Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of learning environments, learning approaches, and learning outcomes: a study of private higher education students in Malaysia from twinning programmes

It has been well documented that the deep/surface approaches to learning is an important construct in trying to describe differences in students’ experiences of tertiary education contexts, and in trying to understand variations in the quality of their learning outcomes. However, what has been lacking is research into how approaches to learning operate in a Malaysian twinning programme context. First, a twinning programme environment is a unique and a complex setting, as students are required to function within a context which advocates ideals of their partner overseas universities, but remain within the boundaries and constraints of a Malaysian educational institution. Second, academics at twinning programmes are faced with real challenges in providing learning environments that can foster deep approaches to learning to satisfy both the aims of the ‘importer’ and also that of our country. Third, there is a possibility that students operating from a twinning mode and coming from diverse cultural, social, and educational environments may exhibit different learning approaches to those espoused in western contexts. The literature provides strong evidence that many factors need to be considered when contemplating the most advantageous conditions for the encouragement of deep approaches to learning that are associated with the aims of tertiary teaching and learning. This study sets out to gain a better understanding of the way twinning programme students approach their learning. Particularly, it aimed to examine relationships among students’ individual characteristics, perceptions of the learning environments, approaches to learning, and their learning related outcomes. A theoretical model based on a reconceptualisation of the 3P Model of learning was developed to link students’ background characteristics, perceptions of learning environments, learning approaches, and students’ learning related outcomes. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used in the investigation. Data for the quantitative analysis were collected in early 2003 from 368 2nd and 3rd year students from six private higher educational institutions around the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Rich perceptual data were collected from semistructured interviews of 52 students.
Significance of cortical disinhibition signs

Several clinical signs traditionally associated with dementia were examined in a series of 103 patients referred to a dementia clinic. The snout and grasp reflexes were significantly correlated with impaired performance on cognitive tests, but not accentuated jaw-jerk, glabellar reflex, paratonia, suck, root, or palmomental reflexes. In general, the signs were more strongly correlated with CT evidence of ventricular dilation than with cortical atrophy. They seem to be related to supranuclear motor system dysfunction, and cannot be considered clinical markers of dementia.
AGRICULTURAL EXPOSURE HISTORY AMONG AFRICAN-AMERICAN FARMERS IN GEORGIA

Agricultural exposures differ across the United States by region, calendar time period, and agricultural practice, but most of the published literature focuses on white men in the Midwest. A pilot study was conducted to explore the breadth and diversity of farming practices over time among African-American farmers in Georgia whose exposures may differ in important ways. Using a comprehensive life events calendar questionnaire, 17 male African-American farmers aged 36 to 86 yr residing in southeastern Georgia were interviewed regarding their agricultural history in July 1997. Most men (15/17) reported working on multiple farms in their lifetime; 3 men worked on 5 different farms during their lifetime. These farmers reported using more chemicals during their lifetime than farmers in the Midwest. Used motor oil was the most frequently reported insecticide applied to animals; this apparently common practice has not been described in the literature and should be better understood since its use may result in dermal exposure to polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Better characterization of regionally specific farming history and individual farming practices will facilitate studies of the health effects of farming.
The efficacy of the Peginterferon treatment in chronic hepatitis HDV and compensate liver cirrhosis.

AIM To evaluate the efficiency of the treatment with Peginterferon alfa 2a 180 mcg/week, 48 weeks in patients with chronic hepatitis or compensated liver cirrhosis HDV and predictive factors of response to treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Prospective study that enrolled 50 patients with chronic hepatitis or compensated cirrhosis HDV between the 1st of January 2011 - 3st of December 2011. The diagnosis of chronic HDV infection was made based on the presence of detectable anti HDV IgG antibodies and HDV-RNA. Patients were evaluated at baseline by CBC, liver function tests, HBV profile, HDV RNA, and by liver biopsy/Fibrotest for evaluating fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity. At 24 weeks CBC (count blood cells), liver function tests, quantitative HBsAg and at 48 and 72 weeks biochemical tests, HDV RNA, HBV DNA, quantitative HBsAg, were performed. Adverse reactions to the treatment were recorded. RESULTS SVR (sustained virologic response) was recorded in 12 patients (24%) and biochemical response in 28 patients (56%). SVR was correlated with low-grade fibrosis, age, the aminotransferase value and the value of HBsAg at the beginning of the treatment. In week 48 HDV RNA was undetectable in 20 patients (40%). The therapy was well tolerated, except two patients for whom the discontinuation of the treatment was decided for severe exacerbation of cytolysis, respectively hepatic decompensation. CONCLUSIONS In a representative group of patients, the treatment with Peginterferon once again proves its efficacy in treating chronic HDV.
Capsaicin Reduces Tissue Damage in Experimental Acute Pancreatitis

