Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cloud-Based Mobile-Retail Application for Textile Cyberpreneurs: Task-Technology Fit Perspective Analysis

Cloud computing and mobile computing paradigms have enhanced the usage of current technology among people from various sectors to perform certain required tasks. The combination of these two paradigms have also created the existence of cloud-based mobile applications that are designed to be useful in business environments, such as to be used by textile cyberpreneurs for m-retail transaction. As cloud adoption was previously low among Malaysian entrepreneurs, the usage intention factors of related cloud technology and services should be determined for better clarification and future technology enhancements. Besides, studies on m-retail or m-shopping adoption in Malaysia were merely focused on customer's perspectives rather than retailer's perspectives. In measuring the suitability of Cloud-based M-Retail (CBMR) application with the task requirements of textile cyberpreneurs, Task-Technology Fit (TTF) model is used as the basis of this research. Results from a pilot study, through a survey of selected group of textile cyberpreneurs shows instrument's reliability and positive feedbacks to support the intention to use the technology. The future direction of the study in which to apply the instruments to a larger group of respondents is also discussed along with its potential contribution.
Soluble P‐Selectin Antagonist Mediates Rolling Velocity and Adhesion of Leukocytes in Acutely Inflamed Venules

Objective: Leukocyte rolling is recognized as an important event in facilitating the extravasation of leukocytes from the vascular to the interstitial compartment, and is mediated by the selectin family of cell adhesion molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate and characterize the rolling behavior of leukocytes in a model of acute inflammation using a novel soluble selectin ligand directed against P‐selectin.
Protective effects of 20‐hydroxyecdysone on CoCl2‐induced cell injury in PC12 cells

20‐Hydroxyecdysone, which is found in the rhizomes, roots and the stems of many plants, is an ecdysteroid hormone that regulates molting in insects. We have previously shown that 20‐Hydroxyecdysone could alleviate neurological deficits induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage in rabbits. Thus, we hypothesized that 20‐Hydroxyecdysone might protect neurons against hypoxic–ischemic injury. In present study, the effects of 20‐Hydroxyecdysone on cobalt chloride (CoCl2)‐induced cellular injury in PC12 cells was investigated. The incubation of PC12 cells with CoCl2 reduced the cell viability, increased the rate of apoptosis. However, when cells were treated with 20‐Hydroxyecdysone before or after CoCl2 exposure, the CoCl2‐induced cellular injuries were significantly ameliorated. In addition, 20‐Hydroxyecdysone dramatically reduced the CoCl2‐induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, inhibited the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol and increased the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio. Furthermore, 20‐Hydroxyecdysone eliminated the CoCl2‐induced activation of caspase‐3. Taken together, these results indicate that 20‐Hydroxyecdysone may protect PC12 cells against CoCl2‐induced cell injury by inhibiting ROS production and modulating components of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Based on our results, 20‐Hydroxyecdysone may be a potential candidate for intervention in hypoxic–ischemic brain injuries such as stroke. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1512–1521, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal hemoglobin concentration and adverse pregnancy outcomes at low and moderate altitudes in Peru

Objective: To identify associations of maternal hemoglobin (Hb) with perinatal outcomes at low and moderate altitudes in Peru. Methods: Study of records with sequential information using perinatal database system. The study included 295 651 pregnant women with their products. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, we estimated the probability of stillbirths, preterm and small for gestational age (SGA) births associated with maternal Hb levels at low (0–1999 m) and moderate altitudes (2000–2999 m). Results: Maternal Hb decreased as pregnancy progressed from first to third trimester at both altitudes. Hb was higher at moderate than at low altitude (p < 0.001). Risks for stillbirths increased with low maternal Hb (odds ratio [OR]: 1.39 for Hb 9–9.9; OR: 1.84 for Hb 8–8.9; OR: 3.25 for Hb 7–7.9; and OR: 7.8 for Hb <7 g/dl); with Hb higher than 14.5 g/dl (OR: 1.31) and with altitudes ≥2000 m (OR: 1.2). High preterm rates were also observed with low Hbs (OR: 1.16 for Hb 9–9.9; OR: 1.64 for Hb 8–8.9; OR: 2.25 for Hb 7–7.9; and OR:2.87 for Hb<7 g/dl) and with Hb higher than 14.5 g/dl (OR: 1.14). High SGA rates were observed in neonates with maternal Hb of 7–7.9 (OR: 1.35) and <7 g/dl (OR:1.57), and higher than 14.5 g/dl (OR: 1.33), and with moderate altitudes (OR: 1.12). The cut-off points for lower risks of stillbirth and preterm births was 10 g/dl, and for SGA 9 g/dl of hemoglobin. Conclusion: Low and high maternal Hb levels and moderate altitude were independent risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes.
Is a clinical target volume (CTV) necessary for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy? -a dosimetric evaluation of three different treatment plans.

