Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Self-Organising in the Bitcoin Online Community: Code Forking as Organising in Digital Infrastructure

Digital infrastructures play an increasingly central role in shaping existing organisations and creating new ones. Research on digital infrastructure has rested on the assumption that infrastructures are developed to support pre-existing organised activities. However, with the rise of new digital infrastructures supporting open source projects and blockchain communities such as Bitcoin, development of the technological infrastructure also gives rise to a new way of self-organising. Specifically, forking of the underlying source code and subsequent community adoption is increasingly observed to trigger new patterns of self-organising. In order to explore and develop this concept, this paper investigates a case of such distributed digital community: the emergence of the Bitcoin community around a specific instantiation of the Blockchain infrastructure. Our study examines how the community emerges, and how changes in the source code lead to different patterns of self-organising. The paper develops a conceptual framework of self-organising in distributed communities emerging around digital infrastructures.
Connecting the dots: Stopover strategies of an intercontinental migratory songbird in the context of the annual cycle

Abstract The phases of the annual cycle for migratory species are inextricably linked. Yet, less than five percent of ecological studies examine seasonal interactions. In this study, we utilized stable hydrogen isotopes to geographically link individual black‐and‐white warblers (Mniotilta varia) captured during spring migration with breeding destinations to understand a migrant's stopover strategy in the context of other phases of the annual cycle. We found that stopover strategy is not only a function of a bird's current energetic state, but also the distance remaining to breeding destination and a bird's time‐schedule, which has previously been linked to habitat conditions experienced in the preceding phase of the annual cycle. Birds in close proximity to their breeding destination accumulate additional energy reserves prior to arrival on the breeding grounds, as reflected by higher migratory condition upon arrival, higher refueling rates measured via blood plasma metabolites, and longer stopover durations compared to birds migrating to breeding destinations farther from the stopover site. However, late birds near their breeding destination were more likely to depart on the day of arrival (i.e., transients), and among birds that stopped over at the site, the average duration of stopover was almost half the time of early conspecifics, suggesting late birds are trying to catch‐up with the overall time‐schedule of migration for optimal arrival time on the breeding grounds. In contrast, birds with long distances remaining to breeding destinations were more likely to depart on the day of arrival and primarily used stopover to rest before quickly resuming migration, adopting similar strategies regardless of a bird's time‐schedule. Our study demonstrates that migrants adjust their en route strategies in relation to their time‐schedule and distance remaining to their breeding destination, highlighting that strategies of migration should be examined in the context of other phases of the annual cycle.
Mechanism of Action of the Antiarrhythmic Agent AZD7009

