Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term efficacy and safety of etanercept in children with polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: interim results from an ongoing multicenter, open-label, extended-treatment trial.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of etanercept in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) participating in an ongoing multicenter, open-label, extended-treatment trial. All patients had been participants in an initial randomized efficacy and safety trial of etanercept. METHODS Etanercept was administered at a dosage of 0.4 mg/kg (maximum 25 mg) subcutaneously twice each week. Safety and efficacy evaluations were performed every 3-4 months. The JRA 30% definition of improvement (DOI) was defined as improvement of > or =30% in at least 3 of 6 response variables used to assess disease activity, with no more than 1 variable worsening by more than 30%. RESULTS At the time of analysis, 48 of the 58 patients (83%) were still enrolled in the study; 43 of them (74%) had completed 2 years of treatment. Of these 43 patients, 81% met the JRA 30% DOI, 79% met the JRA 50% DOI, and 67% met the JRA 70% DOI. Ten children started low-dose methotrexate after year 1. Of the 32 children taking prednisone, the dosage was decreased to <5 mg/day in 26 (81%). Two children had serious infections (varicella with aseptic meningitis in one and complicated sepsis in the other). In general, adverse events were of the types seen in a general pediatric patient population. CONCLUSION Children with severe, longstanding, methotrexate-resistant polyarticular JRA demonstrated sustained clinical improvement with >2 years of continuous etanercept treatment. Etanercept was generally well-tolerated. There were no increases in the rates of adverse events over time. However, children taking etanercept should be monitored closely for infections.
Commitment and Borrower Heterogeneity: Evidence from Revolving Consumer Credit

Based on a unique dataset, we analyze borrower heterogeneity in the debt response to interest rate decreases and credit limit increases in revolving consumer credit. Our key findings show that 1) the debt response of borrowers who commit to monthly minimum repayments is about four times as large as the response of uncommitted borrowers when interest rates decrease and 2) committed borrowers' reaction to credit limit increases is almost 30% stronger. These patterns are most likely to be caused by sophisticated impatient individuals choosing to commit. Lenders can use these insights to implement target-oriented interventions and provide debt more efficiently.
Fixing the Problem With Empathy

Low empathy is a criterion for most externalizing disorders, and empathy training is a regular component of treatment for aggressive people, from school bullies to sex offenders. However, recent meta-analytic evidence suggests that current measures of empathy explain only 1% of the variance in aggressive behavior. A new assessment of empathy was developed to more fully represent the empathy construct and better predict important outcomes—particularly aggressive behavior and externalizing psychopathology. Across three independent samples (N = 210-708), the 36-item Affective and Cognitive measure of Empathy (ACME) was internally consistent, structurally reliable, and invariant across sex. The ACME bore significant associations to important outcomes, which were incremental relative to other measures of empathy and generalizable across sex. Importantly, the affective scales of the ACME—particularly a new “Affective Dissonance” scale—yielded moderate to strong associations with aggressive behavior and externalizing disorders. The ACME is a short, reliable, and useful measure of empathy.
Construction risk management among construction companies in Nigeria : moderated by government regulation

Substantial empirical studies have established that certain organizational internal and external factors do influence construction risk management of companies. Conjugated with the recent substantial attention on risk management in Nigeria, and the demand for Nigerian construction companies to implement risk management in order to tackle the challenges they are facing, studies on risk management in Nigerian construction companies are few. The objectives of this study are to assess the extent of construction risk management among construction companies operating in Abuja and Lagos state in Nigeria, and to examine the organizational internal and external factors influencing their risk management, moderated by government regulation. A proportionate stratified random sampling was used to select 338 construction companies obtained from Nigeria Galleria and Lagos State Government Tender Board database. A total of 238 completed and valid questionnaires were returned, yielding a 72 percent response rate. Descriptive statistics, the 5-point Likert scale rendition and PMBOK’s risk management category were used to achieve the first research objective. The extent of risk management among Nigerian construction companies was found to be at a moderate level. Drawing upon organisational control theory, this study also examined the role of government regulation on the relationship between organizational factors and construction risk management. Furthermore, the moderating effects of government regulation revealed a negative relationship between organizational internal factors and construction risk management, while government regulation moderated a positive relationship between organizational external factors and construction risk management. Likewise, all the hypotheses on the direct relationship between organizational factors and construction risk management were supported. In summary, the findings in this research demonstrate that government regulation can enhance risk management among construction companies operating in Nigeria. To enhance risk management among construction companies, project managers should give considerable attention to the organizational factors found to be influencing their risk management.
A PRIORI CONVERGENCE OF THE GREEDY ALGORITHM FOR THE PARAMETRIZED REDUCED BASIS METHOD

