Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Do Investors React to Corporate Political Spending Disclosure

My dissertation consists of three main parts. In the first part, I provide a literature review discussing the history of campaign finance law in the United States, the literature examining the determinants of corporate political spending, the literature examining the influence of political concerns on investing decisions, and the literature applicable to the disclosure of corporate political spending. This part is intended to provide the reader with a broad base of information to better understand the context of my experimental study in the second part. In the second part, I present an experimental study examining how investors react to the disclosure of corporate political spending. In the ongoing debate over whether public companies should be required to disclose their political spending, one frequent argument against requiring disclosure is that investors do not consider political spending information relevant for their decisions. However, I predict and find in my experiment that investors whose political identities are aligned with a company’s political spending assess the company as more attractive and invest more in the company than investors whose political identities are misaligned with the political spending. Interestingly, this effect stems from the negative reactions of misaligned investors. The attractiveness assessments and investment amounts of misaligned investors are significantly lower than those of investors in a control condition with no political spending disclosure, but those of aligned investors are not significantly different from those in the control condition. My results also provide evidence that investors use political spending information consciously rather than because of a subconscious bias. These findings have implications for regulators because, contrary to the argument that political spending information is irrelevant to investors, my results suggest that investors consciously use political spending information in their investment decisions. In the third part, I discuss future research possibilities on corporate political spending disclosure. I outline research questions that would extend my experimental study, and I identify research questions related to managerial decision-making about corporate political spending and its disclosure. Finally, I note the importance of also considering the effects of corporate political spending disclosure on other stakeholders such as suppliers and customers.
Estimating Hydraulic Parameters When Poroelastic Effects Are Significant

For almost 80 years, deformation‐induced head changes caused by poroelastic effects have been observed during pumping tests in multilayered aquifer‐aquitard systems. As water in the aquifer is released from compressive storage during pumping, the aquifer is deformed both in the horizontal and vertical directions. This deformation in the pumped aquifer causes deformation in the adjacent layers, resulting in changes in pore pressure that may produce drawdown curves that differ significantly from those predicted by traditional groundwater theory. Although these deformation‐induced head changes have been analyzed in several studies by poroelasticity theory, there are at present no practical guidelines for the interpretation of pumping test data influenced by these effects. To investigate the impact that poroelastic effects during pumping tests have on the estimation of hydraulic parameters, we generate synthetic data for three different aquifer‐aquitard settings using a poroelasticity model, and then analyze the synthetic data using type curves and parameter estimation techniques, both of which are based on traditional groundwater theory and do not account for poroelastic effects. Results show that even when poroelastic effects result in significant deformation‐induced head changes, it is possible to obtain reasonable estimates of hydraulic parameters using methods based on traditional groundwater theory, as long as pumping is sufficiently long so that deformation‐induced effects have largely dissipated.
Coexistence of hereditary homocystinuria and factor V Leiden--effect on thrombosis.

BACKGROUND Venous and arterial thromboembolism occurs in only about one third of patients homozygous for homocystinuria, which suggests that other, contributory factors are necessary for the development of thrombosis in these patients. Factor V Leiden, an R506Q mutation in the gene coding for factor V, is the most common cause of familial thrombosis and could be a potentiating factor. METHODS We determined activated partial-thromboplastin times in the presence and absence of activated protein C and tested for the factor V Leiden mutation in 45 members of seven unrelated consanguineous kindreds in which at least 1 member was homozygous for homocystinuria. RESULT Thrombosis (venous, arterial, or both) occurred in 6 of 11 patients with homocystinuria (age, 0.2 to 8 years). All six also had the factor V Leiden mutation. One patient with prenatally diagnosed homocystinuria who was also heterozygous for factor V Leiden has received warfarin therapy since birth and has not had thrombosis (age, 18 months). Of four patients with homocystinuria who did not have factor V Leiden, none had thrombosis (ages at this writing, 1 to 17 years). Three women who were heterozygous for both homocystinuria and factor V Leiden had recurrent fetal loss and placental infarctions. CONCLUSIONS Patients with concurrent homocystinuria and factor V Leiden can have an increased risk of thrombosis. Screening for factor V Leiden may be indicated in patient with homocystinuria and their family members.
Clinical grading of relative afferent pupillary defects.

