Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can size-, industry-, and leverage-adjustment of valuation ratios benefit the value investor?

This paper introduces a new and innovative methodology for value portfolio selection by adjusting the conventional valuation ratios on the basis of firm size, financial leverage and industry classification and combining them as single selection criteria. The tercile portfolios are composed of a comprehensive sample of Finnish non-financial stocks based on their adjusted valuation. The performance of portfolios is evaluated on the basis of the average return and several risk-adjusted performance metrics throughout the 1996-2013 sample period. The results show that the suggested multidimensional combination criteria can add value to equity portfolio selection. The outperformance of such top-tercile portfolios in contrast to both the comparable bottom portfolios and the stock market portfolio is statistically significant on the basis of all performance metrics employed. The methodology employed offers an interesting alternative for identifying undervalued stocks by capturing both several dimensions of relative value and several peer-group comparisons at the same time.
Pathologic findings in retinal pigment epithelial cell implantation for Parkinson disease

Background: Attempts at cell-based dopamine replacement therapy in Parkinson disease (PD) have included surgical implantation of adrenal medullary, fetal mesencephalic, and cultured human mesencephalic tissue grafts. Trials involving putamenal implantation of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in PD have also been performed. Neuropathologic findings in humans undergoing RPE cell implantation have not heretofore been reported. We describe the brain autopsy findings from a subject enrolled in a clinical trial of RPE cells in gelatin microcarriers for treatment of PD, and suggest factors which may have impacted cell survival. Methods: A 68-year-old man underwent bilateral surgical implantation of 325,000 RPE cells in gelatin microcarriers (Spheramine) but died 6 months after surgery. The left cerebral hemisphere was examined. Routine postmortem formalin fixation was performed and standard, as well as immunohistochemical methods used to highlight senile plaque and Lewy body pathologic changes, iron deposition, cellular inflammation, and reactive astrocytosis in implant regions. Manual cell counts were done of RPE cells. Results: Hematoxylin-eosin and α-synuclein immunostains confirmed the diagnosis of PD. Needle tracts with matrix material and RPE cells were observed in the context of local inflammatory and astrocytic reactive change. A total of 118 cells were counted (estimated 0.036% survival). Conclusions: Retinal pigment epithelial cells are seen in human brain 6 months postimplantation, but overall survival of implanted cells appeared poor.
CORE OF RECYCLING ECONOMY IS TO USE RESOURCES CIRCULARLY

By analysing the relationship between recycling economy and sustainable development theory, this article expatiates that as a dynamic economy running model, recycling economy has its basic conception and its four basic characteristics. And then we point out that the core of recycling economy is to use resources circularly. In the end, we analyze the phenomenary of using the recycling economy conception incorrectly, and then set forth a few problems that should be paid attention to during the process of developing the recycling economy in China.
Proteins Specified by Herpes Simplex Virus XII. The Virion Polypeptides of Type 1 Strains

The polypeptides from purified virions of a herpes simplex 1 (human herpes-virus 1) strain, F1, which had been passaged a limited number of times in cell culture after isolation, formed 33 bands on electrophoretic separation in polyacrylamide gels cross-linked with N, N′-diallyltartardiamide in contrast to a maximum resolution of only 24 to 25 bands in gels cross-linked with N, N′-methylenebisacrylamide. This increase in the number of bands was due chiefly to an improved separation of glycosylated polypeptides from nonglycosylated polypeptides with which they co-electrophoresed on methylenebisacrylamide cross-linked gels. Purified virions of HSV-1 [F1] had a protein/DNA mass ratio of 10.7 ± 0.96, and based on a DNA molecular mass of 85 × 106 to 100 × 106 the estimated weight of virion polypeptides ranges from 16.4 to 19.4 × 10−16 g. The number of molecules of each polypeptide per virion ranged from less than 50 to 1,500. Comparison of the virion polypeptides of two HSV-1 strains with similar isolation and limited passage history with those of four HSV-1 strains with histories of numerous passages outside the human host showed a number of nonrandom variations in virion polypeptides. Thus, although the virion polypeptides of two strains with similar isolation and limited passage history could not be differentiated, strains with extended passage histories differed markedly from each other and from the limited passage strains in the number and electrophoretic mobility of noncapsid polypeptides and notably in those of the envelope.
The Social Investment Perspective, Conditional Cash Transfer Programmes and the Welfare Mix: Peru and Bolivia

Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programmes have spread across Latin America since the late 1990s. They constitute one of the major changes in social policy in Latin America in the last twenty years (Barrientos, 2009). This innovation has significantly influenced the welfare mix (Esping-Andersen, 1990). Those who examine the welfare mix from a feminist perspective (Orloff, 1996; Martínez, 2008) insist that it is necessary to take into account the gender consequences of changing this mix. Based on a qualitative analysis of CCT programmes in Peru and Bolivia, this article makes two arguments. First, CCT programmes demonstrate that instead of being purely liberal or even neoliberal, the actions of the state in the production of welfare are now grounded from the perspective of social investment. Second, in Peru and Bolivia, the gendered impacts of this new state orientation nonetheless reinforce maternalistic and coercive practices.
Conservation of the Phosphate-sensitive Elements in the Arrestin Family of Proteins*

Arrestins play a key role in the homologous desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These cytosolic proteins selectively bind to the agonist-activated and GPCR kinase-phosphorylated forms of the GPCR, precluding its further interaction with the G protein. Certain mutations in visual arrestin yield “constitutively active” proteins that bind with high affinity to the light-activated form of rhodopsin without requiring phosphorylation. The crystal structure of visual arrestin shows that these activating mutations perturb two groups of intramolecular interactions that keep arrestin in its basal (inactive) state. Here we introduced homologous mutations into arrestin2 and arrestin3 and found that the resulting mutants bind to the β2-adrenoreceptor in vitro in a phosphorylation-independent fashion. The same mutants effectively desensitize both the β2-adrenergic and δ-opioid receptors in the absence of receptor phosphorylation inXenopus oocytes. Moreover, the arrestin mutants also desensitize the truncated δ-opioid receptor from which the C terminus, containing critical phosphorylation sites, has been removed. Conservation of the phosphate-sensitive hot spots in non-visual arrestins suggests that the overall fold is similar to that of visual arrestin and that the mechanisms whereby receptor-attached phosphates drive arrestin transition into the active binding competent state are conserved throughout the arrestin family of proteins.
Minimal Hilar Dissection Prevents Biliary Anastomotic Stricture After Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Background. We introduced a new technique called minimal hilar dissection (Min-HD) technique in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) to keep vascular networks around the recipient's bile duct. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the Min-HD technique could prevent biliary anastomotic stricture (BAS) after LDLT with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction. Methods. An analysis of 214 adult-to-adult LDLT grafts (left lobe, n=135; right lobe, n=76; posterior segment, n=3) with duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction was performed. Results. There were 46 cases with BAS. The incidence of BAS was 32.1% in the conventional technique group (n=84) and 14.6% in the Min-HD technique group (n=130, P=0.003). Multivariate regression analysis regarding BAS was carried out and detected hepatic artery flow less than 50 mL/min (P=0.002), not using the Min-HD technique (P=0.011), biliary anastomotic leakage (BAL, P=0.027) and ductoplasty (P=0.039) for the significant risk factors for BAS. The incidence BAL was 11.9% in the conventional technique group and 0.7% in the Min-HD technique group (P=0.002). No other factors showed an impact on the occurrence of BAL. The treatments for BAS were performed by endoscopic or percutaneous procedures. The cumulative completion rate of the treatment after developing BAS was 45.1% and 78.6% at 1- and 3-year, respectively. The median period for treating BAS was 10.8 months. Conclusion. The Min-HD technique is a rational surgical method, and it has the potential for preventing BAS and BAL after duct-to duct biliary reconstruction in LDLT.
Investigation on best switching angles to obtain lowest THD for multilevel DC/AC inverters

