Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transient elastography to assess hepatic fibrosis in hemodialysis chronic hepatitis C patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Although percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) is the gold standard for staging hepatic fibrosis in hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) before renal transplantation or antiviral therapy, concerns exist about serious postbiopsy complications. Using transient elastography (TE, Fibroscan(®)) to predict the severity of hepatic fibrosis has not been prospectively evaluated in these patients. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS A total of 284 hemodialysis patients with CHC were enrolled. TE and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) were performed before PLB. The severity of hepatic fibrosis was staged by METAVIR scores ranging from F0 to F4. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of TE and APRI, taking PLB as the reference standard. RESULTS The areas under curves of TE were higher than those of APRI in predicting patients with significant hepatic fibrosis (≥F2) (0.96 versus 0.84, P<0.001), those with advanced hepatic fibrosis (≥F3) (0.98 versus 0.93, P=0.04), and those with cirrhosis (F4) (0.99 versus 0.92, P=0.13). Choosing optimized liver stiffness measurements of 5.3, 8.3, and 9.2 kPa had high sensitivity (93-100%) and specificity (88-99%), and 87, 97, and 93% of the patients with a fibrosis stage of ≥F2, ≥F3, and F4 were correctly diagnosed without PLB, respectively. CONCLUSIONS TE is superior to APRI in assessing the severity of hepatic fibrosis and can substantially decrease the need of staging PLB in hemodialysis patients with CHC.
Bullying in schools: prevalence and short-term impact.

OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence of bullying in school children and to examine its association with common symptoms in childhood. DESIGN Prospective survey using a pre-tested questionnaire for conducting a semi structured health interview. SETTING Randomly selected Public and private schools in a rural area. SUBJECTS Children aged 8-12 years studying in three schools and their parents. RESULTS Bullying was reported by 157 (31.4%) of the 500 children interviewed. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of bullying amongst boys and girls in co-education schools. However, it was significantly low in schools enrolling girls alone. Teasing and keeping names were the commonest forms noticed. Causing physical hurt was reported bv 25 (16%) students. Only 24 (24%) parents were aware that their children were being bullied. Feeling sad, preferring to stay alone and frequent tearing of clothes were almost exclusively noted in bullied children and bullied children were more likely to report symptoms such as school phobia, vomiting and sleep disturbances. CONCLUSION Bullying is a common phenomenon amongst school going children. Frequent bullying is associated with certain symptoms and school absenteeism. Healthcare professionals. should be aware of this phenmnenon so that they can diagnose the underlying cause when these symptoms are reported and plan for appropriate interventions.
The Notch Ligand Jagged-1 Is Able to Induce Maturation of Monocyte-Derived Human Dendritic Cells1

Notch receptors play a key role in several cellular processes including differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. This study investigated whether the activation of Notch signaling would affect the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). Direct stimulation of Notch signaling in DCs with a peptide ligand induced DC maturation, similar to LPS: DCs up-regulated maturation markers, produced IL-12, lost endocytosis capacity, and became able to activate allogeneic T cells. Furthermore, coculture of DCs with cells expressing Notch ligand Jagged-1 induced up-regulation of maturation markers, IL-12 production, T cell proliferative responses, and IFN-γ production. Our data suggest that activation of Notch by Jagged-1 plays an important role in maturation of human DCs. Additionally, they reveal a novel role for Notch signaling in cell maturation events distal to the cell fate decision fork. These data may have important medical implications, since they provide new reagents to induce DC activity, which may be beneficial as adjuvants in situations where an immune response needs to be elicited, such as tumor immunotherapy.
Correlation of the Attributes of the New Credit Union Development Model in Bangladesh

This transformational study is the first investigative scientific research that supports and encourages credit unions (CUs) in Bangladesh to adopt a New Credit Union Development Model (NCUDM). Aimed to determine the relationship, effect of business management performance (BMP) and business environment performance (BEP) of NCUDM, this study employed researcher-made questionnaires of 66 items with 10 sections to gather needed data from 450 stakeholders in the Cooperative Credit Union League of Bangladesh Limited. It also employed focus group discussions (FGDs), and in-depth interviews and expert panels. Its secondary data covered the period 2007 to 2014. Pearson correlation coefficient statistics was computed to assess the relationship and strength of a linear association between the variables of BMP and BEP. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was utilized to posit better estimates of the effect of BMP on BEP. Coefficient of correlation ( r) results show nine important NCUDM variables that are significantly related (p<.01) and twelve components that are important to CUs in Bangladesh that are significantly related (p<.01, p<.05). SEM output model shows significant effect in BMP and in BEP using the chi-square (M=245.62, p< .01, df =120) indicating appropriate well-fit model, favorable and accepted data. Results yielded a robust and significant contribution to transform CUs in Bangladesh utilizing a new paradigm.
Suppression of Dwarf and irregular xylem Phenotypes Generates Low-Acetylated Biomass Lines in Arabidopsis1[OPEN]

