Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Availability, cost and nutritional composition of gluten-free products

Purpose – A gluten-free diet is the only possible treatment for coeliac disease, but studies about the nutritional content of gluten-free products and coeliac individual's diet quality are scarce. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the availability, price, and nutritional composition of gluten-free products in retail stores of a Brazilian capital city. Design/methodology/approach – All retail stores listed by the Brazilian Coeliac Association as gluten-free product selling places in the city of Florianopolis were visited. All available products were catalogued and their labels analysed for nutritional content. Similar gluten-containing products were systematically selected in order to allow comparisons. t-test, analyses of covariance, and cluster analysis were performed, all considering a 5 per cent significance level. Findings – Availability and variety of gluten-free products was limited and prices were high. Cluster analysis found similarities in the nutritional content of gluten-free and convent.
Implementation and testing of a digital pen and paper tool to support patients with heart failure and their health care providers in detecting early signs of deterioration and monitor adherence

Aim To implement and evaluate a HF management tool for patients with chronic HF using digital pen and paper for improvement of patient self-management. Methods Developmental and implementation phase: researchers within medical technology and HF care will together with staff from home care and primary care (physicians and nurses) a small group of users (patients) and companies develop a HF management tool based on digital pen and paper and implement it in clinical practice. Evaluation phase The HF management tool will be tested in ten HF patients admitted to hospital-based home care. The technical equipment and clinical follow-up routines will be evaluated (reliability, stability, acceptance, user friendliness, and patient- and staff satisfaction). The patients will monitor and register shortness of breath, intake of medications, weight, blood pressure, pulse and saturation daily. Data will be collected through patient and staff interviews and observations as well as through questionnaires evaluating health-related quality of life, HF self-care and knowledge, quality of care, participation and perceived control. Health care and organisational costs will be estimated from patient and staff records. Innovative aspects and significance of the study: There is a great need for less labour-intensive and more cost-effective innovations that improve care and facilitate follow-up of patients with moderate to severe HF and at high risk for deterioration needing hospitalisation.
Civil capacity in transition-age youth with history of central nervous system compromise: a review

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this paper is to review various aspects of decision-making capacities in children and adolescents with a history of central nervous system compromise over the course of development and into transition to adulthood. Method: The literature on consent capacity in various domains is reviewed, with reference to state-specific legal definitions and requirements, and illustrated with a case example. Conclusions: Neuropsychologists who use an evidence-based assessment approach, and who can clearly communicate their findings in reference to specific probate court standards, can make a unique contribution to the legal system while serving their clients who are transitioning from adolescence into adulthood.
Caffeine Sensitizes Nondividing Human Fibroblasts to X Rays by Inducing a High Frequency of Misrepair

Abstract Kawata, T. , Ito, H. , Saito, M. , Uno, T. , Okayasu, R. , Liu, C. , Kan'o, M. , George, K. and Cucinotta, F. A. Caffeine Sensitizes Nondividing Human Fibroblasts to X Rays by Inducing a High Frequency of Misrepair. Radiat. Res. 164, 509–513 (2005). Caffeine sensitizes cells to ionizing radiation, and this effect is believed to be associated with the disruption of DNA damage-responsive cell cycle checkpoints, which is controlled by ATM. Recent studies suggest that misrejoining of DSBs is one of the underlying mechanisms of AT cell hyper-radiosensitivity. In this study, we investigated the effects of caffeine and radiation on nongrowing G0 normal human fibroblast cells by determining cell survival and scoring aberrations in calyculin A-induced G2 chromosomes. Results from the cell survival study indicate that after X-ray exposure G0 cells were sensitized by 24 h treatment with caffeine. Analysis of chromosome aberrations using FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) revealed a high frequency of aberrant cells and color junctions in the caffeine-treated cells. Since most DNA repair in nongrowing G0 cells is believed to result from nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), caffeine may influence the fidelity of the NHEJ pathway in irradiated G0 cells.
A 12Gb/s 39dB loss-recovery unclocked-DFE receiver with bi-dimensional equalization