Multilevel DC/AC inverters have various structures and many advantages. Unfortunately, most existing inverters are unable to produce good output AC waveforms since their total harmonic distortion is not very low, because each level switching angle is not carefully arranged. In order to gain good power quality, we have to carefully investigate the switching angle arrangement to obtain the lowest total harmonic distortion.
Testofen, a specialised Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract reduces age-related symptoms of androgen decrease, increases testosterone levels and improves sexual function in healthy aging males in a double-blind randomised clinical study

Abstract This study examined the effect of Testofen, a specialised Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract on the symptoms of possible androgen deficiency, sexual function and serum androgen concentrations in healthy aging males. This was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial involving 120 healthy men aged between 43 and 70 years of age. The active treatment was standardised Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract at a dose of 600 mg/day for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the change in the Aging Male Symptom questionnaire (AMS), a measure of possible androgen deficiency symptoms; secondary outcome measures were sexual function and serum testosterone. There was a significant decrease in AMS score over time and between the active and placebo groups. Sexual function improved, including number of morning erections and frequency of sexual activity. Both total serum testosterone and free testosterone increased compared to placebo after 12 weeks of active treatment. Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract is a safe and effective treatment for reducing symptoms of possible androgen deficiency, improves sexual function and increases serum testosterone in healthy middle-aged and older men.
Infant nutrition and the consequences of differential market access in Nunoa, Peru.

The author observed and interviewed 30 women in August 1985, each of whom had at least 1 child under 3 years old, to analyze infant feeding behavior in the rural Andean community of Nunoa, Peru. Infants were generally first nursed within 48 hours of birth, subject to co-sleeping and probably night-nursing far longer than day nursing, and fed exclusively via bottle or nursing on only very rare occasions. Weaning periods were extended and consisted of continually modified feeding routines. Significant differences were observed between the feeding habits of poor and relatively less-poor mothers which may have impacted differently upon the health of offspring. The quality of infant foods and economic variation influenced breastfeeding duration and subsequent infant health and maternal fecundity. The author concludes that infant feeding routines can be neither characterized nor studied as a set of mutually exclusive hierarchical stages; significant variation exists within and between socioeconomic subsamples; both groups have parallel perceptions and attitudes regarding appropriate feeding practices; both groups perceive foods other than breast milk as complements to rather than substitutes for nursing during the 1st year of life; bottle use is neither uniformly harmful nor beneficial; the various aspects of infant feeding routines do not all necessarily respond in concert to changing socioeconomic conditions; models of infant feeding behavior must go beyond the simple mechanics of infant feeding; and great need exists for more comprehensive investigations.
Evidence on the Nexus Between Electricity Consumption and Economic Growth through Empirical Investigation of Uganda

Abstract This paper empirically examines the electricity consumption - economic growth nexus in Uganda for the period 1982 to 2013, with a view to contributing to the body of literature on this topic and informing energy policy design in Uganda. Using capital stock as an intermittent variable in the causality framework, the paper employs Johansen-Juselius (1988, 1995) multivariate cointegration and VECM based Granger causality tests and finds a bidirectional causality between electricity consumption and economic growth in the long-term and distinct causal flow from economic growth to electricity consumption in the short-run, and short-term and long-term Granger causality from capital stock to economic growth, with short-run feedback in the opposite direction. Therefore, it implies that firstly, the Government of Uganda (GoU) can implement conservation policies only through reducing energy intensity and promoting efficient energy use to avoid decline in output and secondly, that the GoU should intensify its efforts towards capital accumulation in order to realize sustainable economic growth. Lastly, the empirical evidence that electricity consumption influences some short-term capital accumulation supports the GoU’s efforts to allow private sector investment in the electricity sector in an effort to increase electricity supply.
Alterations in serum MMP and TIMP concentrations following chronic heroin abuse

