Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Scale of Disability and Prognosis in Long-Term Mental Illness

Hoenig (1967) has recently and comprehensively summarized the extensive literature on the prognosis of schizophrenia. In a section on existing prognostic tests he criticizes the vagueness of the items to be scored, the variety of prognostic criteria and the low validity of the resulting scales. The present paper describes an attempt to devise a new prognostic test, using material which was originally collected in order to study the cost of rehabilitation.
Prediction and Optimization Approaches for Modeling and Selection of Optimum Machining Parameters in CNC down Milling Operation

In this study, we suggested intelligent approach to predict and optimize the cutting parameters when down milling of 45# steel material with cutting tool PTHK- (O10*20C*10D*75L) -4F-1.0R under dry condition. The experiments were performed statistically according to four factors with three levels in Taguchi experimental design method. Adaptive Neuro-fuzzy inference system is utilized to establish the relationship between the inputs and output parameter exploiting the Taguchi orthogonal array L27. The Particle Swarm Optimized-Adaptive Neuro- Fuzzy Inference System (PSOANFIS) is suggested to select the best cutting parameters providing the lower surface through from the experimental data using ANFIS models to predict objective functions. The PSOANFIS optimization approach that improves the surface quality from 0.212 to 0.202, as well as the cutting time is also reduced from 7.5 to 4.78 sec according to machining parameters before and after optimization process. From these results, it can be readily achieved that the advanced study is trusted and suitable for solving other problems encountered in metal cutting operations and the same surface roughness.
The Impact of a Diverse Workforce on an Organization: Challenges and Opportunities

There are many factors that impact and influence the wellbeing of an organization. The nature of the workforce is one such factor. This research project focuses on the impact of a diverse workforce on an organization. Diversity in this study embraces all forms of diversity with special attention to cultural diversity in order to best understand the challenges and opportunities of a diverse workforce. The purpose of this study is to shed light on the current practices in organizations related to diversity, and to assess and evaluate current contributions of a diverse workforce to a given organization. The research question is, “What are the challenges and benefits associated with a diverse workforce and how can managers use their leadership to maximize the potential of diversity in the organization? ” The research methodology was a qualitative case study, including interviews and observations, using appreciative inquiry to learn more about the positive behaviors of employees in a diverse workforce. The salient themes that emerged from the research included the importance ofeffective communication, trust in relationship, hiring and retaining employees from different cultural backgrounds and training. One important recommendation of this action research project is that organizations should strive to employ employees of diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences especially because a diverse workforce will lead to higher performance, increased efficiency and improved productivity.
Protein kinase C‐delta in rat brain: Association with sensory neuronal hierarchies

Originally characterized as the calcium‐ and phospholipid‐dependent protein kinases, the protein kinases C include at least eight separate isoforms, some of which are calciumindependent and all of which are highly enriched in brain. Of the calcium‐independent isoforms, the delta subspecies of protein kinase C has the most restricted complement of lipid activators and substrate specificity, suggesting that it may have a unique role in cell signalling pathways. Using immunocytochemistry, we report that the distribution of protein kinase C‐δ immunoreactivity in rat brain is also restricted, being present in all sensory systems. Moreover, it is found in alternating hierarchies of sensory pathways: in all sensory systems except auditory, it is found in first‐ and third‐order neurons, while in the auditory system, it is found in second‐ and fourth‐order neurons. Thalamocortical systems are intensely immunoreactive, including barrel fields of the rat parietal cortex. Outside of sensory systems, protein kinase C‐δ is present in cerebellum within longitudinal stripes in Purkinje neurons, and in the caudateputamen, it appears to be associated with the striosome (patch) compartment. In contrast to all other protein kinase C isoforms, protein kinase C‐δ is absent from hippocampus. These findings suggest that protein kinase C‐δ may have a unique role in signal transduction in the central nervous system (CNS), especially in sensory systems. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The fusing ability of sperm is bestowed by CD9-containing vesicles released from eggs in mice