The convergence and eciency of the reduced basis method used for the approximation of the solutions to a class of problems written as a parametrized PDE depends heavily on the choice of the elements that constitute the \reduced basis". The purpose of this paper is to analyze the a priori convergence for one of the approaches used for the selection of these elements, the greedy algorithm. Under natural hypothesis on the set of all solutions to the problem obtained when the parameter varies, we prove that three greedy algorithms converge; the last algorithm, based on the use of an a posteriori estimator, is the approach actually employed in the calculations.
Adoption Level and Training Need in Scientific Feeding Management Practices among Hill Korwa Tribes of Chhattisgarh

The present study was aimed at finding out the level of adoption of scientific feeding management practices among Hill Korwa tribes with relation to the independent socio-economic variables and also the perceived training need in feeding management practices. Data were collected from 160 respondents of Surguja district, Chhattisgarh, through a pre-tested structured interview schedule. Results depicted that majority of respondents were partial adopter (48.8%) followed by low (43.1%) and high (8.1%) adopters. Total annual income, income from livestock, extension agency contact and mass media exposure had positive and significant correlation with adoption of feeding management practices whereas, age and material possession had negative and significant correlation with adoption of feeding management practices. In the area of training, the feeding of sick animals was ranked first with a mean score of 2.70 followed by feeding of newly born calf (2.24), feeding of pregnant animals (2.09), preparation of balanced ration (1.86), importance of clean drinking water (1.42) and preparation of mineral mixture (1.39), was as perceived by the farmers in study area.
Quantitative gadopentetate‐enhanced MRI of breast tumors: Testing of different analytic methods

This study assessed several proposed imaging strategies and analytic methods based on gadopentetate‐enhanced MRI to differentiate benign from malignant breast tumors in a blinded experimental animal study. Steady‐state dynamic MRI and first‐pass imaging, performed with either T1‐ or T*2‐ weighted sequences, were compared. Semiquantitative and quantitative analysis methods, based on empirical measures of the data or physiological models, were subsequently applied to the imaging datasets. Comparative measures provided pathologic distinction of benign from malignant tumors, tumor grading, and histologic determination of microvascular density. Of the eight tested methods, only one, an estimate of first‐pass perfusion using T *2‐weighted imaging, showed an almost significant (P = 0.05) difference between benign and malignant tumors and correlated almost significantly (r = .3, P = 0.06) with the tumor grade. All other tests, performed either with steady‐state imaging or with T1‐weighted first‐pass imaging, failed to differentiate benign from malignant tumors. In addition, they yielded poor correlations with tumor grade and microvascular density. Magn Reson Med 44:915–924, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetically Modified Feeds in Poultry Diet: Safety, Performance, and Product Quality

Concerns have been expressed regarding the safety of using biotechnology derived feeds in diets of livestock animals and in regard to human consumption of products from species fed transgenic crops. As a consequence, a large number of poultry nutrition studies have been conducted to evaluate the wholesomeness of transgenic crops by examining performances of animals during growth or egg laying. Studies also evaluated whether foreign DNA and proteins could be detected in meat, egg, and tissue samples from broiler chickens and laying hens fed diets containing transgenic feeds. In all studies, the conclusions were in agreement that the transgenic crops provided comparable performance, carcass and egg yields, and meat and egg composition, when compared with conventional grains. Moreover, it was demonstrated that transgenic proteins and DNA present in livestock feeds are not detectable in food products derived from these animals, using the most sensitive detection methods available, confirming that they are rapidly degraded by normal digestive processes. The lack of significant differences were a result of the similarity in nutrient composition of the genetically modified feeds and lack of differences in intake and digestibility, while there were no evidences that the differences reported for performance response variables and carcass measurements between treatment groups were attributable to the presence of the transgenic gene and protein in the biotechnology derived plants. Results demonstrated that genetically modified feeds are substantially equivalent and they result as safe as existing conventional feeds.
Assessment and management of infants with apparent life-threatening events in the paediatric emergency department

Objective To report our experience with a guideline approach for the assessment of apparent life-threatening events (ALTE) at our paediatric emergency department (PED). Methods Prospective observational case series study of a guideline approach for infants under the age of 12 months who suffered an ALTE between 1 April 2005 and 31 June 2006. Results A total of 66 infants with ALTE were included. Fourteen had perinatal risk factors and 16 previous ALTE. Only 14 presented significant abnormalities at examination at the PED. Eight had recurrent ALTE at the PED. Laboratory investigations were abnormal in 35 infants. A total of 45 infants were admitted. Associated conditions (secondary ALTE) were reported in 24 infants (36%), mostly respiratory infections and gastroesophageal reflux. Laboratory investigations contributed to a related diagnosis in nine cases. Compared with idiopathic group, the secondary ALTE sufferers had more perinatal risk factors, more abnormal examination findings, higher risk of recurrence and more frequent need for intervention in the PED. Conclusion Most infants with a first episode of ALTE have normal physical examination. The absence of data suggesting underlying disease, after detailed history and examination, identifies a pool of infants who may be handled conservatively. This group may be monitored as outpatients after keeping them under watch for a short time at the emergency unit, thus avoiding unnecessary admissions. The low yield of laboratory tests in this group suggests that they could be safely omitted in most ALTE and restricted to cases with risk factors and/or whose progress at the observation unit is not satisfactory.
Human papillomavirus, cancer and vaccination

