Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information Quality Assessment and Effects on Inventory Decision-Making

Information quality has become a critical concern to the success of organisations. Numerous business initiatives have been delayed or even cancelled, citing poor-quality information as the main reason. Previous research indicated that under-standing the effects of information quality is critical to the success of organisations. However, little research has been done to analyse the effects of information quality in an organisational context. In order to address this drawback, the objective of this thesis is to systematically analyse the effects of information quality on decision-making. In order to achieve this objective, we propose a practical assessment framework that allows us to measure information quality dimensions and categories. This framework was validated using a real-world database. With the help of this assessment framework we gained in-depth insights into the effects of information quality on decision quality. Our results showed that the categories of intrinsic and contextual information quality are positively related to decision quality. However decision quality is not significantly affected by representational information quality. It is also found that in contrast to consistency, increasing information accuracy and completeness can significantly improve decision quality. From our results we concluded that not all the aspects of information quality are equally effective for the improvement of decision quality. Decision-makers could decide to pay little or no attention to the improvement of representational information quality and information consistency. This finding will directly reduce the cost of information quality improvement. For practical implementations, our results concluded a validated framework that allows software engineers to implement assessment. Comparing our framework with other common frameworks that require soft-ware engineers to understand information quality theory, our framework helps soft-ware engineers to follow a step-by-step procedure to build an application of information quality assessment. It will directly increase software engineers' work efficiency.
Effects of contract‐relax vs static stretching on stretch‐induced strength loss and length–tension relationship

The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effects of contract‐relax stretching (CRS) vs static stretching (SS) on strength loss and the length‐tension relationship. We hypothesized that there would be a greater muscle length‐specific effect of CRS vs SS. Isometric hamstring strength was measured in 20 healthy people at four knee joint angles (90°, 70°, 50°, 30°) before and after stretching. One leg received SS, the contralateral received CRS. Both stretching techniques resulted in significant strength loss, which was most apparent at short muscle lengths [SS: P = 0.025; stretching × angle P < 0.001; 11.7% at 90° P < 0.01; 5.6% at 70° nonsignificant (ns); 1.3% at 50° ns; −3.7% at 30° ns. CRS: P < 0.001; stretching × angle P < 0.001; 17.7% at 90°, 13.4% at 70°, 11.4% at 50°, all P < 0.01, 4.3% at 30° ns]. The overall stretch‐induced strength loss was greater (P = 0.015) after CRS (11.7%) vs SS (3.7%). The muscle length effect on strength loss was not different between CRS and SS (stretching × angle × stretching technique P = 0.43). Contrary to the hypothesis, CRS did not result in a greater shift in the length–tension relationship, and in fact, resulted in greater overall strength loss compared with SS. These results support the use of SS for stretching the hamstrings.
Allosteric activation of cytochrome P450 3A4 by efavirenz facilitates midazolam binding

Abstract 1. The purpose of this study is to investigate the heteroactivation mechanism of CYP3A4 by efavirenz, which enhances metabolism of midazolam in vivo, in terms of its binding to CYP3A4 with in vitro spectroscopic methods. 2. Efavirenz exhibited a type II spectral change with binding to CYP3A4 indicating a possible inhibitor. Although dissociation constant (K d) was approximated as 520 μM, efavirenz enhanced binding affinity of midazolam as a co-existing drug with an estimated iK d value of 5.6 µM which is comparable to a clinical concentration. 3. Efavirenz stimulated the formation of 1′-hydroxymidazolam, and the product formation rate (V max) concentration-dependently increased without changing the K m. Besides, an efavirenz analogue, [6-chloro-1,4-dihydro-4-(1-pentynyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-2-one] (efavirenz impurity) slightly facilitated the binding affinity of midazolam in a concentration-dependent manner. These results propose that efavirenz affects midazolam-binding via binding to the peripheral site which is apart from the active site of CYP3A4. 4. A molecular dynamics simulation also suggested the bound-efavirenz was repositioned to effector-binding site. As a consequence, our spectroscopic studies clarified the heteroactivation of CYP3A4 caused by efavirenz with a proper affinity to the peripheral site, and we concluded the method can be a useful tool for characterising the potential for drug–drug interactions.
Validation of the Norwegian Version of Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire

