Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
USER PERCEPTION OF THE QUALITY, VALUE, AND UTILITY OF USER-GENERATED CONTENT

User Generated Content (UGC) is a rapidly emerging growth engine of many Internet businesses and an important component of the new knowledge society. However, little research has been done on the mechanisms inherent to UGC. This research explores the relationships among the quality, value, and benefits of UGC. The main objective is to identify and evaluate the quality factors that affect UGC value, which ultimately influences the utility of UGC. We identify the three quality dimensions of UGC: content, design, and technology. We classify UGC value into three categories: functional value, emotional value, and social value. We attempt to characterize the mechanism underlying UGC value by evaluating the relationships between the quality and value of UGC and investigating what types of UGC value affect UGC utility. Our results show that all three factors of UGC quality are strongly associated with increases in the functional, emotional, and social values of UGC. Our findings also demonstrate that the functional and emotional values of UGC are critically important factors for UGC utility. Based on these findings, we discuss theoretical implications for future research and practical implications for UGC services.
Anagrelide: a decade of clinical experience with its use for the treatment of primary thrombocythaemia

Primary thrombocythaemia (PT) is the most frequent among the rare chronic myeloproliferative disorders. Life expectancy is determined by thromboembolic and haemorrhagic complications, which can be prevented by cytoreductive therapy. For a long time, hydroxyurea has been considered as the therapeutic gold standard. However, hydroxyurea treatment is not lineage-specific, may not be tolerated because of adverse effects (skin, gastrointestinal tract) and is leukaemogenic when sequentially used with other DNA-targeting drugs. Hence, anagrelide was welcomed in 1988 when it was first described as being efficient at normalising elevated platelet counts, specific for megakaryocytes and non-mutagenic. Since then, anagrelide has been approved in the US and Canada (Agrylin®, Shire Pharmaceuticals) as well as in Austria and other countries of the EU (Thromboreductin®, AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals). Clinical Phase III trials (PT1 and ANAHYDRET) are underway to directly compare the efficacy and safety of anagrelide and hydroxyurea.
Design and Implementation of Real-Time Flow Measurement System Using Hall Probe Sensor and PC-Based SCADA

A rotameter is a variable-area-type flow rate measuring instrument in which the position of a metallic float in a transparent conical tube is taken as a flow rate indicator. It has the disadvantage that it is a local indicating type instrument and special type of transducer is used for its remote indication. In this paper, a noncontact flow rate measurement technique using Hall probe sensor and rotameter is designed, developed, and tested. In this design, a float carrying a thin circular permanent magnet is used, and a Hall probe sensor placed outside the rotameter tube has been used to sense the variation of magnetic field of the magnet with the variation of float position. A signal conditioner unit has been used to convert the Hall probe sensor output into 1-5 V dc signal. This dc signal output of the signal conditioner has been sent to a PC-based flow indicator through optoisolator and analog input channel of a data acquisition system (DAS) card. The PC-based flow indicator has been designed using the Lab Tech Note Book Pro software and the PC-based supervisory control and DAS. A theoretical equation has been derived to explain the operation of the system. The performance of the system has been tested experimentally, and the experimental results are reported in this paper. A very good repeatability and linearity of results has been observed.
Pulmonary toxicity of endotoxins: comparison of lipopolysaccharides from various bacterial species

Lipopolysaccharides from three gram-negative bacteria isolated from bale cotton and piggery air were analyzed for their chemical composition, and their pulmonary toxicity for guinea pigs, lethal toxicity for mice, and pyrogenicity for rabbits were measured. Lipopolysaccharides from Enterobacter agglomerans and Citrobacter freundii had closely related chemical compositions; both were pyrogenic for rabbits and caused a dose-dependent influx of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into the airways of guinea pigs. The lethal toxicities of these lipopolysaccharides in mice were comparable to that of Salmonella typhimurium lipopolysaccharide, which was used as a reference. Lipopolysaccharide from Agrobacterium sp. was chemically different from those of E. agglomerans and C. freundii, did not induce any influx of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and was only weakly toxic or pyrogenic. The low biological activity of the agrobacterial lipopolysaccharide may be due to its different chemical composition.
Evaluating Student Attitudes: Perceptions of Interprofessional Experiences Following Participation in a Student-Run Free Clinic

