Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Easing and US Stock Prices

Conventional wisdom is that unconventional monetary policy a.k. a. Quantitative Easing (QE) pursued by the Federal Reserve has helped sustain and even boost U.S. stock market prices in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis. By design, QE has supported long-term Treasury bond prices and put downward pressure on long term rates; however the link to stock prices is more complicated because other factors operate as well, e.g., the performance of stock markets in the rest of the world, US dollar performance, virtually zero fed funds rate via conventional monetary policy (independent of policies such as QE), and changes in the interaction between economic activity and credit conditions – as measured for instance by the high yield spread along the lines of the financial accelerator theory. This paper presents evidence that these other factors explain most of the variation in stock returns before and after the financial crisis with stable coefficients and that the different rounds of QE explain significantly some of the remaining variation in stock prices. A vector autoregression provides further evidence of the effects of QE on stock returns and its relative importance vis-a-vis other variables via a Pesaran-Shin generalized impulse-response analysis (invariant to the causality ordering). The evidence in this paper is consistent with the boost in stock prices after the Fed actually started tapering in January 2014 because the “fundamentals” were supportive of the stock market. Furthermore, if the positive effects of QE on the stock market are less strong than commonly believed, the negative effects from a gradual shrinking of the Fed’s balance sheet may not be as bad as commonly feared.
From Doing Good to Looking Even Better: The Dynamics of CSR and Reputation

Grounded in stakeholder theory and a resource-based view of the firm, this longitudinal research demonstrates the evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm reputation over time. Drawing on a 5-year sample of 285 major U.S. firms obtained from the KLD database and Fortune’s Most Admired Companies, we find that the proposed dynamic relationship predicts evolving stakeholder expectations to incite organizations to improve their social performance to earn reputational benefits. Contrary to the often labeled stickiness of reputation, we find a “Red Queen” effect that supports reputation as a dynamic construct where the change in CSR does predict a change in corporate reputation. Similarly, we find that the change in reputation over time varies by industry, being most pronounced for manufacturing. From a practical perspective, this relationship across time may incite managers to create sustainable competitive advantage by continuously investing in doing good to reap the benefits of looking good and looking even better with time.
Validation of the German fear of pain questionnaire in a sample of children with mixed chronic pain conditions

To date, no German instrument exists to measure pain‐related fear in paediatric pain populations. The objective of the current study was to determine the construct validity of the translated German fear of pain questionnaire for children (GFOPQ‐C) in a sample of children with mixed chronic pain disorders by testing the underlying factor structure, and its psychometric properties.
Enlarged vestibular aqueduct may precipitate benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in children

Abstract Conclusions: Enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) may precipitate secondary benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), especially in pediatric populations, as well as paretic dysfunction of the vestibular end organ. Objectives: EVA is characterized by the early onset of sudden or progressive sensorineural hearing loss with or without vestibular dysfunction. However, vestibular dysfunction in patients with EVA has not been described as frequently as hearing loss, and an association with BPPV has not been previously reported. By reviewing the cochleo-vestibular status of three children and two young adults with EVA who had been diagnosed with BPPV, characteristic features of BPPV in EVA patients were investigated and possible pathogenetic mechanisms are speculated. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for five patients with EVA who presented with BPPV from January 2004 to July 2009. Clinical courses, characteristics of vertigo and audiovestibular laboratory findings were reviewed. Results: Among 26 patients with radiologically confirmed EVA, 5 (19.2%) exhibited positional nystagmus compatible with BPPV through Dix-Hallpike and head-roll tests. Hearing loss usually accompanied BPPV attacks, and BPPV was recurrent in three patients. Multiple semicircular canals were frequently involved in each episode, and different canals were also involved in recurrent cases. Canalith repositioning procedures were usually successful without difficulty.
A theory of social custom, of which unemployment may be one consequence

This paper examines adherence to social customs. Models of social customs are found to be inherently multi-equilibrial. It is found that social customs which are disadvantageous to the individual may nevertheless persist without erosion, if individuals are sanctioned by loss of reputation for disobedience of the custom. One example of such a social custom is the persistence of a fair (rather than a market-clearing) wage. In this fashion, involuntary unemployment is explained. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Effect of Gender, Age, and Lipid Status on Low Density Lipoprotein Su bf raction Distribution: Results from the Framingham Offspring Study

