Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Macro-Asset Pricing Matter for Corporate Finance?

In an asset-pricing model calibrated to match the standard asset pricing empirical properties -- in particular, the time-variation in the equity premium -- we calculate the value implications of sub-optimal capital budgeting decisions. Specifically, we calculate that an investment policy that ignores the time variation in the equity premium, such as would occur with a cost of capital following the CAPM, incurs a 11.7% value loss. We also document the implications for a firm's asset returns in this context.
Identification of a Tetrameric Hedgehog Signaling Complex*

Hedgehog (Hh) signal transduction requires a large cytoplasmic multi-protein complex that binds microtubules in an Hh-dependent manner. Here, we show that three members of this complex, Costal2 (Cos2), Fused (Fu), and Cubitus interruptus (Ci), bind each other directly to form a trimeric complex. We demonstrate that this trimeric signaling complex exists inDrosophila lacking Suppressor of Fused (Su(fu)), an extragenic suppressor of fu, indicating that Su(fu) is not required for the formation, or apparently function, of the Hh signaling complex. However, we subsequently show that Su(fu), although not a requisite component of this complex, does form a tetrameric complex with Fu, Cos2, and Ci. This additional Su(fu)-containing Hh signaling complex does not appear to be enriched on microtubules. Additionally, we demonstrate that in response to Hh Ci accumulates in the nucleus without its various cytoplasmic binding partners, including Su(fu). We discuss a model in which Su(fu) and Cos2 each bind to Fu and Ci to exert some redundant effect on Ci such as cytoplasmic retention. This model is consistent with genetic data demonstrating that Su(fu) is not required for Hh signal transduction proper and with the elaborate genetic interactions observed among Su(fu), fu,cos2, and ci.
Finasteride, not tamsulosin, increases severity of erectile dysfunction and decreases testosterone levels in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract Background: 5α-reductase inhibitors (5α-RIs) (finasteride and dutasteride) have been proven useful in treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, these inhibitors exert undesirable sexual side effects and, in some cases, these effects are persistent. There is considerable disagreement with regard to whether the adverse side effects resolve with continuous treatment. Aim: To investigate the long-term adverse effects of finasteride treatment in men with BPH on erectile function and to compare these adverse effects in men treated with the α1-adrenergic receptor blocker, tamsolusin. Methods: In this retrospective registry study, a cohort of 470 men aged between 47 and 68 years (mean 57.78±4.81) were treated with finasteride (5 mg/day). A second cohort of 230 men aged between 52 and 72 years (mean 62.62±4.65) were treated with tamsulosin (0.4 mg). All men were followed up for 45 months. At intervals of 3 months and at each visit, plasma testosterone (T) levels and the international index of erectile function (IIEF-EF) questionnaire scores were determined. Results: Long-term treatment with finasteride therapy is associated with worsening of erectile dysfunction (ED) as shown by the significant decrease in the IIEF-EF scores in men treated with finasteride. No worsening of ED was observed in men treated with tamsulosin. The increase in ED due to finasteride did not resolve with continued treatment with finasteride. Most importantly, long-term finasteride therapy resulted in reduction in total T levels, contributing to a state of hypogonadism. On the contrary, no changes in T levels were noted in men treated with tamsolusin. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that in men with BPH, long-term finasteride therapy but not tamsulosin results in worsening of ED and reduces total T concentrations. Clinicians are urged to discuss the impact of 5α-RIs therapy on sexual function with their patients before commencing this therapy.
Arthroscopic Management of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum: Mid-term Results in Adolescent Athletes

Background The optimal treatment of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum in adolescent athletes remains challenging. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mid-term results of arthroscopic treatment of OCD of the capitellum in a series of adolescents. Methods We identified 25 consecutive patients at our institution that underwent arthroscopic treatment for OCD of the capitellum since 1999. Ten elbows were treated by arthroscopic debridement and drilling alone, whereas 12 elbows required additional mini-arthrotomies for bone grafting or the removal of large loose bodies after arthroscopy. The clinical charts and operative reports of these patients were retrospectively reviewed for relevant clinical information including age, sport, character of symptoms, preoperative and postoperative range of motion, return to sport, and postoperative complications. Twenty-one patients (22 elbows) were reached to determine their current elbow function and athletic activity using the Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation score. Results The average age of the patients in our series was 13.1 years. All patients participated in organized athletics that involved the upper extremity and had undergone an average of 10.2 months of nonoperative treatment before surgery. At a mean follow-up of 48 months, the patients gained an average of 17 degrees of extension and 10 degrees of flexion after surgery. Both the improvement in flexion and extension were statistically significant compared with the preoperative range of motions (P=0.001, P=0.01). When patients were asked to rate their elbow function from 0% to 100% using the Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation score, the average rating was 87%. Eighteen of 21 patients (86%) returned to participate in their sport at their preinjury level. Conclusion Arthroscopic management of capitellar OCD in adolescent athletes results in significantly improved range of motion and a high rate of return to athletics. Accompanying arthrotomy may be required for large loose body removal or bone grafting. Level of Evidence Level IV (case series).
Gender difference on patients' satisfaction and expectation towards mental health care.

