Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Betting Against Winners

We propose a dynamic model in which speculators disagree about firm value, but are faced with short-sale constraints, which results in dynamic mispricing effects. We test this model using a combination of institutional ownership, recent changes in short interest, and recent past returns (“momentum”) as a proxy for overpricing. Consistent with this model, we find that a subset of high momentum firms earns persistently low returns going forward. A “Betting Against Winners” strategy that goes short the overpriced winners and long other winners generates a Sharpe-ratio of 1.08; its returns cannot be explained by commonly used risk-factors.
The prevalence of six species of Mycoplasmataceae in an HIV/AIDS population in Jiangsu Province, China

This study employed culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to examine the prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma fermentans, Mycoplasma penetrans and Mycoplasma pirum in 210 HIV/AIDS patients, 455 sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic attendees and 245 healthy volunteers from first-void urine specimens for men and endocervical swabs for women. U. urealyticum and M. hominis were detected in 107 (51.0%) and 69 (32.9%) patients in the HIV/AIDS group. At least one of the other four organisms was detected in 34 (16.2%) HIV/AIDS patients, 29 (6.4%) STI clinic attendees and six (2.5%) healthy volunteers. This study showed that U. urealyticum, M. hominis and M. fermentans were significantly more prevalent in HIV/AIDS patients, as were other mycoplasmas. Our results suggest a possible role for co-infection.
Dual colour FISH in paraffin wax embedded bone trephines for identification of numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities in acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplasia.

AIMS/BACKGROUND The advent of new treatments for haematological malignancies has led to the need for a correlation between cytogenetic and morphological abnormalities. This study aimed to achieve this by the application of interphase cytogenetics to marrow trephine sections, a technique not previously reported for formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded trephine biopsies. METHODS Dual colour fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) was used to detect numerical and structural abnormalities in routinely processed paraffin wax embedded trephine biopsies. Three cases with t(8;21) and three with t(15;17) were analysed, together with a case of trisomy 8. Chromosome specific probes were hybridised with sections and disclosed by fluorescein isothiocyanate and rhodamine/Texas red labelled antidigoxigenin and antibiotin amplification; translocations were identified by colocalisation of probes using a double wavelength bypass filter. RESULTS A translocation signal was present in 12% and 11.5% of the cells counted in the t(8;21) and t(15;17) cases, respectively, but in none of the normal controls (p < 0.001). In the case of trisomy 8, 9% of the cells counted contained three hybridisation signals for chromosome 8, whereas no cell contained more than two in the normal control (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This technique is useful for archived routinely processed material, enabling it to be used as a research tool but also, and perhaps more importantly, in clinical practice.
High level of surface CD4 prevents stable human immunodeficiency virus infection of T-cell transfectants

CD4 is the principal receptor for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We have isolated and studied CD4-expressing tumor cell clones made by expressing CD4 in the T-cell tumor line HSB. Two clones, one designated HSBCD4, a clone expressing low levels of CD4, and the other, HSB10xCD4, a high-expresser CD4+ clone, were studied for their ability to bind and replicate HIV. In contrast to many other CD4+ cells that down-modulate CD4 following HIV infection, the HSB10xCD4 clones continued to express high levels of surface CD4 following infection with HIV. Unlike infection of HSBCD4 or many other human CD4+ cells, HIV infection of HSB10xCD4 clone was short lived: p24 antigen, provirus, or coculturable virus was present for less than 14 days following infection with several strains of HIV-1 or with HIV-2. When infection was initiated by transfection of proviral DNA, high and low CD4 expressers initially produced p24 antigen at approximately the same level. However, high CD4 expressers produced coculturable virus only during the first few days following transfection, whereas low CD4 expressers transfected with HIV continued to produce virus beyond 6 weeks. Monoclonal antibody-mediated down-modulation of CD4 surface expression on HSB10xCD4 clones permitted these formerly HIV-resistant cells to become persistently infected with HIV. Thus, high concentrations of CD4 on the surface of an HIV-infected cell prevent persistent HIV infection of CD4+ cells.
Individual Versus Village Lending: Evidence from Montenegro

