Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk-Adjusted Capital Allocation and Misallocation

We develop a theory linking "misallocation," i.e., dispersion in static marginal products of capital (MPK), to systematic investment risks. In our setup, firms differ in their exposure to these risks, which we show leads naturally to heterogeneity in firm-level risk premia and, more importantly, MPK. The theory predicts that cross-sectional dispersion in MPK (i) depends on cross-sectional dispersion in risk exposures and (ii) fluctuates with the price of risk, and thus is countercyclical. We document strong empirical support for these predictions. We devise a strategy to quantify variation in firm-level risk exposures using data on the dispersion of expected stock market returns. Our estimates imply that risk considerations explain almost 40% of observed MPK dispersion among US firms and in particular, can rationalize a large persistent component in firm-level MPK deviations. Our framework provides a sharp link between aggregate volatility, cross-sectional asset pricing and long-run economic performance - MPK dispersion induced by risk premium effects, although not prima facie inefficient, lowers the average level of aggregate TFP by as much as 7%, suggesting large "productivity costs" of business cycles.
Research Note - Do Large Firms Become Smaller by Using Information Technology?

The relationship between information technology (IT) and a key organizational design variable, firm size, is an important area of study, particularly given the ongoing transition to an information-based economy. To better understand the more nuanced aspects of the relationship, we formulated a bidirectional and time-lagged model that incorporates different perspectives from organizational theories and transaction cost economics. Our two models---the bidirectional and one-year lagged model and the bidirectional and two-year lagged model---were tested using nine-year panel data on IT spending, IT stock, coordination costs, firm size, and relevant control variables for 277 manufacturing firms. We found a sequential interaction between IT and firm size in both of the two models: as a firm grows in size, its coordination activities increase; the firm then uses more IT to handle the increased activities of coordination; this increased use of IT, in turn, decreases coordination costs, and eventually, the size of the firm decreases. It was also found that the presence of coordination costs is necessary for the sequential interaction between IT and firm size, indicating coordination between and within firms is a major reason for firms to invest in IT and for IT effect to take place on firm size. This study has taken an initial step by attempting to empirically examine dual causality and longitudinal effects between IT and firm size, and to reconcile different theoretical perspectives on the relationship between them. We hope this work can act as a catalyst for developing a better understanding of the complex relationship between IT and organizations, with the ultimate goal of offering robust prescriptions for successful structural change.
Presence of Streptococcus DNA Sequence in Surgical Specimens of Gastric Cancer

In Southern blot analysis using Mycoplasma16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) as a probe, positive signals were detected in DNA samples from surgical specimens of gastric cancers. The DNA that hybridized to Mycoplasma 16S rDNA was eluted from the gel, cloned and sequenced. The cloned sequence was identical to 16S rDNA of Streptococcus anginosus. In Southern blot analysis with the S. anginosus 16S rDNA fragment as a new probe, positive signals were detected in 9 (20%) out of 43 cases of gastric cancer.
Does Effect From Developmental Methamphetamine Exposure on Spatial Learning and Memory Depend on Stage of Neuroontogeny ?

Psychostimulants, including methamphetamine (MA), have neurotoxic effect, especially, if they are targeting CNS during its critical periods of development. The present study was aimed to examine cognitive changes after prenatal and neonatal MA treatment in combination with chronic MA exposure in adulthood of male rats. Eight groups of male rats were tested in adulthood: males whose mothers were exposed to MA (5 mg/kg) or saline (SA, 1 ml/kg) during the first half of gestation period (GD 1-11), the second half of gestation period (GD 12-22) and neonatal period (PD 1-11). In addition, we compared indirect neonatal application via the breast milk with the group of rat pups that received MA or SA directly by injection (PD 1-11). Males were tested in adulthood for cognitive changes in the Morris Water Maze (MWM). MWM experiment lasted for 12 days: Learning (Day 1-6), Probe test (Day 8) and Retrieval Memory test (Day 12). Each day of the MWM animals were injected with MA (1 mg/kg) or SA (1 ml/kg). Prenatal MA exposure did not induce changes in learning abilities of male rats, but neonatal exposure to MA leads to an increase search errors and latencies to find the hidden platform. Prenatal and also neonatal MA exposure impaired cognitive ability to remember the position of the platform in Retrieval Memory test in adulthood. Animals exposed to the prenatal treatment within the second half of gestation (ED 12-22) swam longer, slower and spent more time to find the hidden platform in Retrieval Memory test than animals exposed throughout other periods. The present study demonstrated that stage of development is crucial for determination the cognitive deficits induced by prenatal or neonatal MA exposure.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Salmonella Strains Isolated from Wild Animals on the Eastern Shore of Virginia