It is increasingly evident that patient health outcomes are improved when they are treated by an effective interdisciplinary healthcare team. Many also endorse that learning to function collaboratively in interdisciplinary settings should start at the onset of one’s medical education. Student-run free clinics, such as the University of Central Florida College of Medicine’s (UCF COM) KNIGHTS (Keeping Neighbors In Good Health Through Service) Clinic, provide opportunities for students to work in concert with other healthcare professionals. This study aimed to discern whether volunteering in this setting had a positive impact on medical students’ perception of working within an interdisciplinary team. A single survey was distributed via Qualtrics to all first and second-year medical students (N = 248) at the UCF COM. The items of interest examined in this study were part of a larger study described elsewhere. The mean responses on a 5-point Likert-like scale to these survey items were recorded and compared between two cohorts: KNIGHTS volunteers and non-volunteers. One hundred twenty-three (49.6%) students responded to the survey and most items showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p-value > 0.05). However, there were a few items of interest that did show a significant difference. These included KNIGHTS volunteers being much more likely to have worked with other healthcare professionals (p < 0.001) as well as believing themselves to have a better understanding of the role of medicine within an interprofessional team (p = 0.016). Additionally, KNIGHTS volunteers were more likely to feel like they understood the role of patient education (p = 0.031) and pharmacy (p = 0.040) within an interprofessional team. Interestingly, KNIGHTS volunteers were also more likely to believe that problem-solving skills should be learned with students within their own discipline (p = 0.009) as well as that there is little overlap between the roles of medical students and students from other healthcare disciplines (p = 0.044). Still, overall results showed that both volunteers and non-volunteers had an overall positive perception of interdisciplinary teams and working with other healthcare professionals.
Displaying Lipase B from Candida antarctica in Pichia pastoris Using the Yeast Surface Display Approach: Prospection of a New Anchor and Characterization of the Whole Cell Biocatalyst

Yeast Surface Display (YSD) is a strategy to anchor proteins on the yeast cell wall which has been employed to increase enzyme stability thus decreasing production costs. Lipase B from Candida antarctica (LipB) is one of the most studied enzymes in the context of industrial biotechnology. This study aimed to assess the biochemical features of this important biocatalyst when immobilized on the cell surface of the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris using the YSD approach. For that purpose, two anchors were tested. The first (Flo9) was identified after a prospection of the P. pastoris genome being related to the family of flocculins similar to Flo1 but significantly smaller. The second is the Protein with Internal Repeats (Pir1) from P. pastoris. An immunolocalization assay showed that both anchor proteins were able to display the reporter protein EGFP in the yeast outer cell wall. LipB was expressed in P. pastoris fused either to Flo9 (FLOLIPB) or Pir1 (PIRLIPB). Both constructions showed hydrolytic activity towards tributyrin (>100 U/mgdcw and >80 U/mgdcw, respectively), optimal hydrolytic activity around 45°C and pH 7.0, higher thermostability at 45°C and stability in organic solvents when compared to a free lipase.
Release behaviour of drugs from tamarind seed polysaccharide tablets.

