Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison between MICRO–CARD–FISH and 16S rRNA gene clone libraries to assess the active versus total bacterial community in the coastal Arctic

We collected surface- and deep-water samples (maximum depth 300 m) during the spring–summer transition in the coastal Arctic along a transect in the Kongsfjorden (Ny-Ålesund, Spitsbergen, Norway) to determine the structure of the active versus total marine bacterioplankton community using different approaches. Catalysed reporter deposition–fluorescence in situ hybridization combined with microautoradiography (MICRO–CARD–FISH) was used to determine the abundance and activity of different bacterial groups. The bacterial communities were dominated by members of Alphaproteobacteria followed by Bacteroidetes, whereas Gammaproteobacteria were present at low abundance but exhibited a high percentage of active cells taking up leucine. The clone libraries of 16S rRNA genes (16S rDNA) and 16S rRNA from two different depths were used to decipher the bacterial community structure. Independently of the type of clone libraries analysed (16S rDNA- or 16S rRNA-based), four major and four minor taxonomic groups were detected. The bacterioplankton community was mainly dominated at both the DNA and the RNA levels by Alphaproteobacteria followed by Gammaproteobacteria. The Rhodobacteriaceae were the most abundant members of the Alphaproteobacteria in both DNA and RNA clone libraries, followed by the SAR11 clade, which was only detectable at the 16S rDNA level. Moreover, there was a general agreement between the results obtained with both techniques, although some specific phylogenetic groups, such as SAR11 and Roseobacter, deviated substantially from this relation. These discrepancies are most likely linked to different physiological states among members of the bacterioplankton community. Combined, MICRO–CARD–FISH and DNA and RNA clone libraries, however, allowed for accurately quantifying different bacterial groups and their activity as well as a detailed phylogenetic insight into the fractions of present versus metabolically active bacterial groups.
Satisfaction With Medical Care: Replications and Theoretic Reevaluation

Satisfaction with medical care is frequently measured in health services research but for many different reasons. The widening conceptualizations and uses of satisfaction reported make comparisons between studies difficult. Questions regarding the structure and dimensionality of satisfaction remain. The relation of satisfaction with utilization still requires theoretic and empiric clarification. This article reports on several surveys containing measures of satisfaction conducted in a research program in community pediatrics. Using multidimensional scaling techniques, the stability of the structure of satisfaction and patients' preferences for care is examined across several samples. The different structures that emerged seem to reflect unique patient experience. Several multivariate approaches were applied to study the relation between satisfaction and utilization. A regulatory self-equilibrating model was offered. Satisfaction is seen as a multifaceted concept related to short-term and long-term processes. Specific models are required to link satisfaction to the various health and illness behaviors.
Cutaneous Tissue Engineering and Lower Extremity Wounds (Part 2)

In a previous article, this group described the principles involved in the development of bioengineered skin equivalents that held out much promise. This article has examined some of the uses of such products in treating venous ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and skin diseases leaving skin wounds. Data encouraging the use of such products in certain indications are available. The costs of using such products are also appreciated.
International Media Organizations' Role in Assisting the Media Sector in Iraq after 2003

Several international media organizations worked in Iraq after 2003 to assist Iraqi news organizations and journalists in their work. This kind of assistance included providing technical guidance, equipment, logistical support, training, media monitoring and general consultancy in order to assist in building a new Iraqi media. Many of these international media organizations cooperated with the US authorities that offered funding for various media projects. Aside from critically reviewing previous declassified documents from Wiki leaks on the role of international media organizations, the study is complemented by an interview with the former head of IWPR in Iraq, Ammar Al Shahbander who was killed in Baghdad in May 2015. This cooperation was facilitated by the US government in the first phase to send a message to other Arab countries showing the positive change that can come with the new political and media system in Iraq. Whether by US authorities or international organizations, millions of dollars were spent after 2003 on improving the Iraqi media, yet what was achieved was not up to expectations partly due to lack of coordination among international media organizations and/or Iraqi institutions and the epidemic deterioration in the security situation
Does Public Service Motivation Influence the College Students’ Intention to Work in the Public Sector? Evidence From Korea