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common tachyarrhythmia in the adult population and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. AF can be terminated and sinus rhythm restored by prolonging the action potential duration (APD) and the refractory period. Unfortunately, antiarrhythmic agents that prolong the APD and increase the refractory period via selective inhibition of the rapid delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr), i.e. class III antiarrhythmic drugs, are associated with an increased risk of the ventricular tachycardia Torsades de Pointes. AZD7009 is an antiarrhythmic agent with predominant actions on atrial electrophysiology that shows high antiarrhythmic efficacy and low proarrhythmic potential in animals and man. The aim of the current studies was to characterize the effect of AZD7009 on cardiac ion currents and APD in order to provide a mechanistic explanation for its predominant atrial effects and low proarrhythmic potential. The human cardiac ion channels hERG (IKr), Kv1.5 (IKur), Kv4.3/KChIP2.2 (Ito), KvLQT1/minK (IKs), Kir3.1/Kir3.4 (IKACh) and Nav1.5 (INa) were expressed in mammalian cells. Whole-cell currents were inhibited by AZD7009 with the following IC50 values: hERG 0.6 μM, Nav1.5 8 μM, Kv4.3/KChIP2.2 24 μM, Kv1.5 27 μM, Kir3.1/Kir3.4 166 μM and KvLQT1/minK 193 μM. Whole-cell sodium and calcium currents were recorded in isolated rabbit atrial and ventricular myocytes using amphotericin B perforated patch. The late sodium current in rabbit atrial and ventricular myocytes was inhibited by AZD7009 in a concentration dependent way, with approximately 50% inhibition at 10 μM AZD7009. The L-type Ca 2+ current (ICaL) in rabbit ventricular myocytes was inhibited with an IC50 of 90 μM. Transmembrane action potentials were recorded in tissue pieces from rabbit atrium, ventricle and Purkinje fibre in control, during exposure to the selective IKr blocker E-4031 and to E-4031 in combination with AZD7009. In Purkinje fibres, but not in ventricular tissue, AZD7009 attenuated the E-4031-induced APD prolongation. In contrast, in atrial cells, AZD7009 further prolonged the APD. In addition, AZD7009 was able to suppress early afterdepolarisations (EADs) induced by E-4031 in Purkinje fibre preparations. In conclusion, AZD7009 delays repolarisation and increases refractoriness in atrial tissue through synergistic inhibition of IKr, Ito, IKur and INa, a mixed ion channel blockade that may underlie its high antiarrhythmic efficacy. Inhibition of the late sodium current, counteracting excessive APD prolongation and EADs in susceptible cells (midmyocardial and Purkinje cells), may explain the low proarrhythmic potential of AZD7009.
Preventive effects of enoxaparin and hesperidin in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Acute pancreatitis accounts for almost 250.000 hospital admissions annually in the United States. Most promising treatment approaches are preventive; however, little is known about the early factors initiating acute pancreatitis. We aimed to evaluate the preventive effects of enoxaparin and hesperidin in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS We used 70 Wistar albino rats for this study. Rats were divided into 7 groups: control group, and groups that were administered cerulein(Group 2), enoxaparin (Group 3), hesperidin (Group 4), cerulein with enoxaparin (Group 5), cerulein with hesperidin (Group 6), and cerulein with both enoxaparin and hesperidin (Group 7). Edema formation; leukocyte infiltration; measurement of the amylase level, pancreatic tissue weight, and pancreatic tissue oxidative capacity; and chemiluminescence using luminol, lucigenin, and nitric oxide levels as indices of tissue oxidative capacity were used to evaluate pancreatitis. RESULTS Acute edematous mild pancreatitis was induced in groups 2, 5, and 6 by cerulein injections. Enoxaparin and hesperidin significantly decreased (p < 0.001) all the tested parameters in these rats. Enoxaparin and hesperidin did not offer complete protection but showed 50% decrease in edema formation. The preventive agents showed no superiority to each other. Further, when enoxaparin and hesperidin were used in combination, no significant additive effects with regard to anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative actions were present. CONCLUSION We showed that both enoxaparin and hesperidin exerted significant preventive effects in all the parameters related to acute pancreatitis in our experimental rat model.
Odontoblast‐targeted Bcl‐2 overexpression impairs dentin formation

Apoptosis has been described extensively in tooth development, which is under tight control of multiple apoptosis regulators, including anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2. However, it is totally unclear how Bcl‐2 is related to odontogenesis, especially dentinogenesis. Using a transgenic mouse Col2.3Bcl‐2 in which human Bcl‐2 was overexpressed in odontoblasts, the effect of Bcl‐2 on dentinogenesis was investigated. Overexpression of Bcl‐2 was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Odontoblast apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL and Western blot detection of cleaved caspase‐3. Odontoblast differentiation was assessed by real‐time PCR detection of dentin matrix expression. Dentin mineralization was evaluated by micro‐CT in vivo, and alizarin red S staining and calcium content analysis in vitro. Bcl‐2 was found to be overexpressed in odontoblasts and prevent their apoptosis. Odontoblast differentiation and mineralization was inhibited by Bcl‐2, as evidenced by lower expressions of DMP‐1, OC, and DSPP, and decreased odontoblast mineralization in vitro, as well as decreased dentin thickness and mineral density in vivo when compared to the wild‐type animals. Inhibition of odontoblast differentiation by Bcl‐2 occurs, at least partially, via a suppression of MEK‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, Bcl‐2 overexpression prevents odontoblast apoptosis and impairs dentin formation, partially via an inhibition of odontoblast differentiation. This study revealed some novel functions of Bcl‐2 in dentinogenesis in addition to its anti‐apoptotic effect, which shed some light on the genetic complexity of tooth development. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 425–432, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Down will Come Baby, Cradle and All: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications of Chronic Trauma on Child Development