Study Design. Cross-sectional and longitudinal designs within a prospective cohort study. Objective. Translation of Hannover Functional Ability Questionnaire (FFbH-R) into Norwegian and examination of its factor structure, internal consistency, reproducibility, construct validity, and responsiveness in patients with long-lasting back pain. Summary of Background Data. Several condition-specific instruments have been developed to evaluate functional status in low back pain, but FFbH-R was the only instrument found to solely measure perceived capability of performing daily activities. Methods. Recommended guidelines for translation of questionnaires and quality criteria for validation were followed. A total of 111 patients (aged 18–65 years) with long-lasting back pain were consecutively recruited from an outpatient spine clinic. Two additional samples of patients with long-lasting back pain were added into the exploratory factor analysis, giving a total number of 224 patients. Predefined hypotheses regarding construct and longitudinal validity (responsiveness) were examined. Results. Factor analysis indicated that 2 items should be removed, resulting in a 3-factor solution as the best fit. The factors were related to flexibility, dynamic strength, and posture endurance. Satisfactory internal consistency and reproducibility were demonstrated for the total and subscales of the Norwegian version of FFbH-R. Most of the predefined hypothesis regarding construct and longitudinal validity were confirmed, and discriminate ability was shown. Minor floor and ceiling effects were demonstrated. Conclusion. Psychometric properties of the Norwegian version of FFbH-R were satisfactory in patients with long-lasting back pain, but the dynamic strength and posture endurance subscales might be complemented with additional items.
Long-term Forecasts of Age-specific Labour Market Participation Rates with Functional Data Models

Many countries have implemented social programmes providing long-term financial or in-kind entitlements. These programmes often focus on specific age-groups and consequently their expenditure streams are subject to demographic change. Given the strains already existing on public budgets, long-term forecasts are an increasingly important instrument to monitor the budgetary consequences of social programmes. The expected development of the labour force is a key input to these forecasts. We suggest combining a functional data approach to age-profiles of labour market participation rates with information on education, marital status and other exogenous variables to improve long-term forecasts of labour supply.
Evolution of mitochondrial DNA and its relation to basal metabolic rate

Abstract Energy metabolism is essential for the survival of animals, which can be characterized by maximum metabolic rate (MMR) and basal metabolic rate (BMR). Because of the crucial roles of mitochondria in energy metabolism, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been subjected to stronger purifying selection in strongly locomotive than weakly locomotive birds and mammals. Although maximum locomotive speed (an indicator of MMR) showed a negative correlation with the evolutionary rate of mtDNA, it is unclear whether BMR has driven the evolution of mtDNA. Here, we take advantage of the large amount of mtDNA and BMR data in 106 mammals to test whether BMR has influenced the mtDNA evolution. Our results showed that, in addition to the locomotive speed, mammals with higher BMR have subjected to stronger purifying selection on mtDNA than did those with lower BMR. The evolution of mammalian mtDNA has been modified by two levels of energy metabolism, including MMR and BMR. Our study provides a more comprehensive view of mtDNA evolution in relation to energy metabolism.
Evaluation of the nutritional quality and acceptability of sorghum-based tempe as potential weaning foods in Tanzania

Six types of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)-based tempe were developed by blending with various combinations and quantities of either bambara groundnut, sesame, cowpea, pigeonpea, common bean, mungbean, soybean, or groundnut (peanut) seeds. Their mixtures were then soaked and solid-state fermented by Rhizopus oligosporus to produce tempe. Soaking resulted in the loss of minerals. Mould fermentation did not change the proximate and mineral composition, but increased the in vitro protein digestibility by 10 to 14.1%. Tempe processing reduced the tannin content by 30.4 to 94.0%. The protein content of tempe ranged from 16.0 to 18.6%; the amino acid score, 63.0 to 69.0%; protein energy, 14.2 to 16.8%; net dietary protein energy, 7.3 to 8.4%; and total energy, 416.0 to 441.0 Kcal/100 g of tempe. The developed tempe had protein quality and energy recommended for weaning foods. The deep-fried snacks were mildly acceptable. More research work and promotion are proposed in order to improve the acceptability of sorghum-based tempe as potential weaning or supplementary foods in Tanzania.
Emerging treatments for the prevention of type 1 diabetes