Previous studies have produced significant distinctions between public- and private-sector employees with respect to public service motivation (PSM) and PSM-related variables. Little, however, is known about whether those variables are associated with employment choice at a pre-entry level. This article will address this gap in the literature by exploring the effect of PSM on college students’ sector choice in Korea. In previous research on PSM, three types of PSM measures—Perry’s PSM scale, work values, and prosocial behaviors—were utilized as a PSM variable. In exploring the association between PSM and sector choice, we employed the three measures. The empirical model showed that PSM and prosocial behaviors were not associated with public-sector choice. Only job security was found to be a main reason why college students intended to enter the public sector in Korea. We will discuss the implications of our findings in this article.
MENSURAÇÃO DA EFICIÊNCIA FINANCEIRA MUNICIPAL NO BRASIL E SUA RELAÇÃO COM OS GASTOS NAS FUNÇÕES DE GOVERNO MEASURING FINANCIAL EFFICIENCY OF BRAZILIAN MUNICIPALITIES AND ITS RELATION TO THE FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo avaliar, a partir de uma metrica contabil, a eficiencia financeira na gestao dos recursos publicos de municipios brasileiros e mensurar sua relacao com os gastos nas funcoes de governo definidas na estrutura orcamentaria brasileira, para municipios que possuiam uma populacao superior a 200.000 habitantes em 2007. Para tanto, inicialmente, definiram-se dez indicadores da condicao financeira de municipios, nos moldes utilizados por Brown (1993). Depois utilizou-se a DEA em dois estagios: o primeiro para definir os escores de eficiencia de cada municipio e num segundo estagio, fez-se uma regressao linear, a partir dos escores (variavel dependente), para investigar relacoes explicativas de variaveis exogenas originarias das 28 funcoes de governo. Os resultados revelaram, que, dentre as 28 funcoes de governo dispostas na execucao orcamentaria, apenas os gastos per capta com saude, urbanismos e saneamento se correlacionaram como os escores de eficiencia financeira dos municipios.
Measurement of BCR‐ABL1 by RT‐qPCR in chronic myeloid leukaemia: findings from an International EQA Programme

Sequential measurement of BCR‐ABL1 mRNA levels by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) is embedded in the management of patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), and has played an important role in the remarkable improvement in patient outcomes seen in this disease. As a provider of external quality assessment (EQA) in this area, UK NEQAS for Leucocyte Immunophenotyping (UKNEQAS LI) has a unique perspective on the changing face of BCR‐ABL1 testing in CML. To assess the impact of technical standardisation and the development of the International Scale (IS) upon the accuracy of BCR‐ABL1 testing, we reviewed EQA trial data from 2007 to 2015. Comparison of participant results identified considerable variability at both high and low levels of disease, including therapeutically important decision points; however, results converted to the IS showed less variability compared to unconverted data sets. We also found that different methods of converting to the IS produce consistently different median results within UKNEQAS LI IS data sets. This data suggests that whilst the development of the IS has improved the comparability of results between centres, there is still the need for further improvement in the processes of converting raw results to the IS in order to fully realise the benefits of molecular monitoring of CML.
Engagement of CD31 delivers an activating signal that contributes to the survival of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells

The present study showed that engagement of CD31 delivers a survival signal in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells. We describe two groups of CLL, showing different kinetics of apoptosis in vitro and distinct ratios between anti‐apoptotic and pro‐apoptotic proteins: CLL‐I displayed low Bcl‐xL/Bax and Bcl‐2/Bax ratio and underwent rapid apoptosis in vitro; CLL‐II had high Bcl‐xL/Bax and Bcl‐2/Bax ratio and were resistant to apoptosis for several days. Nurse‐like cells, expressing vimentin, CD68 and CD31 were detected mainly in CLL‐II cultures. Of note, CD31 cross‐linking, obtained with a specific monoclonal antibody (mAb), induced phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase‐dependent Akt phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor‐kBp65 and p52 subunits in both CLL groups, leading to upregulation of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL transcription and increased cell survival. Binding to CD31+ stable transfectants, could also deliver an anti‐apoptotic signal in B cells of both CLL‐I and CLL‐II, increasing the Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL protein content, regardless the expression of CD38. On the other hand, the addition of the F(ab’)2 (that is unable to oligomerize the target molecule) of the anti‐CD31 mAb prevented these effects. These data suggest that the CD31 adhesion system may play a role also in vivo in maintaining CLL survival.
Educational accountability of faculty and students in Higher Education:A prospective policy analysis

