Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The ‘Dogs of the Dow’ strategy revisited: Finnish evidence

This paper re-examines the performance of the ‘Dogs of the Dow’ (DoD) investment strategy in a different market setting and over a different time period. In particular, we use Finnish data over the period 1988–2008 to examine whether the DoD strategy can be successfully replicated in different types of markets and in different market conditions. Our empirical findings suggest that the DoD investment strategy is profitable in the Finnish stock market. The DoD strategy outperforms the market index with an average (median) annual abnormal return of 4.5% (7.5%). The outperformance of the DoD strategy appears particularly pronounced in stock market downturns. Furthermore, our results indicate that the DoD strategy outperforms the market index even after most risk adjustments and thereby suggest that the outperformance of the strategy is not merely a compensation for higher risk. Nevertheless, we also document that the superior returns of the DoD strategy may be largely attributed to the winner–loser effect.
External Financing in the Life Insurance Industry: Evidence from the Financial Crisis

The financial crisis and subsequent recession generated sizable operating losses for life insurance companies, yet the consequences were far less significant than for other financial intermediaries. The ability to quickly generate new capital through external issuance and dividend reductions let life insurers maintain healthy levels of equity capital. We use this experience to examine the causes and consequences of external capital issuance by U.S. life insurance companies. We show that, in general, new capital is issued both to support the growth of new business and to replace capital depleted by operating losses. This second channel is particularly important during macroeconomic recessions. Notably, we do not find any evidence that insurers had difficulty generating new capital, unlike other financial service providers that required large amounts of public support. For life insurers, what changed following the financial crisis was the demand to raise external capital, but the supply of external capital appears to have remained constant.
Characterization of tick antigens inducing host immune resistance. I. Immunization of guinea pigs with Amblyomma americanum-derived salivary gland extracts and identification of an important salivary gland protein antigen with guinea pig anti-tick antibodies.

Guinea pigs immunized by subcutaneous injection of an emulsion of incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) containing tick salivary gland extract antigens (SGA) from partially fed female ticks expressed a significant level of tick rejection when challenged 17 days later. This level of tick rejection was similar to animals actively sensitized by tick feeding and challenged at the same time. SGA emulsified with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or administered with saline was ineffective. However, ticks that fed on animals immunized with SGA+IFA or SGA+CFA expressed significant reductions in engorgement weight. SGA was active when prepared with or without protease inhibitors. The minimum effective immunizing dose of SGA was between 100 and 280 micrograms per animal. Extracts made from salivary gland-derived cement material (CA) from partially fed female ticks administered at 50 micrograms in IFA induced levels of tick rejection comparable to animals immunized with 280 micrograms of SGA+IFA. Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS/PAGE) of 35S- and 125I-radiolabeled SGA and CA extracts immunoprecipitated by guinea pig anti-tick serum that transferred immune resistance demonstrated a unique protein of 20,000 m.w. Serum from animals immunized with SGA+IFA (successful immunization) recognized this same protein, whereas serum from animals immunized with SGA+CFA (unsuccessful immunization) did not. The results of this study suggest that a 20,000 m.w. protein derived from the tick salivary gland may be responsible for the induction and perhaps elicitation of host immune resistance responses to Amblyomma americanum ticks.
Suspicion of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Transmission between Cattle and Wild-Living Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) by Multitarget Genotyping

ABSTRACT Multitarget genotyping of the etiologic agent Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis is necessary for epidemiological tracing of paratuberculosis (Johne's disease). The study was undertaken to assess the informative value of different typing techniques and individual genome markers by investigation of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis transmission between wild-living red deer and farmed cattle with known shared habitats. Fifty-three M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis type II isolates were differentiated by short sequence repeat analysis (SSR; 4 loci), mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit–variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MIRU-VNTR; 8 loci), and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis based on IS900 (IS900-RFLP) using BstEII and PstI digestion. Isolates originated from free-living red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Eifel National Park (n = 13), six cattle herds living in the area of this park (n = 23), and five cattle herds without any contact with these red deer (n = 17). Data based on individual herds and genotypes verified that SSR G2 repeats did not exhibit sufficient stability for epidemiological studies. Two common SSR profiles (without G2 repeats), nine MIRU-VNTR patterns, and nine IS900-RFLP patterns were detected, resulting in 17 genotypes when combined. A high genetic variability was found for red deer and cattle isolates within and outside Eifel National Park, but it was revealed only by combination of different typing techniques. Results imply that within this restricted area, wild-living and farmed animals maintain a reservoir for specific M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis genotypes. No host relation of genotypes was obtained. Results suggested that four genotypes had been transmitted between and within species and that one genotype had been transmitted between cattle herds only. Use of multitarget genotyping for M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis type II strains and sufficiently stable genetic markers is essential for reliable interpretations of epidemiological studies on paratuberculosis.
Capillary Electrophoresis Analysis of Conventional Splicing Assays: IARC Analytical and Clinical Classification of 31 BRCA2 Genetic Variants

