Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gender and Language Attitudes: A Case of Postcolonial Hong Kong

This paper reports the findings of a study that investigates the attitudes of 555 boys and 493 girls towards the three official spoken languages used in postcolonial Hong Kong (i.e. Cantonese, English and Putonghua). The respondents started their secondary school education one year after the city was returned to the sovereignty of China from Britain. They were in their fourth year of studies at the time of this research. A questionnaire survey was conducted to find out how differently the two gender groups perceived the three target languages when they were repositioning themselves in the new sociopolitical context of Hong Kong. Informed by the quantitative results, group interviews were conducted to explore the reasons underlying the main attitudinal differences between the two genders. Similar to the research conducted in other parts of the world, female respondents were found to be consistently more positive than their male counterparts in their attitudes towards the non-native languages while male students were more positively inclined to the vernacular. Given the more accommodating attitudes of females to other languages, it is more likely that they will be the group who pushes Hong Kong forward towards a higher degree of multilingualism.
Case Reports That Illustrate the Efficacy of SGLT2 Inhibitors in the Type 1 Diabetic Patient

SGLT2 inhibitors are only approved for use in adults with type 2 diabetes. However, because SGLT2 inhibitors have a mechanism of action that does not require the presence of endogenous insulin, these drugs should also be efficacious in type 1 diabetes where endogenous insulin production is greatly reduced or absent. Herein, I present five cases which illustrate the benefits of utilizing an SGLT2 inhibitor with type 1 diabetes. In these cases the use of SGLT2 inhibitors resulted not only in better glycemic control in most patients but also in some patients' less hypoglycemia, weight loss, and decreased doses of insulin. In type 1 diabetes Candida albicans vaginitis and balanitis may occur more frequently than in type 2 diabetes. These cases show that a large randomized clinical trial of SGLT2 inhibitors in type 1 diabetes needs to be performed.
Comprehensive Framework for MultiModal Meaning Representation

Most of the existing content representation language designs are anchored to a specific modality (such as speech). This paper describes the rationale behind the definition of MMIL, the interface language intended to be used as the exchange format between modules in the MIAMM project, where we try to build a juke box incorporating multiple modalities such as speech, Haptics and Graphics. This interface language has been conceived as a general format for representing multimodal content both at lower (e.g. linguistic analysis) and higher (e.g. communication within the dialogue manager) levels of representations.
The impact of motivation on customer satisfaction formation: a self-determination perspective

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to examine the way different motivational types from Self-Determination Theory (SDT) influence antecedents of customer satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach – The findings in this study were generated with a quantitative design using path analysis on data collected at two stages during an extended service encounter. Findings – Each motivation type played a unique and important role in influencing the antecedents of satisfaction, namely, positive and negative emotions and perceptions of service quality. As hypothesised, motives associated with higher levels of autonomy were consistently stronger predictors of positive emotions and service quality. The influence of motives on the antecedents did not change significantly over time, whereas significant differences were noted between all antecedents and satisfaction. The model explained 54 and 63 per cent of the variance in satisfaction in times one and two, respectively. Originality/value – This is the first time that.
An Odd Oxygen Framework for Wintertime Ammonium Nitrate Aerosol Pollution in Urban Areas: NOx and VOC Control as Mitigation Strategies

Wintertime ammonium nitrate aerosol pollution is a severe air quality issue affecting both developed and rapidly urbanizing regions from Europe to East Asia. In the United States, it is acute in western basins subject to inversions that confine pollutants near the surface. Measurements and modeling of a wintertime pollution episode in Salt Lake Valley, Utah, demonstrate that ammonium nitrate is closely related to photochemical ozone through a common parameter, total odd oxygen, Ox,total. We show that the traditional nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compound (NOx‐VOC) framework for evaluating ozone mitigation strategies also applies to ammonium nitrate. Despite being nitrate‐limited, ammonium nitrate aerosol pollution in Salt Lake Valley is responsive to VOCs control and, counterintuitively, not initially responsive to NOx control. We demonstrate simultaneous nitrate limitation and NOx saturation and suggest this phenomenon may be general. This finding may identify an unrecognized control strategy to address a global public health issue in regions with severe winter aerosol pollution.
Curcumin Content of Turmeric and Curry Powders

