Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Firms ’ Performance on Stock Returns ( Evidence from Listed Companies of FTSE-100 Index London , UK ) ImpactofFirmsPerformanceonStockReturnsEvidencefromListedCompaniesofFTSE 100

The research is conducted to test the impact of firm performance on stock returns, evidence from the firms listed on FTSE-100 Index, London Stock Exchange over the period 2005 to 2014. In this study the researcher used has five independent variables and one dependent variable. Earnings per share, quick ratio, return on assets, return on equity, and net profit margin is used as independent variables while stock returns is used as dependent variable. Panel regression analysis method is used for the data analysis. Results shows that net profit margin, return on assets has got significant positive impact on stock returns while earnings per share has got significant negative impact on stock returns. When earnings per share will increase, than all those investors who wants short term gain and conscious for dividend sell their stock in to the market due to which in near future the stock returns of the company will be decrease due to excess supply of stocks, while return on equity and quick ratio shows insignificant impact on stock returns.
Increased resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptide LL-37 in methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus.

OBJECTIVES The susceptibility of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), to host-derived cationic antimicrobial peptides was investigated. METHODS We examined the susceptibility of 190 clinical strains of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and 304 strains of MRSA to two different classes of cationic antimicrobial peptides: LL-37 and human beta-defensin-3 (hBD3). Out of the total 494 clinical strains, a random selection of 54 S. aureus strains was examined to establish the relationship between the net charge, or zeta potential, of each strain and its susceptibility to hBD3 or LL-37. To further confirm bacterial susceptibility to either hBD3 or LL-37, we concurrently measured: (i) percentage survival after in vitro bacterial exposure and (ii) MBCs for both MRSA and MSSA strains. RESULTS Of the 54 randomly selected S. aureus strains, those MRSA strains resistant to LL-37 showed significantly higher zeta potentials than those susceptible to LL-37 (P < 0.05). In contrast, there was no difference in bacterial zeta potentials for MRSA strains that showed either resistance or susceptibility to hBD3. In addition, resistance to LL-37, but not to hBD3, as determined by either percentage survival or MBC, was significantly elevated in highly methicillin-resistant strains of S. aureus when compared with MSSA strains (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Clinical strains of MRSA, but not MSSA, that demonstrated an increased net charge also showed elevated resistance to LL-37, but not to hBD3.
Chapter 6 Association of 5-HT 1 A Receptors with Affective Disorders

Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is synthesized in both the brain and peripheral system, which exert their actions at a wide family of receptors classified as 5-HT 1 to 5-HT 7 . Pharmacological, behavioral, and clinical studies involve particularly to the 5-HT 1A receptors (5-HT 1A -R) auto-receptors (presynaptic) and heteroreceptors (postsynaptic) in the control of motivated behavior, and consequently in the physiopathology of affective disorders and in the action mechanism of antidepressant drugs. In this way, some research support that 5-HT 1A -R participates in the delayed effect of different types of antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and tricyclic drugs, principally. The therapeutic effect of serotonergic drugs as the SSRIs, starting with the binding to auto-receptors, which produces increases of 5-HT in the synaptic cleft as consequence of blockade of serotonin reuptake. While these molecular events occur initially, in the long-term are produced plastic changes at neuronal level, as well as down-regulation of the 5-HT 1A -R, which is associated with the therapeutic effects of antidepressant drugs. The purpose of this chapter is to analyze and discuss the current information about of 5-HT 1A -R-mediated signaling cascades, the intracellular signaling of 5-HT 1A -R, in addition to their expression and pharmacology that are important to treatment of affective disorders symptoms.
Does the outcome 2 months after lumbar disc surgery predict the outcome 12 months later?

Purpose : To assess the prognostic value of some preoperative and early post-operative indicators in the prediction of disability 14 months after lumbar disc surgery. Methods : Of 173 patients, who had participated in baseline measurements, 145 (84%) attended the 14-month follow-up. Before surgery the duration and intensity of pain was assessed. Follow-up questionnaires were completed during check-ups and included items on pain (VAS), Oswestry and Million disability indices, depression (BDS) and work status. Results : Two months after surgery average back pain was 67% lower and leg pain 70% lower than pre-operatively. The median Oswestry and Million disability indices were 14 and 15 at 2-months and remained low also at 14-months check-up. Further, the post-operative Oswestry and Million disability indices and BDS were highly associated with 14-month back and leg pain. Although the outcome of the patients was mostly good, 5% and 8% of them, respectively, reported severe pain at 2- and 14-month check-ups. Conclusions : As recovery following lumbar disc surgery occurred to a great extent during the first 2 months, the early post-operative outcome appears to be quite a reliable indicator of the postoperative outcome in 1-year follow-up. The strong association between pain and the disability indices allows us to conclude that both the Million and Oswestry indices are clinically useful instruments in the evaluation of outcome in these cases.
Lc Structure of photoluminescence DL-spectra and phase transformation in lightly doped SiC crystals and films

