Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum IgG antibodies to peptidylarginine deiminase 4 predict radiographic progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with tumour necrosis factor-α blocking agents

Background: Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) may generate epitopes targeted by anticitrullinated protein antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A subset of patients with RA has serum autoantibodies to human recombinant PAD4 (hPAD4). Here, we assessed whether anti-hPAD4 status in RA predicted disease outcome after antitumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF)-α therapy. Methods: We analysed RA sera obtained at baseline (n = 40) and after 1 year on anti-TNF-α therapy (n = 33) for anti-hPAD4 IgG. Association analyses between baseline anti-hPAD status and disease progression were performed. Results: We found that 17 of 40 patients (42.5%) were serum anti-hPAD4 positive at baseline, and the anti-hPAD4 IgG levels were stable over 1 year on anti-TNF-α therapy. At baseline, there were indications that anti-hPAD4 positive patients had more severe disease than the negative patients. After 1 year on anti-TNF-α therapy, the anti-hPAD4 positive patients displayed a persistently elevated disease activity score using 28 joint counts score and increased progression in the van der Heijde–modified Sharp erosion score. Accordingly, more anti-hPAD4 positive than negative patients presented an increase in van der Heijde–modified Sharp erosion scores >0 over 1 year. Conclusions: Anti-hPAD4 IgG can be detected in a subset of RA sera and the levels are stable after initiation of anti-TNF-α therapy. Serum anti-hPAD4 may predict persistent disease activity and radiographic progression in patients with RA receiving anti-TNF-α therapy.
Private equity in China : an institutional comparative study

Investments by funds in the equity of non listed companies represent a crucial activity of capitalism of the 21st Century. This thesis provides a thorough study on the development and the characteristics of private equity funds operating in China. It applies the framework of institutional analysis and follows the logic of the varieties of capitalism while using a multi-disciplinary approach. We develop a comparative study on Chinese, French and British private equity funds based on the institutional differences among the economic models of the three countries. Our analysis suggests that the specificity of the economic development of China is mainly related to the role of the Chinese state, the importance of guanxi in the sphere of business and the great market complexity created by the “path of dependence”. Accordingly, for private equity in China we observe a stronger influence of the Chinese state, an extensive impact of guanxi, a more diverse use of information sources, a more limited choice of financial tools, and the preference of Chinese entrepreneurs to keep control of their firms. Our econometric study indicates that the rigidity of labor market, economic openness and taxation on company profits have the greatest impact on the activity of the funds and that in comparison with France, the UK and the US, China has stronger coefficients for the factors of GDP growth, household consumption growth, political stability and infrastructure.
Particle filtering based likelihood ratio approach to fault diagnosis in nonlinear stochastic systems