Objective: This review examines the clinical outcomes associated with exposure to chronic intrafamilial trauma and explores the treatment of the psychological, biological and cognitive sequelae. Method: The existing research literature on the subject was collected, using Index Medicus/MEDLINE, Psychological Abstracts and the PILOTS database. The research findings were supplemented with clinical observations by the authors and other clinical writings on this topic. Results: Children with histories of exposure to multiple traumatic experiences within their families or in medical settings usually meet criteria for numerous clinical diagnoses, none of which capture the complexity of their biological, emotional and cognitive problems. These are expressed in a multitude of psychological, cognitive, somatic and behavioural problems, ranging from learning disabilities to aggression against self and others. Conclusions: Exposure to intrafamilial violence and other chronic trauma results in pervasive psychological and biological deficits. Treatment needs to address issues of safety, stabilise impulsive aggression against self and others, promote mastery experiences, compensate for specific developmental deficits, and judiciously process both the traumatic memories and trauma-related expectations.
Gastric blood flow responses to autonomic nerve stimulation and related pharmacological studies in rats

The effects of autonomic nerve stimulation on rat gastric blood flow (GBF) were studied using a cross thermocouple method. Stimulation of the periarterial nerve bundles along the left gastric artery produced a decrease in GBF which was antagonized by phenoxybenzamine (0·05 mg kg−1 i.v.), but not by propranolol (1 mg kg−1 i.v.). Stimulation of the vagus nerves elicited an increase in GBF, within a latency of 20 s, which was not apparently affected by atropine (0·15 and 1·5 mg kg−1 i.v.) but was completely blocked by hexamethonium (10 mg kg−1 i.v.). The GBF increase due to acetylcholine (0·25 μg rat−1 i.a.) was markedly blocked by atropine (0·15 mg kg−1 i.v.). Vagal stimulation also produced both the cholinergic excitation and non‐cholinergic inhibition of gastric motility. The vagally induced GBF increase was little affected by any pretreatment with phentolamine, propranolol, indomethacin or aprotinin. These results suggest that sympathetic nerve stimulation decreases GBF through α‐adrenoceptors and parasympathetic nerve stimulation increases GBF through a non‐cholinergic mechanism in rats and that the GBF increase may result from a primary dilator effect of vagal stimulation on the blood vessels because of the immediate initiation of the response.
Primary osteoarthrosis of the knee or hip. Prevalence of Heberden nodes in relation to age and sex.

One hundred twenty probands with primary osteoarthrosis of the hip or knee were examined prospectively; there were 194 controls. In addition, 193 patients with hip or knee arthrosis were examined retrospectively. Restriction of rotation on physical examination accurately differentiated arthrotic hips from normal ones. Among women, 38% of the controls and 49% of the probands had Heberden nodes (P more than .1). Their prevalence increased with age. Individuals with multiple arthrosis joints were not older than those with single joint involvement, and they has a similar prevalence of nodes. Of the probands, 14% had arthrosis of both the knee and hip. Of those with bilateral hip arthrosis, 33% had knee arthrosis as well. Heberden nodes are unrelated to osteoarthrosis of the knee or hip. Knee and hip arthroses frequently occur together and remain confined to the initially affected joints. They may have a common cause.
Computer-Assisted Diagnosis in Colposcopy: Results of a Preliminary Experiment?