Purpose of reviewHIV-positive men and women are at greater risk of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers compared with the general population. This study describes recent findings in HPV-related cancers and precancerous lesions and discuss the potential benefit of recently developed prophylactic HPV vaccines. Recent findingsDespite improving access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), particularly in developing countries, the incidence of cervical cancer has not declined and the incidence of anal cancer is still rising in HIV-infected individuals. HIV appears to affect the history of HPV infection, and the distribution of genotypes detected in precancerous lesions in HIV-infected women is not similar to that of the general population. The use of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine has been shown to prevent cervical precursor lesions caused by the vaccine types in women in the general population. Safety and immunogenicity studies of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in HIV-infected individuals are underway. Efficacy has to be proven in the context of both a different epidemiology of HPV infection and of immunosuppression. SummaryRecent data imply that the issue of HPV-related cancers will not decline in HIV-infected individuals. Therefore, efficacy studies of HPV vaccines are sorely needed in the setting of HIV.
Bank Market Structure and Firms’ Leverage: Case of Croatia

This paper analyzes the impact of bank market structure on firms’ leverage in the Republic of Croatia with respect to the firms’ size. Two opposite theories, the market power theory and the relationship lending theory, are tested on very large and large enterprises, and medium and small companies, separately using panel data for the period from 2002 to 2011. According to the results the bank concentration positively affects firms’ leverage, regardless of the firms’ size, confirming predictions of relationship lending theory.
Histologic Grade, DNA Ploidy, and Intraglandular Tumor Extent as Indicators of Tumor Progression of Clinical Stage B Prostatic Carcinoma: A Direct Comparison

Histologic grade, DNA ploidy, and percentage tumor area were assessed in prostatectomy specimens from 73 patients with clinical stage B adenocarcinoma of the prostate and analyzed for their value as predictors of tumor progression. Further, the relationship between percentage tumor area and DNA ploidy was studied. Percentage tumor area was the indicator most strongly associated with the likelihood of tumor extension beyond the capsule of the prostate and of tumor progression as assessed in a logistic regression model. Grade was slightly superior to percentage area in predicting time to progression in a Cox model analysis. Increasing percentage tumor area was associated with an increased likelihood of aneuploidy. Little additional predictive ability was obtained with the concurrent use of two indicators in multivariate analysis, suggesting a high degree of interrelatedness of percentage tumor area, histologic grade, and DNA ploidy, DNA ploidy was not an independent predictive factor, and from a practical standpoint histologic grade and percentage tumor area were more important predictors of tumor progression than DNA ploidy.
The Effect of Capital Structure on the Performance of Palestinian Financial Institutions

This study aims at finding the relationship between the market efficiency and capital structure of Palestinian financial institutions. The study establishes a model to measure the effect of capital structure on the bank efficiency measured by ROE, ROA, Total deposit to assets ,total loans to assets and total loans to deposits were used to measure capital structure. It is found that leverage has a negative effect on bank profits, an increase in each ROA and Total Deposit to Assets increase bank efficiency. We also tested the effect of the above variables on bank market value measured by Tobin's Q. It was also found that Leverage has a negative effect on market value of the bank, a positive and strong relationship between market value and ROA and bank deposits to total deposits.
Research of the Stock Price Overreaction and Investor Overconfidence Issues

This research examines the existing of investor overconfidence in the capital market and the phenomena of stock prices reversal in the future due to the existing of this behavior. It has a different approach to test the existing of investor overconfidence by introducing firm’s growth as the information which has triggered many investors to behave overconfidently. By using multiple regression analysis, the results of this research confirmed our conducted hypothesis, investor tends to behave overconfident to firms which have higher growth. It proofed by the positive relation between firms’ growth and trading volume. Afterward, this research also found that higher growth firms tend to have declining on its performance in the future. The negative relation between firms’ growth and longterm performance means that the stock’s price reversal caused by the existing of investor overconfidence.
Susceptibility to hemolytic-uremic syndrome relates to erythrocyte glycosphingolipid patterns.