Background The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of omitting the clinical target volume (CTV) in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) by comparing dosimetric characteristics of three different IMRT plans with or without CTV implementation. Methods Thirteen patients with stage III NSCLC were reviewed. Target volumes were contoured such that the planning target volume (PTV) derived from the gross tumor volume (GTV) directly was named PTV_g and that from GTV plus CTV margin was named PTV_c. The PTV margin to generate PTV_g or PTV_c was the same within each case. Three IMRT plans were retrospectively generated to deliver: (I) 60 Gy to PTV_g in plan_routine; (II) 60 Gy to PTV_c in plan_CTV, and (III) 50 Gy to PTV_c while the dose was simultaneously escalated to 60 Gy to PTV_g in plan_SIB, achieved using the simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique. Optimization was performed to minimize the dose volumes of the irradiated normal lung, heart, esophagus, and spinal cord. Dose distributions and dosimetric indexes for the target volumes and critical structures in the three plans were computed and compared. Results In plan_routine, the 50-Gy isodose line covered at least 95% of the GTV plus CTV margins in all 13 patients. The statistics showed better sparing of the organs at risk (OAR) in plan_routine than in plan_CTV, and the best OAR sparing in plan_SIB. Conclusions In patients with locally advanced lung cancer, IMRT planning without CTV implementation provides sufficient dose coverage of subclinical disease while reducing the dose to normal tissues. The omission of CTV was feasible in our cohort of patients. However, when CTV was implemented, IMRT planning that included the SIB technique had further dosimetric benefits to the patients. This strategy thus merits further evaluation in clinical trials.
Development and Validation of a Novel Scar Evaluation Scale

Background: The authors previously developed a six-item ordinal wound evaluation scale to measure the short-term cosmetic outcome of wounds 1 week after injury. Although it was never intended to measure long-term outcomes, it has been used to assess scars 3 to 12 months after injury. The authors developed and validated a scar evaluation scale specifically aimed at measuring the long-term appearance of scars. Methods: Two plastic surgeons and one emergency physician, blinded to each other's assessments, viewed photographs of 50 scars resulting from lacerations or surgical incisions. Scars were assigned 0 or 1 point each for the presence or absence of the following: width greater than 2 mm, elevation or depression, discoloration, suture or staple marks, and overall poor appearance. A total cosmetic score was then calculated by adding the individual scores on each of the five categories ranging from 0 (worst) to 5 (best). Scars were also scored on a validated 100-mm visual analogue scale marked “worst scar” and “best scar” at the low and high ends, respectively. Pairwise interobserver agreement was calculated. Results: Interobserver agreement for the total scores on the scar evaluation scale was 0.73, 0.75, and 0.85 (p < 0.001 for all). Interobserver correlations on the visual analogue scale were 0.83, 0.86, and 0.87 (p < 0.001 for all). Correlations between the total scar evaluation scale and visual analogue scale scores were 0.75, 0.86, and 0.92. Visual analogue scale scores were significantly higher as scar evaluation scale scores increased (analysis of variance, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The authors describe a new long-term scar evaluation scale that is highly reliable and correlated with the cosmetic visual analogue scale, suggesting construct validity.
[The effect of amlodipine, nifedipine and perindopril on insulin sensitivity and blood lipid of patients with essential hypertension].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of amlodipine, nifedipine and perindopril on insulin sensitivity(IS) and blood lipid of patients with essential hypertension(EH). METHODS 105 EH patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: amlodipine group; nifedipine group; perindopril group. Treatment period lasted for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, IS was measured by euglycemic insulin clamp technique with glucose metabolism rate (M) as an index of IS. RESULTS Amlodipine, nifedipine and perindopril significantly reduced blood pressure compared with that before treatment(P < 0.01). In the EH patients with decreased IS, the M value (mg.kg-1.min-1) after the use of amlodipine, nifedipine and perindopril was higer than that before treatment (amlodipine: 6.6 +/- 1.5 Vs 4.6 +/- 0.6, P < 0.01; nifedipine: 5.2 +/- 1.2 Vs 4.4 +/- 0.6, P < 0.05; perindopril: 6.8 +/- 1.6 Vs 4.4 +/- 0.6, P < 0.01). The increase of M value(mg.kg-1.min-1), nifedipine (1.2 +/- 0.9) were significantly lower than that of amlodipine(2.1 +/- 1.1) and perindopril(2.4 +/- 1.5), P < 0.01, respectively, but no significant difference was found between amlodipine and perindopril(P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Amlodipine and perindopril have beneficial effect on improving insulin sensitivity in EH patients with decreased insulin sensitivity. The effect of nifedipine on insulin sensitivity is lower than that of amlodipine and perindopril. Blood lipid is not significantly changed after short treatment.
Epidemiologic link between tuberculosis and cigarette/biomass smoke exposure: Limitations despite the vast literature

