Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting university students' intention to adopt e-learning systems: a case study in Jiujiang University

E-learning has many advantages, but many university students have never used e-learning systems. Therefore, it is necessary to study the factors of intention to adopt e-learning systems. In this paper, samples are collected from students of Jiujiang University in China. The theory of planned behaviour is expanded by introducing perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. The model of intention to adopt e-learning systems is established. Factors analysis, reliability analysis, validity analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation model testing are conducted by Amos20.0 and Spss17.0. The results show that: firstly, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of e-learning systems have a significantly positive effect on attitude; secondly, attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control have a significantly positive impact on intention to adopt e-learning systems.
Health, Fear of Crime and Psychosocial Functioning in Older People

Fear of crime is thought to limit social activity in older people. Sixty older people, recruited via day centres, were given questionnaire-based interviews. A series of questions produced two scales of crime awareness and a scale of perceived crime prevalence. Fear of crime was operationalized through a catastrophizing technique, and by a single-item measure of perceived safety. Physical health, mental health and psychosocial limitation were assessed. Physical health was found to moderate a relationship between crime awareness and fear of crime. In multivariate models, fear of crime was not a significant predictor of psychosocial limitation, which was predicted by physical and mental health. Implications of the findings for models of fear of crime and health psychology are discussed.
The Effects of Calcium Channel Blockers on Cardiovascular Outcomes: a Review of Randomised Controlled Trials

The choice of antihypertensive treatment should be guided by evidence of a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and therefore improved long-term outcome. Using pre-determined criteria, ten randomised, controlled trials that assessed the effects of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) on CV events in patients with hypertension were identified. Six of them enrolled a relatively small number (<1500) of hypertensive patients, whereas four of the studies were much larger (>4500 patients). The smaller studies produced mixed findings, especially those trials where CCBs were compared with diuretics; this may reflect methodological limitations and the impact of random error. The results from the four larger studies produced a consistent message: long-acting CCBs such as nifedipine, administered in a gastro-intestinal-transport-system (GITS) formulation, nitrendipine and diltiazem, reduce CV morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients. In the one study that specifically enrolled high-risk hypertensive patients, nifedipine GITS was as effective as diuretic therapy in reducing CV events, and in all four larger studies sub-group analyses showed that the benefits of these CCBs extend to hypertensive patients with diabetes. The available evidence supports the use of these long-acting CCBs as a first-line treatment option in hypertensive patients.
The Use of Antidepressant Medication before and after the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Background: The prevalent use of antidepressants (ATDs) in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) varies across cross-sectional and clinic-based published studies. This population-based cohort study assesses the real-world prevalence of the use of ATDs, its trajectory and the association of incident use with clinical characteristics. Methods: All patients with incident ALS in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, Italy, from 2002 to 2009, were identified through multiple sources including health databases. Diagnosis was validated through clinical documentation review. ATDs prescriptions from 2000 to 2011 were obtained from regional database. The trajectory was estimated through generalized estimating equations for repeated measures logistic regression and the Hazard ratio (HR) of initiating ATDs through multivariate proportional hazard Cox regression. Results: In this cohort of 261 ALS cases, age-, sex-adjusted prevalence of the use of ATDs was 37.3%, higher than in general population. The trajectory increased by 16% in 1-year period across diagnosis. Age ≤67 years at diagnosis (HR 1.28, 95% CI 0.84-1.95) and bulbar onset (1.43, 95% CI 0.90-2.26) were positively associated with initiating ATDs after diagnosis. Conclusions: More than one-third of patients used ATDs. Depression may occur more frequently than previously reported. Depression may precede motor alterations and be related to both ALS diagnosis and progression.
Patient Selection for Cytoreductive Surgery in Colorectal Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Using Serum Tumor Markers: An Observational Cohort Study

