Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Audit Fees , Asymmetric Information , and Default Risk : Evidence from the Syndicated Loan Market

In this paper, we examine whether greater auditing fees are associated with credit risk and asymmetric information problems caused by potential financial statement errors. We suggest that an increase in the demand (supply) of auditing services, holding all else constant, is associated with a decrease (increase) in asymmetric information and credit risk. Using data on auditing fees and terms of syndicated loans, we present evidence that greater audit fees are associated with syndicated loans with lower interest rates, shorter maturities, and more lenders, which we interpret as consistent with auditing fees reducing credit risk and/or asymmetric information. ∗Department of Economics, Boston College, uysalpi@bc.edu †The opinions in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the Treasury Department. ‡Please direct any comments to Lewis Gaul, Financial Economist, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 250 E. St., SW. Washington DC 20219, Lewis.Gaul@occ.treas. gov or (202)-8744799.
CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells Restrain Pathogenic Responses during Leishmania amazonensis Infection1

Although activation of CD4+ T cells mediates pathogenesis in Leishmania amazonensis (La)-infected mice, these susceptible mice do not develop a polarized Th2 response, suggesting a unique mechanism of disease susceptibility. To understand how Th cell activities are regulated, we examined the frequency and phenotypes of regulatory T (Treg) cells. At 1–3 wk of infection, relatively high percentages of CD4+CD25+CD86+ T cells, as well as high levels of FoxP3, TGF-β1, and IL-10RI transcripts, were detected in the skin and draining lymph nodes, indicating local accumulation of Treg cells. Lesion-derived, IL-10-producing CD4+CD25+ cells effectively suppressed proliferation and cytokine (IL-2 and IFN-γ) production of CD4+CD25− effector cells. Adoptive transfer of lesion-derived CD4+CD25+ cells to syngeneic, naive C57BL/6 mice before infection significantly reduced disease development. To further validate the beneficial role of Treg cells in La infection, we adoptively transferred CD25+ T cell-depleted splenocytes (derived from naive mice) into RAG1−/− mice. This transfer rendered RAG1−/− mice more susceptible to La infection than the mice receiving control splenocytes. The beneficial effect of Treg cells was transitory and correlated with decreased activation of IFN-γ-producing effector T cells. This study uncovers an intriguing role of Treg cells in restraining pathogenic responses during nonhealing Leishmania infection and emphasizes a balance between Treg and Th1-like effector cells in determining the outcome of New World cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Identification of novel risk factors for community-acquired Clostridium difficile infection using spatial statistics and geographic information system analyses

Background The rate of community-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CA-CDI) is increasing. While receipt of antibiotics remains an important risk factor for CDI, studies related to acquisition of C. difficile outside of hospitals are lacking. As a result, risk factors for exposure to C. difficile in community settings have been inadequately studied. Main objective To identify novel environmental risk factors for CA-CDI Methods We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study of patients with CA-CDI from 1/1/2007 through 12/31/2014 in a 10-county area in central North Carolina. 360 Census Tracts in these 10 counties were used as the demographic Geographic Information System (GIS) base-map. Longitude and latitude (X, Y) coordinates were generated from patient home addresses and overlaid to Census Tracts polygons using ArcGIS; ArcView was used to assess “hot-spots” or clusters of CA-CDI. We then constructed a mixed hierarchical model to identify environmental variables independently associated with increased rates of CA-CDI. Results A total of 1,895 unique patients met our criteria for CA-CDI. The mean patient age was 54.5 years; 62% were female and 70% were Caucasian. 402 (21%) patient addresses were located in “hot spots” or clusters of CA-CDI (p<0.001). “Hot spot” census tracts were scattered throughout the 10 counties. After adjusting for clustering and population density, age ≥ 60 years (p = 0.03), race (<0.001), proximity to a livestock farm (0.01), proximity to farming raw materials services (0.02), and proximity to a nursing home (0.04) were independently associated with increased rates of CA-CDI. Conclusions Our study is the first to use spatial statistics and mixed models to identify important environmental risk factors for acquisition of C. difficile and adds to the growing evidence that farm practices may put patients at risk for important drug-resistant infections.
Improvement in Quality of Life and Decrease in Large‐Volume Paracentesis Requirements With the Automated Low‐Flow Ascites Pump

We read with great interest the multicenter, open-label study of the Alfa pump system in cirrhosis with recurrent ascites (MOSAIC study) by wong et al in which they have described safety and efficacy of automated low flow ascitic (ALFA) pump system for control of refractory ascites in north American cohort (1). In this study ALFA pump system insertion by interventional radiologist using a minimally invasive technique yield similar technical success as compared to surgical insertion techniques in previous studies.
Mouse pigpen encodes a nuclear protein whose expression is developmentally regulated during craniofacial morphogenesis

