Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Higher constitutive IL15Rα expression and lower IL‐15 response threshold in coeliac disease patients

The IL‐15 triggering effect of gliadin is not exclusive to coeliac disease (CD) patients, whereas the secondary response is CD specific. We have studied the expression of the IL‐15 receptor, and the IL‐15 response upon stimulation, in non‐CD and CD patients, and the possible existence of a lower immunological threshold in the latter. Forty‐two CD patients (20 on a gluten‐containing diet, GCD, and 22 on gluten‐free diet, GFD) and 24 non‐CD healthy individuals were studied. IL15Rα mRNA expression, and tissue characterization, were assayed in the duodenum. Biopsies from six CD patients on GFD and 10 non‐CD individuals were studied in vitro using organ culture in basal conditions, as well as after IL‐15 stimulation discarding basal IL‐15 production. Secretion of immune mediators was measured in the culture supernatants. IL15Rα mRNA expression was increased in CD patients, as compared with non‐CD controls (on GFD P = 0·0334, on GCD P = 0·0062, respectively), and confirmed also by immunofluorescence. No differences were found between CD patients on GFD and on GCD. After in vitro IL‐15 stimulation, IL15Rα expression was only triggered in non‐CD controls (P = 0·0313), though it remained increased in CD patients. Moreover, IL‐15 induced a more intense immunological response in CD patients after triggering the production of both nitrites and IFNγ (P = 0·0313, P = 0·0313, respectively). Gliadin‐induced IL15 has a lower response threshold in CD patients, leading to the production of other immune mediators and the development of the intestinal lesion, and thus magnifying its effects within the CD intestine.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A Conceptual and Theoretical Shift

The purpose of the present study is to trace the conceptual evolutionary path of theories and philosophies on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and to reflect on the implications of the development. The study reported a conceptual shift with respect to CSR, as that concept was first appeared as Corporate Responsibility which was viewed as an implicit relationship between organizations and its society. The study also found a shift with respect to philosophical underpinning the engagement on CSR practices. Furthermore, the study revealed a great shift in focus throughout the years from profit maximization being the exclusive objective of business organisations to social and environmental practices being integrated within companies’ operations. The findings help provide more understanding of how this area of research is moving forward. The results should, therefore, be of interest to regulators and standard-setters charged with developing regulations to control CSR, as these practices are still voluntary in nature by companies.
On closed loop transmit diversity for HSDPA - using an orthogonality matrix for system level evaluations

The paper studies closed loop (CL) transmit diversity in combination with high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA). A potential problem with this combination is the reduced interference predictability which affects scheduling and link adaptation. To study this, the orthogonality factor (OF), which is used to model the intra-cell interference for single antenna transmission and reception, is augmented by an orthogonality matrix (OM), which is used for dynamic system level evaluations. The results indicate that the reduced predictability may decrease system performance in terms of cell throughput by approximately one third for a system employing multiuser diversity in a dispersive environment. However, by scheduling multiple users in a certain proposed way, interference fluctuations may be reduced, and results show that the performance may be improved. A simple spatial channel model is used so that the impact of fading correlation is considered as well.
The instantiation principle re-evaluated

Three experiments are presented in which different aspects concerning Heit and Barsalou's (1996) instantiation principle were investigated. Mean typicalities of subordinate categories within superordinates were predicted very accurately for all investigated concepts. Multiple instantiations were shown to yield somewhat better predictions than single instantiation. The instantiation principle also successfully predicted mean typicalities on a different level (i.e., in lower-level concepts). An alternative account of Heit and Barsalou's findings was also proven wrong. Finally, correspondence between empirically obtained and predicted standard deviations is argued to be dubious, because of several possible sources of bias in the observed and predicted values.
Quantitative Studies of Cell‐Bubble Interactions and Cell Damage at Different Pluronic F‐68 and Cell Concentrations