Purpose: Diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is currently based on the histological result of an aiming biopsy. This preliminary study investigated whether diagnostics for CIN can potentially be improved using semiautomatic colposcopic image analysis. Methods: 198 women with unremarkable or abnormal smears underwent colposcopy examinations. 375 regions of interest (ROIs) were manually marked on digital screen shots of the streaming documentation, which we provided during our colposcopic examinations (39 normal findings, 41 CIN I, and 118 CIN II–III). These ROIs were classified into two groups (211 regions with normal findings and CIN I, and 164 regions with CIN II–III). We developed a prototypical computer-assisted diagnostic (CAD) device based on image-processing methods to automatically characterize the color, texture, and granulation of the ROIs. Results: Using n-fold cross-validation, the CAD system achieved a maximum diagnostic accuracy of 80% (sensitivity 85% and specificity 75%) corresponding to a correct assignment of abnormal or unremarkable findings. Conclusions: The CAD system may be able to play a supportive role in the further diagnosis of CIN, potentially paving the way for new and enhanced developments in colposcopy-based diagnosis.
A Unified Multiple-Scales Approach to One-Dimensional Composite Materials and Multiphase Flow

The method of multiple scales is adapted to homogenization problems in which the size of the unit cell is not constant but varies with the solution (corresponding to frequency modulation as well as amplitude modulation). The method is illustrated by two one-dimensional examples taken from solid mechanics and fluid mechanics, respectively, namely, the nonlinear elastic deformation of a composite material and the ab initio derivation of the equations of multiphase slug flow.
Mirtazapine add‐on therapy in the treatment of schizophrenia with atypical antipsychotics: a double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Schizophrenia is a multifaceted illness with positive, negative and cognitive symptom domains. Standard treatments often focus on positive symptoms and may not adequately relieve other symptoms. Previous studies have suggested a role for mirtazapine in schizophrenia, particularly in negative symptoms. This study investigates the efficacy of adding mirtazapine to treatment as usual to alleviate the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Marketing Communication Drivers of Adoption Timing of a New E-Service among Existing Customers

This study investigates the effects of direct marketing communications and mass marketing communications on the adoption timing of a new e-service among existing customers. The mass marketing communications pertain to both specific new service advertising and brand advertising from both the focal supplier and the competitors. Using a split-hazard approach, the authors determine the effects of the considered marketing communications on adoption timing, accounting for a significant part of the customer base that never adopts the new e-service. They analyze individual adoption behavior with a sample of 6000 customers of a Dutch telecommunications operator over 25 months. The empirical results show that service advertising shortens the time to adoption, even when it is initiated by competitors. Furthermore, an exploratory analysis of the interaction effects between relationship characteristics and marketing efforts suggests that certain mass marketing efforts have a greater effect on loyal customers.
Identification and Characterization of Inhibitors of Multidrug Resistance Efflux Pumps in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Novel Agents for Combination Therapy

ABSTRACT Whole-cell assays were implemented to search for efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) of the three multidrug resistance efflux pumps (MexAB-OprM, MexCD-OprJ, MexEF-OprN) that contribute to fluoroquinolone resistance in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Secondary assays were developed to identify lead compounds with exquisite activities as inhibitors. A broad-spectrum EPI which is active against all three known Mex efflux pumps from P. aeruginosa and their close Escherichia coli efflux pump homolog (AcrAB-TolC) was discovered. When this compound, MC-207,110, was used, the intrinsic resistance of P. aeruginosa to fluoroquinolones was decreased significantly (eightfold for levofloxacin). Acquired resistance due to the overexpression of efflux pumps was also decreased (32- to 64-fold reduction in the MIC of levofloxacin). Similarly, 32- to 64-fold reductions in MICs in the presence of MC-207,110 were observed for strains with overexpressed efflux pumps and various target mutations that confer resistance to levofloxacin (e.g., gyrA andparC). We also compared the frequencies of emergence of levofloxacin-resistant variants in the wild-type strain at four times the MIC of levofloxacin (1 μg/ml) when it was used either alone or in combination with EPI. In the case of levofloxacin alone, the frequency was ∼10−7 CFU/ml. In contrast, with an EPI, the frequency was below the level of detection (<10−11). In summary, we have demonstrated that inhibition of efflux pumps (i) decreased the level of intrinsic resistance significantly, (ii) reversed acquired resistance, and (iii) resulted in a decreased frequency of emergence of P. aeruginosa strains that are highly resistant to fluoroquinolones.
Internal Success Factor of Hotel Occupancy Rate

