Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
1 Evaluating Implied Cost of Capital Estimates By

We propose a two-dimensional framework for assessing the quality of implied cost of capital (ICC) estimates as proxies for firm-level expected returns. Under fairly general assumptions, better expected return estimates should have higher cross-sectional predictive power for future stock returns and lower time-series measurement error variance. Using this framework, we evaluate seven alternative ICCs and find that several perform well along both dimensions, and all do significantly better than Beta-based estimates. Moreover, we find that the lagged industry median ICCs also predict firm-level returns and exhibit low error variance. Overall, ICCs appear to be attractive firm-level expected return proxies. ** All three authors are at Stanford University. Lee (professor.lee@gmail.com) is the Joseph McDonald Professor of Accounting at the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB); So (eso@stanford.edu) is a Doctoral Candidate in Accounting at the Stanford GSB; Wang (charles.cy.wang@stanford.edu) is a Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Economics. We thank Bhaskaran Swaminathan of LSV Asset Management, as well as seminar participants at Stanford, Northwestern, University of Chicago, UC-Irvine, LSU, National University of Singapore, University of Pennsylvania (Wharton), University of Toronto, Michigan University (Ross), Harvard, Yale, and Columbia, for helpful comments and suggestions.
Phase I radioimmunotherapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma with 131I-labeled chimeric monoclonal antibody G250.

Clinical tumor targeting studies with chimeric monoclonal antibody G250 (cG250) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients indicated the potential use of this antibody for radioimmunotherapy. Here we report on a phase I activity dose escalation study to determine the safety, the maximum tolerable dose (MTD), and the possible therapeutic potential of 131I-labeled cG250 in patients with progressive metastatic RCC. All patients (n = 12) received a diagnostic i.v. infusion of 5 mg of cG250 labeled with 222 MBq of 131I. If accumulation of the antibody in metastatic lesions was observed, patients were hospitalized and a second, therapeutic, i.v. infusion of 5 mg of cG250 labeled with a high dose of 131I was administered (n = 8). Three patients per dose level were entered, starting at 1665 MBq/m2. If no dose-limiting toxicity occurred, the study continued at the next dose level (555 MBq/m2 increase). Most patients experienced mild nausea without vomiting. No other complaints were reported during hospitalization. In two of two patients who received a dose of 2775 MBq/m2, grade IV hematological toxicity was observed, which was defined as dose limiting. Thus, the MTD was set at 2220 MBq/m2. In one patient (2220 MBq/m2), stable disease (lasting 3-6 months) was achieved, whereas another patient (2220 MBq/m2) showed a partial response that is ongoing (>9 months). The minor responses observed in this phase I trial in patients with an advanced stage of RCC are encouraging and warrant further study in a phase II setting at the MTD to determine the efficacy of radioimmunotherapy for metastatic RCC.
Pre-eclampsia (PE) and Chorionicity in Women with Twin Gestations.

BACKGROUND Pre-Eclampsia (PE) affects 6-31% of pregnant women with multiple gestations. There are conflicting reports on the association of PE with Chorionicity and zygosity; however, there is a lack of information on this potential association in a population of pregnant Asian Indian women. AIM To determine as to whether chorionicity and zygosity were associated with PE in a population of Asian Indian women with twin gestations. SETTINGS AND DESIGN A retrospective observational study was done at a single tertiary care centre in Southern India. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included pregnant women with twin gestations, who was delivered at the study institute in 2012. Hypertension in pregnancy was categorized, based on the criteria of the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy. Chorionicity was determined by using ultrasonography and zygosity was determined, based on clinical criteria. Point estimates and the 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) around point estimates of PE and associations of chorionicity and zygosity with PE were determined by using bivariate analysis, logistic regression models and area under Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS This study included 208 women with twin gestations. The incidence of PE in dichorionic twin gestations was 13.17% (n=22, 95% CI: 8.66, 18.96), it was 4.87% (n=2, 95% CI: 0.83, 15.19) in monochorionic twin gestations, it was 16.36% (n=9, 95% CI: 8.29, 27.91) in dizygous twin gestations and it was 4.88% (n=2, 95% CI: 0.83, 15.19) in monozygous twin gestations. Neither chorionicity (adjusted OR: 2.59, 95% CI: 0.55, 12.19) nor zygosity (adjusted OR 2.72, 95% CI: 0.49, 15.13) were associated with PE In a multivariate logistic regression model. CONCLUSION Although it was not statistically significant, the clinical incidence of PE was higher in dichorionic and dizygous twin gestations.
Regulation of B-lymphocyte clonal proliferation by stimulatory and inhibitory macrophage-derived factors