The geographic overlap between the prevalence of cigarette smoke (CS) exposure and tuberculosis (TB) in the world is striking. In recent years, relatively large number of studies has linked cigarette or biomass fuel smoke exposure and various aspects of TB. Our goals are to summarize the significance of the known published studies, graphically represent reports that quantified the association and discuss their potential limitations. PubMed searches were performed using the key words ‘tuberculosis’ with ‘cigarette’, ‘tobacco’, ‘smoke’ or ‘biomass fuel smoke. ’ The references of relevant articles were examined for additional pertinent papers. A large number of mostly case–control and cross‐sectional studies significantly associate both direct and second‐hand smoke exposure with tuberculous infection, active TB, and/or more severe and lethal TB. Fewer link biomass fuel smoke exposure and TB. While a number of studies interpreted the association with multivariate analysis, other confounders are often not accounted for in these analyses. It is also important to emphasize that these retrospective studies can only show an association and not any causal link. We further explored the possibility that even if CS exposure is a risk factor for TB, several mechanisms may be responsible. Numerous studies associate cigarette and biomass smoke exposure with TB but the mechanism(s) remains largely unknown. While the associative link of these two health maladies is well established, more definitive, mechanistic studies are needed to cement the effect of smoke exposure on TB pathogenesis and to utilize this knowledge in empowering public health policies.
Caffeine prevents sleep loss‐induced deficits in long‐term potentiation and related signaling molecules in the dentate gyrus

We have previously reported that caffeine prevented sleep deprivation‐induced impairment of long‐term potentiation (LTP) of area CA1 as well as hippocampus‐dependent learning and memory performance in the radial arm water maze. In this report we examined the impact of long‐term (4‐week) caffeine consumption (0.3 g/L in drinking water) on synaptic plasticity ( Alhaider et al., 2010 ) deficit in the dentate gyrus (DG) area of acutely sleep‐deprived rats. The sleep deprivation and caffeine/sleep deprivation groups were sleep‐deprived for 24 h by using the columns‐in‐water technique. We tested the effect of caffeine and/or sleep deprivation on LTP and measured the basal levels as well as stimulated levels of LTP‐related molecules in the DG. The results showed that chronic caffeine administration prevented the impairment of early‐phase LTP (E‐LTP) in the DG of sleep‐deprived rats. Additionally, chronic caffeine treatment prevented the sleep deprivation‐associated decreases in the basal levels of the phosphorylated calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (P‐CaMKII) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as well as in the stimulated levels of P‐CaMKII in the DG area. The results suggest that chronic use of caffeine prevented anomalous changes in the basal levels of P‐CaMKII and BDNF associated with sleep deprivation and as a result contributes to the revival of LTP in the DG region.
Increasing burden of community-acquired pneumonia leading to hospitalisation, 1998–2014