Inactivation of ubiquitin-ligase3 suppresses dwarfism and irregular xylem in an Arabidopsis mutant, generating a line with low acetylated biomass and high glucose release after cellulolysis. eskimo1-5 (esk1-5) is a dwarf Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutant that has a constitutive drought syndrome and collapsed xylem vessels, along with low acetylation levels in xylan and mannan. ESK1 has xylan O-acetyltransferase activity in vitro. We used a suppressor strategy on esk1-5 to screen for variants with wild-type growth and low acetylation levels, a favorable combination for ethanol production. We found a recessive mutation in the KAKTUS (KAK) gene that suppressed dwarfism and the collapsed xylem character, the cause of decreased hydraulic conductivity in the esk1-5 mutant. Backcrosses between esk1-5 and two independent knockout kak mutants confirmed suppression of the esk1-5 effect. kak single mutants showed larger stem diameters than the wild type. The KAK promoter fused with a reporter gene showed activity in the vascular cambium, phloem, and primary xylem in the stem and hypocotyl. However, suppression of the collapsed xylem phenotype in esk1 kak double mutants was not associated with the recovery of cell wall O-acetylation or any major cell wall modifications. Therefore, our results indicate that, in addition to its described activity as a repressor of endoreduplication, KAK may play a role in vascular development. Furthermore, orthologous esk1 kak double mutants may hold promise for ethanol production in crop plants.
An assessment of radical prostatectomy. Time trends, geographic variation, and outcomes. The Prostate Patient Outcomes Research Team.

OBJECTIVES To examine temporal trends and geographic variation in radical prostatectomy rates and short-term outcomes. DESIGN Population-based study of radical prostatectomy for the years 1984 through 1990. Poisson regression was used to estimate temporal and regional effects. SETTING The 50 states and the District of Columbia. PARTICIPANTS A 20% national sample of male Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Rate of radical prostatectomy; 30-day mortality; and major cardiopulmonary complications, vascular complications, or surgical repairs within 30 days of radical prostatectomy. RESULTS A total of 10,598 radical prostatectomies were identified. The adjusted rate of radical prostatectomy in 1990 was 5.75 times that in 1984. The relative increase was similar in all age groups. Substantial geographic variation existed in rates from 1988 through 1990: all states in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions had rates equal to or below 60 per 100,000 male Medicare beneficiaries, while all states in the Pacific and Mountain regions had rates equal to or above 130 per 100,000. The mortality and morbidity after radical prostatectomy are not trivial for older men (aged 75 years and older)--almost 2% died and nearly 8% suffered major cardiopulmonary complications within 30 days of the operation. CONCLUSION The sharp increase and wide geographic variation in radical prostatectomy rates make the evaluation of this surgical procedure a pressing issue. The rising rate of radical prostatectomy among men aged 75 years and older merits special attention.
Increased expression of miR‐34a in mouse spleen one day after exposure to N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of single‐stranded small RNA molecules (~22 nucleotides) that are not translated into proteins and function as regulators of gene expression. Many miRNAs are involved in carcinogenesis. One of them, miR‐34a, is associated with various p53‐initiated biological processes and may act as a tumor suppressor miRNA. Its expression is generally down‐regulated in tumor tissues and up‐regulated in tissues exposed to carcinogens chronically or subchronically. However, the response of this miRNA to acute exposure of a genotoxic carcinogen is little known. In this study, miR‐34a expression was evaluated in spleen tissues of mice treated with a dose of 120 mg kg−1 body weight N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU), a potent mutagenic carcinogen. Real‐time PCR analysis showed that the ENU exposure resulted in a 5.5‐fold increase of miR‐34a expression over the control one day after the treatment. The result suggests that miR‐34a expression responds sensitively to genotoxic insults within a short period after exposure of the mutagen, and therefore, this gene has the potential to be used as an indicator for genotoxin exposure.
State‐ and County‐Level Determinants of Food Manufacturing Establishment Growth: 1987–93

Empirical models are developed and estimated to identify economic determinants of food manufacturing establishment growth between 1987 and 1993. Separate growth equations are estimated for states and counties at the three-digit SIC level. Significant agglomeration diseconomies are found to exist for nearly all subindustries at the county level, but not at the state level. The ability of rural counties to attract food processors to create local employment opportunities and market outlets for farmers varies considerably across subindustries. Copyright 1997, Oxford University Press.
Fostering innovative behaviour: the importance of employee commitment and organisational citizenship behaviour