A functional subpopulation of murine B lymphocytes proliferate in semisolid agar culture in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol to form colonies. The effects of diffusible macrophage-derived factors on this focal proliferation was investigated using a two-layer culture system which prevented macrophage-lymphocyte contact and permitted B-cell activation to be critically assessed under conditions of extremely low cell densities. Adherent peritoneal macrophages incorporated within underlayers of spleen or lymph node cell cultures potentiated both the number and size of developing B-cell colonies. These effects were most striking when low numbers of spleen or lymph node cells, or macrophage- depleted lymphoid cell suspensions were used. Thus, macrophage-depleted lymph node ceils gave rise to virtually no colonies, but colony-forming ability was restored by the presence of an optimal number of macrophages. When the number of macrophages exceeded that required for optimal stimulation, colony formation was suppressed; an effect which was largely prevented by indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. Under these conditions, stimulation and inhibition of B-cell activation by macrophages could be dissociated, indicating that each signal is selectively controlled by individual molecules elaborated by the macrophage. With an appropriate number of macrophages required for B-cell activation, and sufficient indomethacin to inhibit the accumulation of macrophage-derived prostaglandin, B-lymphocyte clonal proliferation was a linear function of the number of B cells placed in culture. In the absence of macrophages, B-cell colony formation was potentiated by both lipopolysaccharide and intact sheep erythrocytes through a mechanism different from that of the macrophage-derived stimulatory factor. In addition to their direct stimulatory effect on B-cell proliferation, lipopolysaccharide and sheep erythrocytes were each capable of modulating the production and/or release of B-cell stimulatory and inhibitory factors by the macrophage. Parallel studies of conventional mitogen- stimulated lymphocyte cultures did not show a requirement for macrophages and confirm that the semisolid assay is uniquely suited to studies on the regulatory role of the macrophage in B-cell activation.
Rapid serial visual presentation techniques for consumer digital video devices

In this paper we propose a new model for a class of rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) interfaces [16] in the context of consumer video devices. The basic spatial layout "explodes" a sequence of image frames into a 3D trail in order to provide more context for a spatial/temporal presentation. As the user plays forward or back, the trail advances or recedes while the image in the foreground focus position is replaced. The design is able to incorporate a variety of methods for analyzing or highlighting images in the trail. Our hypotheses are that users can navigate more quickly and precisely to points of interest when compared to conventional consumer-based browsing, channel flipping, or fast-forwarding techniques. We report on an experiment testing our hypotheses in which we found that subjects were more accurate but not faster in browsing to a target of interest in recorded television content with a TV remote.
Increasing Accessibility to the Blind of Virtual Environments, Using a Virtual Mobility Aid Based On the "EyeCane": Feasibility Study

Virtual worlds and environments are becoming an increasingly central part of our lives, yet they are still far from accessible to the blind. This is especially unfortunate as such environments hold great potential for them for uses such as social interaction, online education and especially for use with familiarizing the visually impaired user with a real environment virtually from the comfort and safety of his own home before visiting it in the real world. We have implemented a simple algorithm to improve this situation using single-point depth information, enabling the blind to use a virtual cane, modeled on the “EyeCane” electronic travel aid, within any virtual environment with minimal pre-processing. Use of the Virtual-EyeCane, enables this experience to potentially be later used in real world environments with identical stimuli to those from the virtual environment. We show the fast-learned practical use of this algorithm for navigation in simple environments.
Image sequence evaluation: 30 years and still going strong