OBJECTIVES To assess the validity and reproducibility of quantitating relative afferent pupillary defects with the swinging flashlight test, using a 3-second pause technique, and to compare this grading system with that using neutral density filters. DESIGN We prospectively studied patients with relative afferent pupillary defects by using the swinging flashlight test with a standardized illumination time of 3 seconds (pause time) for each eye. Each relative afferent pupillary defect was graded as follows: grade I, a weak initial constriction and greater redilatation; grade II, initial stall and greater redilatation; grade III, immediate pupillary dilatation; grade IV, immediate pupillary dilatation following prolonged illumination of the good eye for 6 seconds; grade V, immediate pupillary dilatation with no secondary constriction. The grades on the individual resident evaluations were compared with those on the group evaluations, and the grading system was compared with the neutral density filter grading system. SETTING Neuro-ophthalmology service of an urban teaching hospital. STUDY PARTICIPANTS A total of 119 patients. RESULTS There was a good correlation in all grades between individual resident and group evaluations, with an overall 78% agreement. The five grades had corresponding values in neutral density filter log units: grade I, 0.4; grade II, 0.7; grade III, 1.1; grade IV, 2.0; and grade V, infinity. CONCLUSIONS The 3-second pause technique for the swinging flashlight test is a reliable method for the detection and quantitation of relative afferent pupillary defects. The grading system can be compared with the neutral density filter grading system, and each grade has a corresponding value in log units.
Body Mass Index and Survival in a Prospective Randomized Trial of Localized High-Risk Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background: The relationship between adiposity and renal cell carcinoma is poorly understood. Prior studies have suggested body mass index (BMI) may be associated with indolent disease. Methods: We reviewed the clinicopathologic records of 845 patients across 14 countries who were enrolled in a prospective, placebo-controlled study of adjuvant girentuximab treatment for high-risk renal cell carcinoma. Clinical features analyzed included age, gender, race, BMI, and performance status. BMI was stratified into <25 kg/m2, 25.0–29.9 kg/m2, 30.0–34.9 kg/m2, and ≥35 kg/m2. We examined the association of BMI with stage and survival using logistic and Cox regression analyses, respectively. Results: 845 patients were included for analysis. The majority (72%) were overweight/obese. There was an inverse relationship between BMI and lymph node involvement (P = 0.04). Obesity was associated with improved disease-free and overall survival (log rank <0.01 for both). When compared with normal weight subjects, those with a BMI 30–34.9 [HR 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31–0.81] and BMI ≥35 (HR 0.24; 95% CI 0.09–0.60) had significantly improved overall survival. A trend towards improved disease-free survival was found among subjects with BMI 30–34.9 (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.56–1.05) and ≥35 (HR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.48–1.15). Conclusions: In a prospective cohort of nephrectomized patients with high-risk disease, obesity is associated with lower risk of lymphatic spread and improved overall survival. Impact: This is the first study utilizing data from a prospective randomized trial reporting an association between obesity and improved overall survival for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(9); 1326–32. ©2016 AACR.
Mapping of a new locus for autosomal recessive demyelinating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease to 19q13.1-13.3 in a large consanguineous Lebanese family: exclusion of MAG as a candidate gene.

Autosomal recessive Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) type 4 (CMT4) is a complex group of demyelinating hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies presenting genetic heterogeneity. Five different subtypes that correspond to six different chromosomal locations have been described. We hereby report a large inbred Lebanese family affected with autosomal recessive CMT4, in whom we have excluded linkage to the already-known loci. The results of a genomewide search demonstrated linkage to a locus on chromosome 19q13.1-13.3, over an 8.5-cM interval between markers D19S220 and D19S412. A maximum pairwise LOD score of 5.37 for marker D19S420, at recombination fraction [theta]. 00, and a multipoint LOD score of 10.3 for marker D19S881, at straight theta = . 00, strongly supported linkage to this locus. Clinical features and the results of histopathologic studies confirm that the disease affecting this family constitutes a previously unknown demyelinating autosomal recessive CMT subtype known as "CMT4F. " The myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) gene, located on 19q13.1 and specifically expressed in the CNS and the peripheral nervous system, was ruled out as being the gene responsible for this form of CMT.
Tax and transfer programs, retirement behavior, and work hours over the life cycle

In this paper, we use a computable overlapping generations model economy to analyze the quantitative effects of some reforms on tax and transfer programs, aimed at easing the tax burden on the labor supply of older workers. We focus on retirement behavior, work hours over the life cycle, and efficiency gains. We find that the labor supply of older workers is very responsive to changes in tax and transfer programs and show that the gains, in terms of old-age work hours, are non-trivial. However, we also find that longer careers may not substantially increase aggregate hours because workers may reallocate labor supply over the life cycle in response to retiring later. Moreover, since longer careers may also reduce saving rates, we also find that changes in tax and transfer programs aimed at boosting the employment rates of the elderly may reduce output per head.
Identifying Distributions in a Panel Model with Heteroskedasticity: An Application to Earnings Volatility