Membrane fusion is an essential step in the encounter of two nuclei from sex cells—sperm and egg—in fertilization. However, aside from the involvement of two molecules, CD9 and Izumo, the mechanism of fusion remains unclear. Here, we show that sperm–egg fusion is mediated by vesicles containing CD9 that are released from the egg and interact with sperm. We demonstrate that the CD9−/− eggs, which have a defective sperm-fusing ability, have impaired release of CD9-containing vesicles. We investigate the fusion-facilitating activity of CD9-containing vesicles by examining the fusion of sperm to CD9−/− eggs with the aid of exogenous CD9-containing vesicles. Moreover, we show, by examining the fusion of sperm to CD9−/− eggs, that hamster eggs have a similar fusing ability as mouse eggs. The CD9-containing vesicle release from unfertilized eggs provides insight into the mechanism required for fusion with sperm.
Mild Hyperhomocysteinemia is an Independent Risk Factor of Arterial Vascular Disease

Evidence of a positive association between mild hyperhomocysteinemia and arterial vascular disease has been accumulating in the last decade. Mild hyperhomocysteinemia acts as an independent vascular risk factor with equal strength as hypercholesterolemia and smoking. If jointly present with hypertension and smoking, its effect seems synergistic. This could make the outcome of homocysteine-lowering intervention beneficial, particularly in cases with concomitance of conventional vascular risk factors. So far, however, data on the clinical outcome of homocysteine-lowering treatment with a simple, safe, and cheap vitamin regimen are lacking. Trials investigating a beneficial clinical effect of homocysteine-lowering treatment using folic acid in a dose ranging from 0.2 to 5 mg daily, alone or in combination with vitamin B12 with or without vitamin B6 versus placebo, are ongoing. Furthermore, exploration of the unifying mechanism by which increased homocysteine levels may lead to both arterial and venous occlusions is warranted. These lines of investigations have to provide the ultimate proof of causality of hyperhomocysteinemia in vascular disease in the near future.
Ease of Doing Business: International Policy Experience and Evidence

Since 2006, the World Bank has been ranking almost 200 countries in terms of their business environment and the “ease of doing business” in these economies. The rationale behind this is the importance of a thriving private sector in promoting high and inclusive growth and development. It is argued that the easier it is to establish and run a business, the more investors will be encouraged to invest, and thus more employment is generated. In June 2013, the APEC Policy Support Unit’s EoDB Interim Assessment 2009-2012 showed that APEC’s combined improvement across the five EoDB priority areas between the period 2009 and 2012 was equal to 11.5 percent, which exceeded the 2012 pro rata benchmark of 10 percent improvement. The APEC Economic Committee and member economies agreed to continue to work on implementing the EoDB Initiative. As an input to that effort, this paper reviews the international evidence on the key areas of doing business, spanning: a) starting a business, b) getting credit, c) protecting investors, d) paying taxes, e) trading across borders, f) enforcing contracts, and g) resolving insolvency.
Short‐term control of glucokinase activity: role of a regulatory protein

Glucokinase is one of the four hexokinases present in mammalian tissues. It is expressed in two cell types that have to respond to changes in the blood glucose concentration, the liver parenchymal cell and the β‐cells of pancreatic islets. The former are responsible for the metabolism and storage of an important part of the ingested glucose, whereas the latter secrete insulin in response to an increase in the blood glucose level. One major characteristic of glucokinase is that it has a relatively low affinity for glucose and displays positive cooperativity for this substrate, despite the fact that it is a monometic enzyme. Furthermore, unlike other hexokinases, it is not inhibited by micromolar (physiological) concentrations of glucose 6‐phosphate but by a regulatory protein that transduces the effect of fructose 6‐phosphate and of fructose 1‐phosphate. The purpose of this review is to describe these aspects of the regulation of glucokinase. — Van Schaftingen, E. , Detheux, M. , Veiga da Cunha, M. Short‐term control of glucokinase activity; role of a regulatory protein. FASEB J. 8: 414‐419; 1994.
Customer Centric Marketing Strategies: The Importance and Measurement of Customer Satisfaction – Offline vs. Online