ABSTRACT Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Salmonella infections pose a significant public health threat. Here, we announce two draft genomes of Salmonella strains isolated from wildlife harboring an alarming array of antibiotic resistance genes. Continued investigations of these genomes will provide insight into the possible attribution of AMR Salmonella infection of wild animals.
Government Procurement and Changes in Firm Transparency

The government requires its suppliers to have certain internal information processes to reduce uncertainty about their ability to fulfill their commitments. I argue that these requirements improve suppliers' internal information, which leads to better external reporting. Using a dataset of U.S. government contracts, I find a positive relation between government contract awards and firms' external reporting quality. Consistent with procurement-related requirements driving this relation, I find that firms improve their external reporting when they begin contracting with the government, and that the magnitude of the improvement varies predictably with contract characteristics imposing greater requirements on contractors' internal information processes. Finally, I use the establishment of the Cost Accounting Standards Board in 1970 as a shock to contractors' internal information requirements, and find greater improvements in external reporting among firms subject to the CASB. Overall, these results suggest that the government as a customer contributes to shaping firms' information environments.
Clinical Evaluation of the Implant Retained Overdenture with OT-Equator Attachments

Statement of problem: Successful treatment with the two-implant overdenture has been well documented. There are many different attachments available to connect implants to overdentures. The OT-Equator is a new line of low profile attachment. However, little information is available about this product and its effect on peri-implant tissues. Purpose: Evaluation of the mandibular implant assisted overdentures constructed with OT-Equator attachment both clinically and radiographically. Materials and Methods: Seven completely edentulous male patients have participated in this study. For each patient two implants were installed in the canine areas of the mandible according to the standardized two-stage surgical technique. Implants were loaded three months later with OT-Equator attachment implant assisted overdenture. Clinical evaluation was performed immediately, three months and six months following final prosthesis insertion and radiographical evaluation was performed immediately and six months later. Results: Clinical and radiographical results revealed insignificant differences in peri-implant probing depth, clinical attachment level, modified plaque index, modified gingival index, implant stability quotient and marginal bone height between different follow-up periods. Conclusion: The implant assisted overdenture with OT-Equator attachment may be recognized as being predictable and successful treatment option.
au Processing political misinformation : comprehending the Trump phenomenon

Briony Swire1,2, Adam J. Berinsky1, Stephan Lewandowsky2,3 and Ullrich K. H. Ecker2 1School of Political Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, E53-470, Cambridge, MA 20139 USA 2School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia (M304), Perth 6009, Australia 3School of Experimental Psychology and Cabot Institute, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TU, UK
Impact of a 3-Months Vegetarian Diet on the Gut Microbiota and Immune Repertoire

The dietary pattern can influence the immune system directly, but may also modulate it indirectly by regulating the gut microbiota. Here, we investigated the effect of a 3-months lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet on the diversity of gut microbiota and the immune system in healthy omnivorous volunteers, using high-throughput sequencing technologies. The short-term vegetarian diet did not have any major effect on the diversity of the immune system and the overall composition of the metagenome. The prevalence of bacterial genera/species with known beneficial effects on the intestine, including butyrate-producers and probiotic species and the balance of autoimmune-related variable genes/families were, however, altered in the short-term vegetarians. A number of bacterial species that are associated with the expression level of IgA, a key immunoglobulin class that protects the gastrointestinal mucosal system, were also identified. Furthermore, a lower diversity of T-cell repertoire and expression level of IgE, as well as a reduced abundance of inflammation-related genes in the gut microbiota were potentially associated with a control group with long-term vegetarians. Thus, the composition and duration of the diet may have an impact on the balance of pro-/anti-inflammatory factors in the gut microbiota and immune system.
Damage Mechanisms and Mechanical Properties of High-Strength Multiphase Steels

The usage of high-strength steels for structural components and reinforcement parts is inevitable for modern car-body manufacture in reaching lightweight design as well as increasing passive safety. Depending on their microstructure these steels show differing damage mechanisms and various mechanical properties which cannot be classified comprehensively via classical uniaxial tensile testing. In this research, damage initiation, evolution and final material failure are characterized for commercially produced complex-phase (CP) and dual-phase (DP) steels in a strength range between 600 and 1000 MPa. Based on these investigations CP steels with their homogeneous microstructure are characterized as damage tolerant and hence less edge-crack sensitive than DP steels. As final fracture occurs after a combination of ductile damage evolution and local shear band localization in ferrite grains at a characteristic thickness strain, this strain measure is introduced as a new parameter for local formability. In terms of global formability DP steels display advantages because of their microstructural composition of soft ferrite matrix including hard martensite particles. Combining true uniform elongation as a measure for global formability with the true thickness strain at fracture for local formability the mechanical material response can be assessed on basis of uniaxial tensile testing incorporating all microstructural characteristics on a macroscopic scale. Based on these findings a new classification scheme for the recently developed high-strength multiphase steels with significantly better formability resulting of complex underlying microstructures is introduced. The scheme overcomes the steel designations using microstructural concepts, which provide no information about design and production properties.
Protective Effect of Allium Vegetables against Both Esophageal and Stomach Cancer: A Simultaneous Case‐referent Study of a High‐epidemic Area in Jiangsu Province, China

