Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Real options or disaster risk? Distinguishing uncertainty effects on investment

ABSTRACT Motivated by the fact that uncertainty shocks are a countercyclical phenomenon, this article takes a deeper look at the nature of uncertainty shocks in times of crisis and its effect on the real economy. We distinguish between volatility and disaster risk shocks and specify the consequences of these shock specifications on investment decisions. We first analyse the different impact of both shocks within a real options framework. Our theoretical results show that the effects of the two shocks are different, especially concerning disinvestment and the mid-term investment response. Second, we perform structural vector autoregression (SVAR) estimations on different country data sets. The SVAR estimations confirm our theoretical hypothesis: countries more prone to states of disaster do not show the usual real option pattern of investment to an uncertainty shock.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor

[Drs. Shyu, Lin and Li respond:] Following the guidelines on using G-CSF for stem cell mobilization,[1][1] we carefully adjusted the dose of G-CSF (15 μg/kg) for up to 5 days to avoid the leukocyte numbers rising above 70 × 109/L (in fact, the leukocyte count for all patients was below 61.3 ×
A high current density SOI-LIGBT with Segmented Trenches in the Anode region for suppressing negative differential resistance regime

A SOI-LIGBT with Segmented Trenches in the Anode region (STA-LIGBT) is proposed and compared with the separated shorted-anode LIGBT (SSA-LIGBT) for the first time. The proposed STA-LIGBT structure features that there are segmented trenches located between the P+ anode and the segmented N+ anodes. By employing the segmented trenches, the resistance between the P+ anode and the shorted N+ anode is significantly increased, which effectively suppresses the negative differential resistance (NDR). The experiments show that the STA-LIGBT with its blocking voltage of 540V can achieve a current density (JC) of 247 A/cm2 when the gate voltage is 10V and the anode voltage is 3V. With the same the NDR regime (the snapback voltage is 1.3V), the current density (JC) of the STA-LIGBT is about 170% of that of the SSA-LIGBT. The fabrication of the segmented trenches is compatible with the trench isolation process and no extra or complicated processes are needed.
Judgements of self-understanding in Vo adolescents with Asperger syndrome

Previous research has demonstrated that adults with high functioning autism (HFA)/Asperger syndrome (AS) judge others as having as much knowledge about their inner mental states as they do. The current study examined whether this pattern also applies to adolescents with HFA/AS because typically developing adolescents, in contrast to younger children, regard themselves as experts on their own inner states. Twenty-two adolescents with HFA/AS and 22 controls judged how much they versus a comparison person knew about 6 aspects of their inner states. In contrast to typically developing adolescents, those with HFA/AS judged the comparison person as having more knowledge about themselves than they did. This study suggests that adolescents with HFA/AS have more pronounced difficulties with this aspect of self-knowledge than do adults with this condition. The implications of this deficit for social functioning are discussed.
Utilizing Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) for driverless car technology Adoption

This paper examines the relationship between perceived usefulness of driverless car technology, perceived ease of use of driverless car technology, years of driving experience, age and the intention to use driverless cars. This research is a cross-sectional descriptive correlational study with the Technology Acceptance Model as its theoretical framework. The primary method of data collection was an online survey. Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. This study found significant, positive relationships between perceived usefulness of driverless car technology, perceived ease of use of driverless car technology and intention to use driverless cars. Also, there were significant, negative relationships between years of driving experience, age and intention to use driverless cars.
Investor sentiment antecedents

PurposeThe determinants of investor sentiment based on stock market proxies are found in numbers in empirical studies. However, investor sentiment antecedents developed from primary survey measures by constructing an investor sentiment index (ISI) are not done till date. The purpose of this paper is to fill this research gap by first developing an ISI for the Indian retail investors and then examining the investor-specific, stock market-specific, macroeconomic and policy-specific factors’ individual impact on the investor sentiment.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the authors develop the ISI by using the mean scores of six statements as formulated based on popular direct investor sentiment surveys undertaken throughout the world. Then, the authors employ the structural equation modeling approach on the responses of 576 respondents on 40 statements (representing the index and four study hypotheses) collected in 2016 across the country.FindingsThe results show that investor- and stock market-specific factors are the major antecedents of investor sentiment for these investors. However, interestingly macroeconomic fundamentals and policy-specific factors have no role to play in driving their sentiment to invest in the stock market.Practical implicationsThe major implication of the results is that the Indian retail investors are showing a mixed approach of Bayesian and behavioral finance decision making. So, these implications can guide the investment consultants, regulators, other stakeholders in markets and overwhelmingly the retail investors to introspect their investment decision making across time horizons.Originality/valueThe formulation of ISI in an emerging market context and thereafter examining possible antecedents to influence retail investors in their investment decision making are not done till date. So, the study is unique in its research issue and findings and will have significant implication for the retail investors at least in emerging market contexts.
Comprehensive investigation of oncogenic driver mutations in Chinese non-small cell lung cancer patients