The intention of this study is to examine nurses' organisational commitment, organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) and innovative behaviour in the workplace. In particular, this research is framed applying social exchange theory as a lens for examining the key argument that nursing employees, who are committed to the organisation and who exhibit, will be more likely to be innovative in the workplace. A quantitative approach was applied, with a sample of 210 nursing employees from one public and two private hospitals located in Australia. The findings from a structural equation modelling analysis reported positive and statistically significant paths from affective commitment to innovative behaviour, and from OCB with an individual focus (OCBI) to innovative behaviour. The main contribution in this paper comes from new knowledge about the relationship between OCB and innovative behaviour. In addition, this study provides new research about the relationship between nursing employees' affective commitment, OCB and innovative behaviour. This research also outlines new implications for hospital management, particularly those seeking to develop an environment that fosters efficiency and effectiveness through the facilitation of OCB and innovative behaviour in the workplace.
Microbiological Study of Turkey Meat Marketed in Kenitra (North-oust ofMorocco)

Turkey meat is considered among meat of poultry most consumed by the Moroccan population, and this due to its richness in vitamins, proteins and essential elements for growth, which gives him an excellent nutritional value. In addition, it is characterized by a low content of fatty acids. But this highly perishable commodity could constitute a real danger of food-borne illness. The aim of present study is to assess the hygienic quality of 168 samples collected from twenty four points of sales located in six neighborhoods in Kenitra. The analysis of the microbiological quality of the samples shows that the percentage of non-compliance for the parameter Total Aerobic Mesophilic Flora is 35%, with the mean concentration 7.21 (log10 cfu/g). The respective percentages of non-compliance of the total and fecal coliforms are 68 and 75% with bacterial concentrations 6.69 (log10 cfu/g) and 6.42 (log10 cfu/g). This non-compliance is due to the presence of the germs of fecal contamination among the identified isolates. The four identified species showed following prevalence: Escherichia coli (67.9%), Klebsiella pneumonia (17, 9%), Pseudomonas sp. (14.1%) and Salmonella (0%).
Noradrenaline stimulates ATP release from DRG neurons by targeting β3 adrenoceptors as a factor of neuropathic pain

Noradrenaline (NA), released in association with sympathetic nerve sprouting into the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) after peripheral nerve injury, may enhance neuropathic pain. ATP serves as a pain mediator; however, NA‐regulated ATP mobilizations in the DRG is far from understanding. In the present study, we analyzed ATP mobilizations in acutely dissociated rat DRG neurons by recording single‐channel currents through P2X receptor channels as an ATP biosensor in an outside‐out patch‐clamp configuration and by monitoring real‐time enzymatic NADPH fluorescent imaging, and examined the role for β3 adrenoceptors in allodynia using an in vivo rat model. We show here that NA stimulates ATP release from DRG neurons as mediated via β3 adrenoceptors linked to Gs protein involving PKA activation, to cause allodynia. This represents a fresh regulatory pathway for neuropathic pain relevant to noradrenergic transmission in the DRG. J. Cell. Physiol. 224: 345–351, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Knowledge, innovation and re-inventing technical assistance for development

This paper traces the evolution of Technical Assistance to Technical Co-operation alongside more recent concepts of Knowledge Management and Innovation Systems. Originally conceived as transfer from a knowledge-rich North to a knowledge-poor South, the later terminology represents a more co-operative and dialogic conception. The evolution has been driven by persistent issues concerning capacity and knowledge-in-context and by changing approaches to development practice. The paper argues, however, that a further epistemological turn is needed that conceives of co-operative learning as ‘learning with’, where difference between actors is conceived as a resource, rather than a problem, for knowledge production.
The Non-Correlation between Board Independence And Long-Term Firm Performance

The boards of directors of American public companies are dominated by independent directors. Many commentators and institutional investors believe that a "monitoring board," composed almost entirely of independent directors, is an important component of good corporate governance. The empirical evidence reported in this Article challenges that conventional wisdom.We conduct the first large-sample, long-horizon study of whether the degree of board independence (proxied by the fraction of independent directors minus the fraction of inside directors on a company's board) correlates with various measures of the long-term performance of large American firms. We find evidence that low-profitability firms increase the independence of their boards of directors. But there is no evidence that this strategy works. Firms with more independent boards do not perform better than other firms. Our results support efforts by firms to experiment with board structures that depart from the conventional monitoring board.Note: This paper is identical to the article as published in the Journal of Corporation Law. The published article is available, without the Stanford Law and Economics cover page, at http://ssrn.com/abstract=313026
Statistical Evidence on the Mean Reversion of Interest Rates

Based on two hundred years of annual data of the Netherlands , Germany , US and Japan we analyse the mean reversion of long-term interest rates, by unit root tests over rolling windows and taking into account structural breaks and regime changes. While short-term rates and the yield curve tend to revert to their long-term average value, long-term rates can persistently deviate from it. At the outside, we only find weak statistical evidence for mean reversion of long-term rates. Outcomes of smooth transition autoregressive ( STAR ) models for long-term interest rates, indicate that the speed of mean reversion is regime dependent, being stronger when rates are far from their equilibrium value.
Steady-State NTPase Activity of Dengue Virus NS3: Number of Catalytic Sites, Nucleotide Specificity and Activation by ssRNA