Backplane communications are rapidly moving beyond 10 Gb/s both in networking and in hard-disk drive interconnection. Decision Feedback Equalization (DFE) and Duobinary (DB) prove to be effective techniques assuring signal integrity in the presence of ISI, but with speed increase the accuracy of the timing recovery brings additional challenges. Half-rate clock DFEs by loop-unrolling are widely applied to avoid feeding back the decided bit within a 1-bit (UI) time, but the alternated eye opening that is created requires an increased circuit complexity to obtain the maximum accuracy in timing recovery [1][2][3]. DB alternative may suffer in the presence of long sequences of incoming toggle patterns (1010…). In fact, in DB the channel frequency response is pre-shaped into a target shape, but toggle patterns are converted into a constant level, thus not providing information to the timing loop [2][4].
Affinity labeling of a sulfhydryl group in the cardiacglycoside receptor site of Na+/K(+)-ATPase by N-hydroxysuccinimidyl derivatives of digoxigenin.

Na+/K(+)-ATPase from pig kidney is inactivated by protein-reactive N-hydroxysuccinimidyl derivatives of digoxigenin. Like digoxigenin, its protein-reactive derivatives N-hydroxysuccinimidyl digoxigenin-3-methylcarbonyl-epsilon-aminocaproate (HDMA), 3-amino-3-deoxydigoxigenin hemisuccinimide succinimidyl ester (ADHS), 3-iodoacetylamino-3-deoxydigoxigenin (IAD) and digoxigenin-3-O-succinyl-[2-(N-maleimido)]ethylamide (DSME) inhibited the sodium pump in the presence of Na+, Mg2+ and ATP. At 37 degrees C, half-maximal inhibition of Na+/K(+)-ATPase was seen by HDMA at 0.47 microM, by ADHS at 5.8 microM, by IAD at 8 microM and by DSME at 94 microM. Thus, all compounds bind to the cardiac steroid receptor site of Na+/K(+)-ATPase. Affinity labeling of the alpha subunit by 'front door' or 'back door' phosphorylation was only seen with HDMA or ADHS in the range 0.1 microM. Excess of ouabain protected against affinity labeling. All the other protein-reactive derivatives of digoxigenin labeled the enzyme independent of the formation of a phosphointermediate at much higher concentrations. This labeling was not suppressed by an excess of ouabain. Tryptic hydrolysis of the HDMA-modified Na+/K(+)-ATPase gave peptides of the apparent molecular masses 20, 12.5 and 11.2 kDa. The 11.2-kDa and 12.5-kDa peptides started amino-terminally with Asp68, and the 20-kDa peptide with Asp24. Thus, the HDMA-labeled peptides originate from the cardioactive steroid-binding site formed by the first and second transmembrane helix. N-Hydroxysuccinimidyl esters such as HDMA are normally thought to modify lysine and arginine residues covalently. Since such residues do not exist in the putative cardiac glycoside-binding site, the possibility of a thioester formation of the digoxigenin derivatives HDMA and ADHS with Cys104 in the H1 transmembrane domain was tested. In fact, hydroxylaminolysis led to the release of the covalently bound HDMA, and the formation of a free sulfhydryl group. This could be labeled by [2-14C]ICH2COOH. We therefore propose, consistent with a recent conclusion from a site-directed mutagenesis experiment [Canessa, C. M. , Horisberger, J.-D. , Louvard, D. & Rossier, B. C. (1992) EMBO J. 11, 1681-1687], that a cysteine residue (probably Cys104) participates in the structure and function of the cardiac glycoside binding.
Does debt really matter on the profitability of small firms? A perspective on small manufacturing firms in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Small firms are the engines for economic development of several developed countries such as the US and Japan. Developing countries such as Zimbabwe have also identified the potential of small firms to turn economies with negative growth into vibrant ones. For this reason, several governments in developing countries offer funding to small firms either directly or by guaranteeing the payment of such loans as lack of funding is cited as one of the major challenges faced by small businesses. Due to limited resources by governments, not all small firms receive funding from the government, therefore, the other option would be to go for bank loans. The aim of this paper was to investigate the impact of debt on the profitability of small manufacturing firms in Zimbabwe. The results indicated that the use of debt has a negative impact on the profitability of small manufacturing firms. The study recommended the creation of tax incentives and more equity funding for small manufacturing firms Key words: Debt, profitability, small manufacturing firms.
Energy management for stand-alone PV system