The purpose of this research is to examine the current quality assurance and accountability policies and practices in Egyptian public higher education institutions. It specifically examines the perceived effectiveness of pedagogical and assessment practices on students’ learning and institutional performance. The paper seeks to analyze the current challenges to propose a new policy to promote accountability of faculty and students. This qualitative research paper follows what Patton (2002) termed “prospective policy analysis”. Participants were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Fifty-one participants comprised the sample of the study. They were chosen from two accredited programs in two public universities in Greater Cairo. A Humanities program was chosen from University X; and an Engineering program was chosen from University Y. Two department heads, twenty faculty members and twenty-nine undergraduate fourth year students were involved in the study. Data was collected over the period of two weeks through semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document analysis. Data was analyzed using the thematic approach. Findings revealed many faculty members and students confirm that the current policies and practices are not effective. They have identified that large students numbers as one of the major challenges. Based on Delphi technique, the recommended prospective policies are “accountability policy for professors”, “new admission policy” and “reforming assessment practices”. EDUCATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY OF FACULTY AND STUDENTS 4 Table of
The Effect of Hemodialysis on Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Gradient

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of hemodialysis (HD) on left ventricular outflow tract gradient (LVOTG) measured both in supine and upright position (provocative maneuver to unload LV cavity by rapid preload reduction). Supine/standing echocardiography was performed immediately before and immediately after HD. For additional verification of the hypothesis about preload‐dependence of LVOTG, the echocardiograms after long (2‐day delay HD due to weekend) versus short (usual 1‐day) pause between HDs were compared. Methods: Forty‐one patients on chronic HD (mean age 44 ± 11 years) were examined using a portable hand‐carried echocardiograph. In accordance with the prestudy assumption the ultrafiltration volume was significantly greater during HD after a long pause in comparison to HD after a short pause (3707 ± 2826 mL vs. 2665 ± 1152 mL P < 0.05). Results: After a long pause, the mean value of LVOTG at the pre‐HD was mildly increased in the supine position and remained at a similar level in the upright position (13.1 ± 6.1 vs. 13.6 ± 9.1 mmHg). Mean LVOTG at the post‐HD in the supine position was similar to pre‐HD, however the orthostatic stress test induced a significant increase of LVOTG (13.9 ± 15.2 vs. 18.2 ± 19.9 mmHg P < 0.05). After a short pause at the pre‐HD the LVOTG in the supine position and after the orthostatic provocation was very similar to measurements after long pause (13.3 ± 9.1 vs. 13.3 ± 10.8 mmHg). At the post‐HD the mean value of LVOTG increased during upright posture but the differences were of borderline significance (13.2 ± 6.6 vs. 17.9 ± 18.6 mmHg P = 0.052). Conclusions: HD predisposed to standing‐provoked LVOTG especially when a long pause (2 days) between HDs induced a greater weight gain and subsequently a larger volume of ultrafiltration was needed to reduce hypervolemia. (Echocardiography 2010;27:603‐607)
Infrastructure and Economic Growth

This article analyzed theoretically and empirically the influence of infrastructure investment on economic growth in Nigeria from 1980–2006. The study employed the use of vector error correction estimate (VECM). The variables were found to be stationary at order 1, and there exists a long-run equilibrium relationship between the dependent and the explanatory variables. However, the two variables for infrastructure show a steadily declining rate on the long run as shown by the result of the variance decomposition and impulse response functions. It is suggested that the government should intensify their efforts in mobilising more resources towards the provision and improvement of basic infrastructure.
Is APV Better Than WACC for Non-Stationary Debt Ratio?