PURPOSE This study examines the sustained release behaviour of both water-soluble (acetaminophen, caffeine, theophylline and salicylic acid) and water insoluble (indomethacin) drugs from tamarind seed polysaccharide isolated from tamarind kernel powder. It further investigates the effect of incorporation of diluents like microcrystalline cellulose and lactose on release of caffeine and partial cross-linking of the polysaccharide on release of acetaminophen. Applying exponential equation, the mechanism of release of soluble drugs was found to be anomalous. The insoluble drug showed near case II or zero order release mechanism. The rate of release was in the decreasing order of caffeine, acetaminophen, theophylline, salicylic acid and indomethacin. An increase in release kinetics of drug was observed on blending with diluents. However, the rate of release varied with type and amount of blend in the matrix. The mechanism of release due to effect of diluents was found to be anomalous. The rate of release of drug decreased on partial cross-linking and the mechanism of release was found to be super case II.
Cavernous hemangioma of the orbit: Analysis of 214 cases

The records of all patients with orbital cavernous hemangioma managed at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University from Jan. 1, 1986 to Dec. 31, 2000 (n = 214) were reviewed retrospectively. Among them, 126 patients were female and 88 were male. The mean age was 39.4 years, ranging from 5.0 to 68.0 years. The left orbit was affected in 127 cases and the right one in 87 cases. No case showed bilateral involvement. A painless, gradually progressive proptosis and visual disturbance were the main clinical signs. Ninetythree percent of the patients (199/214) could be accurately diagnosed preoperatively based on echography and CT/MRI. The tumors were removed successfully by standard lateral orbitotomy in 35% (75/214) and by anterior orbitotomy in 65% (139/214). Anterior orbitotomy has become an important surgical procedure in the treatment of orbital cavernous hemangioma with excellent effect.
The S100A10-Annexin A2 Complex Provides a Novel Asymmetric Platform for Membrane Repair*

Background: Membrane repair requires the assembly of multiple proteins to orchestrate the repair process. Results: A complex between three membrane repair proteins was assembled to explore their arrangement. Conclusion: A novel asymmetric complex is formed involving all three proteins. Significance: This is the first evidence of an asymmetric multiprotein complex that might control membrane repair. Membrane repair is mediated by multiprotein complexes, such as that formed between the dimeric EF-hand protein S100A10, the calcium- and phospholipid-binding protein annexin A2, the enlargeosome protein AHNAK, and members of the transmembrane ferlin family. Although interactions between these proteins have been shown, little is known about their structural arrangement and mechanisms of formation. In this work, we used a non-covalent complex between S100A10 and the N terminus of annexin A2 (residues 1–15) and a designed hybrid protein (A10A2), where S100A10 is linked in tandem to the N-terminal region of annexin A2, to explore the binding region, stoichiometry, and affinity with a synthetic peptide from the C terminus of AHNAK. Using multiple biophysical methods, we identified a novel asymmetric arrangement between a single AHNAK peptide and the A10A2 dimer. The AHNAK peptide was shown to require the annexin A2 N terminus, indicating that the AHNAK binding site comprises regions on both S100A10 and annexin proteins. NMR spectroscopy was used to show that the AHNAK binding surface comprised residues from helix IV in S100A10 and the C-terminal portion from the annexin A2 peptide. This novel surface maps to the exposed side of helices IV and IV′ of the S100 dimeric structure, a region not identified in any previous S100 target protein structures. The results provide the first structural details of the ternary S100A10 protein complex required for membrane repair.
E-cadherin/Catenin Complex Status in Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas

Solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas is an uncommon neoplasm of uncertain lineage. They have been shown to express nuclear β-catenin believed to be due to mutations of the β-catenin gene. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of the E-cadherin/catenin complex in SPTs. We studied the expression of 4 principal members of the E-cadherin/catenin complex using immunohistochemistry and the E-cadherin gene status by screening all exons of the gene for mutations, in 6 cases of SPT. In addition to the nuclear localization of β-catenin, we found nuclear localization of E-cadherin in all tumors with complete absence of membranous and cytoplasmic localization. Nuclear localization of E-cadherin was independent of β-catenin. No mutations were identified in the E-cadherin gene in any of the tumors. Ten cases of pancreatic adenocarcinomas and 15 neuroendocrine tumors were studied as well for comparison. The reported changes in the expression of the principal members of the E-cadherin/catenin complex were unique to SPTs. Our study shows abnormalities in the expression of 4 principal members of the E-cadherin/catenin complex in SPTs, which may help to explain the discohesive nature of the cells and the cystic changes in these tumors, and provide additional diagnostic features.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus/Human Herpesvirus 8 Replication and Transcription Activator Regulates Viral and Cellular Genes via Interferon-Stimulated Response Elements

