cancer cells from multiple stresses. In preclinical models, autophagy inhibition with chloroquine (CQ) derivatives augments the efficacy of many anticancer therapies, but CQ has limited activity as a single agent. Clinical trials are underway combining anticancer agents with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), but concentrations of HCQ required to inhibit autophagy are not consistently achievable in the clinic. We report the synthesis and characterization of bisaminoquinoline autophagy inhibitors that potently inhibit autophagy and impair tumor growth in vivo. The structural motifs that are necessary for improved autophagy inhibition compared with CQ include the presence of two aminoquinoline rings and a triamine linker and C-7 chlorine. The lead compound, Lys01, is a 10-fold more potent autophagy inhibitor than HCQ. Compared with HCQ, Lys05, a water-soluble salt of Lys01, more potently accumulates within and deacidifies the lysosome, resulting in impaired autophagy and tumor growth. At the highest dose administered, some mice develop Paneth cell dysfunction that resembles the intestinal phenotype of mice and humans with genetic defects in the autophagy gene ATG16L1, providing in vivo evidence that Lys05 targets autophagy. Unlike HCQ, significant single-agent antitumor activity is observed without toxicity in mice treated with lower doses of Lys05, establishing the therapeutic potential of this compound in cancer.
Do Firms Seek a Target Board Structure? Evidence from the Post-SOX Period

We investigate whether firms restructure board composition to align with changes in their contracting environment. Board size and independence increase with firm complexity, consistent with theoretical predictions. However, the hypothesized negative relationship between board independence and information costs is evident only for firms completing acquisitions. Furthermore, board independence increases to offset increases in CEO power in a sample of firms making acquisitions, but decreases when CEO power increases in a large cross-section of firms. We conclude that after the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, firms face constraints adjusting to target board structure, but these constraints can be mitigated by a shock to the contracting environment via acquisition.
The Extracellular Signal-Regulated Protein Kinases Erk1/Erk2 Stimulate Expression and Biological Activity of the Transcriptional Regulator Egr-1

Abstract The zinc finger protein early growth response 1 (Egr 1) is a transcriptional activator involved in the regulation of growth and differentiation. We show here that a constitutive active mutant of mitogenactivated kinase kinase-1 (MAPKK-1) strongly stimulates the activity of the Egr-1 promoter, thus explaining the effects of mitogens upon Egr-1 mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, we show that a constitutive active MAPKK-1 leads to an increase in the biological activity of Egr-1 to activate transcription. We conclude that the signaling pathway involving mitogenactivated protein kinase/extracellular signalregulated protein kinase has a dual impact on the biology of Egr-1 by controlling the transcription of the Egr-1 gene and the transcriptional activity of the Egr-1 protein.
Institutional knowledge in Latin American SMEs

ABSTRACT This study explores the perceived importance of institutional knowledge on small firm’s ongoing business internationalization. The sample consists of 200 exporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from two Latin American emerging economies Chile and Peru. The theoretical framework integrates institutional knowledge and the internationalization of SMEs. Hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling. We extend SMEs internationalization research by differentiating between types of experience in foreign markets, and how this develops institutional knowledge for SMEs. This is associated with contextual conditions in emerging markets. To build institutional knowledge, Latin American SMEs need to conduct several businesses in one country. This finding differs with previous studies in developed countries where SMEs need to conduct multiple businesses in different countries.
Analysis of recurrent events: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials of interventions to prevent falls.