BACKGROUND Recognizing patient satisfaction and expectation is considered as important components of assessing quality of care. AIM The aim of this study was to determine the gender difference on the patient satisfaction with psychiatrists and explore their expectation from physicians to mental health care needs. DESIGN This is a prospective cross sectional study conducted during the period from April 2009 to July 2009. SETTING Psychiatry hospital of the Hamad Medical Corporation. SUBJECTS A total of 1300 psychiatry patients aged 18 to 65 years were approached and 1054 (81.1%) patient's participated in this study. The study sample included only Qatari and other Arab nationals. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was based on a face to face interview with a designed Patient Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ). A standard forward-backward procedure was applied to translate the English version of the PDRQ to Arabic. The main outcome measures of the study were 13-item patient doctor relationship questionnaire (PDRQ) score and other 11 items assessing what patients need from psychiatrists. Also, Socio-demographic data of the patients were collected. PDRQ was administered by qualified nurses among the psychiatry patients. RESULTS Of the studied patients, 50.9% were males and 49.1% were females. Male patients (55.5%) were more satisfied with the treatment of psychiatrists than females (44.5%). A significant association was observed between male and female patients in terms of marital status (P = 0.02), number of children (P < 0.001), education level (P = 0.001) and monthly household income (P = 0.03). The satisfaction level significantly increased with higher education in both the groups (P = 0.001). The satisfaction level of male patients was significantly higher than female patients in most of the satisfaction areas (P ≤ 0.001). Male patients had significantly high expectations from psychiatrists than females (P < 0.001). Both the groups had different attitude in assessing mental health needs. CONCLUSION The study findings revealed that in general, psychiatry patients were quite satisfied with the services provided by the psychiatrists and the study found a gender difference in their satisfaction level with the mental health care. Male patients had significantly greater expectations from psychiatrists than females. The individuals of lower socio-economic status and less education tend to be less satisfied with the mental health care.
Design of a C-element based clock domain crossing interface

Circuit failures due to metastability and single event transients are increasing in deep sub-micron technology. Technology scaling is also causing degradation in reliability of bi-stable circuits. Synchronization circuits that are robust to metastability are important especially with the increased use of multi-clock domain designs in SoCs. In this paper, we address the design and verification of clock domain crossing interfaces (CDCs) that connect mutually asynchronous clock domains. We propose the use of C-element based synchronizers in clock domain crossing interfaces. In order to enhance the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of the interface, a new C-element design with an improved metastability recovery time is proposed. The new design is implemented in 90nm CMOS technology and simulated using SPICE.
Future Research: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Elder Self‐Neglect

In almost every U.S. jurisdiction, elder self‐neglect is the most common allegation addressed by Adult Protective Service (APS) agencies. Not only is self‐neglect common, but this form of mistreatment is an independent risk factor for death. A lack of understanding of the precipitating factors and root causes and of the effect on social and medical systems persists in this field. Research in this area has been limited, because the needs of these vulnerable elderly people are complex and diverse. Moreover, these factors encompass interrelated medical, psychiatric, economic, social, and functional problems.
Galectins: structure, function and therapeutic potential

Galectins are a family of animal lectins that bind β-galactosides. Outside the cell, galectins bind to cell-surface and extracellular matrix glycans and thereby affect a variety of cellular processes. However, galectins are also detectable in the cytosol and nucleus, and may influence cellular functions such as intracellular signalling pathways through protein–protein interactions with other cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins. Current research indicates that galectins play important roles in diverse physiological and pathological processes, including immune and inflammatory responses, tumour development and progression, neural degeneration, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and wound repair. Some of these have been discovered or confirmed by using genetically engineered mice deficient in a particular galectin. Thus, galectins may be a therapeutic target or employed as therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases, cancers and several other diseases.
Epidemiological survey of occupational contact dermatitis of the hands in Belgium

A total of 400 patients suffering from hand eczema were patch tested to 25 chemicals (20 from the standard series of the ICDRG plus five from the Tri‐Contact of Belgium); 197 (49.2%) had a positive patch lest to one or more substances, and there was no significant difference in the prevalence between males and females. Potassium dichromate and PPD mix were statistically more frequently involved as skin allergens in males than in females, whereas nickel sulphate, thiuram mix and neomycin sulphate gave a significantly higher number of positive responses in women than in men. Results of this epidemiological survey are discussed in the light of similar studies from the literature.
Spillover Effects of Mass Layoffs