Pluronic F‐68 (PF‐68) is routinely used as a shear‐protection additive in mammalian cell cultures. However, most previous studies of its shear protection mechanisms have typically been qualitative in nature and have not covered a wide range of PF‐68 and cell concentrations. In this study, interactions between air bubbles along with the associated cell damage were investigated using the novel adenovirus‐producing cell line PER.C6, a human embryonic retinoblast transfected with the adenovirus type 5 E1 gene. A wide range of PF‐68 and cell concentrations (approximately 3 orders of magnitude) were used in these studies. At low PF‐68 concentrations (0.001 g/L), cells had a very high affinity for bubbles, indicated by a more than 10‐fold increase in cell concentration in the foam layer liquid versus the bulk liquid. At high PF‐68 concentrations (∼3 g/L), however, the cell concentration in the foam layer liquid was only ∼40% of that in the bulk cell suspension. The number of cells associated with each bubble decreased from approximately 1000 cells at 0.001 g/L PF‐68 to approximately 120 cells at 3 g/L PF‐68. Despite the lower cell affinity for bubbles at a high PF‐68 concentration, at high cell concentrations (107 cells/mL and 1 g/L PF‐68) significant cell entrapment occurred in the foam layer, on the order of 1000 cells/bubble. For the cells carried by the bubbles, quantitative cell damage data revealed that the probability of cell death from bubble rupture was independent of bulk cell concentration but was affected by PF‐68 concentration. These quantitative studies further indicated that even at a low PF‐68 concentration of 0.03 g/L, approximately 30% of the attached cells were killed during the bubble rupture process. At the same time, at low PF‐68 concentration (<0.1 g/L), significant cell death occurred prior to bubble rupture. On average, a bubble disrupted more cells in the bulk liquid and/or foam layer than during rupture. For both mechanisms, the number of cells damaged by each bubble increased with decreasing PF‐68 concentration and increasing bulk cell concentration.
Screening CT colonography: multicenter survey of patient experience, preference, and potential impact on adherence.

OBJECTIVE Prior research indicates CT colonography (CTC) would be a cost-effective colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test if widespread availability were to increase overall CRC screening adherence rates. The primary aims of this multicenter study were to evaluate patient experience and satisfaction with CTC screening and compare preference against screening colonoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 12-question survey instrument measuring pretest choice, experience, and satisfaction was given to a consecutive cohort of adults undergoing CTC screening in three disparate screening settings: university academic center, military medical center, and community practice. The study cohort was composed of individuals voluntarily participating in clinical CTC screening programs. RESULTS A total of 1417 patients responded to the survey. The top reasons for choosing CTC for screening included "noninvasiveness" (68.0%), "avoidance of sedation/anesthesia" (63.1%), "ability to drive after the test" (49.2%), "avoidance of optical colonoscopy risks" (46.9%), and "identifying abnormalities outside the colon" (43.3%). Only 7.2% of patients reported pain during the CTC examination and only 2.5% reported greater than moderate discomfort. Of 441 patients who had experienced both CTC and optical colonoscopy, 77.1% preferred CTC and 13.8% preferred optical colonoscopy. Of all patients, 29.6% indicated that they may not have undergone optical colonoscopy screening if CTC were not available. Of all patients, 92.9% labeled their overall experience with CTC as "excellent" or "good," and 93.0% indicated they would choose CTC for their next screening. CONCLUSION Respondents reported a very high satisfaction level with CTC, and those who had experienced both modalities indicated a preference for CTC over optical colonoscopy. These results suggest that CTC has the potential to increase adherence to CRC screening guidelines if widely available.
Momentum returns, market states, and market dynamics: Are Islamic stocks different?

