Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Undergraduates and Online Purchasing Behavior

This study examined the attitude towards online purchasing behavior among UPM students. A purposive sampling method was used and the sample comprised of 100 students who studying at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Data were collected via self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: respondents’ socio-demographic background, attitude, purchase perception and website quality. Results indicated that majority of respondents had moderate level of purchase perception and website quality towards online purchasing. Pearson correlation was used to measure the relationship between age, purchase perception, website quality and attitude towards online purchasing behavior. The finding revealed that purchase perception and website quality were significant relationship with attitude towards online purchasing behavior. However the finding showed that age has no significant relationship with attitude towards online purchasing behavior. The result of the study showed that there was a significant difference in attitude towards online purchasing behavior by gender and education background. The study concluded that gender, education background, purchase perception and website quality have directly influence on attitude towards online purchasing behavior. Further studies should explore other factors that influence attitude towards online purchasing behavior with a broader range of population and higher representativeness sampling method.
The relationship between fatigue and cardiac functioning.

BACKGROUND Although characteristics such as heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) are commonly reported in studies of the relationship between fatigue and cardiac functioning, few reports examine how cardiac function parameters such as cardiac output (CO) and stroke volume (SV) relate to fatigue. This study examined the relationship between self-reported fatigue and hemodynamic functioning at rest and in response to a public speaking stressor in healthy individuals. METHODS A total of 142 individuals participated in this study. Subjects were placed in low-, moderate-, or high-fatigue groups based on their Profile of Moods State fatigue scale. Heart rate, SV, and CO were determined using impedance cardiography at rest and during a speaking stressor. Stroke volume and CO values were converted to stroke index (SI) and cardiac index (CI) by adjusting for body surface area. Data were analyzed with hierarchical regression analysis and a 3 (group) x 3 (stress period) mixed model analysis of variance. RESULTS At rest, fatigue was not associated with BP or HR but was significantly associated with decreased CI (P < .001; 95% confidence interval, -0.046 to -0.014) and stroke index (SI) (P = .002; 95% confidence interval -0.664 to -0.151), even after controlling for demographic variables and depressive symptoms. Heart rate and BP increased, as expected, from baseline to preparation to speaking stressor (F (1,124) = 118.6 and F (1,122) = 46.450, respectively) (P < .001 for both). More interestingly, there were effects on SI and CI of fatigue (P<.03 for both) and stress (P<.03 for both); high-fatigue individuals had lower SI and CI levels than moderate- and low-fatigue individuals both at rest and in response to the stressor. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that fatigue complaints may have hemodynamic correlates even in ostensibly healthy individuals.
Defining BMP functions in the hair follicle by conditional ablation of BMP receptor IA

Using conditional gene targeting in mice, we show that BMP receptor IA is essential for the differentiation of progenitor cells of the inner root sheath and hair shaft. Without BMPRIA activation, GATA-3 is down-regulated and its regulated control of IRS differentiation is compromised. In contrast, Lef1 is up-regulated, but its regulated control of hair differentiation is still blocked, and BMPRIA-null follicles fail to activate Lef1/β-catenin–regulated genes, including keratin genes. Wnt-mediated transcriptional activation can be restored by transfecting BMPRIA-null keratinocytes with a constitutively activated β-catenin. This places the block downstream from Lef1 expression but upstream from β-catenin stabilization. Because mice lacking the BMP inhibitor Noggin fail to express Lef1, our findings support a model, whereby a sequential inhibition and then activation of BMPRIA is necessary to define a band of hair progenitor cells, which possess enough Lef1 and stabilized β-catenin to activate the hair specific keratin genes and generate the hair shaft.
Hsp90-Mediated Multi-Drug Resistance in DNA Polymerase-Defective Strains of Candida albicans

