Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-universität Frankfurt Am Main Fachbereich Wirtschaftswissenschaften Working Paper Series: Finance & Accounting Financing Patterns: Measurement Concepts and Empirical Results Financing Patterns: Measurement Concepts and Empirical Results

as well as the participants at several seminars and conferences, for valuable suggestions concerning the substance of this paper as well as the exposition. Abstract A widely recognized paper by Colin Mayer (1988) has led to a profound revision of academic thinking about financing patterns of corporations in different countries. Using flow-of-funds data instead of balance sheet data, Mayer and others who followed his lead found that internal financing is the dominant mode of financing in all countries, that therefore financial patterns do not differ very much between countries and that those differences which still seem to exist are not at all consistent with the common conviction that financial systems can be classified as being either bank-based or capital market-based. This leads to a puzzle insofar as it calls into question the empirical foundation of the widely held belief that there is a correspondence between the financing patterns of corporations on the one side, and the structure of the financial sector and the prevailing corporate governance system in a given country on the other side. The present paper addresses this puzzle on a methodological and an empirical basis. It starts by demonstrating that the surprising empirical results found by Mayer et al. are due to a hidden assumption underlying their methodology. It then derives an alternative method of measuring financing patterns, which also uses flow-of-funds data, but avoids the questionable assumption. This measurement concept is then applied to patterns of corporate financing in Germany, Japan and the United States. The empirical results are very much in line with the commonly held belief prior to Mayer's influential contribution and indicate that the financial systems of the three countries do indeed differ from one another in a substantial way.
INVESTIGATION OF HEAVY TRACE ELEMENTS IN NEOPLASTIC AND NON-NEOPLASTIC HUMAN THYROID TISSUE: A STUDY BY PROTON-INDUCED X-RAY EMISSIONS

Background: Within the context of developing techniques to facilitate the diagnosis of the thyroid diseases, the elemental composition of pathological thyroid tissue (neoplastic and nonneoplastic) was investigated by proton induced X-ray emission. The PIXE has been widely used as a sensitive technique for trace elemental analysis in both biological and medical fields. Materials and Methods: The twenty-eight specimen of thyroid tissue (neoplastic, nonneoplastic and grossly normal tissue) were obtained from operation of 14 patients with different thyroid diseases. Determination of the heavy trace elements distribution (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Mo, I) was carried out by irradiating of the sample surface with a focused proton beam. Results: Fourteen grossly normal, eleven non-neoplastic and three malignant thyroid neoplasm cases were diagnosed. Trace element contents of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) MA-B-3/TM Fish tissue was used as standard for calibration of PIXE set up. Conclusion: The concentration of the heavy trace elements Co, Cu, Zn and Mo in neoplasm of thyroid were higher than other samples. The concentration of the heavy trace elements, Fe, As, Br, Rb, I, are found to be much lower in neoplasm of thyroid than non–malignant and grossly normal thyroid tissue. The concentration of the Se, Co and I in this study is consistent with the others study but there are differences in the concentration of Fe in our study and others works. Iodine concentrations was 11 times lower, on average in neoplasm compared with nonneoplasmic tissue of thyroid. The low levels of I in thyroid neoplasm are correlated to some pathological factors. Iran. J. Radiat. Res., 2004; 1(4): 211-216
Blood pressure of Amerindians from Surinam.