Recent studies suggest that momentum returns are conditioned by market states and market dynamics. We ask if Islamic stocks behave differently from Non-Islamic stocks. Using data from the Malaysian stock market from 1991 to 2015, we find no significant difference in Islamic versus Non-Islamic stocks either in their level of momentum returns or in the behaviour of momentum returns in response to market states and market dynamics, irrespective of whether we use time-series or cross-sectional momentum returns. Interestingly, we find that the behaviour of momentum returns in Malaysia is broadly consistent with that in the US market in that momentum returns are higher following UP markets compared with momentum returns following DOWN markets. We also find that momentum returns are larger when the market continues in same state than when it transitions to a different state, consistent with results in the US market and that the absence of momentum returns following DOWN market states is due to market dynamics. Our results suggest that investors in Islamic stocks can execute momentum strategies without loss of efficacy compared with Non-Islamic stocks.
Effect of Financial Restructuring on the Financial Performance of Firms in Kenya

Corporate restructuring has become a common phenomenon around the world. It has enabled numerous organisations to respond quickly and more effectively to new opportunities and unexpected pressures so as to re-establish their competitive advantage. One of the critical aspects of corporate restructuring is financial restructuring as it focuses on the reorganization of a firm's assets and liabilities to meet its financing needs. This study will seek to examine the effect of financial restructuring on the financial performance of firms in Kenya. The study will analyze the literature review of various studies conducted in and outside Kenya.
Cleavage of mRNAs and role of tmRNA system under amino acid starvation in Escherichia coli

We have shown previously that ribosome stalling during translation caused by various reasons leads to mRNA cleavage, resulting in non‐stop mRNAs that are eliminated in a tmRNA‐dependent manner. Amino acid starvation is a physiological condition in which ribosome stalling is expected to occur more frequently. Here we demonstrate that mRNA cleavage is induced by amino acid starvation, resulting in accumulation of truncated mRNAs in cells lacking tmRNA. The truncated mRNAs are eliminated in wild‐type cells, indicating that the tmRNA system rapidly degrade the truncated mRNAs. The cleavage pattern of model mRNAs in which serine codons were replaced with threonine codons indicated that mRNA cleavage occurs near serine codons in response to serine starvation. Cells lacking all of the five known toxin loci were proficient in mRNA cleavage, showing that toxin–antitoxin systems are not responsible for the cleavage. A mild serine starvation caused a significant growth inhibition in cells lacking tmRNA but not in wild‐type cells. The ribosome‐mediated mRNA cleavage along with the tmRNA system is an important mechanism that enables cells to adapt to amino acid starvation conditions.
Differences between Two Real-Time PCR-Based Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Assays (RealTime HCV and Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan) and One Signal Amplification Assay (Versant HCV RNA 3.0) for RNA Detection and Quantification

ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA detection and quantification are the key diagnostic tools for the management of hepatitis C. Commercially available HCV RNA assays are calibrated to the HCV genotype 1 (gt1)-based WHO standard. Significant differences between assays have been reported. However, it is unknown which assay matches the WHO standard best, and little is known about the sensitivity and linear quantification of the assays for non-gt1 specimens. Two real-time reverse transcriptase PCR-based assays (RealTime HCV and Cobas Ampliprep/Cobas TaqMan HCV [CAP/CTM]) and one signal amplification-based assay (the Versant HCV RNA, version 3.0, branched DNA [bDNA] assay) were compared for their abilities to quantify HCV RNA in clinical specimens (n = 65) harboring HCV isolates of gt1 to g5. The mean differences in the amounts detected by RealTime HCV in comparison to those detected by the bDNA assay and CAP/CTM were −0.02 and 0.72 log10 IU/ml HCV RNA, respectively, for gt1; −0.22 and 0.03 log10 IU/ml HCV RNA, respectively, for gt2; −0.27 and −0.22 log10 IU/ml HCV RNA, respectively, for gt3; −0.19 and −1.27 log10 IU/ml HCV RNA, respectively, for gt4; and −0.03 and 0.09 log10 IU/ml HCV RNA, respectively, for gt5. The lower limits of detection for RealTime HCV and CAP/CTM were 16.8 and 10.3 IU/ml, respectively, for the WHO standard and in the range of 4.7 to 9.0 and 3.4 to 44.4 IU/ml, respectively, for clinical specimens harboring gt1 to gt6. Direct comparison of the two assays with samples of the WHO standard (code 96/798) with high titers yielded slightly smaller amounts by RealTime HCV (−0.2 log10 at 1,500 IU/ml and −0.3 log10 at 25,000 IU/ml) and larger amounts by CAP/CTM (0.3 log10 at 1,500 IU/ml and 0.2 log10 at 25,000 IU/ml). Finally, all three tests were linear between 4.0 × 103 and 1.0 × 106 IU/ml (correlation coefficient, ≥0.99). In conclusion, the real-time PCR based assays sensitively detected all genotypes and showed comparable linearities for the quantification of HCV RNA, with the exception of gt1 and gt4. The previously reported differences in the absolute quantification of samples harboring gt1 were confirmed and may be explained by different calibrations to the WHO standard.
Potential bias in the indirect methods for extracting summary statistics in literature-based meta-analyses: an empirical evaluation