Using administrative data on firms and workers in Germany, we quantify the spillover effects of mass layoffs. Our empirical strategy combines matching with an event study approach to trace employment and wages in regions hit by a mass layoff relative to suitable control regions. We find sizable and persistent negative spillover effects on the regional economy: regions, and especially firms producing in the same broad industry as the layoff plant, lose many more jobs than in the initial layoff. In contrast, negative employment effects on workers employed in the region at the time of the mass layoff are considerably smaller. Strikingly, workers younger than 50 suffer no employment losses, as geographic mobility fully shields them from the decline in local employment opportunities.
The effects of phytosterols on the sexual behavior and reproductive function in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

ABSTRACT Phytosterols (PS) are plant origin sterols naturally found in many foods and added as food additives. Since 1950, PS have attracted considerable attention due to their ability to lower serum cholesterol and inhibit cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, recent studies have found that PS act as endocrine‐disrupting chemicals in laboratory animals. Therefore, this study was aimed at finding the mechanism(s) for PS effects on the sexual behaviors and reproductive functions in male Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). At 15 d of age, 30 male Japanese quails were randomly assigned to 3 groups for the chronic in‐vivo experiment. Animals were gavaged daily with single dose of PS suspension (PS dissolved in medium chain triglyceride [MCT]) into the crop sac from 15‐100 d of age. Following maturation, a sexual behavior test, semen collection, and test of fertilization ability were performed. Blood was collected by cervical dislocation at 100 day of age for hormones analysis. To observe the direct effects of PS on the testis, interstitial cells of the normal testes were cultured for 24 h. Ovine‐LH (O‐LH) was used for half of each group to stimulate interstitial cells for testosterone production. The results showed that chronic doses of PS reduced (P < 0.01) mount and copulation behavior in male quails (primarily in the group receiving 800 mg/kg BW). Both acute in vitro and chronic in vivo experiments revealed a reduction in testosterone (P < 0.05) after PS treatments; concomitantly, Leydig cell numbers were also low (P < 0.05) at a dose of 800 mg/kg BW. Real‐time PCR results showed lower expression of 17&bgr;‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17&bgr;‐HSD) at the same dose. The results suggested that feeding large amounts of PS reduced testosterone levels and sexual behavior by affecting Leydig cell proliferation, and cholesterol trafficking, 17&bgr;‐HSD expression in the testes of male Japanese quail.
Light Exposure and Eye Growth in Childhood.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between objectively measured ambient light exposure and longitudinal changes in axial eye growth in childhood. METHODS A total of 101 children (41 myopes and 60 nonmyopes), 10 to 15 years of age participated in this prospective longitudinal observational study. Axial eye growth was determined from measurements of ocular optical biometry collected at four study visits over an 18-month period. Each child's mean daily light exposure was derived from two periods (each 14 days long) of objective light exposure measurements from a wrist-worn light sensor. RESULTS Over the 18-month study period, a modest but statistically significant association between greater average daily light exposure and slower axial eye growth was observed (P = 0.047). Other significant predictors of axial eye growth in this population included children's refractive error group (P < 0.001), sex (P < 0.01), and age (P < 0.001). Categorized according to their objectively measured average daily light exposure and adjusting for potential confounders (age, sex, baseline axial length, parental myopia, nearwork, and physical activity), children experiencing low average daily light exposure (mean daily light exposure: 459 ± 117 lux, annual eye growth: 0.13 mm/y) exhibited significantly greater eye growth than children experiencing moderate (842 ± 109 lux, 0.060 mm/y), and high (1455 ± 317 lux, 0.065 mm/y) average daily light exposure levels (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In this population of children, greater daily light exposure was associated with less axial eye growth over an 18-month period. These findings support the role of light exposure in the documented association between time spent outdoors and childhood myopia.
The Role of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in the Evaluation of the Whole Brain in Isolated Unilateral Polymicrogyria

The aim is to evaluate normal-appearing brain regions in isolated unilateral polymicrogyria patients and compare them with controls by using diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient. The diffusion-weighted images (b = 0-1000 s/mm2) of 10 pediatric patients (7 boys, 3 girls; mean age = 5.8 ± 4.3 years) with isolated unilateral polymicrogyria and age-sex matched 10 control patients were assessed retrospectively. There was a significant increase in apparent diffusion coefficient values of white matter underlying polymicrogyria, uninvolved white matter, deep gray matter (thalami, lentiform nuclei, caudate nuclei) and corpus callosum in polymicrogyria patients compared to control group (P < .01). The whole brain might be affected in isolated unilateral polymicrogyria patients. The abnormal deep gray matter in polymicrogyria patients would indicate a new point of view for pediatric neurologists about the probability of additional future neurological disorders.
Changes in racial differences in use of medical procedures and diagnostic tests among elderly persons: 1986-1997.