This paper considers a panel model with heteroskedasticity, where the parameter of interest is the probability density function of the heteroskedasticity. The nonparametric identification results are established sequentially via a deconvolution argument (in the first step) and solving a linear Fredholm integral equation of the first kind (in the second step). The identification results are constructive and give rise to nonparametric estimators. The model is relevant to the literature on earnings dynamics. Applied to data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), the method developed in this paper reveals a high degree of unobserved heterogeneity in earnings risk. In particular, the evolution over time of the quantiles of the conditional shock variance shows that it is those in the right tail of the distribution who experience the highest volatilities (particularly during recessions), with lower quantiles experiencing relatively constant volatilities during the business cycle. This type of heterogeneity may be relevant to the study of the cyclicality of income risk.
Different Effects of L/N-Type and L-Type Calcium Channel Blockers on the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in SHR/Izm

Background: The L/N-type calcium channel blocker (CCB) cilnidipine has been demonstrated to suppress sympathetic nerve activity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of cilnidipine on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in SHR/Izm rats to confirm differences from the effects of L-type CCB. Methods: Male SHR/Izm rats received vehicle, cilnidipine (0.3, 3 mg/kg) or amlodipine (0.3, 3 mg/kg) by gavage for systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurement. For biochemical analyses, the experiments were performed under anesthesia. Results: Low doses of cilnidipine or amlodipine had no effect on SBP or RAAS parameters. A high dose of either drug produced similar effects on SBP levels. Although cilnidipine had no effect on plasma renin activity or the plasma angiotensin II level, amlodipine significantly increased these parameters as compared to levels in the vehicle group. The cilnidipine group had a significantly lower plasma aldosterone level and renal cortical tissue norepinephrine level than the vehicle group. Conclusions: Cilnidipine had effects different from those of L-type CCB on the RAAS in SHR/Izm rats. Our results indicate that suppression of RAAS hyperactivity by cilnidipine can be partly explained by its sympatholytic action.
Bilateral Export Trade, Outward and Inward FDI: A Dynamic Gravity Model Approach Using Sectoral Data from Malaysia

ABSTRACT In light of a change in the foreign direct investment (FDI) landscape such as the rapid growth of outward FDI from Malaysia since 2007, this article ascertains the possible impact of inward and outward FDI on Malaysia’s bilateral export trade at the sectoral level, using a dynamic gravity approach. The findings reveal that both inward and outward FDI are complementary to bilateral export trade in the services, mining, and manufacturing sectors. Furthermore, the distance elasticity and the real effective exchange rate have a different negative impact on different sectors. Overall, the sectoral bilateral exports could not insulate against external events.
Patents vs publications and R&D: three sides of the same coin? Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR) for OECD and BRICS countries

ABSTRACT The paper aims to define the optimal thresholds of publications and Research and Development (R&D) expenditure and to investigate their impacts on patenting in OECD and BRICS countries. To do so, we use a dataset of 25 countries divided into two country sub-samples for the period 1996–2013, employing the Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR) model. The results indicate that the threshold of publications after which patenting activity is promoted is 8417 publications for the OECD countries and 20,848 for the BRICS countries, while the share of R&D in % of GDP should not exceed 1.683% for the OECD countries and 0.975% for the BRICS countries.
Performance of serological assays for early detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 seroconversion

Early detection of sexually transmitted human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection was investigated in newly infected persons to determine the sensitivities of currently available serologic techniques. Serial serum samples were obtained from 51 newly infected persons in a cohort of 1,153 homosexual or bisexual men participating in the Baltimore Center of the Multi-Center AIDS Cohort Study during the first 2.5 years of follow-up. Of 51 participants, 45 seroconverted between any two seminannual visits and 6 were found to have been infected just prior to study entry. Five enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), two immunoblots, and an HIV-1 P24 antigen capture assay were performed on a panel of all serial serum samples from these individuals. The sensitivity of ELISAs varied between 50 and 84% in seroconverters with less-developed antibody response. In this group of seroconverters, the most sensitive antibody assay was an immunoblot from Biotech (95%) and HIV-1 P24 was found infrequently (9.5%). The sensitivities of ELISAs and immunoblot were 100% in individuals with more-developed antibody patterns, and no HIV-1 P24 was detected among them.
Role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in ruptured hepatic hydatid cyst.