Pigpen, a nuclear protein with RNA‐binding motifs and a putative transcriptional activation domain (TAD), is expressed at high levels in proliferating endothelial cells and expression is down‐regulated when cells adopt a quiescent or differentiated phenotype. We cloned the mouse homolog of pigpen and investigated the regulation of its expression during embryogenesis. In situ hybridization demonstrated that a broad pattern of pigpen expression became restricted during tooth formation in the mandible. In the eye, pigpen showed a spatial restriction to the more proliferating and less differentiated regions of the lens and neural retina. Expression was also restricted in the developing vibrissae, lung, and kidney, all sites where epithelial‐mesenchymal interactions are vital for morphogenesis. In vitro assays, that focused on the mandible and tooth development, indicated that epithelial signals, mediated by fibroblast growth factor‐8, were required to maintain pigpen expression in the mandibular mesenchyme, whereas bone morphogenetic protein‐4 negatively regulated expression in that tissue during early odontogenesis. At the protein level, immunocytochemistry demonstrated that Pigpen was expressed diffusely in the cytoplasm and more concentratedly in focal granules within the nuclei of mouse embryonic cells. Lastly, CAT reporter assays showed that the N‐terminus of mouse pigpen encodes an active TAD. These data suggest that mouse Pigpen may activate transcription in vivo in response to specific growth factor signals and regulate proliferation and/or differentiation events during mouse organogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 228:59–71, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Children who witness violence: tortious aspects.

Clinical aspects of children who experience some type of trauma or abuse have been receiving increased attention. There is undoubtedly a long way to go to catch up with the work done in the field of adult psychiatry. Apart from the interest in the impact on children of physical and sexual abuse, there is increasing involvement of children in the legal process and trials. One area has been trials when they are put through the experience of being involved directly in an adversary system. Another area has been the claims of children who are plaintiffs in suits where they have been exposed to traumatic incidents. The interest encompasses diverse intermediary variables such as the vulnerability of an individual child, the social support systems available, the role of therapeutic intervention, etc. A specific area is the focus of this article: the legal issues which arise when a child is exposed as a third-party victim-observer to an act of violence and the clinical application of our knowledge as psychiatrists to that issue. A separate article focuses on the clinical aspects seen in these children. I The legal categories used to encompass the acts in question are "infliction of mental distress and suffering" or "interference with peace of mind. " The issues revolve around the negligent or intentional infliction of harm. The harm we are concerned with is emotional in nature and is seen as being distressful to the children involved. From a psychiatric perspective, emotional distress is seen as a common thread running through the psychologic lives of these children as victims of the acts which have occurred. From a legal perspective an interest of the children has been violated. Violation of such an interest has penetrated the protected interests of the child. The paradigm of the types of cases in question are children who have witnessed the murder of a parent or have been subjected to a viscious assault. The question is: since these children have been passive witnesses to acts primarily directed toward another, are they entitled to some type of monetary compensation in the form of damages? For example, a person is usually not committing a homicidal act on a parent with the specific intent of inflicting emotional harm on a child who happens to witness it. Yet, the behavior gave rise to such a consequence due to its negligent components or the degree of its outrageousness. Hence, to begin at the simplest level, a social policy position would be that the
Business support approaches for charities and other nonprofits

This study investigated three kinds of business support for nonprofit organisations—donations, sponsorship and coalignment deals (a commercial venture between the two partners), among a sample of major Australian corporates. Most businesses were more likely to donate to a charity if their competitors were known to do so. A similar finding was observed for the sponsorship of charities, cultural and sports organisations. Businesses expected charities to be genuine in their concern about social issues, but businesslike in their dealings with their supporter organisations. Pressures for the increased commercialisation of the relationship were observed, leading to dilemmas for the nonprofits. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications
Pharmacological basis and scientific rationale underlying the targeted use of inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist combinations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex respiratory disorder, whose medical and socioeconomic burden as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality is increasing worldwide. COPD pathophysiology includes chronic airway/lung inflammation and progressive airflow limitation. Therefore, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator agents are key players in COPD treatment. Areas covered: This review article discusses the complementary molecular interactions connecting the respective mechanisms of action of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists (LABAs). Moreover, attention is also focused on clinical trials, which have shown that ICS/LABA combinations are very effective in improving COPD symptoms and lung function, being also able to significantly reduce disease exacerbations. Expert opinion: In selected subgroups of COPD patients, ICS/LABA combinations represent a very useful therapeutic approach for this widespread chronic respiratory disease. In addition to the well-known fixed-dose drug associations such as fluticasone propionate/salmeterol xinafoate and budesonide/formoterol fumarate, other newly developed ICS/LABA combinations are currently emerging as very interesting pharmacological options for COPD treatment.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Marketing Journal Rankings