This paper analyzes differences in loan performance across two Montenegrin microfinance institutions with different lending techniques using a sample of individuals borrowing from both institutions. We make use of administrative data from both institutions over the period 2004-2013. While one institution relies on village associations for screening and monitoring of borrowers, the other institution uses the individual liability approach. We find that the likelihood to go into arrears is higher for the institution with a strictly individual lending technique, while the likelihood of going into arrears over 30 days is higher for the institution working with village associations. These results are robust to a variety of additional tests, including different definitions of arrears and subsamples. Our findings suggest that the institution using an individual lending technique provides certain flexibility to its clients, while the village-based microfinance institution might face more strategic default behavior. We provide evidence that once a borrower is in arrears, (s)he is more likely to stay in arrears for more than 30 days in branches with a higher share of borrowers in arrears and in the village-based lender. Our findings provide evidence that a village- or group-based lending technique is not necessarily superior to the individual lending technique in terms of loan performance.
More than just counting eosinophils: proximal oesophageal involvement and subepithelial sclerosis are major diagnostic criteria for eosinophilic oesophagitis

Background According to American Gastroenterological Association Institute criteria, the diagnosis of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EOE) requires clinicopathological correlation. In the appropriate clinical context, a high eosinophil count (HEC, defined as ≥15/HPF) is considered pathological evidence of EOE. However, HEC may not always be identified in biopsies given its patchy distribution, and there may be histological overlap between EOE and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in the distal oesophagus. Aims To evaluate the utility of subepithelial sclerosis and HEC in proximal oesophageal biopsies as additional diagnostic criteria. Methods Cases between 2004 and 2008 with paired proximal and distal oesophageal biopsies and the mention of eosinophils in the reports were retrieved from PathWest Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre archives. Biopsies were reviewed and assessed for eosinophilic count and presence of subepithelial stroma and sclerosis. A final diagnosis was made after review of both biopsy and clinical details. Results There were 23 cases of EOE and 20 cases of GORD in an adult cohort. In comparison to GORD, cases of EOE had significantly higher eosinophil counts in proximal (39.4 vs 0.6 eosinophils/HPF) and distal biopsies (35.6 vs 1.9), with HEC in proximal biopsies a feature exclusive to EOE (83% vs 0%). Subepithelial sclerosis was identified in at least one biopsy in 74% of EOE and in only a single case of GORD. Conclusions HEC in proximal oesophageal biopsies and subepithelial sclerosis should be considered major diagnostic findings in EOE.
Use of Extended Criteria Livers Decreases Wait Time for Liver Transplantation Without Adversely Impacting Posttransplant Survival

Introduction:The use of extended criteria donors (ECDs) could minimize shortage of suitable donor livers for transplantation. In 3 years, the aggressive use of ECD livers has reduced the wait list at our center from 257 to 30 patients with a median wait time of 18 days without using living donors. This study compares the graft/patient survival from standard (SD) and ECD for our transplant population between 2001 and 2005. Methods:Records of all adult liver transplant recipients over 4 years were reviewed (n = 571). ECD criteria included: age >59 years, BMI >34.9, maximum AST/ALT >500, maximum bilirubin >2.0, peak serum sodium >170, HBV/HCV/HTLV reactive, donation after cardiac death, cold ischemia time >12 hours, ICU stay >5 days, 3 or more pressors simultaneously, extensive alcohol abuse, cancer history (nonskin), active meningitis/bacteremia, or significant donor liver trauma. Outcomes included graft and patient survival at 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years. Results:Sixty-eight percent of recipients (n = 388) received ECD livers. Primary factors accounting for ECD-liver status included: elevated liver function tests (20%), hypernatremia (12.6%), and extensive alcohol abuse (11.4%). Graft survival was (SD, ECD): 90-day 91%, 88%; 1-year 84%, 80%; 2-year 78%, 77%; patient survival was: 90-day 93%, 90%; 1-year 87%, 82%; 2-year 83%, 79%. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis failed to demonstrate an overall difference in graft or patient survival at any time point. Only donor age >60 years was associated with decreased graft and patient survival. Conclusions:Liver grafts from ECD can be used to dramatically reduce wait list time with outcomes comparable to those for SD without resorting to living donor liver transplantation.
The cosmopolitan-parochial divide: changing patterns of party and electoral competition in the Netherlands and beyond