Abstract Context: Although opiate abuse is known to affect matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), data on these enzymes and their tissue inhibitors in heroin addicts are scarce. Objective: In the present study, we determined serum concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in heroin users, and compared them with healthy individuals. We evaluated whether 21 d of abstinence are adequate to reverse the effect of opiates and we compared seropositive with seronegative, for anti-HCV antibodies, heroin users. Materials and methods: Twenty-six heroin-dependent male volunteers and an equal number of healthy individuals participated in this study. ELISA was used to assess the serum levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Heroin users were assessed both upon admission and upon completion of a 21-d detoxification program. Results: Serum TIMP-1 concentrations were significantly lower and the ratios MMP-2/TIMP-1, MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 were significantly higher in heroin users compared to healthy individuals. Heroin users who were seropositive had lower MMP concentrations, as well as lower MMP/TIMP ratios, compared to those who were seronegative. Discussion: Our results showed that in heroin-addicted individuals, and especially those who are positive for anti-HCV antibodies, the balance between MMPs and TIMPs in serum is disrupted and this disruption cannot be restored within 21 d of abstinence. Conclusion: Chronic heroin abuse disrupts the balance between MMPs and TIMPs in serum and this effect is not reversible within 21 d of abstinence.
Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of a Large Niacin Therapeutic Interchange Program

BACKGROUND An extended-release niacin product (Niaspan, Abbott Laboratories) was identified as a product with a less costly therapeutic alternative; a therapeutic product interchange was implemented. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a product therapeutic interchange from Niaspan to a controlled-release niacin product (Slo-Niacin, Upsher-Smith Laboratories) among patients at a large US Department of Veterans Affairs health care facility. METHODS Patients with active prescriptions for Niaspan underwent a therapeutic product interchange to Slo-Niacin; following conversion of the product, the medical record for each patient was reviewed and pre- and postconversion clinical information and conversion details were transcribed into a database for subsequent analysis and study. The primary efficacy end point was pre- and postconversion level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; secondary efficacy end points were levels of serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. Abnormal serum liver enzyme levels greater than 3 times the upper limits of normal was the primary safety end point; blood hemoglobin A1c was assessed as a secondary safety end point. RESULTS A total of 5321 patients' medical records were reviewed; for the efficacy evaluation, 539 patients were maintained on a daily dose of Slo-Niacin that was the same as the previous Niaspan dose. The dosage of any other concurrently prescribed dyslipidemia medication was unchanged. Analysis of these cases indicated that the conversion of Niaspan to Slo-Niacin was not associated with a difference in serum lipids over a mean (SD) of 503.9 (98.0) postconversion observation days with the exception of a decrease in mean serum triglyceride concentration of 19.8 mg/dL (p = 0.0003). Evaluation of all 5321 patients given Slo-Niacin for up to 724 days did not detect any safety differences between Slo-Niacin and Niaspan. Local facility cost avoidance exceeded $800,000 in the first postconversion year. CONCLUSIONS Data from a medication use evaluation of modified-release niacin products therapeutic interchange in a large US Department of Veterans Affairs health care facility show that the switch from Niaspan to Slo-Niacin had no negative effects on lipid-altering efficacy or safety but generated significant cost avoidance.
The effect of immunosuppression on posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease in pediatric liver transplant patients.

