Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Everolimus versus Mycophenolate Mofetil in the Prevention of Rejection in De Novo Renal Transplant Recipients: A 3-Year Randomized, Multicenter, Phase III Study

Background. This 36-month, randomized, parallel-group study compared safety and efficacy of two doses of everolimus with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in de novo renal-transplant recipients. Methods. Renal-allograft recipients received 1.5 mg/day or 3 mg/day of everolimus or 2 g/day of MMF, plus full-dose cyclosporine (CsA) and corticosteroids after randomization. For at least their first year, patients received study medication according to a double-blinded, double-dummy design. Concerns over nephrotoxicity led to a protocol amendment to an open-label design with reduced CsA troughs. Results. Incidences of primary efficacy failure at 36 months (biopsy-proven acute rejection, graft loss, death, or loss to follow-up) were everolimus 1.5 mg/day, 33.7% (65/193); everolimus 3 mg/day, 34.0% (66/194); and MMF, 31.1% (61/196) (P=0.810). Antibody-treated acute rejection at 36 months was significantly lower with everolimus 1.5 mg (9.8%) than MMF (18.4%, P=0.014). Discontinuation for adverse events was more frequent with everolimus and hemolytic uremic syndrome, lymphoproliferative disease, and proteinuria, and higher serum creatinine occurred at increased frequency relative to the MMF arm. Creatinine levels in the everolimus arms were stable in follow-up: the mean rise in creatinine over the first 6 months of the open-label phase was 3 &mgr;mol/L or greater with everolimus and 7 &mgr;mol/L with MMF. However, serum creatinine levels were lower in the MMF group throughout. Death and graft loss were higher in the everolimus arms (not significant). Conclusions. As part of triple-drug immunosuppression, everolimus (1.5 or 3 mg/day) was as efficacious as MMF, although the side-effect profile featured increased adverse events. Nephrotoxicity/calcineurin–inhibitor-related adverse events will require judicious lowering of CsA exposure with monitoring of everolimus troughs.
Higher-Order Cognitive Control in Dual Tasks: Evidence From Task-Pair Switching

In the present study, we combined the psychological refractory period (PRP) paradigm with a novel task-pair switching logic which enabled us to isolate performance costs occurring at the global level of task-pairs. In Experiment 1, in which we used conceptually overlapping responses for Task 1 (T1) and Task 2 (T2), we generated 3 task-pairs by combining 1 of 3 visual tasks (T1) with an auditory task (T2). In addition to worse performance after a short SOA than a long SOA (i.e., PRP effect), we found impaired performance in n − 1 task-pair switches as compared to n − 1 task-pair repetitions (i.e., n − 1 task-pair switch costs), suggesting that task-pairs were activated during dual-task processing. In Experiment 2, we increased the interference between T1 and T2 by using physically overlapping responses and we again observed n − 1 task-pair switch costs. To investigate whether the activation of task-pairs is adjusted by inhibitory control, we looked at the n − 2 task-pair sequence and found performance to be better in n − 2 task-pair repetitions than in n − 2 task-pair switches in both experiments. This n − 2 task-pair repetition benefit was replicated in Experiment 3 in which no immediate task-pair repetitions were included. Hence, the evidence suggests enhanced activation rather than inhibition as a crucial selection mechanism at the global level of dual-task processing.
Successful interferon-α treatment in a patient with IgA nephropathy associated with hepatitis C virus infection.

Figure 1. Histological findings of the renal biopsy. (A) Periodic acid silver-methenamine (PAM) staining showed mild mesangial hypercellularity, increased extracellular material, epithelial cell vacuolization in tubules and normal basement membrane in glomeruli. Magnification ×400. (B) Immunofluorescence studies revealed prominent mesangial deposits that stained for IgA 3+ (Magnification ×400) and stained for C3 2+, IgM 2+ and fibrinogen 2+ (not shown). IgG and C1q were not detected. (C, D) HCV-NS5 was deposited mainly in epithelial cells of the tubule. (Magnification ×100, ×400) □ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR □
A Theory of Factor Mobility

In this paper we study the determinants of intersectoral factor mobility. Mobility is the outgrowth of a prior investment decision. In particular, we focus on the human capital (i.e., training) decisions of workers. Uncertainty isa critical feature in such training decisions. The acquisition of general (vs. specific) skills allows a worker to select the more favorable sector after uncertainty is resolved. Thus general training has option value, which is enhanced by increases in risk. General training is a form of self-insurance. We study the impact of conventional insurance opportunities on training decisions. We find that the availabilty of income insurance does not necessarily imply less mobile workers.
The influence of manufacturing flexibility on strategic behaviours