The WACC method is normally considered suitable for firms maintaining a constant debt ratio; while the APV method is more convenient when debt policy and tax rate are more complex. However, we show that this is incorrect in that the APV method actually requires knowledge about more variables (than the WACC method does) in order to implement accurately. On top of this, the central issue (with the APV method) regarding the discount rate for the tax shields is still an open question to a large extent, which makes the APV method even more unreliable. The two-year example provided in this study is set up in a style as general as possible. This allows for an easy extension to more general and realistic situations. Therefore, we clarify a widespread yet mistaken notion about the WACC and the APV method. Not only does it correct a longstanding misconception in academics, but it also has useful implications in practice.
Functional connectivity analysis of multiplex muscle network across frequencies

Physiological networks reveal information about the interaction between subsystems of the human body. Here we investigated the interaction between the central nervous system and the musculoskeletal system by mapping functional muscle networks. Muscle networks were extracted using coherence analysis of muscle activity assessed using surface electromyography (EMG). Surface EMG was acquired from 36 muscles distributed throughout the body while participants were standing upright and performing a bimanual pointing task. Non-negative matrix factorization revealed functional connectivity in four frequency bands. The spatial arrangement differed considerably across frequencies supporting a multiplex network organisation. Graph-theory analysis of layer-specific network revealed a consistent fat-tail distribution of the edges weights, distinct efficiency values, and core-periphery properties. These frequency bands may be spectral fingerprints of different neural pathways that innervate the spinal motor neurons to control the musculoskeletal system.
The unresponsiveness of aged mice to polysaccharide antigens is a result of a defect in macrophage function

A reduction in macrophage (MΦ) function with aging makes mice less responsive to bacterial capsular polysaccharides, such as those present in the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, a model of thymus independent (TI) antigen (Ag). Using trinitrophenol (TNP)‐lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and TNP‐Ficoll, two other well‐studied TI Ag, we studied the mechanistic basis of reduced MΦ function in the aged. We show that aged mice are profoundly hyporesponsive to these TI Ag. As a result of a requirement for MΦ, highly purified B cells from young‐adult mice do not respond to TI Ag. When purified, young B cells were immunized with TNP‐Ficoll, the antibody production from those cultures reconstituted with MΦ from aged mice was significantly lower than that seen with young MΦ. Consequently, this unresponsiveness can be overcome by a mixture of interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6. Upon stimulation with LPS, in comparison with young MΦ, aged MΦ secreted reduced amounts of IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor α, IL‐1β, and IL‐12, cytokines necessary for B cells to respond to TI Ag. LPS also induced aged MΦ to produce an excess of IL‐10. Neutralization of IL‐10 enhanced the production of proinflamatory cytokines by MΦ upon LPS stimulation and also induced Ab production by aged splenocytes. Thus, the inability of aged MΦ to help the B cell response appears to be caused by an excess of IL‐10. As aged MΦ have a reduced number of cells expressing Toll‐like receptor 4 and CD14, the imbalance in cytokine production might be partly a result of fewer cells expressing key components of the LPS receptor complex.
The Small GTPase Cdc42 Is Necessary for Primary Ciliogenesis in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells*