The presence of low molecular weight low density lipoprotein ]LDLl[ particles in plasma has been associated with premature coronary artery disease. In this study we have examined factors affecting LDL subfraction distribution as determined by 2% to 16% polyacrylamide-agarose gradient gel electrophoresis of whole plasma in a normal, primarily middle-aged, population of adult male and female participants (n = 280, ages 25 to 75 years) in the Framingham Offspring Study. Seven major LDL bands (LDL-1 to LDL-7) were observed in different individuals, with most subjects having either one or two major bands. The presence of low molecular weight LDL (LDL-4 to LDL-7) in plasma as the predominant LDL type was significantly more common in men than in women (43.5% versus 14.8%, p < 0.001). The presence of low molecular weight LDL was correlated < 0.01) with increased age, plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (in women only), and apolipoprotein (apo) B concentrations, as well as with decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and apo A-I levels. Approximately 69% of the variability in LDL subfractions could be accounted for by alterations in plasma triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels. These data are consistent with the concept that LDL subfraction distribution is influenced by gender and plasma lipoprotein levels and can be determined readily by the use of whole plasma.
Clinical and molecular characterization of a novel selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 (SBP2) gene mutation (R128X).

CONTEXT Although acquired abnormalities of thyroid hormone metabolism are common, inherited defects in humans involving the synthesis of selenoproteins, including iodothyronine deiodinases, have been described in only one recent publication. OBJECTIVE We report the study of a novel selenocysteine insertion sequence-binding protein 2 (SBP2) gene mutation (R128X) and its clinical and molecular characterization. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A family of African origin was studied. The proband presented with growth retardation, low serum selenium level, and thyroid test abnormalities consisting of high serum total and free T(4) concentrations associated with low T(3), high rT(3), and normal TSH. The entire coding region of the SBP2 gene was sequenced and minigenes constructed to explain the nature of the defect. RESULTS The proband was homozygous for a nonsense gene mutation that produces an early stop codon (R128X). Both parents and a sister were heterozygous but showed no growth or thyroid test abnormalities. Despite the severity of the defect, the patient had a relatively mild phenotype, similar to that associated with partial SBP2 deficiency. In vitro analysis showed that the mutant minigene synthesized SBP2 from at least three downstream ATGs capable of generating molecules containing the essential functional domains. Treatment with l-T(3) accelerated the growth velocity and advanced the bone age. CONCLUSIONS We identified a novel SBP2 gene mutation producing an early arrest in the synthesis of a full-length molecule. The demonstration that SBP2 isoforms containing all functional domains could be synthesized from three downstream ATGs explains the relatively mild phenotype caused by this defect.
Comparison of the effect of two low‐density lipoprotein receptor class mutations on coronary heart disease among French‐Canadian patients heterozygous for familial hypercholesterolaemia

The aim of this study was to compare the age at first elective coronary angiogram and the age at first revascularization (coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) in 102 patients without familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), who were matched for age and sex with 76 heterozygous FH patients carrying a defective allele at the low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene (LDL‐R) and 26 heterozygous FH patients bearing a null mutation at the LDL‐R. The prevalence of diabetes was significantly higher in the non‐FH group than in the two FH groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, mean body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference values were also higher in the non‐FH group than in the two FH heterozygous groups (P < 0.005). However, FH patients who were null allele carriers had the highest plasma total and LDL‐cholesterol levels and the highest cholesterol/HDL‐cholesterol ratio, whereas the defective allele carriers group had intermediate levels between null allele carriers and non‐FH patients. Comparison of the age at first coronary angiography revealed that the null allele carriers group were younger at first angiogram than the non‐FH patients (P < 0.005). In addition, a trend was observed for a younger age at first angiogram in FH heterozygotes bearing a null allele than in carriers of a defective allele (P = 0.06). Moreover, null allele carriers were younger at first revascularization than defective allele carriers (P < 0.005) or non‐FH patients (P < 0.005). Finally, the mean number of diseased vessels with > 50% stenosis was higher in null allele carriers than in non‐FH patients and tended to be higher than among defective allele carriers (P < 0.01). Although no difference in plasma Lp(a) levels were noted between null allele carrier and non‐FH patients, plasma Lp(a) concentrations were higher in the defective allele group than in the other two groups. In summary, the development of coronary artery disease as estimated by the age at first elective coronary angiography or at first revascularization is premature in FH patients carrying a null mutation compared with defective allele carriers or with non‐FH patients. Moreover, the higher number of stenosed vessels among null allele carriers suggests that coronary artery disease was more severe in FH subjects with a null allele at the LDL‐R locus.
Polysomnographic Findings and Clinical Correlates in Huntington Disease: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To evaluate the sleep pattern and the motor activity during sleep in a cohort of patients affected by Huntington disease (HD). DESIGN Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING Sleep laboratory. PATIENTS Thirty HD patients, 16 women and 14 men (mean age 57.3 ± 12.2 y); 30 matched healthy controls (mean age 56.5 ± 11.8 y). INTERVENTIONS Subjective sleep evaluation: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS); Berlin's Questionnaire, interview for restless legs syndrome (RLS), questionnaire for REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Clinical evaluation: disease duration, clinical severity (unified Huntington disease motor rating scale [UHDMRS]), genetic tests. Laboratory-based full-night attended video-polysomnography (V-PSG). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS The duration of the disease was 9.4 ± 4.4 y, UHMDRS score was 55.5 ± 23.4, CAG repeats were 44.3 ± 4.1. Body mass index was 21.9 ± 4.0 kg/m(2). No patients or caregivers reported poor sleep quality. Two patients reported symptoms of RLS. Eight patients had an ESS score ≥ 9. Eight patients had high risk of obstructive sleep apnea. At the RBD questionnaire, two patients had a pathological score. HD patients, compared to controls, showed shorter sleep, reduced sleep efficiency index, and increased arousals and awakenings. Four patients presented with sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Periodic limb movements (PLMs) during wake and sleep were observed in all patients. No episode of RBD was observed in the V-PSG recordings, and no patients showed rapid eye movement (REM) sleep without atonia. The disease duration correlated with ESS score (P < 0.02). UHMDRS correlated positively with the ESS score (P < 0.005), and negatively with the percentage of REM sleep. CONCLUSIONS Patients with Huntington disease showed a severe sleep disruption and a high prevalence of periodic limb movements, but no evidence of sleep disordered breathing or REM sleep behavior disorder.
Effects of the [PSI+] prion on rates of adaptation in yeast