This paper presents the development of a particle filtering (PF) based method for fault detection and isolation (FDI) in stochastic nonlinear dynamic systems. The FDI problem is formulated in the multiple model (MM) environment, then by combining the likelihood ratio (LR) test with the PF, a new FDI scheme is developed. The simulation results on a highly nonlinear system are provided which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Bone marrow oedema assessment by magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatoid arthritis wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints: the importance of field strength, coil type and image resolution.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the influence of different MRI unit field strengths, coil types and image resolutions on the OMERACT RA MRI scoring system (RAMRIS) of bone marrow oedema (BME) and image quality. METHODS Forty-one patients and 12 healthy controls participated in this cross-sectional study. Coronal short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and T1-weighted sequences were obtained at 0.23, 0.6, 1.5 and 3T using flex coils (Flex). Additional STIR sequences were obtained with phased array extremity coils (Extr) (at 0.6 and 1.5T) and higher resolution (at 1.5T). In otal, 338 STIR image sets were anonymized and scored according to RAMRIS and parameters of image quality were measured. RESULTS The BME sum scores were similar overall when comparing the different MRI units, coil types and voxel sizes, yet significantly higher at the higher resolution of 1.5T Extr compared with 0.23T Flex (P = 0.004), 0.6T Flex (P = 0.03), 1.5T Flex (P = 0.05) and 3T Flex (P = 0.001). Mean differences were relatively minor (0-3.5). Intrareader reliability of BME scores was high [intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.90 for all except 0.23T (0.81) and percentage exact agreement 81-88%]. The smallest detectable difference was better at 0.6, 1.5 and 3T (9-29% of maximum value) than at 0.23T (40%). Image quality was lowest at 0.23T. CONCLUSION No major, consistent differences were found between BME scores using STIR sequences obtained at different field strengths, coil types and image resolutions, suggesting that these are equally suited for assessment of BME in RA. However, parameters of image quality and intrareader reliability (favouring 0.6, 1.5 and 3T) should be considered when selecting the MRI acquisition strategy.
Demographic differences in Jordanian bank service quality perceptions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess differences in banking service quality (BSQ) perceptions across demographic subgroups of Islamic and conventional Jordanian banking consumers. Design/methodology/approach Data are collected using surveys. The survey contains items for three different measures of overall BSQ perceptions. The researchers mailed surveys to a random sample of 2,000 banking customers in Jordan. Responses to questionnaire items measuring respondents’ BSQ perceptions were analysed using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s honest significant difference post hoc tests to assess subgroup differences in six demographic variables: gender, age, occupation, income, education, and religion. Findings BSQ perceptions are significantly different in four of the six demographic variables. Age and education do not impact on BSQ perceptions. Research limitations/implications The findings indicate demographic effects on Jordanian banking consumers’ perceived BSQ. Study limitations include demographic subgroup underrepresentation and survey structure. Future research should obtain a more representative sample for better generalisability. Practical implications The findings suggest that Jordanian banks should structure their services to best accommodate their customers’ demographics. In addition, banks can use the findings to guide the development of demographic-driven marketing to target and attract customers efficiently. Originality/value This study is the first to investigate demographic differences in the perceived service quality of Jordan’s Islamic and conventional banking customers. The findings can contribute to future research on BSQ, and guide Jordan’s banking management towards more effective marketing and service provision.
MS patients with depressive symptoms exhibit affective memory biases when verbal encoding strategies are suppressed

As many as 50% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients experience clinical or subclinical depression. A voluminous literature has documented affective memory biases (AMB) among depressed individuals. Despite this, little is known regarding how depressive symptoms may affect MS patients' ability to recall positive and negative material. The present study employed an affective list-learning task that increased cognitive load and inhibited the use of higher order encoding strategies. The purpose of the study was twofold: to determine whether MS patients exhibit AMB and to examine whether subvocal repetition and other higher order encoding strategies are essential to the formation of AMB among people experiencing depression. Results indicated a strong relationship between depression and AMB in MS. The results are discussed in relation to existing biological research that indicates limbic and/or other subcortical systems may play a role in the formation of AMB. (JINS, 2005, 11, 514–521.)
A Relationship Governance Perspective of Organizational Buyers' Supplier Choice Decisions

ABSTRACT Although the transaction cost analysis (TCA) has long been used by marketing and management scholars to study organizational buyers' make-or-buy decisions, it sheds limited light on their choice behavior beyond the make-or-buy trade-off. In the meantime, many organizational purchase decisions are structured around which independent supplier to buy from, rather than a typical make-or-buy decision. This study extends existing research on TCA by applying this theoretical framework to explore why organizational buyers make purchases from among independent suppliers. The article posits that (1) two forms of relationship governance—buyer trust and market (i.e., the relative dependence between the buyer and supplier)—help explain the differences in buyer decision-making uncertainty involving independent suppliers, which further influences the buyers' propensity to purchase; and that (2) trust further influences the buyers' propensity to purchase due to its effect on customer perceived value. The empirical study based on organizational purchasing decisions lends support to the predictions of the relationship governance theory.
Antibodies to the HMW1/HMW2 and Hia Adhesins of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Mediate Broad-Based Opsonophagocytic Killing of Homologous and Heterologous Strains