Building strong relationships with customers has become strategic for firms wishing to sustain their competitive advantage. In order to reach this goal, it is fundamental to continuously work towards an even higher experienced customer satisfaction. Thus, the aim of this chapter is: (a) to review customer satisfaction studies in both offline and online environments, (b) to analyze tools and methods already used to measure it, and (c) to propose a new, comprehensive, and complete theoretical framework that helps evaluate e-customer satisfaction. The last point represents a prerequisite to reach a best and exhaustive understanding of e-customer satisfaction, able to take into account the joint effects of its different antecedents and clearly suggest how to design and shape a website in order to generate an even higher overall customer satisfaction online.
Tropical Lung Diseases

Innate immune recognition is a second protective mechanism implicating immune cells and secreted mediators. Its under the control of cells carrying receptors for recognition of foreign antigens (PRRs: pathogen recognition receptors) such as macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, mastocytes, epithelial cells, NK cells, and fibroblasts which can link mi‐ crobial structures (PAMPS: pathogen associated molecular patterns) for further destruc‐ tion (Ahnen DJ, 1985).
The Impact of Electronic Banking Services on the Customers Loyalty of Commercial Banks in Jordan

The study aimed to examine the impact of Electronic banking services on the customers’ loyalty of commercial banks in Jordan. The Electronic banking services represented by (ease of use, usefulness, cost of use, web site design, Privacy and accessibility). The population of the study consisted of customers of commercial banks in the North region of Jordan which are (Cairo Amman Bank, The Housing Bank for Trade and Finance, Ahli Bank, Bank Al-Etihad, Bank of Jordan, Arab Bank), a random sample was taken amounted (400) participants, SPSS version17, was used to examine the study hypotheses and achieve its objectives. The study found that there is statistical significant impact of the Electronic banking services (Ease of use, usefulness, Web Site Design, privacy) on Customers loyalty of commercial Banks in Jordan. Regarding the dimension of Accessibility, the study indicates that it had insignificant impact on Customers loyalty. The researchers recommend the use of specialists in the field of electronic sites design in particular, because the site attractiveness needs experience sufficient experience in this area to support its attractiveness for customers, and to benefit from the experiences of the developed countries in the field of software technology control and protection of customer information, in order to strengthen current Software applied to those banks.
Z-100, extracted from Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain Aoyama B, inhibits the development of collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

We evaluated the effects of Z-100, extracted from human type Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain Aoyama B, on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. One hundred thirty-five DBA/1J mice, 8 weeks of age, were assigned to 9 groups and immunized with bovine type II collagen (CII) or CFA. From the next day, Z-100 at doses of 0.004, 0.04, or 0.4 mg/kg B.W. /d for 48 d was intradermally injected into the tail base. Methotrexate (MTX) at daily doses of 0.1, 0.3, or 1.0 mg/kg B.W. and cyclophosphamide (CY) at a daily dose of 5 mg/kg B.W. were used as reference drugs. The effects of these drugs on CIA mice were evaluated in terms of the incidence of CIA, the arthritis index (AI), and hind paw edema, after which the animals were sacrificed at 49 d, and both anti-CII antibody titer and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction were measured. In the arthritic control groups, the AI and hind paw edema were significantly increased after the second immunization on day 28. The anti-CII antibody titer and DTH reaction were significantly increased compared to normal mice on day 49. Z-100 significantly inhibited the AI at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg/d on day 49, and suppressed the incidence of both CIA and hind paw edema. Increases in both anti-CII antibody titer and DTH reaction in CIA mice were prevented by treatment with Z-100 at 0.4 mg/kg/d. MTX, in a dose-dependent manner, and CY, at a dose of 5 mg/kg/d, inhibited the incidence of CIA, AI, hind paw edema, anti-CII antibody titer and DTH reaction in CIA mice. Z-100 at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg was as effective as MTX was at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg against the DTH reaction, and it had no side effects. These results suggest the usefulness of Z-100 in patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis.
Requirement of spermidine for developmental transitions in Aspergillus nidulans