Objectives: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is released from perivascular pancreatic nerves. It effects vasomotion and cytokine liberation in inflammatory processes, including acute pancreatitis (AP). Calcitonin gene-related peptide liberation is stimulated by capsaicin, a substance of red hot chili peppers. Aim of the study was to investigate the influence of exogenous capsaicin on experimental AP. Methods: Acute pancreatitis was induced in rats by glycodeoxycholic acid and cerulein. Animals were divided into 4 groups: (1) severe AP, (2) severe AP + capsaicin, (3) control without AP, and (4) control + capsaicin. After 24 hours, survival, histology, and CGRP were evaluated (n = 6/group). In additional animals, erythrocyte flow and leukocyte activation were evaluated by intravital microscopy 6 hours after AP induction (n = 6/group). Results: In the control groups, all animals survived without histological alterations. Mortality in severe AP was 67%. Capsaicin reduced mortality to 16% (P < 0.05). Acute pancreatitis animals developed pancreatic inflammation and necrosis, which was significantly less after capsaicin application. Intravital microscopy in severe AP showed reduced erythrocyte velocity and increased leukocyte adhesion, which was nearly normalized by capsaicin (P < 0.01). Calcitonin gene-related peptide increased in both capsaicin groups, indicating endogenous CGRP liberation (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Capsaicin releases endogenous CGRP with improved pancreatic microcirculation and reduced inflammation in experimental AP. This underlines neuropeptide activity in the pathogenesis of AP.
Image Inpainting for High-Resolution Textures using CNN Texture Synthesis

Deep neural networks have been successfully applied to problems such as image segmentation, image super-resolution, coloration and image inpainting. In this work we propose the use of convolutional neural networks (CNN) for image inpainting of large regions in high-resolution textures. Due to limited computational resources processing high-resolution images with neural networks is still an open problem. Existing methods separate inpainting of global structure and the transfer of details, which leads to blurry results and loss of global coherence in the detail transfer step. Based on advances in texture synthesis using CNNs we propose patch-based image inpainting by a CNN that is able to optimize for global as well as detail texture statistics. Our method is capable of filling large inpainting regions, oftentimes exceeding the quality of comparable methods for high-resolution images. For reference patch look-up we propose to use the same summary statistics that are used in the inpainting process.
Effect of tumor host microenvironment on photodynamic therapy in a rat prostate tumor model.

PURPOSE Tumor host microenvironment plays an important role in tumor growth, metastasis, and response to cancer therapy. In this study, the influence of tumor host environment on tumor pathophysiology, photosensitizer distribution, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment effect was examined in the metastatic at lymph node and lung (MatLyLu) rat prostate tumor. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN MatLyLu tumors implanted in different host environment [i.e., orthotopically (in the prostate) or s.c. ] were compared for difference in vessel density, average vessel size, vascular permeability, tumor vascular endothelial growth factor production, and tumor oxygenation. Uptake of photosensitizer verteporfin in tumors in both sites was determined by fluorescence microscopy. To compare tumor response to PDT, both orthotopic and s.c. MatLyLu tumors were given the same doses of verteporfin and laser light treatment, and PDT-induced tumor necrotic area was measured histologically. RESULTS Orthotopic MatLyLu tumors were found to grow faster, have higher vessel density and more permeable vasculature, have higher vascular endothelial growth factor protein levels, and have lower tumor hypoxic fraction than the s.c. tumors. Uptake of photosensitizer verteporfin in the orthotopic tumor was higher than in the s.c. tumors at 15 minutes after injection (1 mg/kg, i.v.), and became similar at 3 hours after injection. For the vascular targeting PDT treatment (0.25 mg/kg verteporfin, 50 J/cm(2) at 50 mW/cm(2), 15 minutes drug-light interval), there was no significant difference in PDT-induced tumor necrotic area between the orthotopic and s.c. tumors, with 85% to 90% necrosis in both types of tumors. However, tumor necrosis induced by the cellular targeting PDT (1 mg/kg verteporfin, 50 J/cm(2) at 50 mW/cm(2), 3 hours drug-light interval) was significantly different in the orthotopic (64%) versus the s.c. (29%) tumors. CONCLUSIONS Tumor host environment can significantly affect photosensitizer verteporfin distribution and PDT treatment effect. Verteporfin-PDT regimen targeting tumor cells is more sensitive to such influence than the vascular targeting PDT. Our study showed the importance of tumor host environment in determining tumor physiologic properties and tumor response to PDT. To obtain clinically relevant information, orthotopic tumor model should be used in the experimental studies.
Angiosarcoma of the Head and Neck Managed by a Combination of Multiple Biopsies to Determine Tumor Margin and Radiation Therapy: Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