The [PSI+] prion in yeast has been shown to improve short‐term growth in some environments, but its effects on rates of adaptation have not been assessed before now. We adapted three yeast genotypes to three novel environments in the presence and the absence of the prion. There were significant differences in adaptation rates between lines with different combinations of genotype, environment, and prion status. We saw no consistent effect, however, of the prion on the rate of adaptation to new environments. A major factor affecting the rate of adaptation was initial fitness in the new environment: lines with low initial fitness evolved faster than lines with high initial fitness.
Econometric Evaluation of a Placement Coaching Program for Recipients of Disability Insurance Benefits in Switzerland

This paper evaluates a placement coaching program implemented in Zurich during 2009-2013 that focused on the reemployment of persons drawing disability insurance (DI) benefits. A private company was commissioned to implement the program. Kernel-based matching and radius matching with bias adjustment estimators combined with difference-in-differences are applied to administrative panel data. The estimates point to a successful project in terms of a reduction in DI benefits and an increase in income even in the medium-run. A simple cost-benefit analysis suggests that the project was a profitable investment for the social security system. Sensitivity analyses indicate that the results are robust to confounders and further specification issues. An interesting policy implication is that it seems possible to enhance the employment prospects of disabled persons with a relatively inexpensive intervention which does not include any explicit investments in human capital.
Attitudes and Concerns of Teacher Educators towards Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities in Bangladesh

This study examined the attitudes of teacher educators towards inclusive education in Bangladesh secondary schools in order to further understand the challenges faced by countries that are economically marginalised in implementing educational reforms that even developed countries sometimes struggle with. Twenty teacher educators from Bangladesh participated in the qualitative study designed to explore participants’ understanding and perspectives of inclusion. Teacher educators’ attitudes towards inclusive education was generally positive, however participants were unsure how to implement inclusive education. The findings are considered alongside the Bangladesh government’s objective of inclusive education and further research opportunities are identified.
The Authority of Wikipedia

Philosophers of argumentation and of testimony suggest that we can rely on what someone says because of its epistemic merits. If so, then we should never credit Wikipedia, since we cannot assess what its anonymous contributors know. I propose instead that Wikipedia can have pragmatic merits, in that the contributors' passion for the project, and the emerging communicative design through which that passion is made manifest, provide a reason for trust.
Plasma Testosterone Levels in the Rapist

