Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The influence of website characteristics on trust in online travel portals in India : The moderating role of demographic and psychographic variables

Lack of trust in online transactions has been cited, by past scholars, as the main reason for the dislike of online shopping. The objective of this paper is to develop a framework for studying the influence of website characteristics on Trust in online travel portals and empirically validate it. In the first phase, a causal model is developed in which the relative importance attached to the different website characteristics, to generate trust in online travel portals, are identified. In the next phase, a set of models have been proposed, that focus on the customers’ personal variables i.e. demographic and psychographic—that moderate the relationship between these antecedents of trust and trust. Our empirical model offers insights to the relative importance of the website characteristics contributing to trust in travel portals across customers of varying psychographic and demographic values in India.
Screening of Natural Organic Volatiles from Prunus mahaleb L. Honey: Coumarin and Vomifoliol as Nonspecific Biomarkers

Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME; PDMS/DVB fibre) and ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE; solvent A: pentane and diethyl ether (1:2 v/v), solvent B: dichloromethane) followed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC, GC-MS) were used for the analysis of Prunus mahaleb L. honey samples. Screening was focused toward chemical composition of natural organic volatiles to determine if it is useful as a method of determining honey-sourcing. A total of 34 compounds were identified in the headspace and 49 in the extracts that included terpenes, norisoprenoids and benzene derivatives, followed by minor percentages of aliphatic compounds and furan derivatives. High vomifoliol percentages (10.7%–24.2%) in both extracts (dominant in solvent B) and coumarin (0.3%–2.4%) from the extracts (more abundant in solvent A) and headspace (0.9%–1.8%) were considered characteristic for P. mahaleb honey and highlighted as potential nonspecific biomarkers of the honey’s botanical origin. In addition, comparison with P. mahaleb flowers, leaves, bark and wood volatiles from our previous research revealed common compounds among norisoprenoids and benzene derivatives.
Evaluation and optimization of method calls in Java

Recent advances in Virtual Machine's technology have led to the diffusion of Java execution environments which provide performance levels comparable to those of traditional languages such as C/C++ and Fortran. This paper's focus is on method calls, a well researched area of compilers' optimization. In particular, we evaluate the impact on the performance of the Java virtual call mechanism and the advantages which can be obtained through the inlining optimization. Moreover, we propose a new heuristic methodology which allows us to consider whole sequences of methods for the inlining decision and not only simple couples of caller–callee methods.
TMC435 for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C

Introduction: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection affects more than 170 million people globally. The aim of treatment of CHC is to effect sustained elimination of the virus (a sustained virological response, SVR). Prior to the development of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents, the standard of care (SOC) for CHC comprised combined treatment with pegylated interferon (PegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV). Areas covered: TMC435 (Tibotec pharmaceuticals) is a macrocyclic non-covalent NS3/NS4A protease inhibitor (DAA) that is currently in Phase III clinical development. TMC435 is being developed in treatment regimens both with and without PegIFN and RBV. In Phase IIb clinical trials, the addition of TMC435 to current SOC significantly increased the SVR rate in both treatment-naive and experienced patients with CHC. It differs, however, from the other first-generation protease inhibitors in that it is administered once daily, has a different tolerability and resistance profile and has activity against CHC genotypes 1 – 6 with the exception of genotype 3. Furthermore, the addition of TMC435 to PegIFN/RBV appears to be able to significantly shorten treatment duration in the majority of patients. This article will review the pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, safety and efficacy of TMC435 by evaluating the preclinical and clinical studies to date. Expert opinion: TMC435 is a ‘second-wave' protease inhibitor that has the potential to play a pivotal role in the next phase of CHC treatment. The forthcoming results of Phase III trials involving TMC435 are awaited with interest.
Response to Weinstock et al.'s Comments

TO THE EDITOR: I acknowledge that neuropsychiatric function after sedation with opioids and benzodiazepines alone is worse than sedation with propofol alone; the two major randomized trials demonstrating this were performed at my endoscopy unit (1,2). Whether low-dose fentanyl (50 mcg) or midazolam (1 mg) or both have a clinically important impact on discussions with patients in the recovery area has, to my knowledge, not yet been studied, and Weinstock et al.'s comments are anecdotal with regard to this issue.
Discriminant analysis of the autism spectrum disorder observation for children