background. Cutaneous angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare, often multicentric vascular tumor of the head and neck region with a rather poor prognosis. The original clinical size of the tumor rarely correlates to the degree of microscopic tissue invasion. Treatment by surgical excision sometimes requires very wide excision. Treatment by radiation or electron beam appears less mutilating but its efficacy is not well documented. objective. To present our experience with a combined surgical delineation of tumor margins followed by radiation treatment. methods. We treated three patients with extensive AS of the scalp and face. Prior to radiation, in two cases the tumor margins were determined by grid‐pattern punch biopsies. In the third patient, the tumor margins were determined by Mohs mapping system. All three patients then received radiation either by rotational arc electron beam (n = 2) and standard radiation. results. One patient developed two local recurrences in non‐irradiated areas plus a metastatic cervical node, all of which responded to additional electron beam. The patient has no evidence of disease (NED) after 30 months of observation. The other two patients were treated by electron beam and radiation have NED at 5 and 1 years follow‐up, respectively. conclusions. Local control of AS of the scalp may be achieved by assessment of the tumor margin by peripheral biopsies or Mohs technique followed by electron beam and radiation.
Plant species richness and productivity determine the diversity of soil fungal guilds in temperate coniferous forest and bog habitats

Fungi have important roles as decomposers, mycorrhizal root symbionts and pathogens in forest ecosystems, but there is limited information about their diversity and composition at the landscape scale. This work aimed to disentangle the factors underlying fungal richness and composition along the landscape‐scale moisture, organic matter and productivity gradients. Using high‐throughput sequencing, we identified soil fungi from 54 low‐productivity Pinus sylvestris‐dominated plots across three study areas in Estonia and determined the main predictors of fungal richness based on edaphic, floristic and spatial variables. Fungal richness displayed unimodal relationship with organic matter and deduced soil moisture. Plant richness and productivity constituted the key predictors for taxonomic richness of functional guilds. Composition of fungi and the main ectomycorrhizal fungal lineages and hyphal exploration types was segregated by moisture availability and soil nitrogen. We conclude that plant productivity and diversity determine the richness and proportion of most functional groups of soil fungi in low‐productive pine forests on a landscape scale. Adjacent stands of pine forest may differ greatly in the dominance of functional guilds that have marked effects on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling in these forest ecosystems.
Is Antrum or Corpus the Best Site for Culture of Helicobacter pylori?

BackgroundIsolating Helicobacter pylori on culture media and performing antibiotic susceptibility testing is potentially the most useful tool for guiding antibiotic therapy, especially when antimicrobial resistance is suspected. The aim of this study was to determine whether the yield of H. pylori culture was related to the site from which the gastric specimen was obtained either before or after therapy.
Differences Between Nisoldipine and Lisinopril on Glomerular Filtration Rates and Albuminuria in Hypertensive IDDM Patients With Diabetic Nephropathy During the First Year of Treatment

Our objective was to compare the effect of a long-acting calcium antagonist (nisoldipine) versus an ACE inhibitor (lisinopril) on albuminuria, arterial blood pressure, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in hypertensive IDDM patients with diabetic nephropathy. We performed a 1-year, double-blind, doubledummy, randomized, controlled study comparing nisoldipine (20–40 mg once daily) with lisinopril (10–20 mg once daily) in 52 hypertensive IDDM subjects with diabetic nephropathy. Three patients dropped out, and results for the remaining 49 (25 nisoldipine, 24 lisinopril) are presented. Diuretics were required in 10 nisoldipineand 8 lisinopril-treated patients. Every 3 months, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (TM2420, A&D, Tokyo, Japan) and albuminuria in three 24-h samples (enzyme immunoassay) were measured; GFR (51Cr-EDTA plasma clearance) was recorded every 6 months. Mean arterial blood pressure (24 h) was reduced from (mean ± SE) 108 ± 3 mmHg at baseline to 101 ± 2 in average during treatment in the lisinopril group and from 105 ± 2 to 103 ± 2 in the nisoldipine group (P = 0.06 comparing changes in the two groups). Albuminuria was reduced 47% (95% CI 21–65) in the lisinopril group versus an increase of 11% (−3 to 27) in the nisoldipine group (P = 0.001). Fractional albumin clearance was reduced 37% (95% CI 4–59%) in the lisinopril versus an increase of 35% (8–69%) in the nisoldipine group (P < 0.01). GFR decreased from 85 ± 5 ml · min−1 · 1.73 m−2 to 73 ± 5 in the lisinopril group and from 84 ± 6 to 80 ± 7 in the nisoldipine group (P < 0.05). The effect of study medication on albuminuria and GFR was independent of changes in systemic blood pressure and baseline variables in multiple regression analyses. In summary, lisinopril reduced albuminuria, but also GFR, to a greater extent than did nisoldipine in hypertensive IDDM patients with diabetic nephropathy during the 1st year of treatment. Longer follow-up is required to clarify whether these drugs have different renoprotective effects.
Joint Problem Solving and Organizational Learning Capacity in New Product Innovation

