Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discrepancies between the California Verbal Learning Test: Children's version and the Children's Category Test after pediatric traumatic brain injury

One hundred 9–16-year-old children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) completed the California Verbal Learning Test–Children's Version (CVLT–C) and the Children's Category Test (CCT) within 1 year after injury. Performance contrasts between these two instruments that were unusually large (> 16 T score points) were about as common in this clinical sample as in the standardization sample of both instruments. However, relatively poor performance on the CVLT–C as compared to the CCT was associated with prolonged coma and lower scores on the Processing Speed index of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Third Edition. It is concluded that a relative weakness on the CVLT–C is more likely to reflect cerebral compromise after pediatric TBI than is a relative weakness on the CCT. (JINS, 2005, 11, 386–391.)
Early, but Not Advanced, Glomerulopathy Is Reversed by Pancreatic Islet Transplants in Experimental Diabetic Rats: Correlation With Glomerular Extracellular Matrix mRNA Levels

In this study, we investigated 1) whether long-term restoration of euglycemia by means of pancreatic islet transplants is capable of preventing and/or reversing renal functional and structural alterations in an experimental model of insulin-deficient diabetes, and 2) whether changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell turnover at the glomerular level and biochemical abnormalities associated with hyperglycemia correlate with the renal outcome after transplantation. Male Lewis rats, rendered diabetic by intravenous injection of streptozotocin, underwent homologous islet transplantation via the portal vein at 2 weeks (study A), at 4 months (study B), and at 8 months (study C) after the induction of diabetes and killed 12 months after transplantation in study A and 4 months after transplantation in studies B and C. Age-matched nondiabetic and untreated diabetic rats were used as control animals and were studied at 4, 8, and 12 months. In the untreated diabetic animals, metabolic derangement was associated with increased erythrocyte polyol and fructose levels, tail-tendon content of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), total proteinuria, albuminuria, kidney weight, and mean glomerular volume as well as with marked glomerular and extraglomerular lesions. Glomerular gene expression for the ECM components fibronectin and collagen IV and for TGF-β was also increased, whereas glomerular cell proliferation was unaffected by diabetes. In study A, changes in renal function and structure observed in diabetic rats at 12 months were completely prevented by successful islet transplants. In study B, all functional and structural abnormalities detected in diabetic rats at 4 months of disease duration were virtually reversed by 4 months of euglycemia in transplanted animals, whereas they progressed further in untreated diabetic rats. In study C, the course of functional and structural changes observed in untreated diabetic rats was not reversed by islet transplantation. Likewise, tissue AGE accumulation and particularly upregulation of glomerular ECM and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β gene expression, which are believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of altered renal function and structure in diabetes, were normalized in transplanted rats from study A and study B, but not in those from study C. These experiments show that restoration of euglycemia by islet transplants is capable of preventing experimental diabetic glomerulopathy and reversing early changes in renal function and structure induced by diabetes. In a later phase of the disease, when glomerular matrix gene expression becomes independent of hyperglycemia, possibly because of the persistent increase in tissue AGE accumulation, metabolic control is not capable of reversing renal abnormalities.
Does Prestige Matter More than Profits for Entrepreneurs?

We study whether the individual decision to become an entrepreneur, entrepreneurial profits and investment are affected by the decisions of other individuals belonging to the same social group. To overcome identification problems, we include local labor market fixed effects, social group fixed effects, and extensive controls. Moreover, we instrument the level of entrepreneurial activity in the individual's social group. The results show that in social groups where entrepreneurship is more widespread individuals are more likely to become entrepreneurs and invest more in their own businesses, even though their entrepreneurial profits are lower. This suggests that social norms create non-pecuniary benefits from entrepreneurial activity thus playing an important role in the decision to become an entrepreneur. We also evaluate alternative explanations, such as entry costs, knowledge spillovers, competition and informal credit markets. However, they do not find support in the data.
Very low human papillomavirus DNA prevalence in mature women with negative computer‐imaged liquid‐based Pap tests

The prevalence of high‐risk Human Papillomavirus DNA (hrHPV DNA) in women with negative Papanicolaou (Pap) test results provides a measure of residual risk for cervical neoplasia after cytology screening. The purpose of this study was to document the prevalence of hrHPV DNA in several thousand women ages ≥30 years with negative ThinPrep Imaging System (TIS)‐imaged Pap test results in a large academic hospital cytology laboratory.
Strategy Innovation and the Quest for Value