Importance of the field: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease caused by a combination of various genetic and environmental factors. Insulin remains the only treatment available for type 1 diabetes. The metabolic and psychological benefits of endogenous insulin cannot be understated for these individuals. Areas covered in this review: Intervention in type 1 diabetes could occur at various stages of the development of the disease. Recent improvements in our knowledge about the pathophysiology of β-cell destruction have led to the development of new therapeutic agents. Some of the promising strategies include environmental factor modifications, use of insulin, mAb therapies (otelixizumab, rituximab, abatacept), immunosuppression, Diapep 277 or use of GAD65. What the reader will gain: This is a review of the various strategies for prevention of type 1 diabetes that are currently being evaluated. Data on the efficacy and safety of some of these emerging drugs for the treatment of type 1 diabetes are presented. Take home message: Some of these new drugs by themselves or by way of opening up new research frontiers may hold the key to the ‘cure’ of type 1 diabetes that millions of people across the globe are hoping for.
Mapping the molecular determinants of BRAF oncogene dependence in human lung cancer

Significance Oncogenic mutations in the BRAF kinase occur in 6–8% of nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), but the biological and clinical relevance of these mutations is unclear. We uncovered mechanisms of resistance to BRAF inhibition in NSCLC using an integrated functional chemical genetics approach in human BRAF-mutant NSCLC cells and clinical specimens. Our results provide biological insights into the regulation of BRAF oncogene dependence and identify strategies to optimize outcomes in BRAF-mutant NSCLC patients. Oncogenic mutations in the BRAF kinase occur in 6–8% of nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), accounting for more than 90,000 deaths annually worldwide. The biological and clinical relevance of these BRAF mutations in NSCLC is incompletely understood. Here we demonstrate that human NSCLC cells with BRAFV600E, but not other BRAF mutations, initially are sensitive to BRAF-inhibitor treatment. However, these BRAFV600E NSCLC cells rapidly acquire resistance to BRAF inhibition through at least one of two discrete molecular mechanisms: (i) loss of full-length BRAFV600E coupled with expression of an aberrant form of BRAFV600E that retains RAF pathway dependence or (ii) constitutive autocrine EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling driven by c-Jun–mediated EGFR ligand expression. BRAFV600E cells with EGFR-driven resistance are characterized by hyperphosphorylated protein kinase AKT, a biomarker we validated in BRAF inhibitor-resistant NSCLC clinical specimens. These data reveal the multifaceted molecular mechanisms by which NSCLCs establish and regulate BRAF oncogene dependence, provide insights into BRAF–EGFR signaling crosstalk, and uncover mechanism-based strategies to optimize clinical responses to BRAF oncogene inhibition.
Gamma Interferon Dominates the Murine Cytokine Response to the Agent of Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis and Helps To Control the Degree of Early Rickettsemia