A novel energy management control strategy for stand-alone PV system is proposed. The solar cell array powers the steady state energy and the battery compensates the dynamic energy in the system. The goal of the energy management control strategy is to control the un-directional DC-DC converter and bi-direction DC-DC converter to operate in suitable modes according to the condition of solar cell and battery, so as to coordinate the two sources of solar cell and battery supplying power and ensure the system operates with high efficiency and behaviors with good dynamic performance. A 500W experimental prototype of stand-alone photovoltaic power system was built in the lab. Experimental results are shown to verify the effectiveness of the proposed energy management strategy.
Efficient Design and Analysis for a Selective Choice Process

Variable selection is a decision heuristic that describes a selective choice process in which choices are made on the basis of only a subset of product attributes while the presence of other (“inactive”) attributes plays no active role in the decision. Within this context, the authors address two integrated topics that have received scant attention: the efficient design of choice experiments and the analysis of data that arises from a selective choice process. The authors propose a new dual-objective compound design criterion that incorporates prior information for the joint purpose of efficiently estimating the effects of the active attributes and detecting the effects of attributes labeled as inactive that may turn out to be active. The approach leverages self-stated auxiliary data as prior information both for individual-level customized design construction and in a heterogeneous variable selection model. The authors demonstrate the efficiency advantages of the approach relative to design benchmarks and highlight practical implications using both simulated data and actual data from a conjoint choice experiment in which individual designs were customized instantaneously using self-stated active-inactive attribute status.
Computational system for training and simulation of volt/VAr control actions

This paper presents a computational system to support real time Volt/VAr control actions in an EMS or DMS environment. The system can be used in on-line mode (monitoration, simulation and optimization) with information from SCADA, parameter database and state estimator, and off-line mode (training and past simulation and optimization), which information (operational point and topology network) are obtained from a historic on-line database. It runs automatically in the monitoration mode and on demand in simulation and optimization mode. This system is running in a regional utility in Brazil (RGE utility) since 2002. The final tests are being done to validate the final application.
Twin RNA Polymerase–Associated Proteins Control Virulence Gene Expression in Francisella tularensis

The MglA protein is the only known regulator of virulence gene expression in Francisella tularensis, yet it is unclear how it functions. F. tularensis also contains an MglA-like protein called SspA. Here, we show that MglA and SspA cooperate with one another to control virulence gene expression in F. tularensis. Using a directed proteomic approach, we show that both MglA and SspA associate with RNA polymerase (RNAP) in F. tularensis, and that SspA is required for MglA to associate with RNAP. Furthermore, bacterial two-hybrid and biochemical assays indicate that MglA and SspA interact with one another directly. Finally, through genome-wide expression analyses, we demonstrate that MglA and SspA regulate the same set of genes. Our results suggest that a complex involving both MglA and SspA associates with RNAP to positively control virulence gene expression in F. tularensis. The F. tularensis genome is unusual in that it contains two genes encoding different α subunits of RNAP, and we show here that these two α subunits are incorporated into RNAP. Thus, as well as identifying SspA as a second critical regulator of virulence gene expression in F. tularensis, our findings provide a framework for understanding the mechanistic basis for virulence gene control in a bacterium whose transcription apparatus is unique.
Can Big Data Bridge the Gap between Sales and Marketing