Why, asks Gary Hamel, has the strategy star begun to dim? Why is strategy no longer a "big idea" in most companies? Strategy innovation is key, he says, to creating new wealth. Only those companies that are constantly able to reinvent themselves will survive in a discontinuous world. Hamel points out that, while strategists spend a lot of time thinking about the changing context and content of strategy, they pay little attention to the conduct of strategy ? the task of strategy making. No one seems to know how to develop innovative strategies that create wealth. He calls for the development of a theory of strategy innovation and offers several propositions: that strategy is emergent, much like life itself; that strategists have been working on the "strategy," rather than on the preconditions that give rise to strategy innovation; that strategy is poised on the border between perfect order and total chaos; and that great strategy is both luck and foresight. Hamel offers five preconditions for the emergence of strategy: 1. The entire organization, not just top management, should have a voice in creating strategy. The process must be pluralistic and participative. 2. Conversations about strategy must cut across industries and organizations so that knowledge can be combined in new ways. 3. People will embrace change when they see opportunities for rewards and growth. 4. Managers must help companies reconceive themselves, customers, competitors, and opportunities. 5. Companies must do some market experimentation to determine which new strategies work. In the end, Hamel says, we must spend less time working on strategy as a "thing" and more time understanding what gives rise to new strategy. Only then can we discover the source of corporate vitality.
L1-CAM in cancerous tissues.

BACKGROUND L1-cell adhesion molecule (L1-CAM) is a cell adhesion receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, known for its roles in nerve cell function. While originally believed to be present only in brain cells, in recent years L1-CAM has been detected in other tissues, and in a variety of cancer cells, including some common types of human cancer. OBJECTIVE/METHODS We review the prevalence of L1-CAM in human cancer, the possible mechanisms involved in L1-CAM-mediated tumorigenesis, and cancer therapies based upon L1-CAM antibody treatment. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS In colon cancer cells, the L1-CAM gene was identified as a target of the Wnt/beta-catenin-TCF signaling pathway, and L1-CAM was exclusively detected at the invasive front of colon and ovarian cancer tissue. The expression of L1-CAM in normal and cancer cells enhanced tumorigenesis and conferred metastasis in colon cancer cells. Antibodies against the L1-CAM ectodomain severely inhibited the proliferation of a variety of cancer cells in culture and reduced tumor burden when injected into mice harboring cancer cells expressing L1-CAM. These results, in addition to the presence of L1-CAM on the cell surface and its restricted distribution in normal tissues, make it an ideal target for tumor therapy.
URANIUM ACCUMULATION BY AQUATIC PLANTS FROM URANIUM-CONTAMINATED WATER IN CENTRAL PORTUGAL

Several species of plants have developed a tolerance to metal that enables them to survive in metal contaminated and polluted sites. Some of these aquatic plants have been reported to accumulate significant amounts of specific trace elements and are, therefore, useful for phytofiltration. This work focuses the potential of aquatic plants for the phytofiltration of uranium (U) from contaminated water. We observed that Callitriche stagnalis, Lemna minor, and Fontinalis antipyretica, which grow in the uraniferous geochemical province of Central Portugal, have been able to accumulate significant amounts of U. The highest concentration of U was found in Callitriche stagnalis (1948.41 mg/kg DW), Fontinalis antipyretica (234.79 mg/kg DW), and Lemna minor (52.98 mg/kg DW). These results indicate their potential for the phytofiltration of U through constructed treatment wetlands or by introducing these plants into natural water bodies in the uraniferous province of Central Portugal.
An Analysis of Consumer Motivations for Purchasing Fair Trade Coffee

ABSTRACT The growth of Fair Trade has presented challenges to the core values of the initiative, which have emphasized not only improving the farmer's standard of living but also empowering producers. This study investigates factors influencing the consumer's decision to purchase Fair Trade coffee to be made at home, with a focus on what can be done to maintain the core values of fair trade while expanding its scope. The sample comprises 500 United States adults obtained from an Internet panel operated by ResearchNow. Maximum Difference Scaling (MaxDiff) analysis is used to examine reasons why consumers buy Fair Trade coffee and factors that stand in the way of them purchasing more Fair Trade coffee. Results indicate that the most important reasons for purchasing Fair Trade coffee are to improve the wages and the working conditions of workers and farmers.
THE PROLACTIN RESPONSE TO SUCKLING