Abstract: Curcumin, derived from the rhizome curcuma longa, is one of the primary ingredients in turmeric and curry powders that are used as spices in Middle Eastern and Asian countries, especially on the Indian subcontinent. More recently, laboratory studies have demonstrated that dietary curcumin exhibits various biological activities and significantly inhibits colon tumorigenesis and tumor size in animals. Curcumin displays both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, giving it the potential to be considered in the development of cancer preventive strategies and applications in clinical research. Experimental studies have shown the biological activities of the compound, but much more information on pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and food content are needed. Whether the amount of curcumin in turmeric and curry powders is sufficient to suggest effects on biological activities and cancer risk is unknown. To determine and compare the quantitative amounts of curcumin that are present in several brands of turmeric and curry powders, a high performance liquid chromatography technique was used to analyze 28 spice products described as turmeric or curry powders and two negative controls. Pure turmeric powder had the highest curcumin concentration, averaging 3.14% by weight. The curry powder samples, with one exception, had relatively small amounts of curcumin present, and the variability in content was great. The curcumin content of these seasoning products that are consumed as a component of the diet should be considered in evaluating baseline tissue concentration and response to curcumin supplementation, which is under study in chemoprevention trials.
Perception of Undergraduate Nursing Students Towards Objective Structured Clinical Examination ( OSCE )

An objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is a modern type of examination often used in health sciences. It is designed to test clinical skill performance and competence in skills such as communication, clinical examination, medical procedures / prescription, etc. and allows them to understand the key factors that drive the medical decision-making process, and challenges. OSCE reveals the errors in case-handling and provides an open space for improved decision-making, based on evidence-based practice for real-world responsibilities. OSCE is introduced by Indian Nursing Council for the evaluation of students undergoing Nurse Practitioner Critical Care Keyword: OSCE-Objective Structured Clinical Examination, competency -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Date of Submission: 27-01-2019 Date of acceptance: 09-02-2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bcl‐xL inhibitor, ABT‐737, efficiently induces apoptosis and suppresses growth of hepatoma cells in combination with sorafenib

Tumor cells are characterized by uncontrolled proliferation, often driven by activation of oncogenes, and apoptosis resistance. The oncogenic kinase inhibitor sorafenib can significantly prolong median survival of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although the response is disease‐stabilizing and cytostatic rather than one of tumor regression. Bcl‐xL (B cell lymphoma extra large), an antiapoptotic member of the B cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) family, is frequently overexpressed in HCC. Here, we present in vivo evidence that Bcl‐xL overexpression is directly linked to the rapid growth of solid tumors. We also examined whether ABT‐737, a small molecule that specifically inhibits Bcl‐xL but not myeloid cell leukemia‐1 (Mcl‐1), could control HCC progression, especially when used with sorafenib. Administration of ABT‐737, even at an in vivo effective dose, failed to suppress Huh7 xenograft tumors in mice. ABT‐737 caused the levels of Mcl‐1 expression to rapidly increase by protein stabilization. This appeared to be related to resistance to ABT‐737, because decreasing Mcl‐1 expression levels to the baseline by a small interfering RNA–mediated strategy made hepatoma cells sensitive to this agent. Importantly, administration of ABT‐737 to Mcl‐1 knockout mice induced severe liver apoptosis, suggesting that tumor‐specific inhibition of Mcl‐1 is required for therapeutic purposes. Sorafenib transcriptionally down‐regulated Mcl‐1 expression specifically in tumor cells and abolished Mcl‐1 up‐regulation induced by ABT‐737. Sorafenib, not alone but in combination with ABT‐737, efficiently induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells. This combination also led to stronger suppression of xenograft tumors than sorafenib alone. Conclusion: Bcl‐xL inactivation by ABT‐737 in combination with sorafenib was found to be safe and effective for anti‐HCC therapy in preclinical models. Direct activation of the apoptosis machinery seems to unlock the antitumor potential of oncogenic kinase inhibitors and may produce durable clinical responses against HCC. (HEPATOLOGY 2010)
Endoscopic submucosal dissection in management of colorectal tumors near or involving a diverticulum: a retrospective case series

Abstract Background and study aims Surgery is the standard treatment for colon tumors associated with diverticulum. Use of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) to treat such tumors is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and feasibility of ESD in treating superficial colorectal tumors situated near or involving diverticulum. Patients and methods Consecutive patients from two referral centers who had colorectal tumors near or involving diverticulum treated by ESD were retrospectively studied. Clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results Of the 12 patients studied, six had tumors near diverticulum and six had tumors involving diverticulum. The overall en-bloc R0 resection rate, median tumor size and procedure time were 67 %, 26.5 mm (range, 15 – 80 mm) and 110 minutes (range, 50 – 220 minutes), respectively. For tumors near diverticulum group, the en-bloc R0 resection rate was 100 % and no adverse events (AEs) or residual/recurrent tumors were observed. In contrast, for intradiverticular tumors group, the en-bloc R0 resection rate was low at 33 %, and one AE (perforation) was observed. The diverticula were ≥ 6 mm in diameter in the patients with incomplete resection. However, all but one diverticulum was unrecognized before ESD. Two residual tumors were detected at the 12-month surveillance and one required surgery. Conclusions This case series indicates that ESD is safe and feasible for treating colorectal tumors near a diverticulum and might be feasible for tumors involving a diverticulum smaller than 6 mm. Selection for smaller diverticulum size may contribute to higher en-bloc R0 resection rates.
GM-CSF enhances tumor invasion by elevated MMP-2, -9, and -26 expression

Granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) promotes tumor progression in different tumor models in an autocrine and paracrine manner. However, at the same time GM‐CSF is used in cancer therapies to ameliorate neutropenia. We have previously shown in GM‐CSF and G‐CSF expressing or negative skin or head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that GM‐CSF expression is associated with a highly angiogenic and invasive tumor phenotype. To determine the functional contribution of GM‐CSF to tumor invasion, we stably transfected a GM‐CSF negative colon adenocarcinoma cell line HT‐29 with GM‐CSF or treated the same cell line with exogenous GM‐CSF. While GM‐CSF overexpression and treatment reduced tumor cell proliferation and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, respectively, it contributed to tumor progression. Together with an enhanced migratory capacity in vitro, we observed a striking increase in tumor cell invasion into the surrounding tissue concomitant with the induction of an activated tumor stroma in GM‐CSF overexpressing or GM‐CSF treated tumors. In a complex 3D in vitro model, enhanced GM‐CSF expression was associated with a discontinued basement membrane deposition that might be mediated by the increased expression and activation of MMP‐2, ‐9, and ‐26. Treatment with GM‐CSF blocking antibodies reversed this effect. The increased presence and activity of these tumor cell derived proteases was confirmed in vivo. Here, expression of MMP‐26 protein was predominantly located in pre‐ and early‐invasive areas suggesting MMP‐26 expression as an early event in promoting GM‐CSF dependent tumor invasion.
Tweet, Tweet!: Using Live Twitter Chats in Social Work Education

Abstract This article focuses on the use of Twitter and how it can be used to help students develop professional social work skills through live chats. An overview of the literature on Twitter in education is provided along with a discussion on New Media Literacies. A description of a live Twitter chat assignment with social work students is provided along with results from a survey assessing learning outcomes from the experience. Implications for social work education and suggestions for future research are also provided.
Reversing Positions: Constructions of Masculine Victimhood in Online Discussions about Intimate Partner Violence Committed by Women

Discussions about men’s victimization by their female intimate partners have gained increased visibility in the last two decades. These discussions put victim positions on offer for men that stand in stark contrast to more widespread associations between masculinity and perpetration of violence. This article examines how these contradictory positionings play out and are discursively negotiated in Finnish online discussions of female-inflicted intimate partner violence (IPV). Two recurring types of positioning of men were identified in the analysis: neglected victims and naturally superior perpetrators. The analysis illustrates how gendered differences between men and women in relation to violence are both reiterated and denied in the processes of enacting, balancing, and rhetorically employing these positionings. Thereby, light is shed on the multiplicity of complex and fluid ways in which masculinities are constructed and customized in the context of meaning-making surrounding the issue of IPV.
Korsakoff's syndrome on the MMPI-2

Background: This article describes an exploratory study of MMPI-2 administration to 20 patients with Korsakoff's disease, all admitted to the Korsakoff unit of a major psychiatric hospital in the Netherlands. Methods: We compared their MMPI-2 basic profiles with those of an inpatient alcohol-dependent non-Korsakoff group. Attention was also given to content scales and some selected supplementary scales. Furthermore, we explored the differences between MMPI-2 profiles of Korsakoff patients with and without insight into oneself and one's disease. Results: Compared with both the Dutch norms and the scale means of the non-Korsakoff alcoholics, Korsakoff patients showed an extraordinary flat profile. Illness insight appeared to be related to the levels of the various scales. Discussion: The results show the potential usefulness of the MMPI-2 in the differential diagnosis of chronic alcoholism and Korsakoff's disease.
Blood Pressure Control, Drug Therapy, and Kidney Disease

The African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension examined the effect on renal function decline of 2 blood pressure (BP) goals (low mean arterial pressure [MAP] ≤92 versus usual MAP 102 to 107 mm Hg) and 3 antihypertensives (ramipril versus amlodipine versus metoprolol). We previously reported that in all drug groups combined the BP intervention had similar effects on the primary outcome of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) slope or the main secondary clinical composite outcome of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), death, or GFR decline by 50% or 25 mL/min per 1.73 m2. This report examines the effect of the BP intervention separately in the 3 drug groups. The BP effect was similar among the drug groups for either GFR slope or the main clinical composite. However, the BP effect differed significantly among the drug groups for the composite of ESRD or death (P=0.035) and ESRD alone (P=0.021). Higher event rates for amlodipine patients assigned to the usual BP goal (0.087 per patient-year for ESRD or death and 0.064 per patient-year for ESRD) were seen compared with the remaining groups of the factorial design (range, 0.041 to 0.050 for ESRD or death; and range, 0.027 to 0.036 for ESRD). The low BP goal was associated with reduced risk of ESRD or death (risk reduction 51%; 95% confidence interval, 13% to 73%) and ESRD (54%; 8% to 77%) for amlodipine patients, but not for patients assigned to the other drug groups. These secondary analyses suggest a benefit of the low BP goal among patients assigned to amlodipine, but they must be interpreted cautiously.
Which Abortion Patients Have Had a Prior Abortion? Findings from the 2014 U.S. Abortion Patient Survey