Dengue virus nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) unwinds double stranded RNA driven by the free energy derived from the hydrolysis of nucleoside triphosphates. This paper presents the first systematic and quantitative characterization of the steady-state NTPase activity of DENV NS3 and their interaction with ssRNA. Substrate curves for ATP, GTP, CTP and UTP were obtained, and the specificity order for these nucleotides - evaluated as the ratio (kcat/KM)- was GTPATPCTP UTP, which showed that NS3 have poor ability to discriminate between different NTPs. Competition experiments between the four substrates indicated that all of them are hydrolyzed in one and the same catalytic site of the enzyme. The effect of ssRNA on the ATPase activity of NS3 was studied using poly(A) and poly(C). Both RNA molecules produced a 10 fold increase in the turnover rate constant (kcat) and a 100 fold decrease in the apparent affinity (KM) for ATP. When the ratio [RNA bases]/[NS3] was between 0 and 20 the ATPase activity was inhibited by increasing both poly(A) and poly(C). Using the theory of binding of large ligands (NS3) to a one-dimensional homogeneous lattice of infinite length (RNA) we tested the hypothesis that inhibition is the result of crowding of NS3 molecules along the RNA lattices. Finally, we discuss why this hypothesis is consistent with the idea that the ATPase catalytic cycle is tightly coupled to the movement of NS3 helicase along the RNA.
Yin-yang 1 activates the c-myc promoter

Previous studies on the murine c-myc promoter demonstrated that a ubiquitously present protein, common factor 1 (CF1), bound at two sites located -260 and -390 bp from the P1 transcription start site. CF1 has been purified to near homogeneity and shown to be identical to the zinc finger protein Yin-yang 1 (YY1) as judged by similarity of molecular weight and other biochemical properties, immunological cross-reactivity, and the ability of recombinant YY1 to bind to CF1 sites. In cotransfection experiments, YY1 is a strong activator of transcription from c-myc promoter-based reporters. Furthermore, in murine erythroleukemia cells, overexpressed YY1 causes increased levels of c-myc mRNA initiated from both major transcription initiation sites of the endogenous c-myc gene.
Experience Innovation for Small Food and Tourism Firms

Abstract This article focuses on experience innovation as a means to create value for small food and tourism firms in rural areas. Innovation is viewed as an essential part of experience staging. However, research on innovation in the experience economy literature constitutes an immature field of study that requires further investigation. The article seeks to address this gap by investigating how small food and tourism firms can enhance experience innovation. The research approach is a qualitative experimental design. Methods for collecting empirical material consist of observations, semi-structured interviews, and documents. The main contribution is a three-phased model that can inspire small food and tourism firms to generate, select, and develop new ideas for experience innovation that are aligned with their capabilities, experience DNA, and available resources.
Crowding-out of Unskilled Workers in the Business Cycle: Evidence from West Germany

The paper addresses the question of if and how processes of cyclical crowding-out contribute to the disproportionate increase in unemployment of the less-educated during recessions. To this end, transitions from unemployment to low-skilled jobs and vice versa are analysed using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP). It is found that skilled workers increasingly occupy low-skilled jobs during recessions and thus diminish employment chances of unskilled persons. Specifically, the analyses show evidence for crowding-out at the worker inflow: during recessions, the chances of securing a low-skilled job deteriorate to a greater extent for unskilled people than for the skilled, suggesting that in times of poor employment prospects, job-competition between unskilled and skilled people for low-skilled jobs increases. However, the analysis does not show evidence for crowding-out at the worker outflow.
6-D Electromagnetic Tracking Approach Using Uniaxial Transmitting Coil and Tri-Axial Magneto-Resistive Sensor

The real-time electromagnetic tracking method has been widely applied, despite its limitations such as a high computational cost and complex hardware components. In this paper, a simple and efficient electromagnetic tracking approach, with both 3-D and 6-D pose tracking, is proposed. This approach utilizes the geomagnetic field and the magnetic field generated by the 2.5-kHz sinusoidal signal from a uniaxial transmitting coil. By extracting both the alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) components from the outputs of a miniature tri-axial magneto-resistive sensor, the position and orientation parameters of the sensor can be computed by using the combination of the geomagnetic orientation algorithm and the magnetic dipole model-based localization algorithm. Since the implementation of the tracking algorithm is based on a sextic equation, this proposed approach is simple and fast. Experimental results show that the root-mean-square value of the position error is 2.6±0.79 mm and the orientation error is 1.4±0.61°. This tracking approach has simple structures of both software and hardware but promising performance and applicability.