Rare sequence variants in “high‐risk” disease genes, often referred as unclassified variants (UVs), pose a serious challenge to genetic testing. However, UVs resulting in splicing alterations can be readily assessed by in vitro assays. Unfortunately, analytical and clinical interpretation of these assays is often challenging. Here, we explore this issue by conducting splicing assays in 31 BRCA2 genetic variants. All variants were assessed by RT‐PCR followed by capillary electrophoresis and direct sequencing. If assays did not produce clear‐cut outputs (Class‐2 or Class‐5 according to analytical International Agency for Research on Cancer guidelines), we performed qPCR and/or minigene assays. The latter were performed with a new splicing vector (pSAD) developed by authors of the present manuscript (patent #P201231427 CSIC). We have identified three clinically relevant Class‐5 variants (c.682‐2A>G, c.7617+1G>A, and c.8954‐5A>G), and 27 analytical Class‐2 variants (not inducing splicing alterations). In addition, we demonstrate that rs9534262 (c.7806‐14T>C) is a BRCA2 splicing quantitative trait locus.
The Relationship Between Hemodialysis Modality and Insulin Resistance in Non-Diabetic Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Although various modalities of hemodialysis (HD) are presumed to have different effects on insulin resistance (IR), the relationship between hemodiafiltration (HDF) and IR has not been fully evaluated. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 82 non-diabetic HD patients were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to the median homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA-IR) value of 1.685. Clinical and biochemical data were compared, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent factors associated with higher HOMA-IR. Results: The higher HOMA-IR group had increased body mass index (BMI), decreased HDL cholesterol, and lower beta-2 microglobulin reduction rate (β2-MG RR) compared to the lower HOMA-IR group. HOMA-IR was significantly correlated with β2-MG RR. In addition, HDF patients had lower HOMA-IR levels compared with low flux hemodialysis patients. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, BMI and HDF treatment were independent factors associated with higher and lower HOMA-IR, respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that HDF treatment may reduce IR in non-diabetic HD patients.
The anti-infarct effect of an adenosine A1-selective agonist is diminished after prolonged infusion as is the cardioprotective effect of ischaemic preconditioning in rabbit heart.

Our aim was to determine whether adenosine A1 receptor-mediated protection could be maintained for a prolonged period of time by a continuous infusion of an A1-selective agonist. To produce myocardial infarction a branch of the left coronary artery of rabbit hearts was occluded for 30 min and reperfused for 3 h. Infarct size was determined with tetrazolium staining. Prior to the 30 min ischaemia, rabbits were subjected to one of the following six protocols: (1) 6 h i.v. saline infusion; (2) 6 h i.v. CCPA (0.043 mg/kg/h) infusion; (3) 72 h saline infusion; (4) 72 h CCPA infusion; (5) 72 h CCPA infusion plus preconditioning with 5 min ischaemia followed by 10 min reperfusion; (6) 72 h saline infusion plus preconditioning. The 6 h CCPA infusion group had significantly smaller infarct sizes than the 6 h vehicle group. 16.2 +/- 2.9% infarction of the ischaemic region v 39.5 +/- 2.6%, P < 0.01. Infarction in the 72 h CCPA infusion group (37.7 +/- 2.7%) was the same as in the 72 h vehicle group (35.2 +/- 3.1%). Ischaemic preconditioning could not limit infarct size in 72 h CCPA animals (%infarction; 29.1 +/- 4.6%) but did protect animals given vehicle for 72 h (8.4 +/- 1.2%, P < 0.01). After 72 h infusion of CCPA, both the cardioprotective effect of adenosine A1-selective agonist and ischaemic preconditioning were attenuated. These findings indicate that: (1) the myocytes become desensitized to the protective effect of CCPA with prolonged exposure; and (2) ischaemic preconditioning is no longer protective when tachyphylaxis to CCPA occurs.
Catastrophizing: A Risk Factor For Postsurgical Pain