To study the relation between allium vegetable intake and cancer of the esophagus (EC) and stomach (SC) in Yangzhong city, which is one of the highest‐risk areas for these cancers in Jiangsu province, China, a simultaneous case‐referent study was conducted using histopathologically confirmed cases (EC: n=81, SC: n=153) and population‐based referents (n=234). A questionnaire was used to collect information on the general status of subjects, their dietary habits, frequency intake of allium vegetables and other foods, tea consumption, smoking and alcohol drinking. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by a multiple logistic regression model. The results showed that frequent intake of allium vegetables (including garlic, onion, Welsh onion and Chinese chives), raw vegetables, tomatoes and snap beans, and tea consumption were inversely associated with the risk for EC and SC. In the highest consumption category (≥1 time/ week) of garlic, onion, Welsh onion and Chinese chives, the adjusted ORs compared with the lowest category (<1 time/month) were 0.30 (CI=0.19−0.47), 0.25 (CI=0.11−0.54), 0.15 (CI=0.08−0.26), and 0.57 (CI=0.23−1.42) for EC, and 0.31 (CI=0.22−0.44), 0.17 (CI=0.08−0.36), 0.22 (CI=0.15−0.31) and 0.40 (CI = 0.17−0.94) for SC, respectively. The main results in the present study suggested that allium vegetables, like raw vegetables, may have an important protecting effect against not only stomach cancer, but also esophageal cancer.
Effects of Adding Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine to Hyperbaric Bupivacaine for Saddle Spinal Block in Adults Undergoing Peri-anal Surgeries.

BACKGROUND Saddle spinal block is the first choice anesthetic technique for adults undergoing peri-anal surgeries. It prevents unnecessary high levels of analgesia and sympathetic block. However, it may not provide prolonged analgesia. This study aims to investigate analgesic effects of dexmedetomidine when added to hyperbaric bupivacaine in saddle spinal block. METHODS Fifty otherwise healthy adults scheduled for uncomplicated peri-anal surgery were randomly allocated into two equal groups in this double-blinded study. Group A received hyperbaric bupivacaine five milligrams; group B received hyperbaric bupivacaine five milligrams plus dexmedetomidine five micrograms intrathecally. Patients remained seated for ten minutes. Time to first analgesic request by patients was the primary end point. Onset and extent of sensory block, and, magnitude and duration of motor block were assessed. Post-operative analgesic consumption and side effects were studied for 24 hours. Student's t-test for quantitative variables and Chi-square test for categorical variables were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Patients in group B had a significantly prolonged duration of analgesia (group B, 501 ± 306 minutes; group A, 284 ± 58 minutes) and significantly reduced analgesic requirement than patients in group A. Sensory block in first sacral dermatome appeared significantly earlier in group B. Peak sensory block, magnitude of motor block, and side effects were not significantly different between groups A and B. CONCLUSIONS Dexmedetomidine as an intrathecal adjuvant to hyperbaric bupivacaine in saddle spinal block prolongs duration of analgesia and decreases analgesic requirement with no added side effects.
Control parameterization for optimal control problems with continuous inequality constraints: New convergence results

Control parameterization is a powerful numerical technique for solving optimal control problems with general nonlinear constraints. The main idea of control parameterization is to discretize the control space by approximating the control by a piecewise-constant or piecewise-linear function, thereby yielding an approximate nonlinear programming problem. This approximate problem can then be solved using standard gradient-based optimization techniques. In this paper, we consider the control parameterization method for a class of optimal control problems in which the admissible controls are functions of bounded variation and the state and control are subject to continuous inequality constraints. We show that control parameterization generates a sequence of suboptimal controls whose costs converge to the true optimal cost. This result has previously only been proved for the case when the admissible controls are restricted to piecewise continuous functions.
The effect of non-surgical therapy on C reactive protein and IL-6 serum levels in patients with periodontal disease and atherosclerosis