Changes in prolactin concentration during single suckling episodes in twenty breast‐feeding women from four to 40 weeks post partum have been investigated. Basal prolactin concentration and the increase in prolactin secretion in response to single suckling episodes and amount of milk taken by the infant were both independent of time post partum until the introduction of supplementary feeds, when a significant decrease with time was apparent. Basal concentrations of prolactin were dependent upon the interval between suckling episodes, and the magnitude of the prolactin response varied with the time of day when suckling took place. The relationship between acute suckling episodes and the long term pattern of prolactin secretion over time post partum is discussed.
The Impact Of Ethical Values On The Corporate Social Responsibility In Public Sector Of Pakistan

This research paper shows that ethical values in the organization have impact on the CSR activities of the organization. All the parameters, the researchers use in the research is well tested and exercised before. To explain the point of view in well understandable manner, a structured model is derived from the literature on the topic of the research. This result also helps the public sector organizations of PAKISTAN to understand the reasons and causes of few CSR activities in this sector. Also gives them some recommendation to improve their processes for establishing the CSR culture in their organizations. Key words: Corporate social responsibility, Ethical values, Motivation
The New Institutional Economics of Corruption

1.Introduction - Corrupt Contracting - Exploring the Analytical Capacity of New Institutional Economics and New Economic Sociology 2. Corruption - Its Spread and Decline 3. Why Should One Trust in Corruption 4. Corruption Trends 5. Trust and Corruption 6. Self-Enforcing Corruption: Information Transmission and Organizational Response 7. The Use of Intermediaries and Other Alternatives to Bribery 8. Corrupt Relational Contracting 9. The Governance Mechanisms of Corrupt Transactions 10. Private Ordering of Corrupt Transactions: The Case of the Chinese Guanxi-Networks and their Challenge by a Formal Legal System 11. Inefficient Propery Rights and Corruption: The Case of Accounting Fraud in China 12. Corruption in International Trade - Pleading for a Responsible WTO 13. The Case of Corruption in Nigeria - Soji Apampa
Differences in Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Recurrence Rates among Race-Ethnic Groups in the PRoFESS Secondary Stroke Prevention Trial

Background and Aims Epidemiological studies show that vascular risk factors are the same across the world but their effect vary between different race-ethnic groups. However, few studies have evaluated differences in recurrent stroke rates in various race-ethnicities. In >20 000 patients spanning 35 countries encompassing most race-ethnicities, we evaluated the incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes and myocardial infarction in patients within the context of the largest secondary stroke prevention trial (Prevention Regimen for Effectively Avoiding Secondary Strokes) to identify any significant differences. Methods There were 20 332 patients with a recent ischemic stroke randomized in a factorial design to receive the antiplatelet agent clopidogrel vs. aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole, and 80 mg of the anthypertensive telmisartan vs. placebo. The primary outcome for the trial was the time to any recurrent stroke. Statistical analysis was used to detect race-ethnic differences in recurrent vascular events. Results Mean patient age was 66 (±8·6) years and 36% were women. The study included 58% European/Caucasian, 33% Asians, 5% Latin/Hispanic, and 4% Black African. There were 74% of patients that were hypertensive, and average systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 144·1/83·8 mmHg. There was at least one significant difference in the overall test of all race-ethnic groups in myocardial infarction and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurrence. In the Kaplan–Meier hemorrhage and stroke-free survival curves, Asians showed a significantly higher recurrence of ischemic stroke risk in the 135–150 mmHg and greater than 150 mm Hg blood pressure groups, and a greater risk of hemorrhage recurrence in the greater than 150 mmHg blood pressure group. Conclusions We found a significant difference in myocardial infarction and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage recurrence among different race-ethnic groups. The risk of recurrent ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke was greater in Asians with high blood pressure.
Diarrhoea in adults (acute).

INTRODUCTION An estimated 4.6 billion cases of diarrhoea occurred worldwide in 2004, resulting in 2.2 million deaths. METHODS AND OUTCOMES We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of treatments for acute diarrhoea in adults living in resource-rich countries? What are the effects of treatments for acute mild-to-moderate diarrhoea in adults from resource-rich countries travelling to resource-poor countries? What are the effects of treatments for acute mild-to-moderate diarrhoea in adults living in resource-poor countries? What are the effects of treatments for acute severe diarrhoea in adults living in resource-poor countries? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to January 2010 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). RESULTS We found 72 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions. CONCLUSIONS In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: antibiotics, antimotility agents, antisecretory agents, bismuth subsalicylate, diet, intravenous rehydration, nasogastric tube rehydration, oral rehydration solutions (amino acid oral rehydration solution, bicarbonate oral rehydration solution, reduced osmolarity oral rehydration solution, rice-based oral rehydration solution, standard oral rehydration solution), vitamin A supplementation, and zinc supplementation.
Vertical Mergers and the Market Valuation of the Benefits of Vertical Integration