Blood pressures of members of the Trio and Wajana tribes from Surinam have been analysed in relation to age, stature and weight. The sample is representative of a group living in a hunting and gathering economy but beginning to come into jarring contact with an alien culture. Diastolic pressure does not alter significantly with age in adults of either sex. There is a small but significant increase in systolic pressure with age in adult females but in males there is an apparent decrease. This decrease is probably an artifact of the cross-sectional survey approach. The high pressure in some young adults is discussed with reference to psychosocial stress. Mean blood pressures are given for children from five years of age onwards.
Simultaneous learning of spatial visual attention and physical actions

This paper introduces a new method for learning top-down and task-driven visual attention control along with physical actions in interactive environments. Our method is based on the Reinforcement Learning of Visual Classes(RLVC) algorithm and adapts it for learning spatial visual selection in order to reduce computational complexity. Proposed algorithm also addresses aliasings due to not knowing previous actions and perceptions. Continuing learning shows our method is robust to perturbations in perceptual information. Our method also allows object recognition when class labels are used instead of physical actions. We have tried to gain maximum generalization while performing local processing. Experiments over visual navigation and object recognition tasks show that our method is more efficient in terms of computational complexity and is biologically more plausible.
Stellar and gaseous velocity dispersions in type II AGNs at 0.3

We apply the stellar population synthesis code by Cid Femandes et al. to model the stellar contribution for a sample of 209 type II active galactic nuclei (AGNs) at 0.3 < z < 0.83 from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. The reliable stellar velocity dispersions (σ*) are obtained for 33 type II AGNs with significant stellar absorption features. According to the L [OIII] criterion of 3 x 10 8 L ⊙ , 20 of which can be classified as type II quasars. We use the formula of Greene and . Ho to obtain the corrected stellar velocity dispersions (σ c *). We also calculate the supermassive black hole masses from σ c * in these high-redshift type II AGNs. The [O III] luminosity is correlated with the black hole mass (although no correlation between the extinction-corrected [O III] luminosity and the black hole mass), and no correlation is found between the Eddington ratio and the [O III] luminosity or the corrected [O III] luminosity. Three sets of two-component profiles are used to fit multiple emission transitions ([O III]λλ4959, 5007 and [O II]λλ3727, 3729) in these 33 stellar-light-subtracted spectra. We also measure the gas velocity dispersion (σ g ) from these multiple transitions, and find that the relation between σ g and σ c * becomes much weaker at higher redshifts than in smaller redshifts. The distribution of (σ g /σ c *) is 1.24 ± 0.76 for the core [O III] line and 1.20 ± 0.96 for the [O II] line, which suggests that σ g of the core [O III] and [O II] lines can trace σ c * within about 0.1 dex in the logarithm of σ c *. For the secondary driver, we find that the deviation of σ g from σ c * is correlated with the Eddington ratio.
Improved depth imaging by constrained full-waveform inversion

We propose a formulation of full-wavefield inversion (FWI) as a constrained optimization problem, and describe a computationally efficient technique for solving constrained full-wavefield inversion (CFWI). The technique is based on using a total-variation regularization method, with the regularization weighted in favor of constraining deeper subsurface model sections. The method helps to promote "edge-preserving" blocky model inversion where fitting the seismic data alone fails to adequately constrain the model. The method is demonstrated on synthetic datasets with added noise, and is shown to enhance the sharpness of the inverted model and correctly reposition mispositioned reflectors by better constraining the velocity model at depth.
Assays for Detection of Telomerase Activity

Progressive loss of the telomeric ends of chromosomes caused by the semi-conservative mechanism of DNA replication is an important timing mechanism which controls the number of cells doubling. Telomerase is an enzyme which elongates one chain of the telomeric DNA and compensates for its shortening during replication. Therefore, telomerase activity serves as a proliferation marker. Telomerase activity is not detected in most somatic cells, with the exception of embryonic tissues, stem cells, and reproductive organs. In most tumor cells (80–90%), telomerase is activated and plays the role of the main instrument that supports the telomere length, which can be used for the diagnostics of neoplastic transformation. This is the primary reason why assays regarding the development of telomerase activity have attracted the attention of researchers. Telomerase activity testing may be useful in the search for telomerase inhibitors, which have the potential to be anti-cancer drugs. Moreover, telomerase activation may play a positive role in tissue regeneration; e.g., after partial removal of the liver or cardiac infarction. All telomerase activity detection assays can be divided into two large groups: those based on direct detection of telomerase products, and those based on different systems of amplification of the signals from DNA that yield from telomerase. The methods discussed in this review are suitable for testing telomerase activity in different samples: in protozoa and mammalian cells, mixed cellular populations, and tissues.
Evaluating the potential for high thermoelectric efficiency of silver selenide