As cognitive beings, we possess a unique ability to recognize and understand non-verbal communication. We have the ability to study and analyze the non-verbal signals of our friends, family and clients, and then use that information to communicate more effectively with each other. The research highlighted in this article involves a study on emotional ability and its connection with nonverbal communication. This research also looks into the influence that emotional ability has on marketing communications and the strengths and weaknesses in reading nonverbal messages. To begin, the four branches of emotional ability are described to provide a foundation for our reader.
Problem Statement for Service Function Chaining

This document provides an overview of the issues associated with the deployment of service functions (such as firewalls, load balancers, etc.) in large-scale environments. The term "service function chaining" is used to describe the definition and instantiation of an ordered list of instances of such service functions, and the subsequent "steering" of traffic flows through those service functions. The set of enabled service function chains reflects operator service offerings and is designed in conjunction with application delivery and service and network policy. This document also identifies several key areas that the Service Function Chaining (SFC) working group will investigate to guide its architectural and protocol work and associated documents.
BRICOLAGE AS A PATH TO INNOVATION FOR RESOURCE CONSTRAINED NEW FIRMS.

Evidence suggests that both start-up and young firms (henceforth: new firms) – despite typically being resource-constrained – are sometimes able to innovate (Katila & Shane 2005). Such firms are seldom able to invest in expensive innovation processes, which suggests that they may rely on other pathways to innovation. In this paper, we test arguments that “bricolage,” defined as making do by applying combinations of the resources at hand to new problems and opportunities, provides a pathway to innovation for new firms. Our results suggest that variations in bricolage behaviors can provide an explanation of innovation under resource constraints by new firms.
DIABETES MELLITUS IN OLDER ADULTS: TIME FOR AN OVERTREATMENT QUALITY INDICATOR

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We thank the participants and their families for their time and assistance. Conflict of Interest: This study was funded by Differing Fields Collaboration Grant, the Center for Research Promotion’s Grant Programs for Researchers, Keio University, the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) (MEXT KAKENHI 21590775), a grant from the Institute for Food and Health, Yazuya, and a grant from Japan Health Foundation for the Prevention of Chronic Disease and the Improvement of QOL of Patients. Author Contributions: CS and YA: study design, acquisition of subjects and data, analysis and interpretation of data, and writing the letter. MT and NH: study design, acquisition of subjects and data. KA, YN, and TT: study design, acquisition of data regarding physical performance, and interpretation. Sponsor’s Role: The funders did not have any role in the design and conduct of the study, in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data, or in the preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript.
Diabetic Nephropathy for the Primary Care Physician : More than Microalbuminuria

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States, accounting for approximately 45% of incident and 55% of prevalent cases in the past 10 years [1–3]. The frequency of diabetic nephropathy–induced ESRD has increased dramatically from 7000 new cases in 1984 to over 41,000 in 2003 [4]. This trend has begun to slow somewhat in recent years. However, the number of Americans with diabetes mellitus (DM) has more than doubled over the past 2 decades, from 5.8 million in 1980 to 13.8 million in 2003 [5] and is expected to double again in the coming decade, mostly as a result of the increased incidence of type 2 diabetes [6]. In 2003, Medicare spent nearly $17 billion to cover the health expenses of over 400,000 patients with ESRD [4], and experts predict an increase in this expenditure to $28.3 billion by the year 2010 [7]. This phenomenal growth in both new patients and health care costs has led experts to describe diabetic nephropathy as “a medical catastrophe of worldwide dimensions” [8]. As such, any strategies that prevent the development or delay the progression of diabetic nephropathy are of paramount importance. Between 25% and 40% of patients with DM will develop diabetic nephropathy [9–11]. African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans, and Polynesians with diabetes are at even higher risk than Caucasians for developing diabetic nephropathy [12]. Over the past decade and a half, several studies have led to the development of specific interventions that delay progression of this disease. These therapies are most effective when instituted early, making timely detection during the asymptomatic phase of diabetic nephropathy crucial for at-risk individuals. In this case-based review, we will present a general overview of diabetic nephropathy and discuss several relevant clinical studies that have evaluated the efficacy of common therapies. In addition, the recommendations recently set forth by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), and other expert bodies will be discussed.
Banking Towards Development: Evidence from the Spanish Banking Expansion Plan