There is a growing need for firms to acquire knowledge externally, but the process has become increasingly complicated. This article studies the mediating roles of the three process dimensions of organizational learning capacity (OLC), namely, knowledge acquisition, transformation, and application capabilities, in the context of a joint problem solving (JPS) arrangement with external collaborators for new product innovation. They employed the structural equation modelling method and analyse a sample of 331 high-tech manufacturers in China. Their results supported a conceptual model that shows (i) JPS exerts a positive impact on knowledge acquisition and transformation capabilities; (ii) these two capabilities promote knowledge application capacity; (iii) knowledge acquisition alone, and the combination of application and transformation capabilities, mediate the effect of JPS on both innovation efficacy and efficiency. Knowledge acquisition and application capabilities also jointly mediate the effect of JPS on innovation efficacy. They added to the existing literature by highlighting the need to consider the mediating roles of different OLC dimensions and the external context of JPS for learning capacity acquisition. Our model provides a practical framework for managers to better understand and influence OLC dimensions to improve innovation when engaging in JPS.
Determinants of Farmers’ Land Use Decision-Making: Comparative Evidence from Thailand and Vietnam

Understanding farmers’ land use decision-making is of interest to policy makers and scientific communities. Furthermore, comparing farmers’ land use decision-making between countries offers a functioning instrument to enhance this understanding, since one country can benefit from the experiences of another. This study extends the sustainable livelihoods framework to examine and compare the factors affecting farmers’ land use decision-making regarding land use choices and crop diversification. A panel dataset of 514 farm households in Ha Tinh (Vietnam) and 422 farm households in Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) collected in 2007 and 2013 is used for the analyses. The results reveal that (i) farmers’ land use decision-making is determined by various factors representing the livelihood platforms, weather shock experience and expectation, and physical-economic conditions of the living localities, and (ii) crop diversification is a weather shock-coping strategy of rural households. We suggest that (i) promoting farm land reconsolidation and privatization, (ii) enhancing access to credit sources and national electricity networks, and (iii) improving rural road conditions and attracting investments in rural non-agricultural sectors contribute to reducing farmers’ vulnerability to climate variability.
Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)-2 Directly Stimulates Mature Osteoclast Function through Activation of FGF Receptor 1 and p42/p44 MAP Kinase*

We previously reported that fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) acts not only on osteoblasts to stimulate osteoclastic bone resorption indirectly but also on mature osteoclasts directly. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of this direct action of FGF-2 on mature osteoclasts using mouse and rabbit osteoclast culture systems. FGF-2 stimulated pit formation resorbed by isolated rabbit osteoclasts moderately from low concentrations (≥10−12 m), whereas at high concentrations (≥10−9 m) it showed stimulation on pit formation resorbed by unfractionated bone cells very potently. FGF-2 (≥10−12 m) also increased cathepsin K and MMP-9 mRNA levels in mouse and rabbit osteoclasts. Among FGF receptors (FGFR1 to 4) only FGFR1 was detected on isolated mouse osteoclasts, whereas all FGFRs were identified on mouse osteoblasts. FGF-2 (≥10−12 m) up-regulated the phosphorylation of cellular proteins, including p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, and increased the kinase activity of immunoprecipitated FGFR1 in mouse osteoclasts. The stimulation of FGF-2 on mouse and rabbit osteoclast functions was abrogated by PD-98059, a specific inhibitor of p42/p44 MAP kinase. These results strongly suggest that FGF-2 acts directly on mature osteoclasts through activation of FGFR1 and p42/p44 MAP kinase, causing the stimulation of bone resorption at physiological or pathological concentrations.
The role of district leaders in improving achievement and advancing equity: How district leaders build capacity

Fierce political and social pressure has intensified the demands for district leaders to narrow achievement disparities but research provides limited guidance for practice. Rorrer, Skrla, and Scheurich (2008) described a theory: district leaders should enact certain essential roles for school reform. Capacity-Building efforts of district leaders are essential to the role of Instructional Leadership. Building capacity comprises the specific actions of district leaders to improve the district’s ability to achieve complex goals. This qualitative case study explored the actions district leaders took and how they prioritized those actions to build capacity to improve student achievement. Data was collected from a single Massachusetts school district using semi-structured interviews and document reviews. This study found that leaders: established concrete learning practices (i.e. job-embedded professional development, instructional coaching model); created a supportive learning environment (i.e. establishing trust and providing time); and reinforced teacher learning (i.e. feedback and support). This study also found that leaders’ actions were driven by data. Recommendations include shifting to a data-informed decision-making process, coordination of leadership team efforts across the district and limiting initiatives to core priorities.