Abstract Background: Updated information about abortion patients who have had a prior abortion could inform patient-centered practices that help women avoid unintended pregnancies in the future. Materials and Methods: Data come from a national sample of 8,380 nonhospital U.S. abortion patients accessing services at 87 facilities. The dependent variable was a self-reported measure of prior abortion. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to assess associations between a range of demographic and circumstantial characteristics and reports of obtaining a prior abortion. Results: We found that 45% of patients reported having one or more prior abortions. Age was most strongly associated with this outcome, and patients aged 30 and older had more than two times the odds of having had a prior abortion compared with those aged 20–24. Other characteristics associated with an increased likelihood of prior abortion included having one or more children, being black, relying on insurance or financial assistance to pay for the procedure, and exposure to disruptive events in the last 12 months. Characteristics associated with a decreased likelihood of having a prior abortion included having a college degree and living 25 or more miles from the facility where the current abortion was obtained. Conclusions: Age is the biggest risk factor for having had a prior abortion; the longer a woman has been alive, the longer she is at risk of unintended pregnancy. Some characteristics associated with prior abortion were beyond the control of the individuals experiencing them.
Colchicine modulates calcium homeostasis and electrical property of HL‐1 cells

Colchicine is a microtubule disruptor that reduces the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after an operation or ablation. However, knowledge of the effects of colchicine on atrial myocytes is limited. The aim of this study was to determine if colchicine can regulate calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis and attenuate the electrical effects of the extracellular matrix on atrial myocytes. Whole‐cell clamp, confocal microscopy with fluorescence, and western blotting were used to evaluate the action potential and ionic currents of HL‐1 cells treated with and without (control) colchicine (3 nM) for 24 hrs. Compared with control cells, colchicine‐treated HL‐1 cells had a longer action potential duration with smaller intracellular Ca2+ transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content by 10% and 47%, respectively. Colchicine‐treated HL‐1 cells showed a smaller L‐type Ca2+ current, reverse mode sodium–calcium exchanger (NCX) current and transient outward potassium current than control cells, but had a similar ultra‐rapid activating outward potassium current and apamin‐sensitive small‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium current compared with control cells. Colchicine‐treated HL‐1 cells expressed less SERCA2a, total, Thr17‐phosphorylated phospholamban, Cav1.2, CaMKII, NCX, Kv1.4 and Kv1.5, but they expressed similar levels of the ryanodine receptor, Ser16‐phosphorylated phospholamban and Kv4.2. Colchicine attenuated the shortening of the collagen‐induced action potential duration in HL‐1 cells. These findings suggest that colchicine modulates the atrial electrical activity and Ca2+ regulation and attenuates the electrical effects of collagen, which may contribute to its anti‐AF activity.
Exploration of the psychological impact and adaptation to cardiac events in South Asians in the UK: a qualitative study

Objective There is little research on how different ethnic groups adapt after an acute cardiac event. This qualitative study explores between-ethnicity and within-ethnicity variation in adaptation, and the psychological impact of an acute cardiac event among UK South Asian and white British people. Setting We purposively sampled people by ethnic group from general practices in London who had a new myocardial infarction, angina or acute arrhythmia in the preceding 18 months. Participants We conducted 28 semistructured interviews for exploring the psychological symptoms, experiences and adaptations following a cardiac event among South Asians (Indian and Bangladeshi) in comparison to white British people. Data were analysed using a thematic ‘framework’ approach. Results Findings showed heterogeneity in experiences of the cardiac event and its subsequent psychological and physical impact. Adaptation to the event related predominantly to life circumstances, personal attitudes and employment status. Anxiety and low mood symptoms were common sequelae, especially in the Bangladeshi group. Indian men tended to normalise symptoms and the cardiac event, and reported less negative mood symptoms than other groups. Fear of physical exertion, particularly heavy lifting, persisted across the groups. Some people across all ethnic groups indicated the need for more psychological therapy postcardiac event. Socioeconomic circumstances, age and prior work status appeared to be more important in relation to adaptation after a cardiac event than ethnic status. Conclusions Heterogeneity in views and experiences related to the socioeconomic background, age and work status of the participants along with some cultural influences. Rehabilitation programmes should be flexibly tailored for individuals in particular and where relevant, specific support should be provided for returning to work.