OBJECTIVES We used 1997 Medicare data to replicate an earlier study that used data from 1986 to examine racial differences in usage of specific medical procedures or tests among elderly persons. METHODS We used 1997 physician claims data to obtain a random sample of 5% of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older. We used this sample to study 30 procedures and tests that were analyzed in the 1986 study, as well as several new procedures that became more widely used in the early 1990s. RESULTS Racial differences remain in the rates of use of these procedures; in general, Blacks have lower rates of use than do Whites. Between 1986 and 1997, the ratio of White to Black use moved in favor of Blacks for all but 4 of the established procedures studied. CONCLUSIONS The White-Black gap in health care use under Medicare is narrowing.
Oxygen and anesthesia: what lung do we deliver to the post‐operative ward?

Anesthesia is safe in most patients. However, anesthetics reduce functional residual capacity (FRC) and promote airway closure. Oxygen is breathed during the induction of anesthesia, and increased concentration of oxygen (O2) is given during the surgery to reduce the risk of hypoxemia. However, oxygen is rapidly adsorbed behind closed airways, causing lung collapse (atelectasis) and shunt. Atelectasis may be a locus for infection and may cause pneumonia. Measures to prevent atelectasis and possibly reduce post‐operative pulmonary complications are based on moderate use of oxygen and preservation or restoration of FRC. Pre‐oxygenation with 100% O2 causes atelectasis and should be followed by a recruitment maneuver (inflation to an airway pressure of 40 cm H2O for 10 s and to higher airway pressures in patients with reduced abdominal compliance (obese and patients with abdominal disorders). Pre‐oxygenation with 80% O2 may be sufficient in most patients with no anticipated difficulty in managing the airway, but time to hypoxemia during apnea decreases from mean 7 to 5 min. An alternative, possibly challenging, procedure is induction of anesthesia with continuous positive airway pressure/positive end‐expiratory pressure to prevent fall in FRC enabling use of 100% O2. A continuous PEEP of 7–10 cm H2O may not necessarily improve oxygenation but should keep the lung open until the end of anesthesia. Inspired oxygen concentration of 30–40%, or even less, should suffice if the lung is kept open. The goal of the anesthetic regime should be to deliver a patient with no atelectasis to the post‐operative ward and to keep the lung open.
Multidisciplinary treated thymomas with fatal outcome. A retrospective study.

UNLABELLED The aim of the study was to assess factors concurring to fatal outcome of patients operated for thymoma with or without myasthenia gravis. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective observational study was carried out on a series of 10 patients treated for thymoma in the IIIrd Surgical Unit of "St. Spiridon" University Hospital. RESULTS Mean survival time was 4.45 years and mortality rate was 38.4%. In 8 patients III and IV Osserman stage myasthenia gravis was associated. 2 patients without myasthenia gravis were diagnosed with a locally advanced stage of thymic carcinoma. According to WHO pathological classification of thymoma, 2 cases were included in type C, those without myasthenia gravis associated and the rest in type B1 (2 cases) and B2 (6 cases). According to Masaoka classification all cases presented invasive thymoma: 6 cases type II, 3 cases type III and one case with type IV. Apart of one case in stage IV, all cases benefitted of complete surgical resection. No perioperative and early postoperative mortality was recorded. On long-term follow-up the cause of death was related to aggravation of myasthenia gravis in 6 cases, to cardiac failure in 2 cases (acute myocardial infarction and constrictive pericarditis) and in 2 cases to metastatic disease (thymoma related death - 20%). CONCLUSIONS Aggravation of myasthenia gravis was the first cause of death in this series in spite of complete resection and intensive immunosupressive treatment. Completeness of surgical resection is the most important prognostic factor. The histopathological type of thymoma with fatal outcome was type B and C after WHO classification.
Failure mechanism of the polymer infiltration of carbon nanotube forests

Polymer melt infiltration is one of the feasible methods for manufacturing filter membranes out of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on large scales. Practically, however, its process suffers from low yields, and the mechanism behind this failure is rather poorly understood. Here, we investigate a failure mechanism of polymer melt infiltration of vertical aligned (VA-) CNTs. In penetrating the VA-CNT interstices, polymer melts exert a capillarity-induced attractive force laterally on CNTs at the moving meniscus, leading to locally agglomerated macroscale bunches. Such a large configurational change can deform and distort individual CNTs so much as to cause buckling or breakdown of the alignment. In view of membrane manufacturing, this irreversible distortion of nanotubes is detrimental, as it could block the transport path of the membranes. The failure mechanism of the polymer melt infiltration is largely attributed to steric hindrance and an energy penalty of confined polymer chains. Euler beam theory and scaling analysis affirm that CNTs with low aspect ratio, thick walls and sparse distribution can maintain their vertical alignment. Our results can enrich a mechanistic understanding of the polymer melt infiltration process and offer guidelines to the facile large-scale manufacturing of the CNT-polymer filter membranes.