The incidence of infections caused by Candida species, specifically by drug-resistant isolates, is a major health concern as they can disseminate to and colonize most vital organs, enhancing morbidity and mortality. Several molecular mechanisms have been reported to be involved in drug resistance. These are mostly drug- and isolate-specific. Here, we characterized three different genetically modified strains of C. albicans that were multi-drug-resistant (MDR) and deciphered a uniform mechanism responsible for resistance. DNA polymerase epsilon (Polε) is a leading strand-specific polymerase consisting of four subunits, namely, Pol2, Dpb2, Dpb3, and Dpb4. The deletion of one or both of the Dpb3 and Dpb4 subunits in C. albicans rendered multi-drug resistance. A detailed characterization of these strains revealed that acquired mutagenesis, drug efflux pumps, and other known mechanisms did not play a significant role because the complemented strain showed drug sensitivity. More importantly, the function of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) in these knockout strains is critical for reducing susceptibility to several antifungal drugs. Cell wall deformity and composition in these strains can add to such a phenotype. The inhibition of Hsp90 function by geldanamycin and tricostatin A sensitized the MDR strains to antifungals. Considering our earlier research and this report, we suggest that replication stress induces Hsp90 expression and activity in order to orchestrate a cellular stress response circuit and thus develop fungal drug resistance. Thus, Hsp90 is an important drug target for use in combinatorial therapy.
ect of bond strength and loading rate on the conditions governing the attainment of intersonic crack growth along interfaces

Dynamic crack growth along a bimaterial interface under impact shear loading is analyzed numerically. The material on each side of the bond line is characterized by an isotropic hyperelastic constitutive relation. A cohesive surface constitutive relation is also speci®ed that relates the tractions and displacement jumps across the bond line and that allows for the creation of new free surface. The resistance to crack initiation and the crack speed history are predicted without invoking any additional failure criterion. Full ®nite strain transient analyses are carried out. A plane strain model of the con®guration used in experiments of Rosakis and co-workers is analyzed. Calculations are carried out for parameters characterizing a steel-PMMA bimaterial. For a suciently low impact velocity, the crack speed increases smoothly to the PMMA Rayleigh wave speed, whereas above a sharply de®ned transition impact velocity, the crack speed reaches a value somewhat less than the PMMA dilational wave speed. This high speed crack growth is associated with multiple crack face contact, separated by discrete micro-crack like openings behind the main shear crack. The calculations reproduce, at least qualitatively, the type of crack speed histories and crack tip ®elds seen in the experiments. They are also consistent with optical observations of ®nite multi-site contact occurring at intersonic crack speeds. # 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Therapeutic Apheresis in the Treatment of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in View of Pathophysiological Aspects

Hemolytic‐uremic syndrome (HUS) is a disease that can lead to acute kidney injury and often to other serious sequelae, including death. The disease is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. In view of the different courses of HUS, a minimum of three different pathogenetic types leading to HUS can be subdivided as follows: HUS caused by infection, idiopathic HUS (non‐Shiga toxin HUS), and HUS in systemic diseases and after toxin exposure. The etiology and pathogenesis of HUS are not completely understood and its therapy is complicated. After the introduction of therapeutic apheresis as a supportive therapy in HUS, several authors reported successful treatment in more than 87% of treated patients. The supportive therapy is indicated basically in severe courses of HUS and is superior to available therapy interventions.
SYMBIOSIS OF CORNULITIDS AND BRYOZOANS IN THE LATE ORDOVICIAN OF ESTONIA (BALTICA)

Abstract Three species of trepostome bryozoans formed syn vivo associations with the Cornulites in the Late Ordovician of Estonia. Cornulites sp. and Mesotrypa excentrica presumably formed a true symbiotic association. This is the first known case of symbiosis between cornulitids and bryozoans. It is not known whether this symbiotic association was obligatory of facultative for the cornulitid, but it was facultative for the bryozoan. In this association cornulitids may have competed for the food with bryozoans and the association may have been parasitic. The remaining associations between cornulitids and bryozoans were accidental. Most common skeletonized endobionts of the Ordovician bryozoans were not cornulitids, but conulariids and rugosans.
Comparison of conventional and simultaneous compression-ventilation cardiopulmonary resuscitation in piglets.