The rapid economic growth in Malaysia has had positive impact on the hospitality sector of the country. This sector is has been one of the significant contributors to the nation's GNP. To meet the growing demand of hospitality industry, owners have been actively upgrading hotels and resort. Nonetheless, to be able stay competitive in the industry, it is crucial for hotel operators to consistently improve their internal factors towards achieving successful occupancy rate, as it is the yardstick to improve revenue. The first objective of this study is to determine the internal success factors that have the greatest impact on the hotel occupancy rate. The other objective is to suggest recommendation to improve the occupancy rate. Cross-sectional survey was applied to 200 respondents where only 135 questionnaires were returned. The overall finding of this study suggests that the success of hotel operation depends on how well hotel are able to fulfill and meet customers’ expectation. Invariably, exceeding these expectation will lead to customer satisfaction. Further this study provides some insights and invaluable information in the management of the hotel industry. With this regard, hotel owners will be able to improve their current method of operation and management of hotels. It is envisaged that this study serve as reference for future research in the hotel industry. Keyword: Hotel, occupancy rate, internal success factors
Upregulation of [3H]methyllycaconitine binding sites following continuous infusion of nicotine, without changes of α7 or α6 subunit mRNA: an autoradiography and in situ hybridization study in rat brain

It is well established that exposure of experimental animals to nicotine results in upregulation of the α4β2‐subtype of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nicotine on the levels of α7‐nAChRs in rat brain, for which only partial information is available. Rats were infused with nicotine (3 mg/kg/day) or saline for 2 weeks and their brains processed for receptor autoradiography with [3H]methyllycaconitine (MLA), a radioligand with nanomolar affinity for α7‐nAChRs. In control rats binding was high in hippocampus, intermediate in cerebral cortex and hypothalamus, and low in striatum, thalamus and cerebellum. There was high correlation between the distribution of [3H]MLA binding sites and α7 subunit mRNA (r = 0.816).
An Exploratory Smartphone Measurement: Perception vs. Actual Use

Smartphones have become an integral part of our everyday lives. Having in-depth insights on how people use and deal with the devices, services and applications has increasingly become a necessity for many actors in mobile sector. As such, in the current study, an empirical study regarding the smartphone usage of 88 respondents has been conducted aiming to provide understandings on how smartphones are being used. To do so, a survey-based questionnaire supported by a diary study has been used to collect the log data. The results show there is hardly a correlation between what people use and what they perceive they do. The findings show that the respondents were accurate in assessing only few services, whereas for the majority of services, their assessments were not accurate.
Factors associated with Taiwanese lesbians’ breast health-care behavior and intentions: Qualitative interview findings

ABSTRACT This article presents the qualitative findings of a mixed-methods study that explored factors influencing lesbians’ breast health-care behavior and intentions. A total of 37 semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted among women who self-identified as lesbians or women who partnered with the same gender who were aged 20 years or above in four areas of Taiwan (North, Central, South, and East Taiwan) between August 2012 and October 2012. Interviews were audio recorded with participants’ consent. The interviews were analyzed using constant comparative analysis with Nvivo audio-coding support. Four themes were identified to be strongly associated with the lesbians’ breast health-care behavior and their intentions, namely, gender identity, gender role expression, partners’ support, and concerns about health-care providers’ reactions. Important barriers to the women’s breast health-care behavior and intentions were masculine identity (“T-identity” in Taiwan), masculine appearance, concerns about health-care providers’ lack of knowledge of multiple gender diversity, and their attitudes toward lesbians. Conversely, their partners’ support was a factor facilitating the women’s breast health-care behavior and intentions, particularly for the T-identity lesbians. These findings suggest the significance of and need for culturally competent care and are important for improving Taiwanese lesbians’ breast health.