In this work, the results of investigations of DLi spectra in α-SiC crystals and films with a low impurity concentration have been presented. Photoluminescence spectra of lightly doped SiC single crystals and films with the impurity concentration of ND–NA ~ (2.8)∙10 16 cm –3 , ND ~ (5.8)∙10 17 cm –3 , and ND–NA >3∙10 17 cm –3 , ND ≥ 1∙10 18 cm –3 (NDLsamples) were investigated within the temperature range 4.2. 77 K. Complex spectroscopic study of one-dimensional disordered structures caused by solid phase transformations in SiC crystals was presented. Disordered growth D-layers in lightly doped crystals and α-SiC films were investigated using low temperature photoluminescence. The analysis testifies that DL and SF spectra hand-in-hand follow the structure transformations. It has been shown that the DL and SF spectra of luminescence reflect the fundamental logic of SiC polytypes structure. This allows to observe the structure changes at the phase transformations, the growth of SiC polytypes and to control their aggregates.
Regulation of cation channel voltage- and Ca2+-dependence in Aplysia bag cell neurons

Ion channel regulation is key to the control of excitability and behaviour. In the bag cell neurons of Aplysia californica, a voltageand Ca-dependent nonselective cation channel drives a ~30-minute afterdischarge, culminating in the release of egglaying hormone. Using excised, inside-out single channel patch-clamp, this study tested the hypothesis that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), which is produced during the afterdischarge, and channel-associated protein kinase C (PKC), which is activated throughout the afterdischarge, cause a left-shift (enhancement) in both the voltageand Ca-dependence of the cation channel. Kinetic analysis of bag cell neuron cation channel voltage-dependence revealed that, with depolarization, the channel remained open longer and reopened more often. A cation channel subconductance was also observed, and found to be 13 pS vs. the typical 23 pS full-conductance. The cytoplasmic face of cation channel-containing patches was exposed to 1 mM ATP, as a phosphate source for channel-associated PKC, and/or 5 μM IP3. Apparent PKC-dependent phosphorylation left-shifted voltage-dependence by -3 mV, although this effect was more prominent at negative voltages (between -90 and -30 mV). Conversely, IP3 right-shifted voltage-dependence (change in V1/2 of 6 mV). Cation channel Ca-dependence was similar to that previously reported, with a control EC50 of 3-5 μM. This was right-shifted by PKC (EC50 = 30 μM) and even more so by IP3 (apparent EC50 = 20 M). PKC largely rescued the Ca responsiveness in the presence of IP3 (EC50 = 20 μM). Unexpectedly, IP3 plus ATP resulted in an increase in channel unitary conductance at more positive voltages.
An EV Drive-Train With Integrated Fast Charging Capability

This paper proposes a new class of on-board chargers for electric vehicles (EVs). Instead of being placed on-board as a separate unit, the three-phase (fast) chargers reutilize the existing components in EVs, which are already used for the propulsion. These are primarily the inverter and the machine, which however have to be multiphase (with more than three phases). The concept is valid for all multiphase propulsion drives with a prime number of phases higher than three and a single neutral point in motoring and is illustrated in detail for the five-phase inverter/five-phase machine configuration. During the charging mode, electromagnetic torque is not produced in the machine so that the rotor does not require mechanical locking. Hardware reconfiguration between propulsion and fast charging is required, but it is achieved with only two switches, which are the only two nonintegrated elements. The integrated topology is explained in this paper, together with the control scheme, and extension from five phases to higher phase numbers is illustrated using the seven-phase system as an example. Finally, the propulsion-mode operation with complete suppression of low-order harmonics, which map into the second plane, is achieved for the five-phase machine. Experimental verification of theoretical results and proposed control is provided for both charging and vehicle-to-grid mode of operation, as well as for propulsion.
A Review of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy: who is affected?

Abstract Objectives. Vitamin D deficiencies have been documented in several populations, including aboriginal Canadians from isolated northern communities. Such deficiencies can impact the health of both the mother and her infant. This review was performed to determine how widespread vitamin D deficiency is during pregnancy. Study design. Electronic literature search. Methods. A Medline search was conducted using the Mesh terms “pregnancy” and “vitamin D”. Those studies meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Results. 35 of 76 studies reported deficient mean, or median, concentrations of 25(OH)D. Low concentrations were reported among different ethnic groups around the world. In addition, deficient concentrations were identified in 3 northern First Nations communities in Manitoba. Conclusions. Such deficiencies are of concern, as the developing fetus acquires its 25(OH)D across the placenta and may influence infant health. Future research is required to resolve the discourse surrounding ambiguous threshold values for vitamin D deficiencies and insufficiencies and to identify effective strategies to improve the vitamin D status of expectant women. Vitamin D supplementation may be necessary for many women during pregnancy, especially those in northern regions where endogenous synthesis may be constrained. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2005; 64(2):112–120)
Therapeutic potential of CPT I inhibitors: cardiac gene transcription as a target