ABSTRACT The HMW1/HMW2 and Hia proteins are highly immunogenic surface adhesins of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). Approximately 75% of NTHi strains express HMW1/HMW2 adhesins, and most of the remaining 25% express an Hia adhesin. Our objective in this study was to assess the ability of antisera raised against purified HMW1/HMW2 proteins or recombinant Hia proteins to mediate opsonophagocytic killing of a large panel of unrelated NTHi strains. Native HMW1/HMW2 proteins were purified from three HMW1/HMW2-expressing NTHi strains. Recombinant fusion proteins expressing surface-exposed segments of either of two prototype Hia proteins were purified from Escherichia coli transformants. Immune sera raised in guinea pigs were assessed for their ability to mediate killing of NTHi in an opsonophagocytic assay with the HL-60 phagocytic cell line. The three HMW1/HMW2 antisera mediated killing of 22 of 65, 43 of 65, and 28 of 65 unrelated HMW1/HMW2-expressing NTHi strains, respectively. As a group, the three sera mediated killing of 48 of 65 HMW1/HMW2-expressing strains. The two Hia immune sera mediated killing of 12 of 24 and 13 of 24 unrelated Hia-expressing NTHi strains, respectively. Together, they mediated killing of 15 of 24 Hia-expressing strains. Neither the HMW1/HMW2 nor the Hia antisera mediated killing of NTHi expressing the alternative adhesin type. Antibodies directed against native HMW1/HMW2 proteins and recombinant Hia proteins are capable of mediating broad-based opsonophagocytic killing of homologous and heterologous NTHi strains. A vaccine formulated with a limited number of HMW1/HMW2 and Hia proteins might provide protection against disease caused by most NTHi strains.
Utilizing ultrafiltration to remove alkaline phosphatase from clinical analyzer water

Abstract Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) conjugated to antibodies is often used in enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). These assays are notably sensitive to experimental conditions. A possible source of interference is bacterial ALP, which is released when bacterial contamination occurs in clinical analyzers. Preliminary experiments led to the selection of a detection kit, ALP source, and specific types of tubes for collecting water samples and performing assays. The release of ALP from various strains of bacteria identified in pure water was demonstrated (10–30×106cfu/mL released 6–10μU/μL). It was shown that ultrafiltration is totally efficient in removing ALP from water, while residual ALP activity (2.21μU/μL after filtration of an ALP solution of 6.22μU/μL) was observed after filtration using a 0.22-μm filter.
Weak capture of protons by protons

The cross section for the proton weak capture reaction {sup 1}H(p,e{sup +}{nu}{sub e}){sup 2}H is calculated with wave functions obtained from a number of modern, realistic high-precision interactions. To minimize the uncertainty in the axial two-body current operator, its matrix element has been adjusted to reproduce the measured Gamow-Teller matrix element of tritium {beta} decay in model calculations using trinucleon wave functions from these interactions. A thorough analysis of the ambiguities that this procedure introduces in evaluating the two-body current contribution to the pp capture is given. Its inherent model dependence is in fact found to be very weak. The overlap integral {Lambda}{sup 2}(E=0) for the pp capture is predicted to be in the range 7.05--7.06, including the axial two-body current contribution, for all interactions considered.
Predictors for the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy: chart review of a naturalistic study.

BACKGROUND Several variables have been suggested that can predict the efficacy of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) in patients suffering from depression. The results of studies into these predictors for ECT efficacy are not consistent. METHOD In a retrospective chart review of patients suffering from major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder according to DSM-IV criteria who have been given ECT in a psychiatric hospital in the Netherlands, predictors for ECT efficacy were explored. Information was gathered for predictors including sex, age, diagnosis, presence of psychosis, duration of index episode, medication treatment failure prior to ECT, medication during ECT course, and ECT variables. ECT was given twice weekly from November 1997 to June 2002. The 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) was applied at baseline and weekly during the course. RESULTS Seventy-three patients suffering from unipolar or bipolar depression were given ECT in the study period, with 56 patients (77%) meeting antidepressant treatment history form criteria for medication treatment failure. With remission defined as a reduction of depressive symptoms of at least 60% from baseline and a HAM-D end score of less than 8, 48 patients (65.8%) remitted. Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis selected only duration of index episode as a significant predictor for ECT efficacy. Medication treatment failure was not found to be a significant predictor. The concurrent use of psychotropic medication during ECT did not influence the efficacy. CONCLUSION Duration of index episode was the only variable found to significantly predict the efficacy of ECT.
FACTORS AFFECTING SUSTAINABILITY OF PUBLIC STREET LIGHT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN KENYA: THE CASE OF NAIROBI COUNTY