Objective:There were 2 objectives: first, to investigate how many patients were excluded from surgery on the basis of the radiological extent of the peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) or the clinical examination; and second, to develop a score based primarily on serum tumor markers (STMs) that could predict short cancer-specific survival (<12 months). Background:Patient selection and prediction of prognosis is crucial for successful treatment of colorectal PC. Methods:All patients with colorectal PC referred for cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (2005–2008) at Uppsala University hospital were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups—nonsurgery and surgery. Clinicopathological and laboratory parameters were collected in the surgery group. A Corep (COloREctal-Pc) score was developed using hazard ratios from histology, hematological status, serial serum tumor markers (STMs), and STM changes over time. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predicted value (PPV), and negative predicted value (NPV) were calculated in a second validating dataset (n = 24) with a survival cutoff of less than 12 months. Results:A total of 107 patients were included in the study, 42 in the nonsurgery group and 65 in the surgery group. In the nonsurgery group, 2 patients were excluded solely on the basis of the radiological extent of PC and 7 patients on clinical examination. The Corep score ranged from 0 to 18. A score of 6 or more showed a validated sensitivity of 80%, specificity 100%, PPV 1.0, and NPV 0.93. Conclusions:Radiological extent of PC was not a main deciding factor for treatment decisions and had less impact than the clinical examination. The Corep score identified patients with short cancer-specific survival that may not be suitable for treatment.
Early Identification and Intervention for Students With Mathematics Difficulties

The extremely interesting article of Gersten, Jordan, and Flojo (in this issue) discusses the early identification of mathematics difficulties (MD) in children; the importance of early intervention; relationships between mathematical and reading difficulties; and some important early indicators of MD in young children. Perhaps the most important conclusion of the article is that it is important to identify early signs and predictors of MD to ameliorate and perhaps prevent later MD. This commentary will discuss other research in the area, which for the most part supports the arguments and proposals put forward by Gersten et al. In fact, the body of research on MD relevant to early identification and early intervention is not quite as small as is often thought. It is true that far less research has been carried out on mathematical difficulties than on reading difficulties. However, far more has been carried out than is sometimes recognized, possibly because the research has been carried out over a long period, in different countries, and within different disciplines (education, psychology, and neuroscience). People are often unaware of relevant research that has been carried out in other countries, other disciplines, or at an earlier time. This situation has unfortunately limited the scope and application of such research. It should be noted that although the article, this commentary, and much of the research in the area speak of mathematical difficulties, it would be more strictly appropriate to speak of arithmetical difficulties. Mathematics includes many other topics, such as geometry, measurement, and algebra. However, most studies of young children’s MD have dealt mainly with number and arithmetic. This commentary will discuss (a) research on the nature and heterogeneity of MD; (b) research on early screening and intervention; (c) some ongoing research on early predictors of specific mathematical strengths and weaknesses.
Studies on the fine structure of teleost blood cells . I. Peripheral Blood

The fine structure of goldfish peripheral blood cells was studied by electron microscopy correlated with light microscopy. Various methods of specimen preparation are described. Optimal preservation for electron micoscopy was attained with fixation in 1% OsO4 in acetate‐veronal buffer (pH 7.3) and embedding in Epon. Electron micrographs of erythrocytes reveal division of nucleoplasm into chromatin and interchromatin material, and continuity between the latter and cytoplasm via nuclear pores. Erythrocyte mitochondria contain longitudinally oriented tubular internal structures. Variations in lymphocyte morphology are noted and the close association between membranes of the nuclear envelope, Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum is shown. Compound granules, the azure granules of stained blood smears, are described. A distinguishing feature of the granulocytes is their specific granulation. Neutrophilic granules appear to be membrane‐enclosed and contain varying amounts of dense material, the amount depending upon maturation, physiological state or degree of preservation. Specific eosinophilic granules are characterized by a dense matrix enclosing one or more crystalloid bodies. The specific granules of the basophil are large, membrane‐enclosed bodies, demonstrating different degrees of electron density. Similarities between thrombocytes and lymphocytes are evident from light and electron microscope studies. A phylogenetic relationship between vertebrate blood cells in indicated.
Late-Onset Noninfectious Pulmonary Complications in Adult Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients

Background. Late-onset noninfectious pulmonary complications (LONIPCs) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) contribute to posttransplant mortality, morbidity, and decreased quality of life. The effect of newer HCT approaches including reduced intensity and umbilical cord on the incidence and outcome of LONIPC has not been studied. We hereby present a study evaluating the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of LONIPC in a recent cohort of allogeneic HCT recipients. Methods. We reviewed the incidence and outcomes of LONIPCs in 451 consecutive adult patients who received allogeneic HCT between 2002 and 2007 and survived for 80 days or more after transplant. Results. Seventy-four patients developed LONIPCs at a median of 177 days (range, 81–1017 days) after HCT. The 1-year cumulative incidence of LONIPCs was 13% (95% confidence interval, 10%–16%). Of the 451 patients, LONIPCs occurred in 21% receiving myeloablative vs. 12% with nonmyeloablative conditioning. Myeloablative conditioning and chronic graft-versus-host disease were associated with significantly higher risks of LONIPC, but age, graft type, and acute graft-versus-host disease were not identified as risk factors. LONIPCs manifest as diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH, n=28), idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS, n=19), bronchiolitis obliterans (n=22), and other uncommon syndromes (n=5). One-year survival was 77% for patients with bronchiolitis obliterans, 37% for patients with IPS, and 36% for patients with DAH. Three-year survival was significantly worse for recipients with LONIPCs compared with those without LONIPCs (34% vs. 57%, P<0.01). Conclusion. LONIPCs in allogeneic HCT recipients include a heterogeneous group of diseases with varying clinical courses and prognosis. LONIPCs, particularly IPS or DAH, are associated with high mortality after HCT.
Obesity and the Incidence of Chronic Diseases : a Seemingly Unrelated Probit Approach

Western societies can reduce avoidable mortality and morbidity by better understanding the relationship between obesity and chronic disease. This paper examines the joint determinants of obesity and of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and elevated cholesterol. It analyzes a broadly representative Spanish dataset, the 1999 Survey on Disabilities, Impairments and Health Status, using a health production theoretical framework together with a seemingly unrelated probit model approach that controls for unobserved heterogeneity and endogeneity. Its findings provide suggestive evidence of a positive and significant, although specification-dependent, association between obesity and the prevalence of chronic illness. J.E. L. Classification: I12, I18, I19.
Inflammatory processes of prostate tissue microenvironment drive rat prostate carcinogenesis: Preventive effects of celecoxib

Prostate tissue microenvironment is susceptible to several risk factors including carcinogens, dietary factors, hormones, cytokines and growth factors that could induce chronic inflammation. Because of the difference in the serum levels and the intrinsic ability of monocytes/macrophages to cause harm, the transcriptional responses triggered by inflammatory stimuli must be controlled. Unfortunately, an in‐depth association between prostate cancer and potential mediators of inflammation has not been completely investigated.
Multiple circumferential skin creases: Another sign of genetic mosaicism?

Multiple circumferential skin creases is a relatively rare disorder (OMIM 156610). The pathogenesis of this disorder is currently not known, but the recurrent finding of a nevus lipomatosus or a smooth muscle hamartoma detected in several individuals suggests that the skin folds may be secondary to an excessive proliferation of subcutaneous tissue, differentiating as fat or smooth muscle cells [reviewed by Schnur et al., 1993]. In other patients, no histological abnormalities were found, indicating the presence of abundant but otherwise normal connective tissue and epidermis [Burgdorf et al., 1982]. The cause of this localized connective tissue hyperplasia is not known. Besides a few instances of isolated circumferential skin folds, most cases have additional major malformations and/or minor anomalies [reviewed by Schnur et al., 1993; Sardana et al., 2003]. Similarities among some reported cases has lead some authors to suggest that there is a distinct, recognizable syndrome featuring circumferential skin folds [Kondoh et al., 2003], but strong evidence is lacking. Rather, it appears that circumferential skin folds are a distict clinical feature, but with different causes. We would like to add our experience on long term follow-up of a child presenting at birth with this condition, and illustrate that circumferential skin folds may be a sign of genetic mosaicism. This boy is the first child of healthy, unrelated parents. Family history is unremarkable. Pregnancy conceived after ICSI, was normal, except for elevated maternal serum aFP at 15 weeks (83.4) 2.92 MOM). He was born at 37 weeks of gestation with weight 2.4 kg (10–25th centile), length 48.5 kg (50–75th centile), and head circumference 33 cm (25–50th centile). A grade IV hypospadias was noted, and a renal ultrasound was normal. Multiple ring-shaped skin creases were observed on the four limbs (Fig. 1). On the dorsal side of the right leg, a discontinuous nevus flammeus was noted, extending from the ankle to the gluteal region (Fig. 1). In the right calve, an irregular and soft subcutaneous mass of approximately 3–1.5 cm was felt. On ultrasound, a diffuse hypertrophy of connective tissue was seen, but no localizedmass. He had a preauricular pit on the right side, and an atrial septal defect type II, which closed spontaneously. During follow-up, a difference in leg circumference was noted over time, whereas length of both legs was the same. At age 10 months, Doppler
Technological dynamics and social capability: US states and European nations