AIM To report endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) findings of intrabiliary hydatid cyst rupture. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective study of cases with intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cyst was conducted. A total of 4 cases (all female with a mean age of 32 years) were included. ERCP and ultrasound data were evaluated. Assessment involved number, location, size, internal and wall characteristics of cyst; intrahepatic biliary radicle dilatation (IHBRD); common bile duct (CBD) dilatation and evidence of extrabiliary rupture on ultrasound. ERCP evaluation included IHBRD, CBD dilatation, communication between cysts and intrahepatic biliary radicles (IHBR) and filling defects within the IHBR and CBD. Treatment details were also obtained. RESULTS A total of 5 cysts were evaluated in 4 patients. Left lobe cysts were most common (n=4). Segment II/III were the most commonly affected segments (n=3). Cyst outline was smooth and cystobiliary communication noted in all cases. Deformation of cyst wall was noted in 2 cases. Isolated (left or right) IHBRD lateralised to the side of the cyst was most common (n=4). CBD dilatation was seen in all cases with a mean calibre of 1.4 cm. Concomitant extrabiliary rupture was seen in 3 cases. Endoscopic management was done in all cases without complications. Three patients underwent surgical excision after a mean period of 8 weeks following ERCP. CONCLUSION Isolated IHBRD lateralized to the side of hydatid cyst with CBD dilatation is the commonest ERCP finding of intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cyst.
Time of implantation of the conceptus and loss of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND Implantation of the conceptus is a key step in pregnancy, but little is known about the time of implantation or the relation between the time of implantation and the outcome of pregnancy. METHODS We collected daily urine samples for up to six months from 221 women attempting to conceive after ceasing to use contraception. Ovulation was identified on the basis of the ratio of urinary estrogen metabolites to progesterone metabolites, which changes rapidly with luteinization of the ovarian follicle. The time of implantation was defined by the appearance of chorionic gonadotropin in maternal urine. RESULTS There were 199 conceptions, for 95 percent of which (189) we had sufficient data for analysis. Of these 189 pregnancies, 141 (75 percent) lasted at least six weeks past the last menstrual period, and the remaining 48 pregnancies (25 percent) ended in early loss. Among the pregnancies that lasted six weeks or more, the first appearance of chorionic gonadotropin occurred 6 to 12 days after ovulation; 118 women (84 percent) had implantation on day 8, 9, or 10. The risk of early pregnancy loss increased with later implantation (P<0.001). Among the 102 conceptuses that implanted by the ninth day, 13 percent ended in early loss. This proportion rose to 26 percent with implantation on day 10, to 52 percent on day 11, and to 82 percent after day 11. CONCLUSIONS In most successful human pregnancies, the conceptus implants 8 to 10 days after ovulation. The risk of early pregnancy loss increases with later implantation.
Can the case-control method be used to assess the impact of water supply and sanitation on diarrhoea? A study in the Philippines.

This study had 2 objectives: 1) to determine whether a case-control approach is an effective measure for assessing the effect of improved sanitation on bacterial diarrhea, and 2) to assess the effects of environmental sanitation on diarrheal disease in Cebu. The study took place during the warm, rainy months (July-September) of 1985. The study population consisted of 281 children under 2 who were treated at 1 of 16 clinics for diarrhea due to Escherichia coli, salmonella, shigella, and Vibrio cholerae. The controls were 384 children under 2 who were brought to the clinics for respiratory ailments and did not have diarrhea. Environmental sanitation was classed as "good" if the bacterial count in the water supply was low (i.e., water was obtained from the municipal water supply or bore holes) and if excreta disposal was adequate (i.e., there were flush toilets, sealed latrines, or pit latrines). Water quantity was measured by the number of times the child was bathed. The effects of the exposure variables on the study children were determined by logistic regression analyses adjusted for confounding variables, which included sex, educational level of the household, breast feeding, attendance at well-baby clinics, number of children under 5 in the household, and frequency of bathing the child. The results of the study showed that improved sanitation reduced the episodes of bacterial diarrhea by 40%, and that case-control studies with sample sizes of about of about 500 cases and 500 controls are adequate to detect disease reductions of 33% or more.
The role of timing deviations and target position uncertainty on temporal attending in a serial auditory pitch discrimination task

Listeners were presented with sequences of tones that ascended in semitone intervals. On each trial a single target tone in the sequence was displaced in pitch, and listeners were required to indicate whether the target tone was higher or lower than its normal pitch. Task constraints, specifically target serial position uncertainty and the probabilistic relationship between time deviations and target tones, were varied in order to determine the impact of task constraints on temporal attending strategy. When listeners had no advance knowledge of the serial position of the target, and early and late targets provided information regarding target serial position, performance was better for early and late target trials than for on-time target trials (Experiment 1). When listeners had no advance knowledge of the serial position of the target, and early and late temporal deviations provided no information regarding target serial position, performance for late target trials was superior to that for early and on-time target trials (Experiment 2). Finally, when target serial position uncertainty was eliminated, performance was equivalent across all three levels of target timing (early, on time, late). The results indicate that performance profiles based on stimulus timing properties are affected by various task constraints as well as by stimulus properties.