Inhibitors of carnitine palmitoyl-transferase I (CPT I), the key enzyme for the transport of long-chain acyl-coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) compounds into mitochondria, have been developed as agents for treating diabetes mellitus Type 2. Findings that the CPT I inhibitor, etomoxir, has effects on overloaded heart muscle, which are associated with an improved function, were unexpected and can be attributed to selective changes in the dysregulated gene expression of hypertrophied cardiomyocytes. Also, the first clinical trial with etomoxir in patients with heart failure showed that etomoxir improved the clinical status and several parameters of heart function. In view of the action of etomoxir on gene expression, putative molecular mechanisms involved in an increased expression of SERCA2, the Ca2+ pump of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and α-myosin heavy chain (MHC) of failing overloaded heart muscle are described. The first 225 bp of human, rabbit, rat and mouse SERCA2 promoter sequence have high identity. Various cis-regularory elements are also given for the promoter of the rat cardiac α-MHC gene. It is hypothesised that etomoxir increases glucose-phosphate intermediates resulting in activation of signalling pathway(s) mediated by phosphatases. Regarding the possible direct action of etomoxir on peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) activation, it could upregulate the expression of various enzymes that participate in beta-oxidation, thereby modulating some effects of CPT 1 inhibition. Any development of alternative drugs requires a better understanding of the signal pathways involved in the altered gene expression. In particular, signals need to be identified which are altered in overloaded hearts and can selectively be re-activated by etomoxir.
Nucleation effects on hydrofoil tip vortex cavitation

Tip vortex cavitation inception about an elliptical planform,NACA 0012 hydrofoil is investigated in cavitation tunnel flowsin which cavitation nuclei are deplete and abundant. Tests wereconducted at fixed Reynolds and cavitation numbers. The onset, or inception, of cavitation was induced by increasing theangle of incidence and behaviour was recorded photographically and acoustically. Cavitation inception occurred at a higherincidence in the deplete case compared with the abundant dueto fewer weaker nuclei. It also occurred within a small incidence change for the deplete case, with the appearance of acontinuous, cavitating vortical flow structure. Whereas for theabundant case, inception was intermittent, occurring across alarger incidence range. This was associated with individual nuclei activation events increasing in frequency with increasingincidence. Sound pressure levels increased with inception andcavity development but reduced to a local minimum once thecavity attached to the hydrofoil, increasing thereafter with incidence. Overall sound levels were higher for the abundant casethan for the deplete case.
Crystallization kinetics of coconut oil based on Avrami model

It has been shown experimentally by many researchers that cooling rate and crystallization temperature affect the rate of crystal formation. In this study, crystallization kinetics of coconut oil was measured by monitoring the solid fraction of the oil using pulsed Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (pNMR). Four levels of cooling rate and crytallization temperature were studied. Parameters of crystallization kinetics are quantified by applying Avrami model. Avrami model was used to explain the mechanism of nucleation (Avrami index), crystallization rate constant and crystallization half-time. Crystallization was done by heating the oil at a temperature of 70°C for 10 minutes prior to rapid cooling to 29°C. Then, rate of cooling from 29°C to the crystallization temperature (critical cooling rate) was set below 2°C/minutes. During the process, the oil was stirred at 15 rpm. Solid fraction was measured periodically since the crystallization temperature was reached until maximum solid fraction was achieved. The results showed that Avrami model is able to quantitatively describe coconut oil crystallization kinetics. Lower critical cooling rate decreases Avrami index, crystallization half time but increases crystallization rate constant. Crystallization temperature has positive correlation with the crystallization rate contstant and Avrami index.
Expert consensus building using e-Delphi for necrotizing enterocolitis risk assessment.

OBJECTIVE To confirm content validity of GutCheck(NEC) , a risk index for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and to determine the level of agreement among experts about NEC risk factors in premature infants. DESIGN Electronic Delphi method (e-Delphi). SETTING Online electronic surveys and e-mail communication supported by an interactive study website. PARTICIPANTS Nurses and physicians (N = 35) from four countries and across the United States who rated themselves as at least moderately expert about NEC risk. METHODS e-Delphi involved three rounds of surveys and qualitative thematic analysis of experts' comments. Surveys continued until criteria for consensus and/or stability were met. RESULTS Of 64 initial items, 43 were retained representing 33 risk factors (final GutCheck(NEC) Content Validity Index [CVI] = . 77). Two broad themes about NEC risk emerged from 242 comments: the impact of individual physiologic vulnerability and variation in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) clinicians' practices. Controversy arose over the impact of treatments on NEC, including probiotics, packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions, and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) management using indomethacin. CONCLUSION GutCheck(NEC) achieved borderline content validity for a new scale. The e-Delphi process yielded a broad perspective on areas in which experts share and lack consensus on NEC risk. Future testing is underway to reduce the number of risk items to the most parsimonious set for a clinically useful risk tool and test reliability.
A Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for the Detection of the Myxozoan Parasite Henneguya Ictaluri in Channel Catfish