Purpose: To run a discriminant analysis on the individual items and the total scale of the ASD-OC to determine if they significantly discriminated between ASD and atypical groups. Method: The measure was administered to 78 children as part of an outpatient evaluation. Results: The DA revealed that all of the items, excluding five, were significant predictors by themselves. Additionally, Wilks’ lambda was significant, λ = 0.16, χ2 = 115.91, p < 0.001 for the function, indicating that all of the items together significantly discriminated between groups. The DA was run again excluding those items mentioned above and the variability accounted for by all of the items and prediction of group membership decreased. Therefore, all 45 items were retained for inclusion in the final version of the ASD-OC. Conclusion: The ASD-OC is able to discriminate between ASD and atypical groups.
Rusya Dış Politikası’nın Etkin Silahı: Donmuş Çatışma Bölgeleri

Cok kutupluluk ekseninde bir uluslararasi sistem olusumunu arzulayan Rusya, boyle bir yapi icerisinde “kuresel” bir guc olarak yer almak ve sistemin gidisatina yon veren temel aktorlerden biri olmayi istemektedir. Moskova, bunun gerceklesebilmesi icin, ozelde eski Sovyet cografyasi; genelde ise Avrasya’daki siyasal gelismelere yon vermesi ve bu bolgede etkinligini arttirmasi gerektiginin farkindadir. Ne var ki, uzun sure SSCB’nin bir parcasi olmus ya da Dogu Blogu icerisinde yer almis ve yeni bagimsiz olmus bolge ulkelerini bu kez Rusya adi altinda kendi siyasal ve sistemsel cikarlarina entegre etmek oldukca guctur. Zira Rusya ekonomik, sosyal ve siyasal nedenlerle bolge halklarini/devletlerini rahatlikla kendisine cekebilecek bir gorunume haiz degildir. Bu nedenle, Rusya’nin realist bir eksende hareket ederek, guvenlik ve enerji bagimliligi odakli hususlari bolge ulkeleri nezdinde kullanmaya calistigini goruyoruz. Ne var ki, Rusya’nin ozellikle son donemde dis politikasina eklemledigi onemli bir husus daha bulunmaktadir. Moskova, yakin cevresinde yer alan ulkelerde etnik/dinsel kimlik baglaminda ortaya cikan ve olusumunda SSCB doneminde cizilen sinirlarin onemli rol oynadigi donmus catisma bolgelerini, bu ulkelerin dis politika yonelimlerini kendi cikarlari dogrultusunda manipule edebilmek icin kullanmaktadir. Hatta bu stratejinin, Kafkasya, Ukrayna ve Moldova ozelinde “kendisi adina” olumlu sonuclar dogurdugu da ortadadir.
Morphology and development of Rift Valley fever virus in vero cell cultures

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) grown in vero cell cultures has a completed replication cycle within 13 hours. The first signs are the appearance of intranuclear fibrillar rods, followed by aggregations of precursor viral material in host cell cytoplasm and viral nucleocapsids budding into vacuoles associated with the Golgi apparati. Mature particles, liberated by the disintegration of vero cells, contained ribosomelike structures within the nucleocapsid, which was surrounded by a typical unit membrane through which were inserted some 350–375 surface spikes whose inner ends were incorporated into the nucleocapsid structure. In the negatively stained material, the overall diameter of the virion was 90–110 mm; the spikes were 10–18 mm in length and 5 nm in diameter.
Immunoadsorption for coagulation factor inhibitors: a retrospective critical appraisal of 10 consecutive cases from a single institution

Summary. Immunoadsorption is occasionally used as an adjuvant measure in the treatment of subjects with coagulation factor inhibitors. We reviewed our recent 3‐year period experience with this procedure in 10 subjects. Immunoadsorption was used in the context of an immune tolerance protocol for 3 subjects with severe congenital deficiency in factor VIII, IX, and XIII; it was effective in lowering the level of inhibitor but immune tolerance was not achieved. It allowed successful use of porcine factor VIII in 4 cases of acquired hemophilia and in one case of inhibitor in mild hemophilia A. This therapeutic approach seems to be more useful in acquired hemophilia than in severe congenital factor deficiencies with inhibitors.
Nonnatural Deaths of Adolescents and Teenagers: Fulton County, Georgia, 1985–2004