This article analyzes factors shaping technological capabilities in USA and European countries, and shows that the differences between the two continents in this respect are much smaller than commonly assumed. The analysis demonstrates a tendency toward convergence in technological capabilities for the sample as a whole between 1998 and 2008. The results indicate that social capabilities, such as well-developed public knowledge infrastructure, an egalitarian distribution of income, a participatory democracy and prevalence of public safety condition the growth of technological capabilities. Possible effects of other factors, such as agglomeration, urbanization, industrial specialization, migration and knowledge spillovers are also considered.
Do Cartilage Repair Procedures Prevent Degenerative Meniscus Changes?: Longitudinal T1ρ and Morphological Evaluation With 3.0-T MRI

Background: Cartilage repair (CR) procedures are widely accepted for treatment of isolated cartilage defects in the knee joint. However, it is not well known whether these procedures prevent degenerative joint disease. Hypothesis: Cartilage repair procedures prevent accelerated qualitative and quantitative progression of meniscus degeneration in individuals with focal cartilage defects. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Ninety-four subjects were studied. Cartilage repair procedures were performed on 34 patients (osteochondral transplantation, n = 16; microfracture, n = 18); 34 controls were matched. An additional 13 patients received CR and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (CR&ACL), and 13 patients received only ACL reconstruction. Magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0-tesla with T1ρ mapping and sagittal fat-saturated intermediate-weighted fast spin echo (FSE) sequences was performed to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze menisci (Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score [WORMS] assessment). Patients in the CR and CR&ACL groups were examined 4 months (n = 34; n = 13), 1 year (n = 21; n = 8), and 2 years (n = 9; n = 5) after CR. Control subjects were scanned at baseline and after 1 and 2 years, ACL patients after 1 and 2 years. Results: At baseline, global meniscus T1ρ values (mean ± SEM) were higher in individuals with CR (14.2 ± 0.5 ms; P = .004) and in individuals with CR&ACL (17.1 ± 0.9 ms; P < .001) when compared with controls (12.8 ± 0.6 ms). After 2 years, there was a statistical difference between T1ρ at the overlying meniscus above cartilage defects (16.4 ± 1.0 ms) and T1ρ of the subgroup of control knees without cartilage defects (12.1 ± 0.8 ms; P < .001) and a statistical trend to the CR group (13.3 ± 1.0 ms; P = .09). At baseline, 35% of subjects with CR showed morphological meniscus tears at the overlying meniscus; 10% of CR subjects showed an increase in the WORMS meniscus score within the first year, and none progressed in the second year. Control subjects with (without) cartilage defects showed meniscus tears in 30% (5%) at baseline; 38% (19%) increased within the first year, and 15% (10%) within the second year. Conclusion: This study demonstrated more severe meniscus degeneration after CR surgery compared with controls. However, progression of T1ρ values was not observed from 1 to 2 years after surgery. These results suggest that CR may prevent degenerative meniscus changes.
Proteomic analysis of Taenia solium metacestode excretion–secretion proteins

The metacestode larval stage of Taenia solium is the causal agent of a zoonotic disease called cysticercosis. The disease has an important impact on pork trade (due to porcine cysticercosis) and public health (due to human neurocysticercosis). In order to improve the current diagnostic tools and to get a better understanding of the interaction between T. solium metacestodes and their host, there is a need for more information about the proteins that are released by the parasite. In this study, we used protein sequences from different helminths, 1DE, reversed‐phase LC, and MS/MS to analyze the excretion–secretion proteins produced by T. solium metacestodes from infected pigs. This is the first report of the T. solium metacestode excretion–secretion proteome. We report 76 proteins including 27 already described T. solium proteins, 17 host proteins and 32 proteins likely to be of T. solium origin, but identified using sequences from other helminths.
An Analysis of Monetary Voluntary Contributions for Cultural Resources: The Case of the British Museum

The study considers the factors affecting the levels of individual voluntary contributions for cultural tourist not-for-profit resources. The paper takes the British Museum (BM), London, as an example. The BM is the leading free-entry cultural tourist attraction in London. However, funding for the BM has decreased by over 30% in the past 10 years. The results illustrate the effect of formal and informal ‘communities of participation’ that generate obligations for voluntary contributions towards arts and cultural resources. The BM, the authors argue, should try to invest in cultural network enhancing infrastructure that could potentially encourage visitors to contribute voluntarily. It should also influence trust levels among potential donors by becoming more accountable. The authors argue that these policy initiatives could lower the transaction costs of pro-social behaviour.