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze whether the influence of manufacturing flexibility on firms’ exploration/exploitation differs between firms that possess Certified Quality Management Systems (CQMS) and firms that do not. Design/methodology/approach – The authors analyze a sample of 231 Spanish manufacturing firms, 131 of which had received some form of Quality Certification. The data were collected through a structured telephone questionnaire addressed to company CEOs. The relationships are modelled using regression equations, including interaction terms, in order to test for the existence of a moderating effect. Findings – The results show that certified companies exploit their own abilities, whereas uncertified firms tend to explore new knowledge. The authors also justify the importance of manufacturing flexibility for both options, exploration and exploitation. Research limitations/implications – The limitations of this research include the fact that the authors study a variety of form.
Sovereign Debt and Economic Growth Revisited: The Role of (Non-)Sustainable Debt Thresholds

Contributing to the contentious debate on the relationship between sovereign debt and economic growth, I examine the role of theory-driven (non-)sustainable debt-ratios in combination with debt-ratio thresholds on economic growth. Based on both dynamic and non-dynamic panel data analyses in the euro area (EA) 12 countries over the period 1970-2013, I find that non-sustainable debt-ratios above and below the 60% threshold, have a detrimental effect on short-run economic growth, while sustainable debt-ratios below the 90% threshold exert a positive influence on short-run economic growth. In the long-run, both non-sustainable and sustainable debt-ratios above the 90% threshold, as well as non-sustainable debt-ratios below the 60% compromise economic growth. Robustness analysis supports these findings, and provides additional evidence of a positive effect of sustainable debt-ratios below the 60% threshold, as predicated by the Maastricht Treaty criterion, on (short- and long-run) economic growth. Overall, these results suggest that debt sustainability in addition to debt non-linearities should be considered simultaneously in the debt-growth nexus. In addition, the results indicate the importance of a timely reaction of fiscal policy in countries with non-sustainable debts, as implied by fiscal rules, in an attempt to ensure fiscal sustainability and, ultimately, promote long-run economic growth. (author's abstract)
Academic Identity: A Modern Perspective

The paper raises questions about the meaning of academic identity, discusses professionalism and asks what is a profession? Both trait and functionalist models are presented as a means of understanding these areas. Two key papers relating to academic identity - Henkel (2005) and Archer (2008) - are discussed, and then questions are asked regarding what is it to be an academic in modern times and what are the pressures under which academics work? These questions feed into a discussion on differences between, and the possible effects, of New Public Managerialism and ‘new managerialism’ on academic identity. ‘Blended’ professionals, the impact of organisational and academic structures on academic identity and other potential issues are also discussed. Finally, the paper offers both a framework and suggested questions to help academics focus their thoughts in terms of their own academic advancement.
American Prison Culture in an International Context: An Examination of Prisons in America, The Netherlands, and Israel

In 2004, British authorities arrested Abu Hamza al-Masri, an Egyptian born cleric sought by the United States for his involvement in instigating terrorist attacks. As authorities prepared to extradite him in July 2010, the European Court of Human Rights issued a stay. According to the court, al-Masri’s claims that maximum-security prisons in the United States violate European human rights laws prohibiting torture and degrading treatment warranted further examination. Regardless of the eventual resolution of the al-Masri case, the European Court of Human Rights’ inability to summarily dismiss these assertions demonstrates something quite troubling. At a minimum, the court’s actions indicate that a perception has developed in the world that the American penal system has gone astray. But are prisons in the United States that much different from those found in other parts of the world? In the spring and summer of 2010, I traveled to prisons in the United States, The Netherlands, and Israel to compare the way each country detains its most violent and culpable residents. The results of this research indicate something quite striking about what makes prisons around the world successful and offer a sobering examination of the deficiencies present in many under-funded American institutions. This article will begin by examining the cultures of four prison facilities: two prisons in America (one federal and one state), a prison in The Netherlands, and a prison in Israel. For each institution, this article will offer a narrative of my observations regarding the prison’s structure and security, living conditions, and programming. In particular, the examination of each prison facility will include discussion of the apparent significant impact of each prison’s culture on the perceived rates of violence, the financial costs of administration, and the achievement of moral obligations regarding the treatment of prisoners. Through this analysis, this article will first propose that prisons with cultures that create a sense of community within the inmate population benefit from lower rates of violence. Second, the article will contend that lower rates of violence also lead to reduced costs of administration. Finally, this article will argue that regardless of the above-described benefits it is also morally correct to create positive prison environments rather than permit prisons to become warehouses for societal outcasts.
The effect of backrest position on the push which can be exerted on an isometric foot-pedal.