Context: Childhood deaths are carefully scrutinized by many different government agencies, fatality review panels, researchers, and other groups. Many such deaths, especially those that involve external causes such as injury and poisoning, are amenable to prevention. Characterizing the causes and circumstances of nonnatural childhood deaths may provide information that is useful for development of prevention strategies and programs. Methods: This is a retrospective review of all nonnatural deaths investigated and certified by the Fulton County Medical Examiner involving persons 10 to 19 years of age during the years 1985–2004, inclusive. Cases were identified by searching electronic death investigation files maintained during the study period. Demographic and circumstantial information were tabulated for homicides, suicides, motor-vehicle fatalities, and other accidental deaths, and crude death rates were calculated for each 5-year period during the study. Results: During the 20 year period there were 961 nonnatural deaths among persons 10 to 19 years of age. Most deaths were due to homicide (48%) followed by motor-vehicle fatalities (30%), suicide (12%), and nontraffic accidental fatalities (10%). Black males had the highest death rates among the homicide, suicide, and nontraffic accidental deaths, although the rates for each of these were lower in the most recent 5 year period than the first 5-year period. The number of deaths increased in each category as age increased, and this observation was most marked for homicides and least marked for nontraffic accidental deaths. Firearms were involved in 88% of homicides and 61% of suicides. Most nontraffic accidental deaths were due to water-related accidents, followed by drug and/or alcohol toxicity, fire-related injuries, and accidental firearms injuries. Conclusions: Homicide accounts for almost half of all deaths among persons 10 to 19 years of age. Black males are at particularly high risk for nonnatural death in comparison with other race/sex groups, especially for homicide. If effective firearm fatality prevention strategies and programs could be implemented, data in this study suggests that such a measure alone could cut in half the nonnatural mortality rate in the 10 to 19 year age group in Fulton County. Although homicide and suicide rates have declined, there remains room for improvement in these areas, as is the case for traffic-related and other accidental fatalities.
Retinoic acid reduces solvent‐induced neuropathy and promotes neural regeneration in mice

In humans, exposure to organic solvents (OS) is frequent in work activities or as a recreational inhalant, inducing severe neuropathy (secondary to demyelization of peripheral nerves). We have previously shown that all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) increases local content of neural growth factor (NGF), improving peripheral neuropathy of diverse origins. In this study, we evaluated the effect of ATRA on OS‐induced peripheral neuropathy in experimental mice. Two simultaneous experiments were performed. The first one aimed to evaluate ATRA for the prevention of damage induced by OS, the second to test ATRA as an OS‐induced neuropathy treatment. Nociceptive threshold latency and NGF concentration in serum and in peripheral nerves were determined. Morphological changes and evidence of sciatic nerve regeneration were evaluated. Mice exposed to OS developed neuropathy and axonal degeneration. ATRA diminished the effects of OS inhalation on sensorial changes and nerve morphology. Treatment with ATRA reversed sensorial and nerve morphological changes of OS‐induced neuropathy, and this was associated with increased contents of NGF. Similar to previous experiences on diabetic and toxic neuropathy, ATRA reduced and partially reversed the peripheral neuropathy caused by OS exposure. These favorable effects apparently are due to local production of NGF induced by neural regeneration in response to the administration of retinoic acid. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Phonetic Realization of Devoiced Vowels in the Southern Ute Language