Objective: This research was designed to test the hypothesis that presurgery "catastrophizing" would predict postsurgical pain and postsurgical analgesic consumption. Methods: A sample of 48 individuals who underwent anterior cruciate ligament repair participated in the study. All participants completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (described by Sullivan et al in 1995) prior to surgery. Measures of pain (pain scores on a scale of 0-10) were obtained in the postanesthetic care unit, as well as 1, 2, and 7 days after surgery. Opioid and nonopioid analgesic consumption was tabulated while patients were in the hospital and after discharge. Results: Results showed that the Pain Catastrophizing Scale was a significant predictor of acute postsurgical pain in the postanesthetic care unit (r = 0.48, P = 0.004 for maximum pain in the postanesthetic care unit). Maximum pain ratings in patients with high Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores (> median of 13) were 33% to 74% higher numerically than in patients with low Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores (≤ median), and the duration of moderate-severe pain (>3/10) was more prolonged (45 minutes versus 28 minutes in patients with high and low Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores, respectively; P < 0.05). The Pain Catastrophizing Scale was also predictive of pain with activity at 24 hours (r = 0.65 for pain on walking, P ≤ 0.0001). The Pain Catastrophizing Scale did not predict postoperative analgesic use. Conclusion: The pattern of findings suggests that high catastrophizing scores may be a risk factor for heightened pain following surgery. Clinical and theoretical implications of the findings are addressed.
How ‘capital’ are capital cities on the Internet?

Capital cities are gateways to countries or sometimes to broader political entities, such as Brussels for the European Union. They are also often major tourist destinations. A capital city has a symbolic value and is the political decision-making centre. Consequently, capital cities are places of power displayed through urban spatial development and often through heritage sites. This paper therefore looks at different capitals – new and old – to examine the use of ‘capitalness’ in their promotion on the Internet. The aim is to determine whether capital cities make a difference, by highlighting particular features and assets which are related to ‘capital tourism’ and the role of the city as national or supranational capital on their websites. More particularly, we examine the way in which these capitals promote tourism and the extent to which being a capital city actually plays a role in the choice of promoted sights and attractions. By means of a comparative study, this paper analyses the websites of capital cities and their ‘capitalness’ in terms of city branding.
Clinical Features and Outcome in HCV-positive Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

The clinical features and outcome of 25 previously untreated aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were evaluated retrospectively. The patients included 18 males and 7 females with a median age of 66 years. The median observation period for survivors was 32 months. Although there were no patients with hepatocellular carcinoma during the follow-up period, 7 patients had cirrhosis (LC) at the initiation of therapy for NHL. Seventeen patients (68%) had initial extranodal involvement including 2 cases with liver involvement. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate in the whole group was 46%, and the 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) rate of patients with complete response (CR) was 48%. Patients with non-cirrhosis (n=18) showed better OS (P=0.04) compared with patients with LC (n=7) and 5-year OS rates were 55 and 21%, respectively. Fourteen patients died in the whole group; 4 of NHL and 2 of liver failure in the LC group and 8 of NHL in the non-cirrhotic group. Among the latter 8 patients, cumulative dose (CD) of doxorubicin (ADR) and cyclophosphamide (CPA) were significantly lower than those of survivors with non-cirrhosis. In conclusion, patients with HCV-positive aggressive NHL have a similar prognosis as HCV-negative aggressive NHL. In non-cirrhotic patients, attention should be paid to the CD of drugs required to cure the aggressive NHL.
CEO turnover and firm performance, evidence from Thailand

Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) turnover and firm performance and the moderating effects of ownership structure and board structure with respect to listed non‐financial companies in Thailand.Design/methodology/approach – Logit model is employed to analyze the relationship between CEO turnover and firm performance.Findings – The paper finds that both ownership and board structure have effects on the relationship between CEO turnover and firm performance. The probability of CEO turnover is lower when the firm is controlled by family, the CEO is part of the controlling family, and board size is larger. Contrary to previous studies, sensitivity of CEO turnover to firm performance is higher with the presence of CEO duality and lower degree of board independence. When a CEO continues to work beyond retirement age, the probability of turnover is not associated with firm performance.Originality/value – This study provides evidence that CEO duality and l.
Biodegradable Polymeric Nanoparticles Show High Efficacy and Specificity at DNA Delivery to Human Glioblastoma in Vitro and in Vivo

Current glioblastoma therapies are insufficient to prevent tumor recurrence and eventual death. Here, we describe a method to treat malignant glioma by nonviral DNA delivery using biodegradable poly(β-amino ester)s (PBAEs), with a focus on the brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs), the tumor cell population believed to be responsible for the formation of new tumors and resistance to many conventional therapies. We show transfection efficacy of >60% and low biomaterial-mediated cytotoxicity in primary human BTICs in vitro even when the BTICs are grown as 3-D oncospheres. Intriguingly, we find that these polymeric nanoparticles show intrinsic specificity for nonviral transfection of primary human BTICs over primary healthy human neural progenitor cells and that this specificity is not due to differences in cellular growth rate or total cellular uptake of nanoparticles. Moreover, we demonstrate that biodegradable PBAE/DNA nanoparticles can be fabricated, lyophilized, and then stored for at least 2 years without losing efficacy, increasing the translational relevance of this technology. Using lyophilized nanoparticles, we show transgene expression by tumor cells after intratumoral injection into an orthotopic murine model of human glioblastoma. PBAE/DNA nanoparticles were more effective than naked DNA at exogenous gene expression in vivo, and tumor cells were transfected more effectively than noninvaded brain parenchyma in vivo. This work shows the potential of nonviral gene delivery tools to target human brain tumors.
Engaging Millennial Students in an Engineering Classroom using Extreme Pedagogy