The purpose of this study is to offer a comprehensive assessment of journal standings in Marketing from two perspectives. The discipline perspective of rankings is obtained from a collection of published journal ranking studies during the past 15 years. The studies in the published ranking stream are assessed for reliability by examining internal correlations within the set. Aggregate rankings are presented from the published ranking stream, as well as from the two predominant ranking approaches used in these studies (opinion surveys and citation analyses). A new data source for journal rankings is introduced—the actual in-house target journal lists used by a sample of Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)-accredited schools to evaluate faculty research, representing an institutional perspective. The aggregate journal rankings from these lists are presented, as well as the rankings in two subsegments of the sample (US/non-US and doctoral/nondoctoral). The publications from the discipline perspective are compared to data from the in-house target journal lists actually used by AACSB-accredited schools. A full set of rankings across both data sets (school lists and the published article stream) is presented and differences are discussed.
A survey of stent designs

Over 100 different stent designs are currently being marketed or are in evaluation for vascular and non-vascular indications. This paper attempts to differentiate stent designs by engineering aspects. A stent design pyramid is presented, which breaks the differentiating aspects into materials, raw material forms, fabrication methods, geometrical features, and additions. The primary distinguishing factor in all groups is balloon-expansion versus self-expandability. Typical examples for each category of the pyramid are shown.
Cycloid psychosis

This article reviews the concept, nosological status, diagnostic features, associated clinical characteristics, and the etiopathological variables involved in cycloid psychosis. The concept of cycloid psychosis is based on sound psychopathological and course underpinnings, and despite the inclusion of some cycloid features in the current diagnostic systems such as ICD-10 and DSM-IV, these systems do not capture well the diagnostic construct of this disorder. Cycloid psychosis is a valid clinical constructs that can be easily differentiated from the boundary disorders on clinical grounds. It seems to be heterogeneous from the etiopathological point of view, in that a variety of factors seems to be involved to a different degree in most of the patients. Future studies should examine putative subtypes of the disorder in relation to etiological, pathophysiological and clinical variables.
Chronic Pancreatitis in the 21st Century - Research Challenges and Opportunities: Summary of a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Workshop

Abstract A workshop was sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to focus on research gaps and opportunities in chronic pancreatitis (CP) and its sequelae. This conference marked the 20th year anniversary of the discovery of the cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1) gene mutation for hereditary pancreatitis. The event was held on July 27, 2016, and structured into 4 sessions: (1) pathophysiology, (2) exocrine complications, (3) endocrine complications, and (4) pain. The current state of knowledge was reviewed; many knowledge gaps and research needs were identified that require further investigation. Common themes included the need to design better tools to diagnose CP and its sequelae early and reliably, identify predisposing risk factors for disease progression, develop standardized protocols to distinguish type 3c diabetes mellitus from other types of diabetes, and design effective therapeutic strategies through novel cell culture technologies, animal models mimicking human disease, and pain management tools. Gene therapy and cystic fibrosis conductance regulator potentiators as possible treatments of CP were discussed. Importantly, the need for CP end points and intermediate targets for future drug trials was emphasized.
A /sup 13/C/sub 2/H/sub 2/ frequency-stabilized, polarization-maintained 1.54 /spl mu/m erbium fiber ring laser with a new feedback system

The frequency of a 1.54-mum erbium fiber laser was stabilized to a <sup>13</sup>C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub> absorption line by employing a new feedback system with a LiNbO<sub>3</sub> frequency modulator and a double-balanced-mixer. The stability reached as high as 2.2 times 10 <sup>-11</sup> for tau=100 s
BLOOD PARASITES OF SOME BIRDS FROM COLOMBIA

Blood films from 421 birds of 142 species, representing 29 avian families, from the environs of Cali, Colombia, were examined for blood parsites. Only 30 (7.1%) birds of 26 species harbored hematozoa. Species of Haemoproteus (3.1%) and microfilaria (2.3%) were the most commonly encountered blood parasites; species of Leucocytozoon, Plasmodium, Akiba and Lankesterella were found in a few birds. Mixed infections with more than one genus of blood parasite were rare; most infections encountered were of low intensity.
Low Pulmonary Expression of Epithelial Na+ Channel and Na+, K+-ATPase in Newborn Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Background: It has been suggested from several animal studies and clinical observations that congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with pulmonary hypoplasia is accompanied by a disturbed perinatal ion transport. This could lead to respiratory distress due to slower clearance of fetal lung fluid at birth. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether CDH is related to changes in the expression of three rate-limiting transporter proteins in lung epithelium at birth. Methods: Tracheal aspirate was collected from 12 newborn infants with CDH and from 8 newborn control patients. Sampling was performed at postnatal age 18 and at 43 h in the CDH group and at 18 h in the control group. The protein abundance of α-, β- and γ-epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), aquaporin 5 and Na+, K+-ATPase α1 was analyzed using semiquantitative immunoblotting. Results: The levels of β-ENaC, γ-ENaC and Na+, K+-ATPase α1 collected at 18 h postnatally were significantly lower in CDH infants compared to control infants. In the CDH group, no significant difference in the expression of the ENaC subunits, Na+, K+-ATPase α1 or aquaporin 5 could be detected between the two sampling time points. Conclusions: This downregulation may result in an abnormal lung fluid absorption which could be an important mechanism behind the respiratory distress seen in newborn CDH patients.
The Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Cardiovascular Safety