Deletion of the spermidine synthase gene in the fungus Aspergillus nidulans results in a strain, ΔspdA, which requires spermidine for growth and accumulates putrescine as the sole polyamine. Vegetative growth but not sporulation or sterigmatocystin production is observed when ΔspdA is grown on media supplemented with 0.05–0.10 mM exogenous spermidine. Supplementation of ΔspdA with ≥ 0.10 mM spermidine restores sterigmatocystin production and ≥ 0.50 mM spermidine produces a phenotype with denser asexual spore production and decreased radial hyphal growth compared with the wild type. ΔspdA spores germinate in unsupplemented media but germ tube growth ceases after 8 h upon which time the spores swell to approximately three times their normal diameter. Hyphal growth is resumed upon addition of 1.0 mM spermidine. Suppression of a G protein signalling pathway could not force asexual sporulation and sterigmatocystin production in ΔspdA strains grown in media lacking spermidine but could force both processes in ΔspdA strains supplemented with 0.05 mM spermidine. These results show that increasing levels of spermidine are required for the transitions from (i) germ tube to hyphal growth and (ii) hyphal growth to tissue differentiation and secondary metabolism. Suppression of G protein signalling can over‐ride the spermidine requirement for the latter but not the former transition.
An intracellular antifreeze protein from an Antarctic microalga that responds to various environmental stresses

The structure and function of the Antarctic marine diatom Chaetoceros neogracile antifreeze protein (Cn‐AFP), as well as its expression levels and characteristics of the ice‐binding site, were analyzed in the present study. In silico analysis revealed that the Cn‐AFP promoter contains both light‐ and temperature‐responsive elements. Northern and Western blot analyses demonstrated that both Cn‐AFP transcript and protein expression were strongly and rapidly stimulated by freezing, as well as temperature and high light stress. Immunogold labeling revealed that Cn‐AFP is preferentially localized to the intracellular space near the chloroplast membrane. Recombinant Cn‐AFP had clear antifreeze activity. Protein‐folding simulation was used to predict the putative ice‐binding sites in Cn‐AFP, and site‐directed mutagenesis of the Cn‐AFP b‐face confirmed their identification. —Gwak, Y. , Jung, W. , Lee, Y. , Kim, J. S. , Kim, C. G. , Ju, J.‐H. , Song, C. , Hyun, J.‐K. , Jin, E. An intracellular antifreeze protein from an Antarctic microalga that responds to various environmental stresses. FASEB J. 28, 4924–4935 (2014). www.fasebj. org
Managing comorbidities in oncology: A multisite randomized controlled trial of continuing versus discontinuing statins in the setting of life-limiting illness.

LBA9514 Background: For patients with life-threatening illness such as advanced cancer, optimal management of longstanding medications prescribed for comorbid illness is uncertain. Risks may outweigh benefits; e.g., benefits from HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors ("statins") may take years to accrue and may not be relevant for a person with limited prognosis. Is it safe to discontinue statins for the patient with less than a year to live? METHODS This was a multicenter, unblinded pragmatic trial. At enrollment, participants were randomized (1:1) to discontinue or continue their statin medication. Eligible patients were adults with advanced life-limiting illness on a statin for ≥3 months for primary or secondary prevention, a life expectancy of greater than one month, and evidence of recent deterioration in performance status. Outcomes measured at baseline and at least monthly included survival, cardiovascular-related events, quality of life (QOL), symptoms, and polypharmacy. Rate of death within 60 days of randomization was the primary outcome. RESULTS 381 patients were enrolled (189 discontinue statins; 192 continue statins). Mean age was 74 years (SD 12); 22% were cognitively impaired; 49% had cancer as the primary diagnosis; and, 69% had used statins for >5 years. Rate of death within 60 days was not statistically different between groups (discontinue vs. continue, 23.8% vs. 20.3%, 90% CI -3.5% to 10.5%, p=0.36). The group discontinuing statins had longer median time-to-death (229 days [90% CI 186-332] vs. 190 days [90% CI 170-257]; p=0.60). Total QOL was significantly better among the group discontinuing statins (McGill QOL: 7.11 vs. 6.85, p=0.037) and there were fewer symptoms in this group (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale: 25.2 vs. 27.4, p=0.128). People in the discontinue statins group took significantly fewer medications (10.1 vs. 10.8, p = 0.034). Few participants in either group experienced cardiovascular events (13 vs. 11). CONCLUSIONS In the setting of life-limiting illness such as advanced cancer, it is unlikely that harm will accrue when statins being used for primary or secondary prevention are discontinued; these patients may even benefit. CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION NCT01415934.
Improving Performance of Networked Control Systems by Using Adaptive Buffering