Purpose To determine the frequency of driver mutations in Chinese non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods Comprehensive mutational analysis was performed in 1356 lung adenocarcinoma, 503 squamous cell carcinoma, 57 adenosquamous lung carcinoma, 19 large cell carcinoma and 8 sarcomatoid carcinoma. The effect of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma patients after disease recurrence was investigated. Results Mutations in EGFR kinase domain, HER2 kinase domain, KRAS, BRAF, ALK, ROS1 and RET were mutually exclusive. In lung adenocarcinoma cases “pan-negative” for the seven above-mentioned driver mutations, we also detected two oncogenic EGFR extracellular domain mutations (A289D and R324L), two HER2 extracellular and transmembrane domain mutations (S310Y and V659E), one ARAF S214C mutation and two CD74-NRG1 fusions. Six (1.2%) FGFR3 activating mutations were identified in lung squamous cell carcinoma (five S249C and one R248C). There were three (15.8%) EGFR mutations and four (21.1%) KRAS mutations in large cell carcinoma. Three (37.5%) KRAS mutations were detected in sarcomatoid carcinoma. In EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma patients who experienced disease recurrence, treatment with EGFR TKIs was an independent predictor of better overall survival (HR = 0.299, 95% CI: 0.172–0.519, P < 0.001). Conclusion We determined the frequency of driver mutations in a large series of Chinese NSCLC patients. EGFR TKIs might improve the survival outcomes of EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma patients who experienced disease recurrence.
Prognostic significance of BAD and AIF apoptotic pathways in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND To determine whether proapoptotic proteins were associated with clinicopathologic heterogeneity and influenced survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), we evaluated patterns of expression of the BCL-2 family member BAD, PP1alpha (the catalytic subunit of PP1 involved in activation of BAD), and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 46 patients all treated with standard chemotherapy ([CHOP] cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/prednisone-like); of these, 16 received rituximab. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed from biopsy samples of nodal DLBCL that were performed at initial diagnosis. Normal reactive lymph nodes were used as controls. RESULTS BAD expression was found in 38 of 46 DLBCL cases and, though variable, was often strong. PP1alpha and AIF were detected in all tumors tested with a relative strong expression. Lower BAD expression was shown to be significantly associated with advanced clinical stages (Ann Arbor stage III + IV and International Prognostic Index intermediate-high to high; P = .006 and P = .0008, respectively). Moreover, BAD staining was positively correlated with BCL-2 (P = .022) and PP1alpha (P = .013) staining. Finally, high AIF expression proved to be predictive of a longer overall survival in non-rituximab-treated patients. CONCLUSION Our study shows for the first time in DLBCL that differential BAD expression might play a role in the development of the disease, possibly reflecting its function as a tumor suppressor. Furthermore, our data highlight the interest in targeting BAD phosphatases and AIF-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis for new therapeutic strategies.
The adequacy of community forest operational plans for estimating fuelwood supply and consumption in Nepal

ABSTRACT Fuelwood derived from community forests of Nepal is critical for rural livelihoods. Supply of fuelwood is regulated through 5-year operational plans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of operational plans in addressing the demand and supply of fuelwood in community forests of Nepal. Data was gathered from operational plans, household interviews and fuelwood supply assessment in 13 community forests of Nalma (inaccessible by road) and Taksar (accessible by road) villages in the Lamjung district. Our study revealed that per capita annual fuelwood consumption in Nalma (486 kg) was significantly higher than in Taksar (398 kg), and also significantly different combinations of fuelwood, biogas and electricity were utilised between the villages. These differences were associated with their respective distances from the main road. Community forests contributed 57 and 63% of the total fuelwood consumption in Nalma and Taksar, respectively. Of 13 community forests, nine have planned annual demand and supply of fuelwood well below our estimates of actual supply and consumption, indicating that most of the operational plans inadequately represented the prevailing demand and supply of fuelwood. In addition, the planned quantities of fuelwood demand and supply in current operational plans were markedly different and poorly linked to the previous projections, which suggest inconsistent and inadequate application of standard planning guidelines. We recommend a revision of the methods used in the preparation of these plans to determine fuelwood demand and supply in community forestry implementation.
Median and ulnar nerve communication in the forearm: an anatomical and electrophysiological study.