Background: In literature-based meta-analyses of cancer prognostic studies, methods for extracting summary statistics from published reports have been extensively employed. However, no assessment of the magnitude of bias produced by these methods or comparison of their influence on fixed vs. random effects models have been published previously. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to empirically assess the degree of bias produced by the methods used for extracting summary statistics and examine potential effects on fixed and random effects models. Methods: Using published data from cancer prognostic studies, systematic differences between reported statistics and those obtained indirectly using log-rank test p-values and total number of events were tested using paired t tests and the log-rank test of survival-agreement plots. The degree of disagreement between estimates was quantified using an information-based disagreement measure, which was also used to examine levels of disagreement between expressions obtained from fixed and random effects models. Results: Thirty-four studies provided a total of 65 estimates of lnHR and its variance. There was a significant difference between the means of the indirect lnHRs and the reported values (mean difference = -0.272, t = -4.652, p-value <0.0001), as well as between the means of the two estimates of variances (mean difference = -0.115, t = -4.5556, p-value <0.0001). Survival agreement plots illustrated a bias towards under-estimation by the indirect method for both lnHR (log-rank p-value = 0.031) and its variance (log-rank p-value = 0.0432). The magnitude of disagreement between estimates of lnHR based on the information-based measure was 0.298 (95% CI: 0.234 – 0.361) and, for the variances it was 0.406 (95% CI: 0.339 – 0.470). As the disagreement between variances was higher than that between lnHR estimates, this increased the level of disagreement between lnHRs weighted by the inverse of their variances in fixed effect models. In addition, results indicated that random effects meta-analyses could be more prone to bias than fixed effects meta-analyses
Postoperative suction drainage of the axilla: for how long? Prospective randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE To define the correct time to remove the drain after axillary dissection for carcinoma of the breast. DESIGN Prospective randomised trial. SETTING Two public hospitals, Israel. SUBJECTS 90 women who required axillary dissection for carcinoma of the breast. INTERVENTIONS 42 were randomised to have the drain removed on postoperative day 3, and 48 to keep the drain in until discharge had decreased to less than 35 ml/24 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Formation of seromas or wound infections, need to reinsert the drain, and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS Early removal of the axillary drain was associated with a significantly higher incidence of seromas (9/42 compared with 2/48, p = 0.02) unless the total amount of fluid drained during the first three postoperative days was less than 250 ml. CONCLUSION Drains should be removed after axillary dissection only when the daily amount of fluid discharged is low, unless the drainage during the first three days is less than 250 ml.
The influence of neurocognitive dysfunctions on work capacity in schizophrenia patients: a systematic review of the literature

Objective. The aim of the study was to review empirical studies of the influence of neurocognitive dysfunctions on work capacity (i.e. the ability to obtain and maintain competitive work as well as different aspects of work behaviour and skills in relation to job requirements) in schizophrenia patients. An investigation of the extent of symptoms compared to neurocognitive functioning on work capacity in schizophrenia patients is included. Method. A literature search for studies in the English language was made in the databases PubMed, PsycInfo and EMBASE. Twenty-one studies were selected for thorough evaluation. Results. Neurocognitive functioning influences employment, work rehabilitation, work skills and work behaviour in various ways among schizophrenia patients. Moreover, symptoms seem less important to work capacity than neurocognitive functioning. Some guidelines can be drawn from the research studies to provide clinicians with indicators for the assessment of neurocognitive functioning in relation to work capacity and rehabilitation. Conclusions. Despite different methodological limitations in the reviewed studies, evidence is presented for a crucial relationship between neurocognitive functioning and work capacity among patients with schizophrenia. At present, the evidence is strong enough to argue that the individual neurocognitive profile should be taken into account before planning work rehabilitation.
Learning in Communities of Inquiry: A Review of the Literature