RATIONALE there are several well-developed statistical methods for analysing recurrent events. Although there are guidelines for reporting the design and methodology of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), analysis guidelines do not exist to guide the analysis for RCTs with recurrent events. Application of statistical methods that do not account for recurrent events may provide erroneous results when used to test the efficacy of an intervention. It is unknown what proportion of RCTs of falls prevention studies have utilised statistical methods that incorporate recurrent events. METHODS we conducted a systematic review of RCTs of interventions to prevent falls in community-dwelling older persons. We searched Medline from 1994 to November 2006. We determined the proportion of studies that reported using three statistical methods appropriate for the analysis of recurrent events (negative binomial regression, Andersen-Gill extension of the Cox model and the WLW marginal model). RESULTS fewer than one-third of 83 papers that reported falls as an outcome utilised any appropriate statistical method (negative binomial regression, Andersen-Gill extension of the Cox model and Cox marginal model) to analyse recurrent events and fewer than 15% utilised graphical methods to represent falls data. CONCLUSION RCTs that have a recurrent event end-point should include an analysis appropriate for recurrent event data such as negative binomial regression, Andersen-Gill extension of the Cox model and/or the WLW marginal model. We recommend that researchers and clinicians seek consultation with a statistician with expertise in recurrent event methodology.
Clinical Teleacupuncture between China and Austria Using Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Depression

In previous studies by the same research group it has been shown in post-stroke patients that the autonomic system can be affected by acupuncture. Within this study, teleacupuncture between China and Austria is used for quantifying the effects of heart rate variability (HRV) in Chinese patients suffering from depression. In 22 Chinese depression patients (17 f, 5 m; mean age ± SD 52.3 ± 10.6 years; range 31 - 70 years) electrocardiographic signals before, during and after acupuncture at the acupoint Jianshi (PC 5) were recorded in Harbin and analyzed in Graz using teleacupuncture via internet. HRV data were analyzed in the time and frequency domain and a protocol from Austria was sent to the team in China immediately after the treatment and recording session. Mean heart rate decreased significantly (p < 0.001) during and after acupuncture, whereas total HRV increased significantly during (p < 0.034) and after (p < 0.001) acupuncture, always immediately following manual needle stimulation. Furthermore, there is a marked decrease in balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity (low frequency/high frequency HRV ratio) during treatment. This study shows that HRV could be a useful parameter for quantifying clinical effects of acupuncture on the autonomic nervous system. Teleacupuncture between China and Austria over a distance of more than 8,500 km has been successfully used.
Quality assurance for screening mammography: an international comparison

STUDY OBJECTIVE In 1998, the International Breast Cancer Screening Network (IBSN) sponsored an assessment of quality assurance policies and practices to define their scope for population-based screening mammography programmes across IBSN countries. DESIGN Analysis of data from a survey designed to assess multiple elements of screening programme quality assurance, including organisation of quality assurance activities, mechanisms for site visits and accreditation, requirements for quality control and data systems, and inclusion of treatment, follow up, and programme evaluation in screening mammography quality assurance activities. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING IBSN representatives in 23 countries completed a comprehensive questionnaire between May and December 1998. MAIN RESULTS Completed questionnaires were obtained from all 23 countries. Responses indicated that countries vary in their approaches to implementing quality assurance, although all monitor components of structure, process, and outcome. Nearly all have in place laws, surveillance mechanisms, or standards for quality assurance. In all countries, quality assurance activities extend beyond the screening mammography examination. CONCLUSIONS The assessment has enhanced understanding of the organisation of screening mammography programmes across countries, as well as the comparability of screening mammography data. All countries have established mechanisms for assuring the quality of screening mammography in population-based programmes, although these mechanisms vary across countries.
Project Uncertainty, Management Practice and Project Performance: An Empirical Analysis on Customized Information Systems Development Projects

This paper develops a risk-based integrated model of information systems development(ISD) project performance to explain the effect of project inherent uncertainty and management practices on project performance. Based on the dataset collected from customized information systems development projects of software houses in Hangzhou City of China,this paper carries out an empirical analysis on the research model. The results reveal that performance risk in development stage and performance risk in implementation stage are two intervening variables, which mediated the effects of project inherent uncertainty and management practices on both process and product performance. The findings suggest that management factors such as project planning and control,internal integration,user participation and top management support can improve project performance in the presence of project inherent uncertainty. In addition, the key influencing factors are found to be different in different project stages.Key influencing factors are project planning and control, internal integration and user participation in development stage. Key influencing factors are user participation and top management support in implementation stage.However,we have not found evidence for significant positive influence of process performance on product performance,which means that projects which come in within time and cost budgets may deliver poor systems.