The performance of networked control systems is strongly affected by time-varying transmission delays. A traditional solution to this problem consists of storing arriving packets in a buffer which smooths delay jitter at the cost of an increased constant delay. The size of the buffer is based on either a long-term or worst case analysis of network behavior leading to poor performance when the instantaneous network behavior is different. To overcome this problem, this paper proposes the following: 1) to adapt the buffer size according to the actual delay variation; 2) to resize buffer content by using cubic spline smoothing which also reduces the signal noise; and 3) to use a Smith predictor at the controller side. Simulation results show that the adaptive buffering strategy reduces delay and packet loss probability while the spline smoothing process improves control performance even in case of constant-size buffers.
Entrepreneur self-efficacy and performance outcome of small-scale business operators at the border towns of Malaysia and Thailand

Background : Small-scale individual entrepreneurs (SIEs) play an important role for the national economy. Realizing this, the Malaysian government has put many efforts to help these SIEs to develop their business. To achieve the objective of having many successful businesses, it is important to understand the attribute of the entrepreneurs that would drive them to become successful. Objective: This paper examines the relationship between entrepreneur self-efficacy and performance outcome of small scale business operators at the border towns of Malaysia and Thailand.The research is a cross-sectional study and a survey method is used. Results: Data from 355 Small- Scale Individual Entrepreneurs (SIEs) were analyzed and the result shows a positive and significant relationship between entrepreneur self-efficacy and performance outcome. Conclusion:Our result is consistent with those studies conducted in western countries.It seems that the small scale business operators at border town of Malaysia and Thailand have the same belief which is not different from those in western countries.
Human chorionic gonadotropin pattern in maternal circulation. Amniotic fluid and fetal circulation in late pregnancy.

This study had two purposes. One was to investigate the placental gradients and the relationship of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) concentrations in maternal serum (MS), amniotic fluid (AF) and fetal serum (FS). The other was to study the fetal sex effect. This study included 93 patients with normal singleton term pregnancies. AF samples contaminated with blood were excluded. Fetuses did not have any abnormalities. We measured hCG by double antibody beta hCG radioimmunoassay. We found that there were conspicuous hCG slopes in MS, AF and FS levels. The hCG level in MS was 12.9 +/- 1.3 IU/mL (mean +/- SE, n = 93). It was much higher than levels in AF or FS. AF (0.461 +/- 0.053 IU/mL, n = 25) also had higher hCG level than FS (0.038 +/- 0.0056 IU/mL, n = 93). The hCG concentrations in AF and FS were highly correlated with those in corresponding MS (P < .001 and P < .05, respectively). The concentrations in AF were also positively correlated with those in corresponding FS (P < .05). The mean of MS/AF ratios for hCG was 413.6 +/- 23.4 (+/- SE); of MS/FS, it was 37.8 +/- 9.2; of AF/FS, it was 15.3 +/- 2.6. At late pregnancy, higher hCG levels of MS, AF or FS may result in female fetuses than in male fetuses. The results revealed that there were hCG concentration gradients on both placental and fetal membranes. It also implied that hCG levels in AF may decline as gestation ages advance. For biochemical studies in FS, using pure cord venous blood may have more consistent results than using mixed blood. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)