The purpose of this study was to investigate learning in communities of inquiry (CoI) as the terms are defined in Garrison, Anderson, and Archer's (2000) framework. We identified 252 reports from 2000—2008 that referenced the framework, and we reviewed them using Ogawan and Malen's (1991) strategy for synthesizing multi-vocal bodies of literature. Of the 252 reports, 48 collected and analyzed data on one or more aspects of the CoI framework; only five included a measure of student learning. Predominantly, learning was defined as perceived learning and assessed with a single item on a closed-form survey. Concerns about the soundness of such measures pervade the educational measure m e n t community; in addition, we question the validity of the particular items employed in the CoI literature. Bracketing these concerns, the review indicates that it is unlikely that deep and meaningful learning arises in CoI. Students associate the surface learning that does occur with independent activities or didactic instruction; not sustained communication in critical CoI. We encourage researchers to conduct more, substantial investigations into the central construct of the popular framework for e-learning and theorists to respond to the mounting body of disconfirming evidence.
Investigating of Trust and Perceived Organizational Support Effects on Organizational Commitment in Educational Organizations, using Structural Equation Modeling and Partial Least Squares Model

The management and business policies of the educational institutions are focused based on human-dense settings, level of commitment of workers, values, and the manner of organizational commitment. To be more specific, trust in an organization as well as organizational commitment, and perceived organizational support (POS) are key constructs in management and organizational behaviour. Therefore, we have designed this study to peruse the relationship between dimensions of organizational commitment, trust and perceived organizational support on educational organizations, using Allen and Meyer’s method. Overall, we have used 385 questionnaires which have been completed by employees and members of separate subsidiaries of Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran. Smart PLS (professional statistical software) has been used for data analysis. We have identified that the perceived organizational support has a significant and crucial efficacy on the dimensions of organizational commitment (p=0.481, 0.387, 0.184), while trust showed only a considerable established relationship with effective commitment (p=0.325), but no important positive correlation with continuance commitment (p= -0.331), as well as normative commitment (-0.081). Also, a remarkable positive correlation amongst trust and perceived organizational support (0.179) has been observed, which explains a mediating impress role of trust amongst organizational commitment and perceived organizational support. These finding shows the importance of trust and perceived organizational support in improving the educational organizations, in addition to creating organizational commitment.
Rectus Femoris Cross-Sectional Area and Muscle Layer Thickness: Comparative Markers of Muscle Wasting and Weakness.

Supported by the U.K. National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) (Z.A.P.), the Batchworth Charitable Trust, the Moulton Charitable Foundation, and the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre (UCLH BRC) (A.S.M.), the Research Councils UK (S.D.H.), the NIHR Clinical Research Facility and BRC at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust (GSST) and King’s College London (N.H. and B.C.), and by University College London and UCLH BRC (H.E.M., Z.A.P., and A.S.M.). The NIHR doctorate fellowship (2010–2014) underpinned the core patient population study on which this follow-up was built, as did funding from the Batchworth Charitable Trust, Moulton Foundation, and European Society of intensive Care Medicine. Additional funding was received from the Whittington Hospital NHS Trust and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. Author Contributions: Concept and design—Z.A. P., P.S. S. , J.M. , S.D. H. , N.H. , and H.E. M. ; data collection—Z.A. P., A.S. M. , J.R. , B.C., and A.R. ; analysis and interpretation—Z.A. P., A.S. M. , B.C., P.S. S. , A.R. , J.M. , S.D. H. , N.H. , and H.E. M. ; manuscript drafting and revision—Z.A. P., A.S. M. , B.C., P.S. S. , A.R. , J.M. , S.D. H. , N.H. , and H.E. M. Author disclosures are available with the text of this letter at www.atsjournals. org.