Students of the millennial generation, born in the late twentieth century, have been raised in an environment of technology, entertainment, information and social connections. Unlike their predecessors in the previous generation, they have different educational expectations. The differences these students bring to the classroom are a challenge and also an opportunity for the instructors to provide useful learning experiences to these students. Traditional pedagogy, which is characterized by lecture-styled teaching seems to be inappropriate to respond to the needs and characteristics of the millennials. This paper discusses the unique characteristics of the millennial students, limitations of the traditional pedagogy to serve the millennials and proposes a novel pedagogy called, Extreme Pedagogy as an alternative to engage effectively today’s students in the engineering classroom.
Does Business Diversification Affect Performance

* In spite of the trend toward diversification during the past decade, relatively little is known about the relationship between financial performance and the extent to which a firm diversifies. This study relates several measures of financial performance to the degree of relatedness of a firm's operations. The empirical question of whether shareholder value is increased through increasing amounts of diversification is investigated. The study concludes that firms diversifying into unrelated areas have been able to generate superior performance over those with predominantly related businesses.
N-acetylcysteine administration does not improve patient outcome after liver resection.

BACKGROUND Post-operative hepatic dysfunction is a major cause of concern when undertaking a liver resection. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a result of hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury can result in hepatocellular injury. Experimental evidence suggests that N-acetylcysteine may ameliorate ROS-mediated liver injury. METHODS A cohort of 44 patients who had undergone a liver resection and receiving peri-operative N-acetylcysteine (NAC) were compared with a further cohort of 44 patients who did not. Liver function tests were compared on post-operative days 1, 3 and 5. Peri-operative outcome data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database within our unit. RESULTS Administration of NAC was associated with a prolonged prothrombin time on the third post-operative day (18.4 versus 16.4 s; P = 0.002). The incidence of grades B and C liver failure was lower in the NAC group although this difference did not reach statistical significance (6.9% versus 14%; P = 0.287). The overall complication rate was similar between groups (32% versus 25%; P = ns). There were two peri-operative deaths in the NAC group and one in the control group (P = NS). CONCLUSION In spite of promising experimental evidence, this study was not able to demonstrate any advantage in the routine administration of peri-operative NAC in patients undergoing a liver resection.
Shrinking the world: Improvements in the speed of information transmission, c. 1820–1870

It is commonly believed that not much happened in the transmission of information before the introduction of the electric telegraph. This article, however, argues that this was not the case, that quite a substantial improvement in the speed of information transmission had already taken place a few decades before this technical breakthrough. Between 1820 and 1860, global dispatch times diminished remarkably, on average to about a third of what they had been around 1820. This implies that on most routes the improvement during these three decades amounted to more saved days than was achieved after the introduction of the electric telegraph. The development can be described as an evolution which started in Europe in the 1830s and was diffused gradually all over the world. The first transcontinental communications to benefit were those across the North Atlantic and to the Far East, with South America, Africa and Australia clearly trailing behind. The â€˜take-offâ€™ was initially connected with the introduction of steamships on coastal or short sea routes and subsequently on increasingly long ocean voyages. However, even traditional overland mail-coach connections improved as also did sailing-ship (â€˜packetâ€™) connections over the North Atlantic until the late 1830s. It was only in the late 1840s and 1850s that railways started to shrink distances within Continental Europe.
FDI Location and Special Economic Zones in the Philippines

This paper analyzes the location behavior of foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the Philippines from 1987â€“1998 and points out the role special economic zones (SEZs) and infrastructure play in this location decision. The effects of real income, wages, skills, SEZs, highways and ports on the probability that a manufacturing FDI firm chooses a region are estimated using a negative binomial count model. Results yield expected signs and significant coefficients for all variables except for skills. Regressions were also run for 1987â€“1992 and 1993â€“1998 subâ€ periods to examine structural changes. The stark shift of investments from Metro Manila into other regions during the latter period shows some possible spillover effects of the SEZs as well as infrastructure development carried out in the previous transitional subâ€ period. Significant marginal effects are highest for paved highways and ports, which strongly indicate that improvement of these two regional factors increase the probability of FDI location.