ABSTRACTRecent election outcomes in Europe and beyond reflect a growing scepticism of open borders among the public. From the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom to the election of Donald Trump in the United States, rhetoric that is critical of the organizations facilitating policy co-operation and learning across borders as well as international trade and migration is popular among a growing segment of the electorate. Are these recent developments part of a larger trend of party and electoral change? By focusing on changing patterns in party and electoral competition in the Netherlands, this article suggests that they are. Relying on expert and voter data, it argues that party and electoral politics in the Netherlands are increasingly characterized by both an economic left–right as well as a cosmopolitan–parochial divide. While the former relates to issues of state intervention into the economy, the second refers to stances on European integration, migration and national control in international affairs. T.
Efficient Integration of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus DNA Vectors Requires a p5-rep Sequence in cis

ABSTRACT The initial aim of this study was to combine attributes of adeno-associated virus (AAV) and adenovirus (Ad) gene therapy vectors to generate an Ad-AAV hybrid vector allowing efficient site-specific integration with Ad vectors. In executing our experimental strategy, we found that, in addition to the known incompatibility of Rep expression and Ad growth, an equally large obstacle was presented by the inefficiency of the integration event when using traditional recombinant AAV (rAAV) vectors. This study has addressed both of these problems. We have shown that a first-generation Ad can be generated that expresses Rep proteins at levels consistent with those found in wild-type AAV (wtAAV) infections and that Rep-mediated AAV persistence can occur in the presence of first-generation Ad vectors. Our finding that traditional rAAV plasmid vectors lack integration potency compared to wtAAV plasmid constructs (10- to 100-fold differences) was unexpected but led to the discovery of a previously unidentified AAV integration enhancer sequence element which functions in cis to an AAV inverted terminal repeat-flanked target gene. rAAV constructs containing left-end AAV sequence, including the p5-rep promoter sequence, integrate efficiently in a site-specific manner. The identification of this novel AAV integration enhancer element is consistent with previous studies, which have indicated that a high frequency of wtAAV recombinant junction formation occurs in the vicinity of the p5 promoter, and recent studies have demonstrated a role for this region in AAV DNA replication. Understanding the contribution of this element to the mechanism of AAV integration will be critical to the use of AAV vectors for targeted gene transfer applications.
Applications of e-commerce across the manufacturing supply chain to achieve the promise of e-manufacturing

New approaches to the development of manufacturing strategies based on improved supply chain performance have made great progress. This research is undertaken to investigate the use of the internet and web technologies to enhance supply chain agility so the manufacturer is able to cope with make-to-order processing without facing a panic of late delivery. E-manufacturing is a recent concept developed to achieve higher levels of supply chain integration and agility with the help of the internet. Its scope is greater than ebusiness and the supply chain. The use of the internet to optimise the customeroriented supply chain, the use of the website for more than e-commerce known as buying and selling, these developments are immature. As a result of a review of the literature and eight case studies, this research develops close-up views on the following three aspects that lead to the successful implementation of e-manufacturing in Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Customers (B2C): (1) Requirement specification; (2) Modules development; (3) Implementation methodology. The implementation of e-manufacturing enables the manufacturer to tie up with its supply chain existing partners and potential partners as an entity toward the same objectives, and brings maximum benefits to each participant. The fulfilment of web technologies creates web surroundings which provide the small company with an opportunity to be involved with the large enterprise’s e-commerce systems.
A Model of Rural Delinquency: Collective Efficacy in Rural Schools