BACKGROUND We aimed to determine the presence of median and ulnar nerve communication in the forearm by anatomical and electrophysiological examinations in the Anatolian population. MATERIAL/METHODS 30 forearms from 15 preserved cadavers (2 females, 13 males, 42-65 years of age) were carefully dissected to observe median and ulnar nerve communication. We also performed median and ulnar nerve motor conduction studies by recording the thenar, hypothenar and first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscles, stimulating both nerves at distal and proximal points, and the recordings were compared in 60 forearms (30 subjects, 17 female, 13 male, 34-67 years of age). RESULTS Martin-Gruber communication was observed in 2 of 30 forearms (15 cases) by anatomical examination, in 2 of 60 forearms (30 cases) by electrophysiological examination. No Marinacci communication was found in either anatomical or electrophysiological examinations. CONCLUSIONS In this study group, the ratio of MGC was revealed as 3.3% and 6.6%, in the electrophysiological and anatomical examination, respectively. Knowledge of this crossover is of crucial importance in the clinical evaluation of nerve injuries of the median and ulnar nerves, as well as in accurate interpretation of nerve conduction velocity of these nerves, especially in association with carpal tunnel syndrome. Anatomical and electrophysiological classifications of Martin-Gruber communication are reviewed.
Neutrophil hypersegmentation in iron deficiency anaemia: a case–control study

Neutrophil hypersegmentation (NH) is an important haematological feature of cobalamin or folate deficiency. As iron deficiency and folate deficiency often occur in the same target groups it is important to establish whether iron deficiency alone is a cause of NH. We report a case–control study which addresses this issue. Two groups of hospital patients were studied. Group 1 comprised 50 patients with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). Group II comprised 50 control age‐ and sex‐matched patients who were haematologically normal without evidence of iron deficiency from the iron studies. Patients with other factors which could affect the degree of neutrophil segmentation (cobalamin/folate deficiency, renal failure, infection and drug exposures) were excluded from the study. A total of 10 000 neutrophils were examined, 100 from each patient. NH was defined as the presence of five or more five‐lobed neutrophils per 100, or any neutrophils with six or more lobes. The results were as follows: IDA, mean neutrophil lobe count 3.36; number of patients with NH 31/50 (62%): controls, mean neutrophil lobe count 2.96, number of patients with NH 2/50 (4%). These differences were statistically significant. We conclude that NH is common in IDA. The mechanism whereby iron deficiency results in NH is not clear.
Foreign Direct Investment And Import-Export: The Case Of Pakistan

The aim of this study to determine the relationship of foreign direct investment (FDI) with import and export in Pakistan with the help of annual time series data for the period of 1978-2016. Foreign direct investment is considered an important component and received significant attention not only developed but also developing countries during the last couple of decades. To understand the objectives of this study, first of all, we conduct statistical analysis to find out the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and its impact on selected macroeconomic factors such as export and import. For data analysis, we use Vector Auto Regression Model (VAR) and (ARDL) for the short-run and long-run relationship. The results show that there is a long-term relationship between FDI and Export while short-term relationship indicated between FDI and import. To support the outcomes of VAR mode we did a few other post diagnostic tests where we concluded that the regressions have a normal distribution and show a strong correlation between the three variables.
Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin in locally advanced cervical cancer.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of paclitaxel and cisplatin as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with Stage IB2 to IIB cervical cancer and determine factors accountable for response. MATERIALS AND METHODS From November 2009 to January 2011, a total of 19 patients with Stage IB2 to IIB cervical cancer were treated with three ten-day courses of paclitaxel 60 mg/m2 and cisplatin 80 mg/m2 followed by type III radical hysterectomy and adjuvant therapy if indicated, or chemoradiation in non-resectable patients. RESULTS Clinical response occurred in 79% (15/19) of patients, including 10.5% (2/19) with complete response, and 68.5% (13/19) with partial response. Four (21%) patients were nonresponders including 16% (3/19) with stable and 5.2% (1/19) with progressive disease. Resectability rate was 68.5% (13/19). Pathological optimal response rate was 46% (6/13) including, 15% (2/13) with complete and 31% (4/13) with residual disease < three mm stromal invasion response (PR1). Suboptimal response (PR2) (residual disease with > three mm stromal invasion) was 54% (7/13). It appears that both clinical and pathological response were correlated with tumor stage and size. Clinical response was seen in 87.5% of tumors sized = < eight cm vs 33.3% of tumors sized > eight cm (p = 0.166) and optimal pathological response was seen in 66.7% of tumors sized < four cm vs 28.6% of tumors sized four to eight cm, (p = 0.286), although because of small number of patients, the difference was not statistically significant. Adjuvant therapy was necessary for 38.5% (5/13) patients. Toxicities were not life-threatening and all manageable. CONCLUSIONS The present results suggest that neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with paclitaxel and cispaltin is a highly active and well-tolerated regimen. Best candidates are patients with stages IB2/IIA bulky and IIB non-bulky than IIB bulky groups.
Circulating insulin levels are related to bone density in normal postmenopausal women.