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is usually preceded by enteric infection by Shiga-like toxin-producing Escherichia coli (SLT-EC), but most children with SLT-EC diarrhea do not develop HUS. SLT toxicity depends on entry into the target cell via its host cell glycolipid receptor, globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). The relationship between differential susceptibility to HUS and erythrocyte Gb3 levels, as measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography, was studied. Erythrocytes of children with histories of HUS had lower nonhydroxylated fatty acyl (NFA) Gb3 levels than did erythrocytes of controls (1.6 vs. 2.0 nmol/mL of packed cells); these erythrocytes had lower ratios of NFA-Gb3 to lactosylceramide (0.16) than did erythrocytes of SLT-EC diarrheal patients without subsequent HUS (0.30; P < .003) or of healthy controls (0.28; P < .001). The lower erythrocyte Gb3 levels associated with HUS may reflect a genetic predisposition for differential outcomes of SLT-EC gastroenteritis.
Direct Evidence that Saquinavir Is Transported by Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein (MRP1) and Canalicular Multispecific Organic Anion Transporter (MRP2)

ABSTRACT To determine if saquinavir mesylate (saquinavir) is a substrate of human multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (hMRP1 [ABCC1]) or hMRP2 (cMOAT, or ABCC2), MDCKII cells that overexpress either hMRP1 (MDCKII-MRP1) or hMRP2 (MDCKII-MRP2) were used to investigate saquinavir's cytotoxicity and transport in comparison with those of control MDCKII wild-type (MDCKII/wt) cells. Cytotoxicity was assessed with the mitochondrial marker MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium], and saquinavir transport was measured directly through the cell monolayers. GF120918 (an inhibitor of P glycoprotein, but not of the MRP family) and MK-571 (an MRP family inhibitor) were used to delineate the specific contributions of these transporters to saquinavir cytotoxicity and transport. In the presence of GF120918 and increasing saquinavir concentrations, the MDCKII-MRP1 (50% lethal dose [LD50] = 10.5 μM) and MDCKII-MRP2 (LD50 = 27.1 μM) cell lines exhibited statistically greater viability than the MDCKII/wt cells (LD50 = 7.8 μM). Saquinavir efflux was directional, not saturable, and was inhibited by MK-571 (35 and 75 μM) in all cell lines. The ratios of saquinavir (3 μM) basolateral to apical permeability (i.e., efflux ratios) for the MDCKII/wt, MDCKII-MRP1, and MDCKII-MRP2 cell monolayers were 2.6, 1.8, and 6.8, respectively. The MDCKII-MRP1 cells have a significantly reduced saquinavir efflux ratio relative to MDCKII/wt cells, due to basolaterally directed transport by hMRP1 competing with endogenous, apically directed canine MRP2. The MDCKII-MRP2 cells have a significantly increased saquinavir efflux ratio relative to MDCKII/wt cells, due to the additive effects of the apically directed transport by hMRP2 and endogenous MRP2. Collectively, the cytotoxicity and transport results provide direct evidence that saquinavir is transported by MRP1 and MRP2.
Discharge characteristics of axotomized abducens internuclear neurons in the adult cat

The aim of the present work was to characterize the axotomy‐induced changes in the discharge properties of central nervous system neurons recorded in the alert behaving animal. The abducens internuclear neurons of the adult cat were the chosen model. The axons of these neurons course through the contralateral medial longitudinal fascicle and contact the medial rectus motoneurons of the oculomotor nucleus. Axotomy was carried out by the unilateral transection of this fascicle (right side) and produced immediate oculomotor deficits, mainly the incapacity of the right eye to adduct across the midline. Extracellular single‐unit recording of abducens neurons was carried out simultaneously with eye movements. The main alteration observed in the firing of these axotomized neurons was the overall decrease in firing rate. During eye fixations, the tonic signal was reduced, and, on occasion, a progressive decay in firing rate was observed. On‐directed saccades were not accompanied by the high‐frequency spike burst typical of controls; instead, there was a moderate increase in firing. Similarly, during the vestibular nystagmus, neurons hardly modulated during both the slow and the fast phases. Linear regression analysis between firing rate and eye movement parameters showed a significant reduction in eye position and velocity sensitivities with respect to controls, during both spontaneous and vestibularly induced eye movements. These firing alterations were observed during the 3 month period of study after lesion, with no sign of recovery. Conversely, abducens motoneurons showed nosignificant alteration in their firing pattern. Therefore, axotomy produced long‐lasting changes in the discharge characteristics of abducens internuclear neurons that presumably reflected the loss of afferent oculomotor signals. These alterations might be due to the absence of trophic influences derived from the target. J. Comp. Neurol. 427:391–404, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.