BACKGROUND Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a serious complication associated with the use of chronic immunosuppression for solid organ transplantation. This study represents a retrospective analysis of UCLA's experience with PTLD in all pediatric liver transplant recipients between 1984-1997. We assessed the clinical presentation, risk factors, incidence density, immunological characteristics, management, and outcome of patients who developed PTLD when receiving either primary cyclosporin A (CsA) or tacrolimus. METHODS A total of 251 children received primary CsA therapy of which 70 required OKT3 for steroid resistant rejection and 29 required tacrolimus rescue for OKT3 resistance and/or chronic rejection. One hundred forty one children received tacrolimus as primary therapy. Sixty patients who survived for less than 6 months after transplantation were excluded from the study. RESULTS The total incidence density (ID) rate of PTLD was 1.8+/-0.4 per 100 patient-years (30/392). The overall ID rate of PTLD in the CsA group was 0.93+/-0.2 per 100 patient-years (15/251). Within this group of primary CsA-treated patients, the ID rate of PTLD was 0.49+/-0.1 without OKT3 or tacrolimus, 0.67+/-0.2 with OKT3, and 6.42+/-1.1 with tacrolimus rescue. The overall PTLD ID rate in the primary tacrolimus-treated patients was 4.86+/-1.2 per 100 person-years (15/141). There was a 5-fold increase in the ID rate of PTLD in the primary tacrolimus group when compared to the comparable, primary CsA group (P<0.001). The mean time to PTLD was 5-fold longer (49.7+/-20.7 months) in the CsA group when compared to the CsA/tacrolimus rescue group (9.8+/-3 months, P<0.05) or the tacrolimus primary group (12.6+/-5.1 months, P<0.05). Five patients had monoclonal disease in the CsA group, but only one in the tacrolimus group (P<0.05). Clinical presentations with enlarged lymph nodes, fevers, malaise, anorexia, weight loss, hypoalbuminemia, and gastrointestinal blood loss were common. Mortality was 20%, three patients died in each group. CONCLUSION The use of primary tacrolimus therapy was associated with a significant 5-fold higher rate of PTLD when compared to those treated with primary cyclosporine. Early diagnosis, decrease and/or discontinuation of potent immunosuppressive agents may contribute to decrease morbidity and mortality of this entity.
Low serum cholesterol as a risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke in men: a community-based mass screening in Okinawa, Japan.

The relation between the level of total serum cholesterol and stroke is controversial. The relation between serum total cholesterol and subtypes of stroke was examined in the participants of a community-based mass screening program in Okinawa, Japan. A total of 38,053 subjects, whose serum level of cholesterol had been determined during a mass screening carried out in 1983, were examined to see whether they had experienced stroke during a 3-year period from 1988 to 1991. Of them, 315 subjects aged 33-93 years (174 men, 141 women) had had a stroke during that period. The types of stroke were cerebral infarction in 164, cerebral hemorrhage in 111, subarachnoid hemorrhage in 19, and others in 21. In men, the odds ratio of cerebral hemorrhage was 0.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.95), and the odds ratio of cerebral hemorrhage associated with serum level of cholesterol < or =167 mg/dl, 168-191 mg/dl, 192-217mg/dl, and > or =218mg/dl were 1.00 (reference), 0.70 (0.38-1.30), 0.77 (0.55-1.08), 0.73 (0.56-0.96), respectively. Lower serum cholesterol was an independent predictor of cerebral hemorrhage in men.
Bloodborne Pathogen Exposures in a Developmental Center 1993–2000

Abstract In a developmental center, 257 potential bloodborne pathogen exposures (119 bites, 91 scratches, 30 sharps injuries, 17 mucosal breaks) occurred during 8 years (13,187 employee-years and 6,980 resident-years). Of the residents, 9% were hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen carriers. Serological follow-up of exposed, susceptible employees and residents identified no transmission of HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), or human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus. This outcome has been due primarily to hepatitis B immunization and low prevalences of HCV or HIV infections among the subjects. Proper follow-up of all potential exposures is crucial to identify transmission promptly, allay anxiety, and prevent unwarranted workmen's compensation claims. Measures are suggested to reduce exposure further.
Specific Requirement for Bax, Not Bak, in Myc-induced Apoptosis and Tumor Suppression in Vivo*

Bax and Bak comprise the mitochondrial gateway for apoptosis induced by diverse stimuli. Loss of both bax and bak is necessary to block cell death induced by such stimuli, indicating a great degree of functional overlap between Bax and Bak. Apoptosis is the major intrinsic pathway that limits the oncogenic potential of Myc. Using a switchable mouse model of Myc-induced apoptosis in pancreatic β cells, we have shown that Myc induces apoptosis in vivo exclusively through Bax but not Bak. Furthermore, blockade of Myc-induced apoptosis by the inactivation of Bax, but not Bak, eliminates all restraints to the oncogenic potential of Myc, allowing the rapid and synchronous progression of invasive, angiogenic tumors.