Mechanized agricultural operations may be divided into two broad classifications; those that should be carried out rapidly and those requiring great concentration at slow speeds. Both these tasks have become technically possible, but the limiting factor in mechanized farming may now prove to be the fatigue and discomfort experienced by the operator. This is mainly a question of the ease of manipulation of controls at all speeds and at all times during a prolonged operation. While the development in design of tractors and new implements has proceeded rapidly the question of the seating position in relation to the controls of the tractor and its accompanying implement has been given little attention. Many variables must be studied before a final answer can be reached. Hugh-Jones (1947) has already determined the best position of a foot control relative to a seat, and his results are therefore taken as a starting-point for this investigation. The problem now is to find out, for a given position of seat and pedal, the height at which a backrest should be placed to enable the operator to exert a maximum push with the foot. The problem is fundamentally one of stabilization. The assumption is made throughout that if the operator is working in the most advantageous position, then he will have a greater reserve of energy with which to combat fatigue.
Growing Old Gracefully: The Role of Old Age Pension in Lesotho

The introduction of an old age pension in Lesotho in November 2004 brought relief and hope to the elderly. The paper examines how the old age pension has helped in the acquisition of material goods, increased access to health care and, most importantly, strengthened the status of the elderly in their households. Two hundred and fifteen old age pension recipients in rural areas were interviewed. Results show that the elderly now participate more in household decision-making and contribute towards income and community projects. The poverty and hunger vulnerability existing before the pension have been halved. Pensioners play an increasing role in the care of orphans and vulnerable children. This has boosted pensioners’ self-esteem and strengthened respect given to them. Although the pension is seen as meagre, elections results show the efforts of the government continue to be highly appreciated. The paper concludes the old age pension has empowered the elderly and helps them live a more graceful life.
Corvid cognition.

UNLABELLED Numerous myths and legends across the world have suggested that corvids are intelligent. However, it is only in the last two decades that their cognition has become the subject of serious scientific investigation. Here I review what we currently know about the temporal, social, and physical cognition of this group. I argue that, while the work to date establishes corvids as one of the most intelligent groups of animals on the planet, the real scientific potential of the Corvidae has yet to be realized. However, a novel 'signature-testing' experimental approach is required if we want to unlock this group's promise and gain insights into the evolution of human and animal minds. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
Angels: personal investors in the venture capital market

The role of private investors in the equity financing of new technology-based ventures is examined. The research studies the venture capital market from a demand and supply perspective and delineates the role of the private investor with that of the more visible venture capital funds. The entrepreneur's perceptions of raising venture capital are also examined. The research suggests that the private investor is the most common source of seed and start-up financing, especially if the round of financing is less than US$500 000. While private investors are harder to find than their venture capital fund counterparts, it appears to take less time to close a deal with private investors and the financing is less expensive than financing from venture capital funds. Both private investors and venture capital funds add value to their investments through the establishment of working relationships with the ventures they finance, and entrepreneurs perceive these working relationships to be a productive component of the.
Immigrant advantage? Substance use among Latin American immigrant and native-born youth in Spain