Measurements and modeling of electronic transport properties of n-type Ag2+xSe suggest that this material could have a thermoelectric figure of merit zT greater than 1 at 300 K and above. The exceptional performance can be traced to the exceptionally high mobility, higher than other optimized thermoelectric materials. Although zT decreases at high temperature because of a transition to a phase with high carrier concentration, our model indicates that reducing the carrier concentration will lead to high thermoelectric performance at room temperature for cooling applications as well as up to 600 K for waste heat recovery.
Prediction of Blood Pressure Changes Over Time and Incidence of Hypertension by a Genetic Risk Score in Swedes

Recent Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have pinpointed different single nucleotide polymorphisms consistently associated with blood pressure (BP) and hypertension prevalence. However, little data exist regarding single nucleotide polymorphisms predicting BP variation over time and hypertension incidence. The aim of this study was to confirm the association of a genetic risk score (GRS), based on 29 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms, with cross-sectional BP and hypertension prevalence and to challenge its prediction of BP change over time and hypertension incidence in >17 000 middle-aged Swedes participating in a prospective study, the Malmö Preventive Project, investigated at baseline and over a 23-year average period of follow-up. The GRS was associated with higher systolic and diastolic BP values both at baseline (&bgr;±SEM, 0.968±0.102 mm Hg and 0.585±0.064 mm Hg; P<1E-19 for both) and at reinvestigation (&bgr;±SEM, 1.333±0.161 mm Hg and 0.724±0.086 mm Hg; P<1E-15 for both) and with increased hypertension prevalence (odds ratio [95% CI], 1.192 [1.140–1.245] and 1.144 [1.107–1.183]; P<1E-15 for both). The GRS was positively associated with change (&Dgr;) in BP (&bgr;±SEM, 0.033±0.008 mm Hg/y and 0.023±0.004 mm Hg/y; P<1E-04 for both) and hypertension incidence (odds ratio [95% CI], 1.110 [1.065–1.156]; P=6.7 E-07), independently from traditional risk factors. The relative weight of the GRS was lower in magnitude than obesity or prehypertension, but comparable with diabetes mellitus or a positive family history of hypertension. A C-statistics analysis does not show any improvement in the prediction of incident hypertension on top of traditional risk factors. Our data from a large cohort study show that a GRS is independently associated with BP increase and incidence of hypertension.
Mentoring—the trainee's perspective

All the trainees within the NHS have probably been introduced to appraisals and assessments at some stage in their training. This culture of developmental appraisals and assessments is unfamiliar to many of these doctors and may be found threatening, embarrassing, and even intimidating. In the light of this uncertainty, the appraisal and assessment procedure is often viewed as a redundant and bureaucratic process initiated by big brother.1 With the recent introduction of mentoring into the health service for medical trainees, some have suggested that it may help the appraisal and assessments process. Developmental appraisal was defined by the Standing Committee on Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education (SCOPME) report of 1996 as a process that is confidential (except in defined circumstances), primarily educational and developmental, and designed to help the individual to progress. Assessment was seen as an open and objective process, subject to appeal, and designed to inform decisions about career progress. It should measure knowledge and skills usually with a view to achieving the next step in a career.2 The SCOPME report of 1998 defined mentoring as a process whereby an experienced, highly regarded person (the mentor) guides another individual (the mentee) in the development and examination of their own ideas, learning, and personnel and professional development.3 The belief is that developmental appraisals should help identify educational needs as early as possible and assist the development of skills necessary for self appraisal and reflection needed through the training. It should provide a mechanism for giving feedback on the quality of the training provided, with the aim of making the training more effective and efficient. Assessment of trainees, on the other hand, should aim to identify their strengths and weaknesses, determine whether the trainee is safe to practice, and whether he/she has reached a level of attainment. …
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: eight years of surveillance in France