ABSTRACT Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (also called human herpesvirus 8 [HHV-8]) replication and transcription activator (RTA) is apparently necessary and sufficient for the switch from viral latency to lytic replication. RTA may regulate open reading frame (ORF) K14 (viral OX-2 homologue) and ORF74 (viral G-protein-coupled receptor homologue) genes through an interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE)-like sequence (K14 ISRE) in the promoter region. RTA strongly activated a K14 ISRE-containing K14-ORF74 promoter reporter construct and a heterologous promoter reporter construct containing K14 ISRE. RTA could bind to K14 ISRE and other ISREs, activate promoter reporter constructs from interferon-simulated genes (ISGs), and selectively induce three endogenous ISGs in primary endothelial cells: ISG-54, myxovirus resistance protein 1 (MxA), and stimulated trans-acting factor of 50 kDa. In addition, a region in the RTA DNA-binding domain has been identified with certain sequence similarity to the DNA-binding domains of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family. Mutation in one conserved amino acid within this region reduced the ability of RTA to bind to ISRE as well as other RTA response elements. Furthermore, the mutant failed to activate RTA-responsive promoters and to induce viral lytic gene expression. The mutation at the same conserved amino acid residue in IRF-7 drastically reduced its ability to bind to DNA and to activate the beta interferon promoter. The sequence and functional similarities between RTA and IRFs suggest that the HHV-8 RTA may usurp the cellular IRF pathway.
Unmodified and Modified Surface Sisal Fibers as Reinforcement of Phenolic and Lignophenolic Matrices Composites: Thermal Analyses of Fibers and Composites

The study and development of polymeric composite materials, especially using lignocellulosic fibers, have received increasing attention. This is interesting from the environmental and economical viewpoints as lignocellulosic fibers are obtained from renewable resources. This work aims to contribute to reduce the dependency on materials from nonrenwable sources, by utilizing natural fibers (sisal) as reinforcing agents and lignin (a polyphenolic macromolecule obtained from lignocellulosic materials) to partially substitute phenol in a phenol-formaldehyde resin. Besides, it was intented to evaluate how modifications applied on sisal fibers influence their properties and those of the composites reinforced with tem, mainly thermal properties. Sisal fibers were modified by either (i) mercerization (NaOh 10%), (ii) esterification (succinic anhydride), or (iii) ionized air treatment (discharge current of 5 mA). Composites were made by mould compression, of various sisal fibers in combination with either phenol-formaldehyde or lignin-phenol-formaldehyde resins. Sisal fibers and composites were characterized by thermogravimetry (TG) and DSC to establish their thermal stability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphology of unmodified and modified surface sisal fibers as well as the fractured composites surface. Dynamic mechnical thermoanalysis (DMTA) was used to examine the influence of temperature on the composite mechanical properties. The results obtained for sisal fiber-reinforced phenolic and lignophenolic composites showed that the use of lignin as a partial substitute of phenol in phenolic resins in applications different from the traditional ones, as for instance in other than adhesives is feasible.
Clinical Pharmacology of Platelet, Monocyte, and Vascular Cyclooxygenase Inhibition by Naproxen and Low-Dose Aspirin in Healthy Subjects