Researchers have long studied the links between neighborhood contexts and adolescent behaviors. However, most literature examining neighborhood influences on juvenile behavior has focused on urban and semiurban populations. When these urban-centric models are applied to rural populations, results are generally mixed and often contradictory to patterns established in urban populations. The current study tested an alternative model for predicting juvenile problem behaviors in rural areas by examining the validity of previously conceptualized neighborhood collective efficacy in rural schools. A construct of school collective efficacy (Williams & Guerra, 2011) was supported in this sample, and this construct was significantly negatively correlated to self-reported adolescent problem behaviors. As hypothesized, school collective efficacy was more strongly related to self-reported problem behaviors than neighborhood collective efficacy for this sample. Directions for future research and implications for policies are discussed.
Purification and partial characterization of brain adenosine deaminase: Inhibition by purine compounds and by drugs

Rat brain adenosine deaminase (E. C. 3.5.4.4.) was purified 667‐fold from the supernatant fraction by the following techniques: heat treatment (60°C), fraction‐ation with ammonium sulfate, column chromatography on DEAE‐Sepharose, and preparative gel electrophoresis. The purified enzyme was homogeneous by the criterion of polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing. Amino acid composition is given. The isoelectric point of the enzyme (5.2) was determined by isoelectric focusing on agarose. The apparent molecular weight was estimated to be 39,000 (Stokes Radius [Rs] = 27.3 Å) using a calibrated Sephacryl S‐300 column. The study of the influence of the temperature on the initial reaction rates allowed calculation of Ea (8.9 Kcal/mole) and ΔH (5.0 Kcal/mole) values. The variation of V and Km with pH suggests the existence of a sulfhydryl group and an imidazole group in the enzyme‐substrate complex. The enzyme had a Km (adenosine) of 4.5 × 10−5 M and was inhibited by inosine, guanosine, adenine, and hypoxanthine but not by other intermediates of purine metabolism. None of the inhibitors were active as substrates. The enzyme was also inhibited by dimethyl sulfoxide and ethanol. Inhibition by ethanol can account partially for the CNS depressant effects of levels 3 and 4 of alcohol intoxication. A number of drugs having therapeutic uses such as sedative, anxiolytic, analgesic, and relaxant are modulators of the enzyme. Among these, lidoflazine, phenylbutazone, and chlordiazepoxide are the most potent as inhibitors (Ki 30, 54, and 83 μM, respectively), whereas medazepam is the most potent as activator (Ka 0.32 mM). Thus, it is concluded that some drugs that inhibit adenosine uptake also modulate adenosine deaminase activity. Besides, since the enzyme is located extracellularly [Franco et al, 1986], these drugs can modulate the physiological effects exerted by extracellular adenosine.
The Intersection of Student Loans and Social Class: Exploring Borrowers’ Journeys into Debt and Repayment

Abstract As students increasingly incur debt to finance their undergraduate education, there is heightened concern about the long-term implications of loans on borrowers, especially borrowers from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Drawing upon the concepts of cultural capital and habitus (Bourdieu & Passeron, 1977), this research explores how student debt and social class intersect and affect individuals’ trajectory into adulthood. Based on 50 interviews with young adults who incurred $30,000–180,000 in undergraduate debt and who were from varying social classes, the findings are presented in terms of a categorization schema (income level by level of cultural capital) and a conceptual model of borrowing. The results illustrate the inequitable payoff that college and debt can have for borrowers with varying levels of cultural resources, with borrowers from low-income, low cultural capital backgrounds more likely to struggle throughout and after college with their loans.
An Investigation of Computational Holistic Evaluation of Admissions Applications for a Minority Focused STEM Research Program

Most recently, many higher education institutions have continued to struggle to answer the question of whether they should promote diversity as a central value of the university or protect themselves from legal challenge by avoiding the inclusion of diversity initiatives. In this article, the authors first provide several examples documenting how U.S. colleges and universities struggle with this question. Second, the authors provide a viable solution to promote diversity at the university that is within all legal parameters of recent court decisions. Third, a case study example citing how diversity can be achieved using holistic evaluation is provided. Finally, recommendations are provided for all relevant stakeholders who want to promote diversity at the university level without facing legal challenge.
Opioid sensitivity of chronic pain: a patient‐controlled analgesia method