During the period 1965-1987 Spain was an emerging market in full transition from developing to developed status. During the same period the Spanish banking system underwent an unprecedented episode of expansion growing from 5,000 to over 30,000 bank branches. We examine whether the latter process partly caused the former by focusing on the relationship between branch expansion and entrepreneurship in the wholesale and retail trade industries. To address the non-random allocation of bank branches we exploit changes in branching policies that induced a plausibly exogenous time-varying pattern in the relationship between a municipality’s initial financial development and branch expansion. Our estimates, based on a panel data-set of over 2,000 Spanish municipalities, reveal that branch expansion had a strong positive impact on entrepreneurship. This effect was essentially driven by the savings banks, which have stronger regional development objectives than those held by the commercial banks, and which expanded more intensely into municipalities with more precarious financial services.
ESTRATÉGIA COMO PROCESSO DE APRENDIZAGEM: UM ESTUDO EMPÍRICO DE SEUS FATORES DETERMINANTES EM UMA EMPRESA DE TI

The aim of this study was to verify in a Brazilian manufacturer of computers, if its process of formulating business strategies is understood primarily as a learning process. Interviews based on a script of questions, direct observation, archival research and content analysis were the instruments used in a field research with a qualitative approach. The first stage of the research was the identification of strategic actions recently implemented in the company. The subsequent stage verified from the analysis of the process of choosing seven strategic actions identified in the first stage, the intensity of the presence in the company of nine characteristics that, according the authors cited in the theoretical framework, are common to companies who understand the formulation strategies as a learning process. The survey results suggest that four features - intrapreneurship, strength of middle management, flexible organizational structure and unstable external environment - are strongly present in the company; two features - little emphasis on planning and control, and emergency of unplanned strategies - can be classified as average degree of presence, and three characteristics - emphasis on strategy as umbrella; emphasis on double-loop learning, and emphasis on strategy as perspective - proved to be present in low level. The research revealed that the most effective strategic actions of the company surveyed were not developed through clear, well ordered, controlled and explicit processes, but were shaped, in a relevant way, for a learning process focused on the past history of the company.
The Intention to switch Broadband Internet Service Providers

Abstract This study examined the variables that affect whether consumers change broadband internet services by examining their past experiences and intention to switch carriers by targeting consumers who have switched broadband internet service providers. Among adult consumers who intended to switch broadband providers, 341 people who had experience were subject to logistic regression analysis using SPSS for Windows ver. 17.0 to examine frequencies, means, percentages, and factor analysis. The following results were revealed. First, the targets were currently using broadband internet service in the order Company S > Company L > Company K > others. Excluding the others, Company K had the most conversions (from 96 to 78), followed by Company S (from 107 to 97), and Company L (from 43 to 97), which more than doubled the number of subscribers. The reasons for switching carriers in the past were as follows: for Company K, consumers switched to other companies because of unsatisfactory fee services; for Company S, consumers switched to other companies because of quality, advertising and promotional activities, and commitment periods ending; for Company L, the consumers switched to other companies because of fee, quality, and service; and for other companies, the consumers switched to other services because of unsatisfactory quality. Second, the analysis of the elements that determined whether a consumer will switch broadband internet service providers showed that college graduates and individuals who had switched carriers voluntarily in the past were more likely to switch to a new broadband internet service provider. Furthermore, passive consumers had a higher probability of switching. Moreover, when consumers were less satisfied with the fees and services, there was a greater chance of switching to another company.