The main objective of the study was to evaluate factors affecting sustainability of public street light development projects in Nairobi County. This being a case study, a descriptive research design was applied where field surveys were carried out. The study was conducted at the Nairobi County offices and the population of interest was the electrical department. The respondents were all the eight engineers, all the twenty five supervisors and technical employees in the electrical section of engineering department. The population also included contractors and community leaders (administrators). Stratified proportionate random sampling technique was used in coming up with a sample of 174 out of the total population of 319. The study utilized both primary and secondary data. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), quantitative data was measured in real values by normalizing. The study found that technical longevity and stakeholder involvement/Participation had an influence on sustainability of Public Street light development projects in Nairobi County. The study concluded that technical longevity significantly influenced sustainability of Public street light development projects in Nairobi County . The study further concluded that stakeholder involvement/Participation had a significant effect on sustainability of Public Street light development projects in Nairobi County . The study recommended that management team of Nairobi County Government should consider operation competency when initiating projects of Public street light development . The management team of the Nairobi County should also consider product reliability of the street light since it had a significant effect on the sustainability. The study further recommended that the County Government of Nairobi should form a competent committee comprising all stakeholders with task of determining the project requirements . Keywords: Technical Longevity, Stakeholder Participation, Sustainability of Public Street Lighting, Nairobi County
Ephedra–Associated Cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE To report 2 cases of cardiomyopathy associated with use of dietary supplements containing ephedra. CASE SUMMARIES A 19-year-old white man presented to the emergency department (ED) complaining of exertional shortness of breath and episodic chest pain radiating to the left arm. Left heart catheterization revealed no significant coronary artery disease, a dilated left ventricle, and global hypokinesis. He was discharged home 5 days after admission on standard therapies for heart failure, but died 5 weeks later. A 21-year-old white man presented to the ED with recurrent chest pain and was diagnosed with myopericarditis. An echocardiogram showed global hypokinesis with an ejection fraction of 40–50%. He was treated for myopericarditis with standard therapies for heart failure. An objective causality assessment probability scale revealed that an adverse drug reaction was possible between cardiomyopathy and ephedra use in these 2 patients. Both of these cases have been reported to MedWatch. DISCUSSION Ephedrine is a potent sympathomimetic agent with direct and indirect effects on adrenergic receptors to cause increases in heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, and vascular resistance. The adverse effects of adrenergic stimulation are well known in cardiomyopathy, inducing direct and indirect myocyte toxicity. CONCLUSION It is well documented that ephedra, through its sympathomimetic effects, can cause a range of cardiovascular toxicities including myocarditis, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
Progressive Glomerulonephritis and Histiocytic Sarcoma Associated with Macrophage Functional Defects in CYP1B1-Deficient Mice

The cytochrome P450 CYP1B1 enzyme metabolically activates polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and is a major P450 isoenzyme in human monocytes and macrophages. We have shown previously that mice deficient in CYP1B1 were resistant to induced tumors after 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene exposure. The pathology of aging CYP1B1 null mice on a B6; 129 background was studied in groups of 29 males and 30 females. By 12 months, 50% of the female mice had developed a unusual progressive glomerulonephritis while males had similar renal lesions later in life. This disease followed a sequence of proliferative, membranoproliferative and sclerotic glomerulonephritis. Anti-DNA antibodies were found in the blood of the mice along with immune deposits containing immunoglobulins in subepithelial locations of the glomerular basement membrane. The lesions were unlike those found in aging wild-type B6;129 mice or mice of other strains. We found that macrophages from CYP1B1-null mice were impaired in the phagocytosis of apoptotic, necrotic, and opsonized cells. This suggests a generalized defect in the phagocytic activity of CYP1B1-null mouse macrophages. Male mice also developed a high incidence (62—64%) of histiocytic sarcomas. Our study provides evidence that deficiency of CYP1B1 can play a role in the development of glomerular disease, normal processing of catabolic DNA and tumors of the mononuclear phagocyte system. The function of CYP1B1 in histiocytes and macrophages may involve both self-tolerance and tumor suppression.
The Relationship between Liquidity Risk and Stock Returns Case Study: Oil Companies in Tehran Stock Exchange

According to the importance of relationship between risk and stock return, the effect of liquidity risk and risky factors; the size of company, market risk premium and book value ratio to market value on stock return of accepted oil companies in Tehran stock exchange were discussed in this research. Stock return as dependent variable and liquidity risk, size of company, market risk premium and book value to market value were considered as independent variables . The sample of research includes 6 oil companies that were active in 2011 to 2013 in Tehran stock exchange. Fama and French model was used in this research in order to investigating the relationship between dependent and independent variable and the lack of liquidity criterion Amihud as the liquidity risk client. Statistical analyses were done based on multi-choice regression and data are monthly and panel. The results of research show that the size of company doesn’t significant effect on oil companies stock return, as result from investor point of view, small and big companies are trustable the same but book value to market value, market risk premium and liquidity risk has significant effect on stock return of oil companies in Tehran stock exchange that