Abstract In this article, we analyze the phonetic realizations of devoiced vowels from 8 fluent speakers of Southern Ute, a severely endangered Southern Numic Uto-Aztecan language spoken in Southwestern Colorado. Devoiced vowels are considered to be an important aspect of the phonology of Southern Ute, yet very little is known about the pronunciation of such segments. Our findings indicate that devoiced vowels are realized phonetically in three ways: (i) fully voiceless, (ii) partially devoiced, and (iii) fully reduced with concurrent lengthening, lower intensity and greater voicelessness of the preceding consonant. Such variable and noncategorical devoicing is seen for both high and nonhigh vowels and all consonants regardless of their manner of articulation.
Decreased rhodopsin regeneration in diabetic mouse eyes.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of diabetes on rhodopsin regeneration in the excised mouse eye. METHODS A superfused excised mouse eye preparation that exhibits rhodopsin regeneration after moderate bleaches and that is responsive to the composition of the perfusate was used. Diabetes was induced in albino mice (BALB/c) with the diabetogenic agent streptozotocin. Absorption spectrophotometry of the excised eye was used to monitor rhodopsin concentrations. RESULTS Significant reductions in rhodopsin regeneration were observed in diabetic mice. Severely diabetic mice exhibited only 64% and 55% regeneration (at perfusate glucose levels of 5.1 mM and 10 mM, respectively), and moderately diabetic mice exhibited 74% and 73% regeneration, compared to the greater than 100% regeneration observed in nondiabetic mice. Glucose perfusate concentration has a major effect on rhodopsin regeneration. Lower concentrations of perfusate glucose (3 mM) reduced the amount of rhodopsin regeneration in both nondiabetic mice and diabetic mice. The diabetic mice seemed to tolerate higher concentrations of perfusate glucose (20 mM) better than the nondiabetic mice. Neither correction for osmolarity nor substitution with a nonglycolytic substrate increased the amount of rhodopsin regeneration in the diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes reduced the amount of rhodopsin regeneration that followed moderate bleaches in excised mouse eyes. The data suggest that some process or processes associated with rhodopsin regeneration have been affected in the diabetic.
Prenatal Development of Yankasa Sheep (Ovis aries) Kidney: AHistomorphometric Study

Histomorphometric study was conducted on the kidneyof seventeen (17) fetuses of the Yankasa sheep (Ovis aries) collected from the Sokoto metropolitan abattoir, over a period of one month at different gestational ages. The approximate age of the fetuses was estimated from the crown vertebral rump length (CVRL) and samples were categorised into first, second and third trimester. Out of the seventeen (17) fetuses at different gestational age used for the study, 7 (48%) were females while 10 (52%) were males. 6(35%) fetuses belong to first trimester, 5(30%) belong to second trimester and 6(35%) belong to third trimesters of pregnancy respectively. The mean crown vertebrate-rump length (CVRL) ranged from 12.47 ± 1.80 cm at first trimester to 33.79 ±1.52 cm at third trimester. Histological observation shows that the kidney appeared to have two zones via cortex and medulla right from first to third trimester. The development of renal tissues were found to be in succession, from the stage of mesenchyme cells, developing glomerulusand finally to fully developed glomerulus with advancement of gestational age among the three groups. The duct system also followed the same trend of development from immature to matured duct system. The cortex of the first trimester kidney was found to have numerous mesenchymal cells and connective tissues with few developing glomerulus. At second trimester few fully developed glomerulus were found, moderate number of mesenchyme cells and immature developing duct system. Numerous developed glomerulus and matured duct system with moderate developing glomerulus and connective tissue were seen at third trimester. The medulla at first trimester shows only various types of connective tissue (collagen, reticular and elastic) fibers and mesenchyme cells. At second trimester the medulla was found to have numerous developing collecting ducts, few developed collecting ducts and few mesenchyme cells. Developed collecting ducts were predominant in the medulla at third trimester with few mesenchyme cells. The histological differentiation of the Yankasa sheep kidney is similar to that of ovine, bovine, equine, Llama, and guanaco but differs from that of the feline, canine and porcine. Meanwhile, considering the histological features observed in the study, the Yankasa sheep kidney may become fully matured and functional at post-natal age.
Serum‐free culture of PC13 murine embryonal carcinoma cells

The requirements for the serum‐free culture of PC13 murine embryonal carcinoma cells were determined. Supplementation of a 50:50 mixture of Dulbecco's modified Eagles medium and MCDB104 with transferrin (5 μg/ml), human high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (100 μg/ml), and human low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) (50 μg/ml) supported growth comparable to that observed with 5% foetal calf serum. Media supplementation with lipoproteins apparently substitutes for the effects of insulin, desoctapeptide insulin (DOP), or multiplication‐stimulating activity (MSA) on EC cell multiplication. Clonal growth of PC13 EC cells in this serum‐free medium could only be achieved in the presence of suitable feeder cell monolayers. These observations demonstrate that PC13 EC cells do not have an absolute requirement for exogenous mitogens to support multiplication.
Advances in pulsed power-driven radiography systems