Over the past thirty years, technical means to record, digitize, store, process, and present video image sequences have multiplied in capacity by several orders of magnitude. This large quantitative improvement is about to turn into a qualitative change regarding the research to be pursued within this area in the future. Whereas up to now an exploratory type of approach has prevailed, the increasingly available technical means for image sequence evaluation facilitate the investigation of large amounts of data. This requires to build encompassing systems and to study their behavior which in turn is expected to stimulate theoretical developments: even small effects of an assumption can be studied in detail within a system environment, thereby enabling stepwise improvements of theoretical approaches underlying the construction of system solutions. The following discussion will emphasize fundamental experimental and theoretical advances rather than details of particular approaches.
The potential impact of green technologies in next-generation wireline networks: Is there room for energy saving optimization?

Recently, network operators around the world reported statistics of network energy requirements and the related carbon footprint, showing an alarming and growing trend. Such high energy consumption can be mainly ascribed to networking equipment designed to work at maximum capacity with high and almost constant dissipation, independent of the traffic load. However, recent developments of green network technologies suggest the chance to build future devices capable of adapting their performance and energy absorption to meet actual workload and operational requirements. In such a scenario, this contribution aims at evaluating the potential impact on next-generation wireline networks of green technologies in economic and environmental terms. We based our impact analysis on the real network energy-efficiency targets of an ongoing European project, and applied them to the expected deployment of Telecom Italia infrastructure by 2015-2020.
Gait analysis in demented subjects: Interests and perspectives

Gait disorders are more prevalent in dementia than in normal aging and are related to the severity of cognitive decline. Dementia-related gait changes (DRGC) mainly include decrease in walking speed provoked by a decrease in stride length and an increase in support phase. More recently, dual-task related changes in gait were found in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and non-Alzheimer dementia, even at an early stage. An increase in stride-to-stride variability while usual walking and dual-tasking has been shown to be more specific and sensitive than any change in mean value in subjects with dementia. Those data show that DRGC are not only associated to motor disorders but also to problem with central processing of information and highlight that dysfunction of temporal and frontal lobe may in part explain gait impairment among demented subjects. Gait assessment, and more particularly dual-task analysis, is therefore crucial in early diagnosis of dementia and/or related syndromes in the elderly. Moreover, dual-task disturbances could be a specific marker of falling at a pre-dementia stage.
Novel Jute/Polycardanol Biocomposites: Effect of Fiber Surface Treatment on Their Properties

In the present study, novel biocomposites with chopped jute fibers and thermosetting polycardanol were prepared using compression molding technique for the first time. Prior to biocomposite fabrication, jute fiber bundles were surface-treated at various concentrations using 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane (GPS) and 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APS), respectively. The interfacial shear strength, flexural properties and thermal properties of jute/polycardanol biocomposites reinforced with untreated and silane-treated jute fibers were investigated by means of single fiber microbonding test, three-point flexural test, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and thermomechanical analysis. Both GPS and APS treatments played a role in improving the interfacial adhesion, reflecting that the organofunctional groups located at the end of silane coupling agents may contribute to linking between jute fibers and a polycardanol resin. As a result, it gave rise to increased interfacial shear strength of the biocomposites. Such interfacial improvement also led to increasing the flexural strength and modulus, storage modulus, thermal stability and thermomechanical stability.
Estudo experimental de blocos de fundação com cálice externo, embutido e parcialmente embutido considerando interface lisa