Background Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in many countries but few recent large-scale studies have examined trends in its incidence. Methods Incidence of CAP leading to hospitalisation in one UK region (Oxfordshire) was calculated over calendar time using routinely collected diagnostic codes, and modelled using piecewise-linear Poisson regression. Further models considered other related diagnoses, typical administrative outcomes, and blood and microbiology test results at admission to determine whether CAP trends could be explained by changes in case-mix, coding practices or admission procedures. Results CAP increased by 4.2%/year (95% CI 3.6 to 4.8) from 1998 to 2008, and subsequently much faster at 8.8%/year (95% CI 7.8 to 9.7) from 2009 to 2014. Pneumonia-related conditions also increased significantly over this period. Length of stay and 30-day mortality decreased slightly in later years, but the proportions with abnormal neutrophils, urea and C reactive protein (CRP) did not change (p>0.2). The proportion with severely abnormal CRP (>100 mg/L) decreased slightly in later years. Trends were similar in all age groups. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common causative organism found; however other organisms, particularly Enterobacteriaceae, increased in incidence over the study period (p<0.001). Conclusions Hospitalisations for CAP have been increasing rapidly in Oxfordshire, particularly since 2008. There is little evidence that this is due only to changes in pneumonia coding, an ageing population or patients with substantially less severe disease being admitted more frequently. Healthcare planning to address potential further increases in admissions and consequent antibiotic prescribing should be a priority.
A Secret History of the IRA

For decades the British and Irish have "got used to" a situation without parallel in Europe: a cold, ferocious, persistent campaign of bombing and terror of extraordinary duration and inventiveness. At the heart of that campaign lies one man - Gerry Adams. From the outbreak of the troubles he has been an immensely influential figure. One of the most compelling questions about the IRA is - how did a man who condoned atrocities that resulted in huge numbers of civilian deaths also become the guiding light behind the peace process? This text tells the story of the IRA from its origins to the present, but concentrating on the time from the start of the troubles to the ceasefire and partial decommissioning of weapons in 2001.
Pemilihan bahasa Indonesia sebagai bahasa pertama anak dalam keluarga masyarakat Aceh penutur Bahasa Aceh di Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (Choosing Indonesian as the children’s first language in the family of acehnese community who are acehnese native speakers in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam)

Penelitian ini mengkaji faktor-faktor pemilihan bahasa Indonesia sebagai bahasa pertama dalam keluarga masyarakat Aceh penutur bahasa Aceh. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada lima kabupaten/kota dalam wilayah Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. Penemuan data penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat banyak faktor yang menjadi dasar bagi orang tua etnis Aceh, penutur bahasa Aceh memilih bahasa Indonesia sebagai bahasa pertama anak dalam keluarga. Terdapat juga kecenderungan adanya keterkaitan pemilihan bahasa Indonesia sebagai bahasa pertama anak dalam keluarga dan ketidakmampuan generasi muda Aceh berbahasa Aceh.
Genetic Control of Biosynthesis and Transport of Riboflavin and Flavin Nucleotides and Construction of Robust Biotechnological Producers