This paper explores the market reaction to vertical mergers and incorporates into the analysis predictions based on I/O theories. We develop a classification to separate the various types of mergers, and focus on the determinants and wealth impacts of vertical mergers over the period 1979-2002. Abnormal returns for vertical merger announcements are positive until 1996, and turn negative afterwards. Acquirers suffer most of the losses. We present and test several hypotheses based upon some well known I/O theories of vertical integration. We find support for the most fundamental insight in the I/O literature, namely, that vertical mergers generate most value when undertaken in imperfectly competitive markets and when firms have to invest in specialized assets making market exchanges difficult. There is little evidence to support the view that information based contracting problems or price uncertainty, at least as captured in this paper, generate a value maximizing rationale for vertical integration. However, we show that informational asymmetries can increase the value of horizontal mergers.
Developing and evaluating distributions for probabilistic human exposure assessments

This report describes research carried out at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to assist the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in developing a consistent yet flexible approach for evaluating the inputs to probabilistic risk assessments. The U.S. EPA Office of Emergency and Remedial Response (OERR) recently released Volume 3 Part A of Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS), as an update to the existing two-volume set of RAGS. The update provides policy and technical guidance on performing probabilistic risk assessment (PRA). Consequently, EPA risk managers and decision-makers need to review and evaluate the adequacy of PRAs for supporting regulatory decisions. A critical part of evaluating a PRA is the problem of evaluating or judging the adequacy of input distributions PRA. Although the overarching theme of this report is the need to improve the ease and consistency of the regulatory review process, the specific objectives are presented in two parts. The objective of Part 1 is to develop a consistent yet flexible process for evaluating distributions in a PRA by identifying the critical attributes of an exposure factor distribution and discussing how these attributes relate to the task-specific adequacy of the input. This objective is carried out with emphasis on the perspective of a risk manager or decision-maker. The proposed evaluation procedure provides consistency to the review process without a loss of flexibility. As a result, the approach described in Part 1 provides an opportunity to apply a single review framework for all EPA regions and yet provide the regional risk manager with the flexibility to deal with site- and case-specific issues in the PRA process. However, as the number of inputs to a PRA increases, so does the complexity of the process for calculating, communicating and managing risk. As a result, there is increasing effort required of both the risk professionals performing the analysis and the risk manager reviewing it. For deterministic risk assessments, the use of default inputs has improved the ease and the consistency of both performing and reviewing assessments. By analogy, it is expected that similar advantage will be seen in the field of probabilistic risk assessment through the introduction of default distributions. In Part 2 of this report, we consider when a default distribution might be appropriate for use in PRA and work towards development of recommended task-specific distributions for several frequently used exposure factors. An approach that we develop using body weight and exposure duration as case studies offers a transparent way for developing task-specific exposure factor distributions. A third case study using water intake highlights the need for further study aimed at improving the relevance of ''short-term'' data before recommendations on task-specific distributions of water intake can be made.
Combination of online clustering and Q-value based GA for reinforcement fuzzy system design

This paper proposes a combination of online clustering and Q-value based genetic algorithm (GA) learning scheme for fuzzy system design (CQGAF) with reinforcements. The CQGAF fulfills GA-based fuzzy system design under reinforcement learning environment where only weak reinforcement signals such as "success" and "failure" are available. In CQGAF, there are no fuzzy rules initially. They are generated automatically. The precondition part of a fuzzy system is online constructed by an aligned clustering-based approach. By this clustering, a flexible partition is achieved. Then, the consequent part is designed by Q-value based genetic reinforcement learning. Each individual in the GA population encodes the consequent part parameters of a fuzzy system and is associated with a Q-value. The Q-value estimates the discounted cumulative reinforcement information performed by the individual and is used as a fitness value for GA evolution. At each time step, an individual is selected according to the Q-values, and then a corresponding fuzzy system is built and applied to the environment with a critic received. With this critic, Q-learning with eligibility trace is executed. After each trial, GA is performed to search for better consequent parameters based on the learned Q-values. Thus, in CQGAF, evolution is performed immediately after the end of one trial in contrast to general GA where many trials are performed before evolution. The feasibility of CQGAF is demonstrated through simulations in cart-pole balancing, magnetic levitation, and chaotic system control problems with only binary reinforcement signals.