Background—The current controversy on the potential cardioprotective effect of naproxen prompted us to evaluate the extent and duration of platelet, monocyte, and vascular cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition by naproxen compared with low-dose aspirin. Methods and Results—We performed a crossover, open-label study of low-dose aspirin (100 mg/d) or naproxen (500 mg BID) administered to 9 healthy subjects for 6 days. The effects on thromboxane (TX) and prostacyclin biosynthesis were assessed up to 24 hours after oral dosing. Serum TXB2, plasma prostaglandin (PG) E2, and urinary 11-dehydro-TXB2 and 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1&agr; were measured by previously validated radioimmunoassays. The administration of naproxen or aspirin caused a similar suppression of whole-blood TXB2 production, an index of platelet COX-1 activity ex vivo, by 94±3% and 99±0.3% (mean±SD), respectively, and of the urinary excretion of 11-dehydro-TXB2, an index of systemic biosynthesis of TXA2 in vivo, by 85±8% and 78±7%, respectively, that persisted throughout the dosing interval. Naproxen, in contrast to aspirin, significantly reduced systemic prostacyclin biosynthesis by 77±19%, consistent with differential inhibition of monocyte COX-2 activity measured ex vivo. Conclusions—The regular administration of naproxen 500 mg BID can mimic the antiplatelet COX-1 effect of low-dose aspirin. Naproxen, unlike aspirin, decreased prostacyclin biosynthesis in vivo.
Email overload: exploring personal information management of email

Email is one oftl~ most successful computer applicmiom yet devised. Our empin~:al ct~ta show however, that althongh email was origiraUy designed as a c~nmunica/ons application, it is now used for ~tional funaions, that it was not designed for, such as tab management and persona/ afoOt/v/rig. We call this ernt~l oveHoad We demonstrate that email overload creates problems for personal information manageaa,cnt: users eden have cluttered inboxes cor~mining hundreds of n~:age~¢, incl~rling outstanding tasks, partially read documents and conversational threads. Furthermore,, user attemt:Xs to rationalise their inbox~ by ~ing are ~Ron unsuccessful, with the consequence that important rr~ges get overlooked, or "lost" in archives. We explain how em~l over/oad/ng arises and propose technical solutions to the problem.
Inspection of Rice Appearance Quality Using Machine Vision

Characteristics of rice appearance quality are very important to evaluate rice quality and pricing. The normal method for determining rice quality is based on manual inspection which is an inefficient way and resulting in unconstant outcomes. Thus, we developed an automatic system relying on the machine vision which allowed us evaluate rice appearance quality including rice chalkiness and shape. In our system, contacting angle analysis method was used for separating the contacting rice grains. Improved multi-threshold method based on maximum entropy was used for inspecting rice chalkiness. Minimum enclosing rectangle method was used for evaluating rice shape. The outcomes of inspection for 21 rice varieties showed that our system was an objective and effective way for inspecting rice appearance quality.
Effects of Chlorpyrifos and Chlorpyrifos-Oxon on the Dynamics and Movement of Mitochondria in Rat Cortical Neurons

Organophosphate (OP)-based pesticides have been used extensively for decades, and as a result, they have become almost ubiquitous in our environment. There is clinical and animal evidence to suggest that chronic exposures to OPs can lead to cognitive dysfunction and other neurological abnormalities, although the mechanism for these effects is unknown. We previously reported that repeated, subthreshold exposures (defined as doses not associated with signs of acute toxicity) to the commonly used OP chlorpyrifos (CPF) resulted in protracted impairments in the performance of attention and memory-related tasks in rodents as well as deficits in axonal transport ex vivo (in the sciatic nerve). Here, we investigated the effects of CPF and its active metabolite CPF oxon (CPO) on the dynamics and movement of mitochondria in rat primary cortical neurons using time-lapse imaging techniques. Exposure to CPF (1.0–20.0 μM) or CPO (5.0 nM–20.0 μM) for 1 or 24 h resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in mitochondrial length, a decrease in mitochondrial number (indicative of increased fusion events), and a decrease in their movement in axons. The changes occurred at concentrations of CPF and CPO that did not inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity (the commonly cited mechanism of acute OP toxicity), and they were not blocked by cholinergic receptor antagonists. Furthermore, the changes did not seem to be associated with direct (OP-related) effects on mitochondrial viability or function (i.e., mitochondrial membrane potential or ATP production). The results suggest that an underlying mechanism of organophosphate-based deficits in cognitive function might involve alterations in mitochondrial dynamics and/or their transport in axons.