ABSTRACT The cytokine response to the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) was assessed in a murine infection model and the role of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), a cytokine that is crucial for host defenses against intracellular pathogens, was investigated by using IFN-γ-deficient mice. The agent of HGE (aoHGE) is an obligate intracellular bacterium that survives within neutrophils: morulae (vacuoles containing HGE organisms) are evident in polymorphonuclear leukocytes of experimentally infected immunocompetent mice for 1 to 2 weeks. We now show that IFN-γ levels increase during early infection of C3H/HeN or C57BL/6 mice with HGE bacteria. Moreover, in response to aoHGE extracts or concanavalin A, splenocytes from ehrlichia-infected mice produced more IFN-γ and less interleukin-4 than controls, suggesting that aoHGE partially skewed the immune response towards a Th1 phenotype. Absolute concentration of morulae containing neutrophils in blood was 122 ± 22 cells/μl on day 8. The bacterial DNA burden was also highest on day 8 and then declined after IFN-γ levels peaked. In contrast, IFN-γ-deficient mice had a markedly elevated HGE bacteria burden with morulae concentration of 282 ± 48 cells/μl on day 5 (P = 0.004) and 242 ± 63 cells/μl on day 8 (P = 0.005). Rickettsemia resolved in immunocompetent and IFN-γ deficient mice after 2 weeks, while both the immunocompetent and the IFN-γ-deficient mice had increased serum antibodies against aoHGE antigens at this time point. These data demonstrate that the HGE agent elicits a prominent IFN-γ response in mice and that IFN-γ is important in controlling the degree of rickettsemia during the early phase of infection, while IFN-γ independent mechanisms play a role at later time points.
Inhibition by Oxisuran of Cell-Mediated Hypersensitivity by Decrease in Numbers of Specifically Sensitized Cells

Oxisuran, 2-([methylsulfinyl]acetyl)pyridine, has previously been shown to selectively suppress cell-mediated immunity, as measured by prolongation of allograft survival, without inhibition of humoral immunity. In the present investigation, the influence of this compound on lymphoid cell transfer of delayed hypersensitivity was studied. In actively sensitized animals, including endotoxin-sensitized mice and rabbits, ovalbumin-, dinitrochlorobenzene-, and dinitrofluorobenzene-sensitive guinea pigs, or tuberculin-sensitive rats, daily treatment during the interval just preceding the elicitation and expression of the hypersensitivity was most inhibitory. In both endotoxin-sensitive mice and ovalbumin-sensitive guinea pigs, treatment of the sensitized cell donor just prior to lymphoid cell harvest and transfer resulted in inhibition of the expression of the hypersensitivity in untreated recipients. Approximately 104 fewer specifically sensitized lymphoid cells, but not fewer viable cells, were present in passively transferred cell preparations. In contrast, treatment of the lymphoid cell recipient in the same experimental model did not influence the expression of the transferred hypersensitivity. The results suggest that oxisuran may influence an as yet undefined event prior to the expression of a cell-mediated hypersensitivity response in sensitized animals.
Whole Genome Sequencing of an Unusual Serotype of Shiga Toxin–producing Escherichia coli

Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli serotype O117:K1:H7 is a cause of persistent diarrhea in travelers to tropical locations. Whole genome sequencing identified genetic mechanisms involved in the pathoadaptive phenotype. Sequencing also identified toxin and putative adherence genes flanked by sequences indicating horizontal gene transfer from Shigella dysenteriae and Salmonella spp. , respectively.
Differential effects of captopril and nicardipine on baroreflex control of sympathetic nerve activity and heart rate in renal hypertension

Objective: To test the hypothesis that an angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker have different effects on the arterial baroreflex in renal hypertension. Design and methods: We examined the baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity and heart rate before and after blood pressure was reduced by a similar magnitude (11 ± 1 mmHg) with intravenous captopril or nicardipine in two‐kidney, one clip hypertensive (mean arterial pressure 92±2 mmHg, n = 12) and normotensive rabbits (mean arterial pressure 75 ± 1 mmHg, n = 9) in the conscious state. Data obtained during activation and deactivation of baroreceptors were analysed with logistic function curves, and the maximum slope of the curve was taken as the sensitivity of the baroreflex. Results: The maximum slopes of the curves relating mean arterial pressure to renal sympathetic nerve activity and to the heart rate in hypertensive rabbits were significantly smaller than the maximum slopes in normotensive rabbits. In renal hypertensive rabbits, the maximum slope of the mean arterial pressure‐renal sympathetic nerve activity curve was increased with captopril compared with that with vehicle. In contrast, the maximum slope of the mean arterial pressure‐heart rate curve was increased with nicardipine compared with that with vehicle. Conclusions: Our data indicating that the baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity was improved by captopril and that baroreflex control of the heart rate was potentiated by nicardipine suggest that these classes of antihypertensive agents had differential effects in conscious hypertensive rabbits.
Evidence for resistance to MPTP in C57BL/6 × BALA/c F1 hybrids as compared with their progenitor strains

The neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is capable of producing a syndrome in mice which shares major characteristics with human Parkinson's disease. There is evidence for a genetic influence on the degree of damage exerted by MPTP, since different strains of mice can dramatically differ in their response to MPTP. We produced reciprocal F1 hybrids by crossbreeding the MPTP-susceptible C57BL/6 strain with resistant BALB/c. These hybrids were compared to the parental strains using neural and behavioral measures in order to characterize the genetic transmission of MPTP-susceptibility. The F1 generation as a whole had a lower depletion of neostriatal dopamine levels than even found in BALB/c. Furthermore, there was no significant loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra and quick recovery from deficits in motor behavior in F1, herein resembling BALB/c. We suggest that several loci are involved in susceptibility to MPTP, and that the trait is under control of recessive susceptibility and/or dominant resistance alleles, which interact in F1, leading to extremely low susceptibility.
Comparison of preanesthetic sedation in pediatric patients with oral and intranasal midazolam

Background and Aims: Preoperative anxiety in children leading to postoperative negative changes and long-term behavioral problems needs better preanesthetic sedation. Across the world, midazolam is the most commonly used premedicant in pediatric patients. The fact that no single route has achieved universal acceptance for its administration suggests that each route has its own merits and demerits. This study compares oral midazolam syrup and intranasal midazolam spray as painless and needleless systems of drug administration for preanesthetic sedation in children. Material and Methods: With randomization, Group O (30 children): Received oral midazolam syrup 0.5 mg/kg and Group IN (30 children): Received intranasal midazolam spray 0.2 mg/kg. Every child was observed for acceptance of drug, response to drug administration, sedation scale, separation score, acceptance to mask, recovery score and side effects of drug. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test, standard error of the difference between two means and Chi-square test. Results: In Group O and IN, 15/30 children (50%) and 7/30 children (23%) accepted drug easily (P < 0.05); 4/22 children (18%) in Group O and 11/20 children (55%) in Group IN cried after drug administration (P < 0.05). In both the groups, sedation at 20 min after premedication (Group O [80%] 24/30 vs. Group IN [77%] 23/30), parental separation and acceptance to mask were comparable (P > 0.05); 12/30 children (40%) in Group IN showed transient nasal irritation. Conclusion: Oral midazolam and intranasal midazolam spray produce similar anxiolysis and sedation, but acceptance of drug and response to drug administration is better with oral route.
Response of swine to periparturient vitamin C supplementation.

Two experiments were conducted, involving 68 third-litter sows and 20 first-litter gilts in Exp. 1 and 82 first-litter gilts in Exp. 2. On d 108 of gestation, the dams were moved into individual crates, stratified by parity and breed, and randomly assigned within strata, to one of two treatments: (1) fed a basal 16% protein corn-soybean meal diet, 1.8 and 2.7 kg once daily before farrowing and for the first 7 d of lactation, respectively, and then ad libitum until pigs were weaned at 28 d of age, and (2) fed the basal diet plus 1 g of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C)/dam daily from d 108 of gestation through d 7 of lactation and on the same feeding schedule as for treatment 1. In Exp. 1, no effect of vitamin C supplementation was observed in sows or gilts on total pigs born/litter, number of live pigs/litter or average live pig weight at birth, 7 or 28 d of age, or on plasma vitamin C concentration of dams at d 108 of gestation or d 7 of lactation or of pigs at birth, 7 or 28 d of age. However, there was a lower (P less than .01) plasma vitamin C concentration of the dams at d 7 of lactation than at d 108 of gestation. Plasma vitamin C concentration also declined (P less than .01) as pigs aged. In Exp. 2, with all gilts, vitamin C supplementation again showed no effect on any of the reproductive traits measured in Exp. 1. It is concluded that daily supplementation of 1 g of vitamin C to either sows or gilts from d 108 of gestation through d 7 of lactation has no beneficial effect on the reproductive or lactation performance of swine.