Abstract The dipeptidyl peptidase–4 (DPP–4) inhibitors are a relatively new class of oral antidiabetic agents that improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These agents differ in structure, but all act by inhibiting the DPP–4 enzyme. Dipeptidyl peptidase–4 inhibition increases levels of the incretin hormones glucagon–like peptide–1 and glucose–dependent insulinotropic peptide, which in turn stimulate insulin secretion in a glucose–dependent fashion. Clinical trials have shown that DPP–4 inhibitors provide significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin levels, with a low risk of hypoglycemia. Animal model experiments and proof–of–concept studies suggest that the incretins favorably affect the cardiovascular system; it is possible that these same effects may be conveyed by DPP–4 inhibitor therapy. Pooled and meta–analyses of DPP–4 inhibitor clinical trial data have shown no increase in major adverse cardiovascular events, and, in fact, suggest a potential cardiovascular benefit to such therapy. Long–term cardiovascular safety trials are currently underway to more fully define and understand the cardiovascular impact of DPP–4 therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Distribution of Some Trace and Macrominerals in Beef , Mutton and Poultry

The selected trace minerals present in lean and organ meat of beef, mutton and poultry were determined in the present study. Levels of the selected minerals (Arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury and zinc) and some macro elements (calcium, sodium and potassium) in the lean and organ meat of beef, mutton and poultry were determined. For this purpose, Varian atomic absorption spectrophotometer model 1275 AA equipped with lamps for different elements and Corning 410 flame photometer were used. The levels of arsenic (40.80 to 52.44 ppm), lead (2.02 to 4.25 ppm) and mercury (31.47 to 78.96 ppm) were found higher than the permissible limits indicating the heavy metal contamination in our environment. Copper and cadmium concentrations were found higher in some samples, whereas zinc (66.26 to 28.52 ppm), calcium (1.72 to 2.27 mg/g), sodium (5.38 to 3.20 mg/g) and potassium (1.44 to 2.43 mg/g) levels were found to be normal. The present study is the indication of environmental pollution with heavy metals and there may be various sources of this environmental pollution.
Guidelines, compliance, and effectiveness: a 12 months’ audit in an acute district general healthcare trust on the two week rule for suspected colorectal cancer

Objectives: The Department of Health had recently introduced guidelines so that all suspected colorectal cancer patients could be seen by a specialist within two weeks of referral by their general practitioners. The usefulness and practicality of such a decision had been questioned. The aims of this study were to measure the compliance to the guidelines and evaluate the effectiveness of such referrals. Methods: All patients who were referred to the rapid access colorectal clinic between August 2000 and July 2001 were included. Settings: Darlington Memorial Hospital and Bishop Auckland General Hospital, both under South Durham Health Care Trust, were considered for the study. Measures: Date of referral, referring practitioner, time of appointment, reasons for referral, and diagnosis. Results: A total of 239 referrals were made; 96.2% of patients were given appointments within two weeks. Rectal bleed was the commonest (32%) cause for referral. Diverticular disease was the most frequent (29%) condition diagnosed. Altogether 97.4% of referrals were incomplete and 37.6% did not comply with the guidelines. Twenty one colorectal cancers (8.9%) were diagnosed. The early cancer detection rate was 4.6%. Conclusions: This audit showed that compliance to the guidelines was associated with a higher cancer detection rate. The majority of patients received appointments within two weeks. Contrary to some speculations, the number of referrals was not limitless. However a high number of referrals failed to adhere to the guidelines. The cancer (particularly early cancer) detection rate was disappointingly low. This does not reflect an efficient system of referral and potential benefits to patients remain questionable.
Functional brain maps of retrieval mode and recovery of episodic information

Positron emission tomography (PET) was used to identify brain regions associated with two component processes of episodic retrieval; those related to thinking back in subjective time (retrieval mode) and those related to actual recovery of stored information (ecphory). Healthy young subjects recognized words that had been encoded with respect to meaning or the speaker's voice. Regardless of how the information had been encoded, recognition was associated with increased activation in regions in right prefrontal cortex, left anterior cingulate, and cerebellum. These activations reflect retrieval mode. Recognition following meaning encoding was specifically associated with increased activation in left temporal cortex, and recognition following voice encoding involved regions in right orbital frontal and parahippocampal cortex. These activations reflect ecphory of differentially encoded information.