Flash X-ray radiography has undergone a transformation in recent years with the resurgence of interest in compact, high-intensity pulsed power-driven electron beam sources. The radiographic requirements and the choice of consistent X-ray sources determine the driver requirements, which can be met by demonstrated induction voltage adder technologies. This paper reviews the state of the art, the critical technologies, and the recent advances which have improved performance by over an order of magnitude in beam brightness and radiographic utility.
Long‐Term Control of Bone Turnover in Paget's Disease With Zoledronic Acid and Risedronate

A single 5‐mg infusion of zoledronic acid restores biochemical markers of bone turnover into the reference range in the majority of patients with Paget's disease and maintains biochemical remission for at least 2 years. This effect is largely independent of pretreatment disease activity and prior bisphosphonate therapy.
CD36 Binds Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) in a Mechanism Dependent upon Fatty Acid Binding*

Background: CD36 is expressed in many cell types and binds diverse ligands including oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and unesterified fatty acid (FA). Results: FA bind to CD36, which leads to oxLDL binding and uptake independent of CD36 disulfide bonds. Conclusion: Typical dietary FA enhance uptake of oxLDL. Significance: This study provides a possible mechanism for oxLDL binding CD36 that is dependent upon specific FA types. The association of unesterified fatty acid (FA) with the scavenger receptor CD36 has been actively researched, with focuses on FA and oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) uptake. CD36 has been shown to bind FA, but this interaction has been poorly characterized to date. To gain new insights into the physiological relevance of binding of FA to CD36, we characterized FA binding to the ectodomain of CD36 by the biophysical method surface plasmon resonance. Five structurally distinct FAs (saturated, monounsaturated (cis and trans), polyunsaturated, and oxidized) were pulsed across surface plasmon resonance channels, generating association and dissociation binding curves. Except for the oxidized FA HODE, all FAs bound to CD36, with rapid association and dissociation kinetics similar to HSA. Next, to elucidate the role that each FA might play in CD36-mediated oxLDL uptake, we used a fluorescent oxLDL (Dii-oxLDL) live cell assay with confocal microscopy imaging. CD36-mediated uptake in serum-free medium was very low but greatly increased when serum was present. The addition of exogenous FA in serum-free medium increased oxLDL binding and uptake to levels found with serum and affected CD36 plasma membrane distribution. Binding/uptake of oxLDL was dependent upon the FA dose, except for docosahexaenoic acid, which exhibited binding to CD36 but did not activate the uptake of oxLDL. HODE also did not affect oxLDL uptake. High affinity FA binding to CD36 and the effects of each FA on oxLDL uptake have important implications for protein conformation, binding of other ligands, functional properties of CD36, and high plasma FA levels in obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Salutary role for angiotensin in partial urinary tract obstruction.

BACKGROUND In the neonatal period, angiotensin II (Ang II) is up-regulated and induces a timely development of the renal pelvis and ureteral peristalsis, thereby protecting the kidney from hydronephrosis. We tested the possibility that in adulthood, Ang II may act salutarily on the kidney structure during partial urinary tract obstruction by inducing adaptive changes in the peristaltic machinery. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and divided into two groups, that is, those treated with (group L, N = 21) and those without (group C, N = 21) an angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist (losartan). Control animals were sham operated (N = 10). Rats were sacrificed either at day 7 or day 14. RESULTS The degree of hydronephrosis determined morphometrically was significantly more severe in group L than group C at both day 7 and day 14, indicating that Ang II inhibition accentuated hydronephrosis. The measurement of upstream pressure within the partially ligated ureter in vivo revealed that losartan significantly attenuates the frequency of ureteral peristaltic activities. In in vitro studies using ureteral strips harvested from normal adult Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 10), Ang II (10(-8) mol/L) was shown to augment contraction, which was completely inhibited by losartan (10(-6) mol/L). CONCLUSIONS Ang II has a salutary effect of protecting kidneys from hydronephrosis during partial ureteral obstruction through its ability to augment ureteral peristalsis.