To determine the mechanism of cardiac output and hemodynamic changes during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), we performed 60 min of CPR using a mechanical resuscitator ("Thumper", MII, USA) in 20 piglets (13.7 +/- 1.2 kg) following cardiac arrest induced by intravenous injection of KCl. Conventional CPR (C-CPR), i.e., 60 external chest compressions (60 psi force, 3 cm deep, and 50% duration) and 12 ventilations (following every 5th compression, with peak airway pressure of 30 cmH2O) per minute, was performed in 10 piglets; and simultaneous compression and ventilation CPR (SCV-CPR), i.e., 60 external chest compressions of the same magnitude, simultaneously with 60 ventilations (with peak airway pressure of 60 cmH2O) per minute, was performed in the 10 other piglets. Cardiac output in C-CPR and SCV-CPR was maintained near 70% or more of baseline throughout the CPR. Systemic vascular resistance dropped to below 50% of baseline. Systolic, mean and diastolic arterial pressures were maintained above 70, 40, and around 20 mmHg, respectively, during the first 30 min of CPR. Central venous pressure rose after arrest and subsequent CPR to above 25 mmHg, and remained high in SCV-CPR, but declined thereafter in C-CPR. Aortic diastolic minus right atrial diastolic pressure was around 15 mmHg early in CPR and dropped to almost zero thereafter. Serial arterial blood gas analyses showed a significant deterioration after 20 min of SCV-CPR. All but one piglet in the SCV-CPR group died after 60 min of CPR. Postmortem examination revealed that pulmonary barotrauma was more extensive and severe in SCV-CPR than in C-CPR. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Alcohol consumption and liver disease in Australia: a time series analysis of the period 1935-2006.

AIMS The aim of the study was to examine for Australia whether the link between population alcohol consumption and liver disease mortality varies over time, using 71 years of data. METHODS Overall and gender-specific rates of liver disease mortality were analysed in relation to total alcohol consumption as well as for different beverage types by using autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) time series methods. Separate models were developed for the entire time period and for two sub-periods (1935-1975, 1976-2006). RESULTS A 1-l increase in adult per capita consumption of pure alcohol led to a rise of ∼10% in overall liver disease mortality rates and a 11 and 9% increase in female and male liver disease mortality, respectively. The strength of the relationship between per capita consumption and liver disease mortality diminished over time. Spirits consumption was found to be the main driving factor in liver mortality rates between 1935 and 1975, while beer consumption was found to be the most significant predictor in liver diseases in the last three decades. In a comparative perspective, the effect of per capita alcohol consumption on liver disease in Australia is similar to the USA, Southern and Eastern Europe countries, but weaker than in Canada and western European countries. CONCLUSION An increase in per capita alcohol consumption in Australia is likely to lead to an increase in liver disease. Changes in the most important beverage over the study period suggest substantial shifts in drinking patterns and preferences among the heaviest Australian drinkers.
Endoscopic Management of Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is relatively uncommon. Radical nephroureterectomy with an ipsilateral bladder cuff excision has been the gold standard treatment for UTUC. However, recent advances in technology have made possible the increased use of endoscopic management for the treatment of UTUC. The definitive goal of endoscopic management of UTUC is cancer control while maintaining renal function and the integrity of the urinary tract. Endoscopic management includes both the retrograde ureteroscopic and antegrade percutaneous approaches. The endoscopic management of UTUC is a reasonable alternative for patients with renal insufficiency or a solitary functional kidney, bilateral disease, or a significant comorbidity that precludes radical surgery. Select patients with a functional contralateral kidney who have low-grade, low-stage tumors may also be candidates for endoscopic management. The careful selection of patients is the most important point for the successful endoscopic management of UTUC. It is crucial that patients are compliant and motivated, because a lifetime protocol of strict surveillance is necessary. Adjuvant topical therapy with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin or mitomycin C can be used after endoscopic management of UTUC in an attempt to reduce recurrence. In this article, we review current endoscopic techniques, indications for endoscopic treatment, clinical outcomes of endoscopic management, adjuvant topical therapy, and surveillance in patients with UTUC.
Attributed Relational Graphs for Cell Nucleus Segmentation in Fluorescence Microscopy Images