The aim of this study was to evaluate the annual prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) and to describe the characteristics of the patients with MDRTB in France. Annual questionnaire surveys from 1992–1999 were mailed to all French microbiological laboratories performing mycobacterial cultures. A total of 264 distinct patients were reported to the National Reference Centre for Resistance of Mycobacteria to Antituberculosis Drugs during the 8‐yr surveillance period resulting in a mean annual prevalence of MDRTB of 0.6%. A mean of 16% of the MDRTB patients were reported over several subsequent years. The majority of patients were male (69.7%), foreign-born (55.7%), with a previous history of treatment (65.9%), and pulmonary involvement (92.8%) with smear-positive results (59.1%). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection was present in 20.8% of the patients. Strains were resistant only to isoniazid and rifampin in 37.9% of the cases, and additional resistance to both streptomycin and ethambutol was present in 25.8%. HIV coinfection and female status were statistically associated with primary resistance, whereas smear-positive results were associated with secondary resistance. Foreign-birth and smear-positive results were associated with a chronic status. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is low in France (<1%). However, a substantial proportion of patients remain positive for several years, suggesting nonoptimal management. Therefore, as recommended by the World Health Organization, a few reference teams, working in collaboration with national associations of physicians and microbiologists, should be established to improve the outcome of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
Prevalence of acute dystonic reactions associated with neuroleptic treatment with and without anticholinergic prophylaxis

The occurrence of acute dystonic reactions was intensively monitored in a population of 646 patients, 379 males and 267 females. aged 18–87 years, consecutively admitted to different psychiatric units and treated with neuroleptics alone or in combination with anticholinergic drugs. Thirty-four patients experienced acute dystonic reactions yielding a total incidence of 5.3%. There wasa tendency towards a higher frequency of dystonia in males than in females, and in young patients than in older ones. Patients without anticholinergic medication had a higher frequency of the reaction than those receiving anticholinergic drugs (8.5% vs. 2.8%; p < 0.02). Neuroteptic-induced dystonia was more common in patients treated with buthyrophenones than in those receiving phenothiazines or substituted benzamides.
Effect of exposure to swine dust on levels of IL-8 in airway lavage fluid.

BACKGROUND: Inhalation of swine dust causes airway inflammation with influx of inflammatory cells, predominantly neutrophils, into the lungs. A study was undertaken to determine whether or not exposure to swine dust induces release of interleukin 8 (IL-8) into upper and lower airways and how this possible release is related to cellular influx. A further aim was to study the relationship between the inflammatory response and swine dust exposure. METHODS: Thirty one healthy, non-smoking, previously unexposed subjects were exposed to swine dust during three hours work in a swine house. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed two weeks before and 24 hours after the exposure (n = 16). Nasal lavage and acoustic rhinometry were carried out 1-2 hours before and seven hours after the start of the exposure (n = 31). Exposure measurements were performed with personal sampling equipment. RESULTS: The exposure led to 19-fold and 70-fold increases in the neutrophil concentrations in nasal lavage and BAL fluid, respectively (p < 0.001). In BAL, fluid macrophages, lymphocytes and eosinophils increased significantly. The IL-8 levels in BAL fluid increased from < 31.3 ng/l to 63 (43-109) ng/l (median (25-75th percentile), p < 0.001), and in nasal lavage fluid the concentrations increased from 144 (97-227) ng/l to 1064 (864-1437) ng/l (p < 0.001). IL-8 levels showed a significant correlation with the increase in neutrophils in the nasal lavage fluid but not in the BAL fluid. Acoustic rhinometry demonstrated significant swelling of the nasal mucosa. The air concentration of inhalable dust was 23.3 (20.0-29.3) mg/m3, endotoxin 1.3 (1.1-1.4) micrograms/m3, and muramic acid 0.99 (0.78-2.1) microgram/m3. CONCLUSIONS: The concentration of IL-8 increases in BAL fluid and nasal lavage fluid following exposure to swine dust and may be one of the chemoattractants contributing to the recruitment of neutrophils to the nasal cavity and the alveolar space.
The Early of Effects of the Removal of Willful Defiance From the Discipline Policy At Urban High Schools