Proliferative gill disease (PGD), caused by the myxozoan parasite Henneguya ictaluri, is the most prevalent parasitic infection affecting commercial channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) aquaculture. There are currently no effective chemotherapeutic or biological control measures for PGD, which often peaks during the spring and fall when water temperatures are between 16–25°C. The current diagnostic techniques of gross examination of gill clip wet mounts and histopathology are subject to false-negatives during the early stages of infection, and the quantifiable nature of end-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is subjective. Consequently, a rapid and more sensitive quantitative real-time PCR assay was developed for the detection of H. ictaluri during the early stages of infection in channel catfish. A 23 base-pair TaqMan probe was designed based on previously published H. ictaluri PCR protocols. The sensitivity of the assay was the equivalent of a single H. ictaluri actinospore, and in a pond challenge study, quantitative real-time PCR proved to be more sensitive than gross examination, microscopic examination of gill clip wet mounts, and histopathologic examination of gill tissue sections. Future applications of this assay will focus on developing methodologies to be used in conjunction with current pond-monitoring protocols to evaluate potential treatments and better manage this significant seasonal disease.
Pharmacokinetic studies on Wilfactin®, a von Willebrand factor concentrate with a low factor VIII content treated with three virus‐inactivation/removal methods

Summary. Objective: In order to correct the primary von Willebrand factor (VWF) defect and avoid supra‐physiologic plasma levels of factor VIII, a pure VWF concentrate almost devoid of FVIII was developed and used in France since 1989. Methods: The pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of the most recent version of this concentrate (Wilfactin®; LFB, Les Ulis, France), treated with three virus‐inactivation/removal methods (solvent/detergent, 35 nm filtration, dry heat treatment), was investigated in 25 patients. Seventeen patients with various types of clinically severe von Willebrand disease (VWD) were included in a crossover, randomized trial carried out in five European centers and comparing Wilfactin® with concentrates containing both FVIII and VWF (FVIII/VWF). Eight type 3 VWD patients were included in another trial carried out in six French centers comparing Wilfactin® with its previous version (Facteur Willebrand‐LFB®; LFB) that adopted one virus‐inactivation method only. Results: For both the measurements evaluated in this study (VWF antigen, VWF:Ag; and VWF ristocetin co‐factor activity, VWF:RCo), Wilfactin® had a PK profile similar to that of the FVIII/VWF concentrates and of Facteur Willebrand‐LFB®. VWF:RCo and VWF:Ag recoveries were 2.1 ± 0.3 and 1.8 ± 0.3 per IU kg−1, respectively, and the half‐lives were 12.4 ± 1.8 and 15.9 ± 1.5 h. The FVIII synthesis rate was 5.8 ± 1.0 IU dL−1 h−1, with a half‐life of 15.8 ± 2.4 h. Conclusion: The PK of VWF and FVIII have not been altered by the three virus‐inactivation/removal steps during the manufacturing of Wilfactin®.
The Use of the Chuang's Prognostic Scale to Predict the Survival of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Systemic Anticancer Therapy

Background: With the increasing number of agents active against cancer, advanced cancer patients including metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients may continue receiving palliative systemic anticancer therapy (PSAT) near the end-of-life. Validated palliative prognostic models, such as the Chuang′s prognostic scale (CPS), may be helpful in identifying mCRC patients with limited survival who are unlikely to benefit from PSAT. Aim: To test the ability of the CPS to predict the survival of mCRC under treatment with PSAT. Methods: CPS was prospectively assessed in 36 mCRC patients who were receiving PSAT. The scale is based on eight items: ascites, edema, cognitive impairment, liver and lung metastases, performance status, tiredness, and weight loss. The total CPS score ranges from 0 to 8.5 with the higher score indicating worse prognosis. Results: Patients were divided into two groups using a CPS cutoff score of 5, Group 1 with a CPS score ≤5 and Group 2 with a CPS score >5. Using this cutoff value, 3-month mortality was predicted with a positive predictive value of 71%, a negative predictive value of 77%, a sensitivity of 67%, a specificity of 81% and an overall accuracy of 75%. Group 1 patients had a longer median survival of 149 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 82-216) in comparison to Group 2 patients who had a median survival of 61 days (95% CI: 35-87). The difference in survival was statistically significant (P = 0.01). Conclusion: CPS may be useful in identifying mCRC patients with limited survival who are unlikely to benefit from PSAT.