Nas estruturas de concreto pre-moldado, a ligacao pilar-fundacao pode ocorrer por meio do calice de fundacao, que por sua vez pode estar embutido, parcialmente embutido com parte do colarinho saliente, ou externo com o colarinho saliente em relacao ao bloco de fundacao. Apresenta-se neste trabalho um estudo experimental de blocos de fundacao sobre duas estacas com calice externo, parcialmente embutido e embutido, submetidos a acao centrada utilizando modelos em escala reduzida 1:2. Nos modelos analisados, considerou-se a conformacao lisa nas paredes do calice e do pilar. Os resultados sao comparados a um modelo de referencia, com ligacao monolitica entre o pilar e o bloco. Observa-se que o bloco com calice externo apresenta forca ultima com a mesma ordem de grandeza do bloco de referencia, porem os blocos com calice parcialmente embutido e embutido apresentam forca ultima inferior a dos demais modelos.
Physical exercise programs at Basic Healthcare Units decrease body fat and improve the functional capacity of women over 50 years old

This study verified the effects of a physical exercise program performed at Basic Healthcare Units on the body composition and functional capacity of women over 50 years old and to compare these variables according to age. Forty-eight women (age, 65.4±7.3 years) were assessed. The program lasted 20 weeks, and was conducted 2 times per week, 60 min/day. Body mass and height were collected and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Bioelectrical impedance was used to estimate fat mass and fat free mass. Functional capacities: handgrip test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Guralnick test were assessment. Weight (68.7±12.5 [pre]×66.8±12.5 [post], P<0.001), BMI (28.5±4.1 kg/m2 [pre]×27.6±4.0 kg/m2 [post], P<0.001), and fat mass (28.4±7.8 kg [pre]×26.4±7.3 kg [post], P<0.001) were decreased. For functional capacity, handgrip (21.2±5.8 kg [pre]×22.9±6.9 kg [post], P=0.014), lower limb strength (12.0±3.0 sec [pre]×8.5±2.2 sec [post], P<0.001), TUG (8.4±1.5 sec [pre]×7.6±1.1 se [post], P<0.001) and Guralnik tests (10.6±1.6 [pre]×11.8±0.5 [post], P<0.001) were improved. 20 weeks of exercise program performed at Basic Healthcare Units decreased body fat and improvement of functional capacity of women over 50 years old and there was difference according to age only on the body composition variables.
Importance of expert central review in the diagnosis of lymphoid malignancies in a regional cancer network.

PURPOSE The accurate diagnosis of hematologic malignancies remains a challenging area for histopathologists. In 2003, the North Central London Lymphoma network was established to provide a centralized expert review service for general histopathologists based in peripheral nonspecialist hospitals. By studying samples sent for review, we sought to assess the diagnostic and clinical impact of centralized expert review in lymphoma diagnosis. METHODS A total of 1,949 patient samples were subject to expert review between 2003 and 2008. Diagnostic discordance rates were identified after expert review, and the impact on patient management was assessed by a hematologic oncology specialist. RESULTS An overall discordance rate of 27.3% was identified. Among the 10 most commonly referred lymphoid malignancies, the discordance rate varied between 3.6% and 34.1%. A small but significant number of reactive (n = 17) and malignant (n = 5) discordant diagnoses were also identified. Expert central review resulted in a major change to patient management in 2.1% of patients and prevented delays in treatment in 9.3% of patients. During the 6-year study, the discordance rate improved significantly, decreasing from 32% to 13%. Although centralized review incurred additional costs, these were relatively small compared with the costs associated with treatment. CONCLUSION This retrospective study demonstrates the importance of expert central review in the accurate diagnosis and timely management of lymphoid malignancies. Furthermore, it shows that where full centralization of services is not viable, a network comprising nonspecialist hospitals linked to a center providing expert review is a practical alternative to full unification of services at a single location and can help prevent local deskilling.
Risk stratification for Arrhythmic Sudden Cardiac Death in heart failure patients using machine learning techniques

Arrhythmic Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is still a major clinical challenge even though much research has been done in the field. Machine learning techniques give a powerful tool for stratifying arrhythmic risk. We analyzed 40 Holter recordings from heart failure patients, 20 of which were characterized as high arrhythmia risk after 16 months follow up. The two groups (high and low risk) were not statistically different in basic clinical characteristics. We performed windowed analysis and computed 25 Heart Rate Variability (HRV) indices. We fed these indices as input to two classifiers: Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Random Forests (RF). The classification results showed that the automatic classification of the two groups of subjects is possible.
In-hospital delay in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction after Manchester Triage.