More rapid and accurate high-throughput screening in molecular cellular biology research has become possible with the development of automated microscopy imaging, for which cell nucleus segmentation commonly constitutes the core step. Although several promising methods exist for segmenting the nuclei of monolayer isolated and less-confluent cells, it still remains an open problem to segment the nuclei of more-confluent cells, which tend to grow in overlayers. To address this problem, we propose a new model-based nucleus segmentation algorithm. This algorithm models how a human locates a nucleus by identifying the nucleus boundaries and piecing them together. In this algorithm, we define four types of primitives to represent nucleus boundaries at different orientations and construct an attributed relational graph on the primitives to represent their spatial relations. Then, we reduce the nucleus identification problem to finding predefined structural patterns in the constructed graph and also use the primitives in region growing to delineate the nucleus borders. Working with fluorescence microscopy images, our experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithm identifies nuclei better than previous nucleus segmentation algorithms.
Rasch validation of the early childhood oral health impact scale.

OBJECTIVES The early childhood oral health impact scale (ECOHIS), a proxy measure to assess the impact of oral health problems and on the quality of life of preschool children and their families, has been translated into Chinese and validated employing the classical test theory. However, some invariable problems are related to this theory. The objective of this study was to assess the metric properties of the ECOHIS by applying the item response theory. METHODS A random sample of 1296 Chinese preschool children in Hong Kong participated in the study and were subjected to an oral examination for their caries status. Their parents were asked to respond to the ECOHIS and an extra set of questions concerning their socio-demographic backgrounds. The collected data were analysed using Rasch model. RESULTS The obtained results support the interpretation of adequate total fit of persons and items, because the mean infit MNSQ (1.08) and outfit MNSQ (0.94) for persons, and the mean infit MNSQ (0.99) and outfit MNSQ (0.94) for items, are within the acceptable ranges (0.6-1.4). The difficulty spread of the items was between -0.81 and 1.96 logits, and the levels of respondents spanned from -5.56 to 6.72 logits on the person-item map. The spread of respondents was skewed and mistargeting, between the items and respondents, was confirmed. Combination of responses of 'often' and 'very often' was suggested because of their flat probability showing on the characteristic curves. CONCLUSIONS Rasch model has been shown to be a feasible and practicable way of assessing the metric properties of the ECOHIS. The results allow the use of ECOHIS to be recommended for clinical research in oral health-related quality of life in young children with minor modifications.
Hyperammonaemia alters the mechanisms by which metabotropic glutamate receptors in nucleus accumbens modulate motor function

Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors by injecting (S)3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) in nucleus accumbens (NAcc) increases motor activity by different mechanisms in control rats and in rats with chronic liver failure due to portacaval shunt. In control rats DHPG increases extracellular dopamine in NAcc and induces locomotion by activating the ‘normal’ circuit: NAcc→ventral pallidum→medial‐dorsal thalamus→prefrontal cortex, which is not activated in portacaval shunt rats. In these rats, DHPG activates an ‘alternative’ circuit: NAcc→substantia nigra pars reticulata→ventro‐medial thalamus→prefrontal cortex, which is not activated in control rats. The reasons by which liver failure leads to activation of this ‘alternative’ circuit remain unclear. The aim of this work was to assess whether hyperammonaemia could be responsible for the alterations found in chronic liver failure. We injected DHPG in NAcc of control or hyperammonaemic rats and analysed, by in vivo brain microdialysis, the neurochemical responses of the ‘normal’ and ‘alternative’ circuits. In hyperammonaemic rats DHPG injection in NAcc activates both the ‘normal’ and ‘alternative’ circuits. In hyperammonaemia, activation of the ‘alternative’ circuit and increased motor response following metabotropic glutamate receptors activation in NAcc seem due to an increase in extracellular glutamate which activates AMPA receptors.
Downregulation of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptors During Sepsis