SUMMARY Riboflavin [7,8-dimethyl-10-(1′-d-ribityl)isoalloxazine, vitamin B2] is an obligatory component of human and animal diets, as it serves as the precursor of flavin coenzymes, flavin mononucleotide, and flavin adenine dinucleotide, which are involved in oxidative metabolism and other processes. Commercially produced riboflavin is used in agriculture, medicine, and the food industry. Riboflavin synthesis starts from GTP and ribulose-5-phosphate and proceeds through pyrimidine and pteridine intermediates. Flavin nucleotides are synthesized in two consecutive reactions from riboflavin. Some microorganisms and all animal cells are capable of riboflavin uptake, whereas many microorganisms have distinct systems for riboflavin excretion to the medium. Regulation of riboflavin synthesis in bacteria occurs by repression at the transcriptional level by flavin mononucleotide, which binds to nascent noncoding mRNA and blocks further transcription (named the riboswitch). In flavinogenic molds, riboflavin overproduction starts at the stationary phase and is accompanied by derepression of enzymes involved in riboflavin synthesis, sporulation, and mycelial lysis. In flavinogenic yeasts, transcriptional repression of riboflavin synthesis is exerted by iron ions and not by flavins. The putative transcription factor encoded by SEF1 is somehow involved in this regulation. Most commercial riboflavin is currently produced or was produced earlier by microbial synthesis using special selected strains of Bacillus subtilis, Ashbya gossypii, and Candida famata. Whereas earlier RF overproducers were isolated by classical selection, current producers of riboflavin and flavin nucleotides have been developed using modern approaches of metabolic engineering that involve overexpression of structural and regulatory genes of the RF biosynthetic pathway as well as genes involved in the overproduction of the purine precursor of riboflavin, GTP.
Why Aren't Lower, Effective, OTC Doses Available Earlier by Prescription?

BACKGROUND Many popular oral over-the-counter (OTC) drugs were originally available only by prescription, but not at the low doses contained in their OTC counterparts. Yet, if OTC doses are effective for treating mild symptoms, why weren't these low, often safer doses made available at least by prescription when the drugs were first approved? OBJECTIVE To examine issues surrounding the delayed approval of OTC doses by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). METHODS Information reviewed included package inserts, data obtained from manufacturers, and articles published in MEDLINE (1966 to December 2001). Medications examined included presently available and potentially approved OTC antiinflammatory, gastrointestinal, and antihistamine drugs. RESULTS Considerable data demonstrate the effectiveness of ibuprofen, naproxen, ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine, diphenhydramine, and clemastine at OTC doses. Published studies also show the effectiveness of celecoxib, omeprazole, and fexofenadine at doses 33–50% lower than currently recommended for prescription use. CONCLUSIONS OTC doses are effective for many patients with mild symptoms and for some with serious symptoms. However, OTC-like doses are usually not offered when drugs are approved for prescription use because new drugs are usually studied in patients with serious conditions requiring higher doses; manufacturers and the FDA seem to prefer a middle-dose approach; >75% of subjects in premarketing dose studies are male; and averaging the responses of study subjects may obscure a wide range of interindividual variation in drug response. Simplistic dosage guidelines make therapeutic decisions easier. Because dose-related adverse effects frequently diminish quality-of-life and reduce adherence, the early availability of OTC-like doses, at least by prescription, would allow healthcare professionals greater flexibility in matching medication doses to patients’ widely differing needs.
Arsenic Speciation in Phloem and Xylem Exudates of Castor Bean[C][W]

How arsenic (As) is transported in phloem remains unknown. To help answer this question, we quantified the chemical species of As in phloem and xylem exudates of castor bean (Ricinus communis) exposed to arsenate [As(V)], arsenite [As(III)], monomethylarsonic acid [MMA(V)], or dimethylarsinic acid. In the As(V)- and As(III)-exposed plants, As(V) was the main species in xylem exudate (55%–83%) whereas As(III) predominated in phloem exudate (70%–94%). The ratio of As concentrations in phloem to xylem exudate varied from 0.7 to 3.9. Analyses of phloem exudate using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and accurate mass electrospray mass spectrometry coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography identified high concentrations of reduced and oxidized glutathione and some oxidized phytochelatin, but no As(III)-thiol complexes. It is thought that As(III)-thiol complexes would not be stable in the alkaline conditions of phloem sap. Small concentrations of oxidized glutathione and oxidized phytochelatin were found in xylem exudate, where there was also no evidence of As(III)-thiol complexes. MMA(V) was partially reduced to MMA(III) in roots, but only MMA(V) was found in xylem and phloem exudate. Despite the smallest uptake among the four As species supplied to plants, dimethylarsinic acid was most efficiently transported in both xylem and phloem, and its phloem concentration was 3.2 times that in xylem. Our results show that free inorganic As, mainly As(III), was transported in the phloem of castor bean exposed to either As(V) or As(III), and that methylated As species were more mobile than inorganic As in the phloem.