Primary cilia are found on many epithelial cell types, including renal tubular epithelial cells, where they participate in flow sensing. Disruption of cilia function has been linked to the pathogenesis of polycystic kidney disease. We demonstrated previously that the exocyst, a highly conserved eight-protein membrane trafficking complex, localizes to primary cilia of renal tubular epithelial cells, is required for ciliogenesis, biochemically and genetically interacts with polycystin-2 (the protein product of the polycystic kidney disease 2 gene), and, when disrupted, results in MAPK pathway activation both in vitro and in vivo. The small GTPase Cdc42 is a candidate for regulation of the exocyst at the primary cilium. Here, we demonstrate that Cdc42 biochemically interacts with Sec10, a crucial component of the exocyst complex, and that Cdc42 colocalizes with Sec10 at the primary cilium. Expression of dominant negative Cdc42 and shRNA-mediated knockdown of both Cdc42 and Tuba, a Cdc42 guanine nucleotide exchange factor, inhibit ciliogenesis in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Furthermore, exocyst Sec8 and polycystin-2 no longer localize to primary cilia or the ciliary region following Cdc42 and Tuba knockdown. We also show that Sec10 directly interacts with Par6, a member of the Par complex that itself directly interacts with Cdc42. Finally, we show that Cdc42 knockdown results in activation of the MAPK pathway, something observed in cells with dysfunctional primary cilia. These data support a model in which Cdc42 localizes the exocyst to the primary cilium, whereupon the exocyst then targets and docks vesicles carrying proteins necessary for ciliogenesis.
Detection and molecular characterization of enteric viruses in breeder turkeys

The present study was undertaken to detect and characterize enteric viruses (rotavirus, astrovirus, reovirus, and coronavirus) in breeder poults. Five turkey breeder flocks were selected. Faecal samples were collected from all flocks at 1 week of age and then every other week until the poults reached 9 weeks of age. The faecal samples were pooled in groups of five. Of the 193 pools (“samples”) tested by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, 47.2%, 30.6%, and 10.4% samples were positive for astrovirus, rotavirus, and reovirus, respectively. No coronavirus was detected in any of the samples. Overall, 118 (61.1%) samples were positive for one or more enteric viruses. Of the 118 samples, 70 (59.3%) were positive for a single virus and 48 (40.7%) for a combination of viruses. Phylogenetic analysis based on the polymerase gene showed that astroviruses clustered into two groups with sequence homology ranging from 85.6 to 100% at the nucleotide level. Based on NSP4 gene sequences, rotaviruses clustered in a group and had 96.3 to 99.9% sequence homology at the nucleotide level. The reoviruses, based on their S4 gene sequences, clustered in a single group with sequence homology of 96.9 to 100%. Differing amino acid sequences of all three viruses may affect the antigenicity and/or pathogenicity of these viruses and may merit further study. The presence of two or three different viruses in combination may affect the dynamics of turkey health and disease.
Necrosis in DU145 prostate cancer spheroids induces COX‐2/mPGES‐1‐derived PGE2 to promote tumor growth and to inhibit T cell activation

Cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2‐derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) supports the growth of a spectrum of cancers. The potential benefit of COX‐2‐inhibiting non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for cancer treatment is however limited by their well‐known cardiovascular side‐effects. Therefore, targeting microsomal PGE synthase 1 (mPGES‐1), the downstream enzyme in the COX‐2‐dependent pathway of PGE2 production might be attractive, although conflicting data regarding a potential tumor‐supporting function of mPGES‐1 were reported. We determined the impact of mPGES‐1 in human DU145 prostate cancer cell growth. Surprisingly, knockdown of mPGES‐1 did not alter growth of DU145 monolayer cells, but efficiently inhibited the growth of DU145 multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS). Opposed to MCTS, monolayer cells did not secrete PGE2 due to a lack of COX‐2 expression, which was induced during spheroid formation. Pharmacological inhibition of COX‐2 and mPGES‐1 supported the crucial role of PGE2 for growth of MCTS. The functionality of spheroid‐derived PGE2 was demonstrated by its ability to inhibit cytotoxic T cell activation. When investigating mechanisms of spheroid‐induced COX‐2 induction, we observed that among microenvironmental factors neither glucose deprivation, hypoxia nor tumor cell apoptosis enhanced COX‐2 expression. Interestingly, interfering with apoptosis in spheroids triggered a shift towards necrosis, thus augmenting COX‐2 expression. We went on to demonstrate that necrotic cells induced COX‐2 mRNA expression and PGE2 secretion from live tumor cells. In conclusion, necrosis‐dependent COX‐2 upregulation in MCTS promoted PGE2‐dependent tumor growth and inhibited activated cytotoxic T cells. Hence, blocking mPGES‐1 as a therapeutic option may be considered for COX‐2/mPGES‐1‐positive solid cancers.