We recently established that the dependence of bone mineral density (BMD) on body weight in women is mainly attributable to a close relationship between total body fat mass and BMD. The present study assesses whether this latter relationship might be contributed to by the hormones insulin or amylin, both of which may influence fat mass and calcium metabolism. Fifty-three normal postmenopausal women underwent a 75-g glucose tolerance test with measurement of plasma insulin and amylin concentrations every 30 min for 2 h. Body composition and BMD/height (to provide a quantity with the dimensions of volumetric density that is independent of body size) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and volumetric density of the third lumbar vertebral body was calculated. Circulating insulin concentrations correlated with BMD/height and volumetric density of the third lumbar vertebral body (r = 0.28-0.52). They also were related to body weight (r = 0.34-0.56) and fat mass (r = 0.38-0.56) but were not independently related to lean mass on multiple regression. There were no consistent relationships between amylin levels and these variables. Multiple-regression analyses with fat mass and insulin levels as independent variables indicated that BMD/height of total body and femoral trochanter were primarily related to fat mass, whereas, in femoral neck, the significant relationship was with insulin. Volumetric density of the third lumbar vertebral body was related to insulin levels alone on this analysis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Exploring Risk Factors on Chinese A Share Stock Market - in the Frame of Fama - French Factor Model

This dissertation is to explore the risk factors and factor models on Chinese A-share stock market based on the context of Fama-French (FF) factor model. First of all, chapter 1 re-examines the applicability of Fama-French Three-Factor (FF3F) Model and the latest Fama-French Five-Factor (FF5F) Model considering several special features of Chinese stock market. FF3F Model can explain a majority of time-series variation of the Chinese A-share stock returns. The market beta and SMB are important determinants in explaining the cross-sectional variation in the average stock returns over the sample period; however, we find no value premium. Comparing the performance of both FF3F Model and FF5F Model on Chinese A-share stock market, in the presence of profitability and investment factors, FF5F Model seems not capture more variations of expected stock returns than the three-factor model except the six value-weighted portfolios formed on size and operating profitability.Chapter 2 examines whether FF factors SMB and HML proxy for the innovations of selected state variables (aggregate dividend yield, one-month T-bill rate, term spread and default spread) that describe future investment opportunities on Chinese A-share stock market during the research period. Both time-series and cross-sectional regressions are performed on five comparative models using Fama-MacBeth two-stage approach. FF factors don’t lose their explanatory power with or without the presence of the innovations of selected four state variables in both the time-series and cross-sectional examinations. We find that the information contained in innovation of aggregate dividend yields seems totally captured by the combination of market beta and size factor. FF factors might have played a limited role in capturing alternative investment opportunities proxied by innovations of the selected four state variables.Chapter 3 investigates whether FF factors proxy for distress risk factor and whether different methods of constructing factors result in the different outcomes. The empirical results suggest that there is no significant evidence that FF factors are proxying for distress risk on Chinese A-share stock market. Comparing the time-series regression results by using two different methods, the distress risk factor constructed based on DLI seems to perform slightly better than that constructed based on O-score in capturing time-series average returns. However, the distress risk factor is not an important determinant of cross-sectional average returns, and FF factors cannot proxy as distress risk factor in the cross-section on Chinese A-share stock market.
Diagnosis of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus Infection in Horses by Immunoglobulin M and G Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG) capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used as possible adjuncts to hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (VN) tests to differentiate between reaction to recent exposure to eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) virus and those due to prior vaccination. Serum samples were evaluated by the IgM-capture ELISA, and the results were compared with those of HI and VN tests. Of 381 serum samples, 51% (195 samples) were positive by HI test (≥1:40) and 54% (205 samples) were positive by VN test (≥ 1:10), but only 35% (132 samples) were positive by IgM-capture ELISA (≥ 1:100). With only a few exceptions, the sera with IgG ELISA titers had a VN titer of ≥1: 100. When EEE virus isolation and serology were compared, the EEE cases were divided into three categories: 1) peracute cases- the serum was negative for EEE IgM and IgG by the ELISA, negative for VN antibody, but HI antibody positive; 2) acute cases-IgM and HI antibody positive but negative for IgG and VN antibody; and 3) transitional cases–positive for IgM and IgG antibodies, HI titers of 1:40–1:160, and VN titers of ≥ 1: 100. IgM antibodies of EEE virus were monospecific and did not cross-react with western or Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis viral antigens by the ELISA. Isolation of EEE virus from tissue or detection of IgM antibodies to EEE virus in a single serum sample is evidence of recent EEE infection and differentiated serum from previously vaccinated horses. However, the presence of IgM in the absence of virus isolation could also be due to a recent viral vaccination.