&NA; Plasma testosterone level was measured in 52 rapists and 12 child molesters who had completed the Buss‐Durkee Hostility Inventory, the Megargee Overcontrolled Hostility Scale, and the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test. The rapists were classified according to the degree of violence during the commission of the rape. The ranges and means of the plasma testosterone level for the rapist and child molester controls were within normal limits. The group of rapists who were judged to be most violent had a significantly higher mean plasma testosterone level than normals, child molesters, and other rapists in this study. Mean Buss‐Durkee hostility rating scores for rapists were significantly higher than the mean for normals, but there was no correlation between individual hostility scores and plasma testosterone levels. There was no correlation between age, race, or length of incarceration and plasma testosterone level.
Congo’s Twin Deficit Hypothesis: An Empirical Evaluation Case Study

This article aims to analyze the twin deficit hypothesis in the Republic of Congo from 1980-2013. Its methodology is based on ARDL approach to cointegration. This paper illustrates a long-term causal relationship from the current account balance to the budget balance. Keynesian hypothesis of a positive link from the budget balance to the current account is not valid for Congo, but rather a positive link from the current account balance to the budget balance is verified. In the short term, the two balances diverge before converging in the long run through the restoring force. The Keynesian twin deficit hypothesis sense is not validated in this work. The consolidation of public finance in Congo requires a good command of the current account because the predictability of the current account balance is improved when the budget deficit is incorporated in the analysis of economic policy to be implemented.
A Qualitative Investigation of an Educational Reform Initiative in Pakistan

The main purpose of this study was to explore, analyze and reflect on the meaning, nature, causes and associated dynamics of change in higher education within a Pakistani cultural context. Resistance was a major component of understanding this change. I focused on multiple factors that induced individual/group tendencies to resist or avoid making changes and to devalue change generally. This study employed a multiple case study approach. Semi-structured interviews with designated stakeholders of the planned change initiative were the primary data-collection method. Document analysis, members check and observations were used to triangulate the interview data. The data were analyzed on an ongoing basis. The findings revealed the complex dimensions of participants’ compliance and/or resistance with respect to change at the beginning of the twenty-first century when the Pakistani higher education system was shifting dramatically from a local to global perspective. Despite serious issues and weaknesses, change was gradual over time and the most strongly contested reforms were those that did not align with existing practices. In sum, the findings support the notion that change is complicated, and that the reasons for this complexity stem from factors that are structural, emotional, political and personal. The results of this study will be of interest to administrators and educators as they prepare for future challenges within the Pakistani context. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed, and directions for future research are identified.
Context-Dependent Probability Estimation and its Neurocomputational Substrates

Many decisions rely on how we evaluate potential outcomes associated with the options under consideration and estimate their corresponding probabilities of occurrence. Outcome valuation is subjective as it requires consulting internal preferences and is sensitive to context. In contrast, probability estimation requires extracting statistics from the environment and therefore imposes unique challenges to the decision maker. Here we show that probability estimation, like outcome valuation, is subject to context effects that bias probability estimates away from other stimuli present in the same context. However, unlike valuation, these context effects appeared to be scaled by estimated uncertainty, which is largest at intermediate probabilities. BOLD imaging showed that patterns of multivoxel activity in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) predicted individual differences in context effects on probability estimate. These results establish VMPFC as the neurocomputational substrate shared between valuation and probability estimation and highlight the additional involvement of dACC that can be uniquely attributed to probability estimation. As probability estimation is a required component of computational accounts from sensory inference to higher cognition, the context effects found here may affect a wide array of cognitive computations. Highlights Context impacts subjective estimates on reward probability – Stimuli carrying greater variance are more strongly affected by other stimuli present in the same context This phenomenon can be explained by reference-dependent computations that are gated by reward variance Multivoxel patterns of dACC and VMPFC activity predicts individual differences in context effect on probability estimate
Career Experiences and Intentions of Women in Senior Level Intercollegiate Athletic Administration

Women are underrepresented in the most senior level administrative positions in intercollegiate athletics. This qualitative study is an analysis of the professional lives of nine women who hold Senior Associate AD positions in Division I intercollegiate athletics. They were interviewed about their career experiences and their intentions to pursue the athletic director position. Their experiences were examined for the persistence of previously identified structural barriers to advancement and predictions were made about their intentions to pursue the athletic director position using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). The findings suggest structural barriers do persist which prevent them from obtaining the position of athletic director, however, they are very aware of the structural barriers and are actively breaking down those barriers to get the experiences they need to obtain an athletic director position. When applying TPB, predictions were made that five of the nine will likely not pursue the role of athletic director. These conclusions indicate women are partially contributing to their own underrepresentation. However, implementing strategies that cultivate and value women’s experiences would go a long way to equalizing the hegemonic male environment of intercollegiate athletics and decrease underrepresentation of women in the most senior level position in athletic administration.