This article reports the results of a descriptive study conducted with middle school and high school age youth residing in northwestern Spain. The main outcome of the study is to advance knowledge about the drug use attitudes and behaviors of immigrants versus native youth in a social context where Latin American immigrants share a common language and a set of core cultural norms with the host society. The research was conducted by a bi-national Spain–US research team as a preliminary study leading to the development of joint culturally appropriate prevention interventions for youth in the northern region of Galicia, Spain. Surveys were administered in Spring 2005 to 817 students in 7th to 10th grades in 10 urban, secondary schools with high immigrant enrollment. The sample included Spanish natives (two-thirds) and Latin American immigrants (one-third), mainly from Colombia, Argentina, and Venezuela. Multiple regression analyses predicted substance use intentions, and a composite variable measuring lifetime and last 30-day frequency and amount of alcohol, cigarette and marijuana use. Controlling for the fact that the immigrant students were generally older and performing less well academically than natives, and for other predictors, Latin American immigrant youth were less at risk than native youth on their intentions to use substances and on their reported actual substance use. In a mediational analysis, most of the key explanatory variables in youth substance use etiology failed to account for the immigrant versus native differences, including a range of risk and protective factors for substance use, substance use norms, strength of ethnic identity, and degree of social integration within native-born social networks. Differential access to drugs mediated the immigrant–native gap in substance use intentions but did not mediate differences in actual substance use.
Ex-dividend day share price behavior: Effects of the tax reform act of 1986

The authors examine ex-dividend day share price behavior in light of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Data from 1982 through 1991 are examined. The evidence generally supports the traditional view that differential taxation does affect the valuation of dividends and capital gains rather than the tax irrelevance view that it does not. Copyright 1993 by MIT Press.
Evaluation of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Varieties for Yield and Yield Components in Eastern Ethiopia

Potato is one of the strategic crops, enhancing food security and economic benefits to Ethiopia. Ethiopia has suitable edaphic and climatic conditions for the production of potatoes. But lack of well adapted cultivars is one of a production problems that account for low yield and small area cropped to the nation. Therefore, this study was conducted at Haramaya, Hirna and Arberekete to evaluate yield and yield component of 16 released potato varieties (Moti, Belete, Bubu, Ararsa, Gudenie, Bule, Gabissa, Marachare, Harchassa, Gera, Gorrebella, Guassa, Jalenie, Bedassa, Zemen & Chiro) and two local cultivars (Bette & Jarso). The experiment was laid out as a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results revealed the statistically significant variations in most of the traits. The highest total yield (56.52t/ha) and marketable tuber yield (53.97t/ha) recorded for Gera variety grown at Hirna, average tuber weight (105.24gm) and large sized tuber number (56.3%) for Belete grown at Haramaya large sized tuber weight (80.93%) for Belete grown at Hirna, marketable tuber number (95.83%) for Gera grown at Haramaya and unmarketable tuber weight (55.26t/ha) were observed for Bule grown at Hirna. The high mean small size tuber number (62.75%) for Jarso at Haramaya, small sized tuber weight (37.42%) were observed for Marachere grown at Hirna, medium sized tuber number (41.72%) for Zemen grown at Arberekete and medium sized tuber weight (49.13%) were observed for Bedasa variety grown at Arberekete. Finally, the result of the study reviled that the genotype and growing environment has a great influence on yield and yield components of potato tubers. Keywords: Genotype, Growing Environment, Potato, Total tuber yield, marketable tuber Yield
Teacher Perceptions of the Value of Teacher Evaluations: New Jersey's ACHIEVE NJ.

The Teacher Effectiveness and Accountability for the Children of New Jersey (TEACHNJ) Act was adopted by the New Jersey legislature in August 2012 with the intent to raise student achievement by improving the overall quality of instruction. As a result of this act, new teacher evaluation systems, known as ACHIEVE NJ, have been introduced in school districts across the state in an effort to more accurately assess teacher performance and to customize professional development opportunities for teachers based on observed areas of need. The overarching question that informs our research is what impact will ACHIEVE NJ have on the overall value of teacher evaluations and the quality of professional development opportunities offered to teachers. Data collected through survey research presents the pre-implementation practices (2012-2013 school year) as well as one year post-implementation practices (2013-2014) provides a snapshot of what is taking place in school districts throughout New Jersey. The findings reflect teachers’ perceptions of the value of teacher evaluation practices, the quality of the professional development opportunities and the value the school administration places on teacher evaluations.
Taking Synchronous Online Courses in the United States: The Perceptions from Asian Students.

Online learning has become a new paradigm in education, but very few research-based studies have addressed the multicultural aspects of online learning. Using interviews and observations, this study examines the perceptions of Asian students while taking synchronous online courses in the United States. The specific questions explored in this study are: (1) How do Asian students shift their learning styles from physical classrooms to synchronous online learning environments? (2) What are Asian students' opinions of synchronous online courses? (3) How do Asian students interact in synchronous online learning environments? (4) How do the instructional dimensions of synchronous online courses accommodate the needs of Asian students?