INTRODUCTION In ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), time to reperfusion influences morbidity and mortality, and reducing in-hospital delay (IHD) continues to be important. Doubts have been expressed whether the Manchester Triage System (MTS) contributes to this objective. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of the MTS in classifying STEMI patients and its effect on IHD. METHODS We analyzed 278 patients with STEMI admitted to the Coronary Care Unit through the Emergency Department between January 13 2005 and November 26 2006. The patients were divided into two groups according to their MTS classification: Group A--emergent and very urgent patients; Group B--urgent and standard patients. The two groups were compared in terms of clinical and demographic characteristics, pre-hospital delay (PHD), IHD and door-to-needle (DNT) and door-to-balloon (DBT) times. RESULTS The mean age of the patients studied was 68 +/- 14 years, and 184 patients (65.7%) were male. Group A comprised 220 patients (79%) and Group B 58 patients (21%). There were no significant differences between the two groups in clinical or demographic characteristics or in PHD. IHD, DNT and DBT were significantly longer in Group B. CONCLUSIONS 1) Although the majority of STEMI patients were classified as emergent or very urgent, the percentage not classified as such by the MTS was excessively high. 2) This could not be explained by clinical characteristics or by PHD. 3) The incorrect classification by the MTS of patients with STEMI resulted in significantly increased IHD in a large proportion of patients, limiting prompt access to reperfusion therapy.
PREVALENCE OF SHIGA TOXIN–PRODUCING ESCHERICHIA COLI AND SALMONELLA ENTERICA IN ROCK PIGEONS CAPTURED IN FORT COLLINS, COLORADO

The potential role of rock pigeons (Columba livia) in the epidemiology of shiga toxin– producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Salmonella enterica is unclear. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of STEC and S. enterica in pigeons at urban and dairy settings as a function of season. Prevalence of STEC and S. enterica was estimated by bacteriologic culture of cloacal swabs collected from pigeons trapped at urban and dairy locations in and around Fort Collins, Colorado from January to November 2003. Presumptive E. coli isolates were tested for the presence of virulence genes SLT-1, SLT-2, eae, hlyA, K1, CNF-1, CNF-2, and LT using polymerase chain reaction. Shiga toxins were not isolated from any of 406 samples from pigeons, but virulence genes typically associated with disease in humans were identified in isolates from 7.9% (95% CI: 5.5% to 10.9%) of captured pigeons. S. enterica were detected in 3.2% of 277 samples from pigeons, with all positive samples originating from dairy locations (nine of 106 [8.5%]; 95% CI: 4.0–15.5%). The results suggest that although pigeons may acquire S. enterica from cattle and play a role in recirculation and persistence of the microorganism at dairies, pigeons are not important carriers of STEC.
Shaped Beam Synthesis Based on Superposition Principle and Taylor Method

A technique for the synthesis of shaped beam radiation patterns is proposed. The new synthesis method is based on superposition principle and Taylor method. The method may control the sidelobe level of the shaped beam. The approach includes four steps: 1) get the distribution of pencil beam array with low sidelobe by Taylor method; 2) let the beams scan as a phased array to the specific angles according to the requirement of the shaped beam, The sum pattern is close to the shaping beam; 3) determine the value of angles and weights; and 4) count the distribution of the shaped beam array according to the new array factor function. Numerical results are provided to assess the capabilities of the proposed design method. The method develops an effective approach for the synthesis of shaped beams via uniform linear arrays. Both the ripple and sidelobe level of shaped beam may be controlled by the new synthesis method.