Twenty‐two patients with chronic pain of malignant or nonmalignant origin were given intravenous morphine by patient‐controlled analgesia. A prestudy judgment was made from the characteristics of the pain as to whether it was nociceptive or neuropathic. Analgesic efficacy was assessed by a nurse‐observer; adverse events were noted and plasma morphine and metabolitie concentrations measured. Three categories of opioid response were distinguished. Good responders obtained > 70 mm relief on the visual analogue scale, with minimal or manageable adverse events. Moderate responders obtained < 70 but > 30 mm relief with more problematic adverse events, and poor responders had < 30 mm relief with troublesome adverse events. This method for the study of opioid sensitivity allowed a wide dosage range to be studied. The simultaneous analgesic and adverse event measurements showed that the spectrum of observed response was wide, and response category could be judged for the majority by 4 h. In those with poor or moderate response, adverse event severity limited further dose increment. The relationship between pain characteristics and response showed that some pains judged to be neuropathic had a good response to opioid (5/13), and some pains judged to be nociceptive did not (5/14). The study suggests that the pattern of response is not as black and white as the prediction of good response from nociceptive pain and poor from neuropathic pain would suggest, although nociceptive pain was more likely than neuropathic pain to show a good response. For the moderate responders opioid titration may, in the absence of other effective treatments, be useful, but the analgesic endpoint may not be totally satisfactory. The method provides an operational definition of opioid sensitivity.
Blood Lead Levels in Andean Infants and Young Children in Ecuador: An International Comparison

Lead (Pb) exposure in infants and children remains an international health concern. Blood lead (PbB) levels of a cohort of 130 Ecuadorian infants and young children aged 0.33 to 5.8 yr were compared to values reported for similar age groups in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. The mean PbB level for the total group of 130 Ecuadorian infants and young children in this study was 29.4 μg/dl (SD: 24.3; range: 3.0–128.2; median: 21.7; geometric mean: 20.7 μg/dl). The mean PbB level for the 0–2 yr age group (infants) was 33.6 μg/dl (SD: 28.9; median: 22.0; range: 3.9–119.7; geometric mean: 23.6 μg/dl), while the average PbB level for the 3–5 yr age group (young children) was 27.9 μg/dl (SD: 22.5: median: 22; range: 3–128.2; geometric mean: 19.8 μg/dl). The difference between the mean PbB levels for the infants and young children was not statistically significant. The average PbB level of 32.6 μg/dl for males was not statistically different from the mean PbB level of 26.3 μg/dl for females. The PbB levels observed in Ecuadorian infants and young children in this investigation were elevated above the World Health Organization (WHO) level of concern of 10 μg/dl and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) current reference value of 5 μg/dl. Values were comparable to concentrations found in Pakistan, where occupational use of Pb is prevalent. These findings further indicate that infants and young children exposed to Pb from Pb glazing of ceramics in Andean Ecuadorian villages exhibit greater potential metal-mediated poisoning than children of similar ages in Asia, Europe, other Latin American countries, and the United States.
Improved distribution feeder topology against lightning

Energy supply is a significant resource for economic and social development. Power systems statistics shows that the lightning phenomenon is one of the most important causes of power systems outage. In this context, the paper present a study of the performance of a 23kV distribution line related to the occurrence of direct lightning in a particular point of the system, with focus in a comparative analysis of different feeders and poles configurations. The analysis is based on the calculation of flashover and backflashover using ATP-Draw version of the EMTP. The differences of the performance between the horizontal and the vertical feeder configurations with grounding system are demonstrated through the comparison of the maximum lightning current withstand by the feeder. Non-linear grounding resistance and variability of the resistivity of the soil were considered. Simulation results show that the configuration with guard-wire can improve the immunity up to 100% related to the maximum lightning current that the feeder withstand.