During the last years, a large number of epidemiologic studies indicated that subjects with periodontitis presented a high risk for cardio-vascular diseases. Irrespective of the described mechanisms, the systemic inflammation is the main explanation for the relationship between the chronic infection and atherosclerosis. This study proposes an assessment of the periodontal non-surgical therapy effect on the serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with atherosclerosis and periodontal disease. The periodontal status of 64 patients was evaluated and the serum levels of CRP, IL-6 and the lipid profile were determined. Afterwards, nonsurgical periodontal therapy was conducted and the patients were re-assessed after 3 months. Reduced values for the periodontal parameters and serum levels of CRP and IL-6 were achieved Subjects with an improved periodontal status after 3 months also presented low levels of CRP and IL-6, after the correction of other co-factors. A relationship between the non-surgical periodontal therapy and the systemic parameters was observed. Therefore, inter-disciplinary protocols can emerge, with a complex approach of the patient with periodontal disease and risk for atherosclerosis. After the non-surgical periodontal therapy, the values of periodontal parameters and the levels of CRP and IL-6 have improved.
Students’ intentions towards studying science at upper-secondary school: the differential effects of under-confidence and over-confidence

ABSTRACT Understanding students’ intentions to study science at upper-secondary school, at university, and to follow science careers continues as a central concern for international science education. Prior research has highlighted that students’ science confidence has been associated with their intentions to study science further, although under-confidence and over-confidence (lower or higher confidence than expected, given someone’s attainment) have not been considered in detail. Accordingly, this study explored whether under-confident, accurately evaluating, and over-confident students expressed different attitudes towards their science education, and explored how under-confidence and over-confidence might influence students’ science intentions. The questionnaire responses of 1523 students from 12 secondary schools in England were considered through analysis of variance and predictive modelling. Under-confident students expressed consistently lower science attitudes than accurately evaluating and over-confident students, despite reporting the same science grades as accurately evaluating students. Students’ intentions to study science were predicted by different factors in different ways, depending on whether the students were under-confident, accurate, or over-confident. For accurately evaluating and over-confident students, science intentions were predicted by their self-efficacy beliefs (their confidence in their expected future science attainment). For under-confident students, science intentions were predicted by their self-concept beliefs (their confidence in currently ‘doing well’ or ‘being good’ at science). Many other differences were also apparent. Fundamentally, under-confidence may be detrimental not simply through associating with lower attitudes, but through students considering their choices in different ways. Under-confidence may accordingly require attention to help ensure that students’ future choices are not unnecessarily constrained.
A computational investigation of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis: The case of spatial relations

Investigations of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis often ask whether there is a difference in the non-linguistic behavior of speakers of two languages, generally without modeling the underlying process. Such an approach leaves underexplored the relative contributions of language and universal aspects of cognition, and how those contributions differ across languages. We explore the naming and non-linguistic pile-sorting of spatial scenes across speakers of five languages via a computational model grounded in an influential proposal: that language will affect cognition when non-linguistic information is uncertain. We report two findings. First, native language plays a small but significant role in predicting spatial similarity judgments across languages, consistent with earlier findings. Second, the size of the native-language role varies systematically, such that finer-grained semantic systems appear to shape similarity judgments more than coarser-grained systems do. These findings capture the tradeoff between language-specific and universal forces in cognition, and how that tradeoff varies across languages.
Antitumor Effect of the Idiotypic Cascade Induced by an Antibody Encapsulated in Poly(d, l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) Microspheres

A major difficulty encountered during development of antibody vaccines is their weak immunogenicity. In this study, a monoclonal antibody CS20.5 to human breast cancer antigen CA15.3 was coencapsulated in poly(d, l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) microspheres with monophosphoryl lipid A. The antitumor effect of this formulation was investigated in a murine model. The induced Ab2 biologically mimics antigen as it competed with CA15.3 for the same idiotope on Abl. Ab3 induction was also observed. After five sequential administrations of encapsulated antibody, mice showed statistically significant tumor regression. These results indicate that this formulation may serve as a potential treatment for breast cancer.
An Unhealthy America:The Economic Burden of Chronic Disease

More than half of Americans suffer from one or more chronic diseases. Each year millions of people are diagnosed with chronic disease, and millions more die from their condition. By our calculations, the most common chronic diseases are costing the economy more than $1 trillion annually— and that figure threatens to reach $6 trillion by the middle of the century. Yet much of this cost is avoidable. This failure to contain the containable is undermining prospects for extending health insurance coverage and for coping with the medical costs of an aging population. The rising rate of chronic disease is a crucial but frequently ignored contributor to growth in medical expenditures. Of course, the personal and financial consequences of avoidable illness are greatest for those who become ill and their families. In this research, however, we focused on the narrower, more tangible costs of chronic illness: the medical resources used to treat avoidable illness; the impact on labor supply (primarily through lower productivity), and thus GDP; and the drag on long-term economic growth.