Our study aimed to characterize the mechanisms underlying the attenuated cardiovascular responsiveness toward the renin-angiotensin system during sepsis. For this purpose, we determined the effects of experimental Gram-negative and Gram-positive sepsis in rats. We found that sepsis led to a ubiquitous upregulation of NO synthase isoform II expression and to pronounced hypotension. Despite increased plasma renin activity and plasma angiotensin (Ang) II levels, plasma aldosterone concentrations were normal, and the blood pressure response to exogenous Ang II was markedly diminished in septic rats. Mimicking the fall of blood pressure during sepsis by short-term infusion of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside in normal rats did not alter their blood pressure response to exogenous Ang II. Therefore, we considered the possibility of an altered expression of Ang II receptors during sepsis. It turned out that Ang II type 1 receptor expression was markedly downregulated in all organs of septic rats. Further in vitro studies with rat renal mesangial cells showed that NO and a combination of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1&bgr;, tumor necrosis factor-&agr;, and interferon-&ggr;) downregulated Ang II type 1 receptor expression in a synergistic fashion. In summary, our data suggest that sepsis causes a systemic downregulation of Ang II type 1 receptors that is likely mediated by proinflammatory cytokines and NO. We suggest that this downregulation of Ang II type 1 receptors is the main reason for the attenuated responsiveness of blood pressure and of aldosterone formation to Ang II and, therefore, contributes to the characteristic septic shock.
Belimumab in systemic lupus erythematosus: a perspective review

Belimumab (Benlysta®) is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits B-lymphocyte stimulator (also known as B cell activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family) and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Evaluation Agency for treatment of autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults. This review discusses the key findings of the phase III trials, post hoc analyses, and real-world postmarketing use of belimumab in the routine care of SLE patients. It also highlights the safety profile of belimumab and gives insight into its potential use to treat childhood-onset SLE. It concludes with a discussion of the current clinical trials investigating belimumab in specific SLE disease states and a look to the future with novel targeted B-cell therapies.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the MADS-Box Gene Family in Brachypodium distachyon

MADS-box genes are important transcription factors for plant development, especially floral organogenesis. Brachypodium distachyon is a model for biofuel plants and temperate grasses such as wheat and barley, but a comprehensive analysis of MADS-box family proteins in Brachypodium is still missing. We report here a genome-wide analysis of the MADS-box gene family in Brachypodium distachyon. We identified 57 MADS-box genes and classified them into 32 MIKCc-type, 7 MIKC*-type, 9 Mα, 7 Mβ and 2 Mγ MADS-box genes according to their phylogenetic relationships to the Arabidopsis and rice MADS-box genes. Detailed gene structure and motif distribution were then studied. Investigation of their chromosomal localizations revealed that Brachypodium MADS-box genes distributed evenly across five chromosomes. In addition, five pairs of type II MADS-box genes were found on synteny blocks derived from whole genome duplication blocks. We then performed a systematic expression analysis of Brachypodium MADS-box genes in various tissues, particular floral organs. Further detection under salt, drought, and low-temperature conditions showed that some MADS-box genes may also be involved in abiotic stress responses, including type I genes. Comparative studies of MADS-box genes among Brachypodium, rice and Arabidopsis showed that Brachypodium had fewer gene duplication events. Taken together, this work provides useful data for further functional studies of MADS-box genes in Brachypodium distachyon.