Nationwide, African-American students are being suspended at disproportionate rates. This is also true in Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). In 2011-2012, while 9% of K-12 enrollment was African-American, 28% of the suspensions were given to African-American students. Of this 28%, 27.9% were categorized as willful defiance, a very subjective, ambiguous, category. In an effort to decrease suspension rates overall as well as the disproportionate rate of suspensions of African-American students, the Board of Education of LAUSD chose to remove willful defiance as a reason for suspensions beginning the 2013-2014 school year. They were the first school district in the state of California to implement this policy. The purpose of this study was to gain an early perspective as to what effects this removal would have on discipline practices at the high school level. Through analysis of existing District data, interviews of six high school principals, and questionnaire responses from 69 high school teachers, this concurrent mixed methods study explored suspension patterns before and after the change in policy, as well as the discipline beliefs and practices of principals and teachers. Data show that although all six schools in the study had substantial rates of suspensions overall from 2009-2009 to 2013-2014, three of the schools saw an increase in rates of disproportionality of their African-American students. As well, the first year after the removal of willful defiance, the schools saw an increase in the use of less subjective categories, Caused Physical Injury to Another Person and Willful Use of Force/Violence Not Self Defense. Principal interviews revealed that while some believe that students should only be removed from class for reasons of safety, others still feel that defiance and respect warrant removal. In the questionnaire, while more than 25% of the respondents indicated a lack of awareness of the policy change, 30% of the teachers admitted to continuing to refer students for suspension but using a different category. Finally, the study describes various implementations that may help to decrease the disproportionate rate of suspensions of African-American students.
Tectonic and climatic controls on the development of foreland fan deltas : Montserrat and Sant LlorencË del Munt systems ( Middle Eocene , Ebro Basin , NE Spain )

Along an early Cenozoic foreland±hinterland boundary in northeastern Spain, we synthesize the depositional environment, climatic conditions, structural evolution, age, catchment geometry, and altitudinal characteristics from sedimentologic, palynologic, stratigraphic, structural, and paleomagnetic data. As the transpressional Catalan Coastal Ranges rose during the Paleogene, two large fan deltas prograded into the Ebro foreland basin adjacent to the northeastern part of the range. The apices of the fans likely were localized by lateral ramps or tear faults along which rivers from hinterland catchments debouched into the foreland. Beginning in the late Lutetian, proximal debris̄ow, sheet ̄ood, and distal ̄uvial deposits maintained the fan surface at or above sea level, despite rapid basin subsidence during the succeeding 4.4 my. Palynological data suggest that a warm, humid climate prevailed throughout this interval. The mapped extent of the two fans permits an estimation of their volumes, whereas the spatial distribution of distinctive lithologies within the ancestral Catalan Coastal Ranges serves to delimit the approximate catchment areas for each of the fans. We estimate mean hinterland denudation rates to range from 100 to 180 m/my and mean catchment elevation to range from 700 to 1250 m. The steep gradients between these catchments and the low-lying fan deltas is attributed to the tectonic style of the ancestral Catalan Coastal Ranges, which are characterized by an uplifted basement block along a steep frontal thrust accompanied by folding of cover rocks. The considerable topographic relief of these catchments is inferred to have combined with co-seismic shaking to produce landslides and rockfalls, which were reworked as debrisand ̄uid-gravity deposits on the fan surfaces. q 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.