Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do Analysts’ Cash Flow Forecasts Improve Their Target Price Accuracy?

The literature on the usefulness of analysts’ cash flow forecasts is unsettled, with Call et al. (2009), Mohanram (2014), and Radhakrishnan and Wu (2014) providing evidence in favor of their usefulness, and Givoly et al. (2009), Bilinski (2014), and Ecker and Schipper (2014) questioning this. Target prices provide a good setting to test the usefulness of cash flow forecasts because they are an ultimate output of an analyst's valuation process to which cash flow forecasts are an input. Moreover, studying the effect of cash flow forecasts on target prices is more relevant for assessing their usefulness than is studying their effect on earnings forecast accuracy, as the accuracy of target prices requires a comparison with market prices, which are less subject to management influence than reported earnings. By improving an analyst's understanding of unexpected accruals and permanent earnings, a cash flow forecast can increase an analyst's target price accuracy and signal an analyst's superior forecasting ability. We examine whether, conditional on their earnings forecasts, analysts’ cash flow forecasts improve their target price accuracy. We find that when analysts issue cash flow forecasts, their target price accuracy increases. We also find that this accuracy increases with the accuracy of their cash flow forecasts. Finally, we find that this increased target price accuracy is greater for more challenging-to-value firms. Our study provides confirmatory evidence of the usefulness of analysts’ cash flow forecasts.
An educational intervention improves developmental progress of young children in a Romanian orphanage.

From 1991 to 1994, a group of Romanian and American colleagues undertook an experimental and humanitarian effort to try to improve the quality of life, mental health, and developmental progress of young children in a Romanian orphanage. In the context of institutional care, we experimentally introduced stable adult-child relationships, small group size, and a protocol of enriched caregiving and educational activities. These procedures were adapted from an intervention in childcare centers in the United States that had been proven effective in reducing intellectual decline in at-risk children. Developmental scores for orphanage children were derived from the Denver II (a revision of the Denver Developmental Screening Test; Frankenburg & Dodds, 1990), which was translated into Romanian and administered as a pre- and posttest to the experimental subjects and comparison groups in the same institution. Mixed models combining both within- and between-subject heterogeneous variance-covariance structures were utilized to analyze the impacts of time, intervention/control group assignment, child sex, child age, and interaction of Group × Time on the developmental scores. For the developmental outcome variables, the effects of group assignment (experimental vs. comparison) were highly significant. There also was a Group × Time interaction effect. We conclude that an educational intervention which includes the addition of resources and training can be initiated and sustained in an orphanage for young children as a way of improving institutional care. ©2005 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
Anal intercourse: a risk factor for anal papillomavirus infection in women?

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether anal intercourse is a risk factor for anal HPV infection in women. DESIGN--Results derived from clinical examination, anal cytology and HPV DNA hybridisation were correlated with data obtained from a questionnaire administered to the patients at the time of their clinical examination. SETTING--A sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic in Sydney, Australia. SUBJECTS--31 women attending the clinic for HPV related problems. METHODS AND RESULTS--A thorough history was elicited from each woman followed by physical examination of the anogenital region. Cervical and anal scrapes were collected for cytology and HPV DNA hybridisation. Of the 15 women who practised anal intercourse, a total of 12 (80%) had either clinical or subclinical HPV infection. Seven had overt anal warts, situated either internally or externally in the anal canal; and further 5 women had evidence of subclinical HPV infection as determined by positive cytological and/or HPV DNA hybridisation results on their anal scrapes. The women who did not have a history of anal intercourse had a lower (7/16, 43%), but not statistically significant, rate of anal HPV infection: five had anal warts and two had subclinical evidence of infection. No correlations were found between anal HPV infection and genital (cervical, vulval or vaginal) HPV infection; nor between the HPV typing patterns of women in either group. CONCLUSION--The results obtained from these women do not indicate a close relationship between anal intercourse and the presence of detectable anal HPV infection.
Using whole genome sequencing to study American foulbrood epidemiology in honeybees

American foulbrood (AFB), caused by Paenibacillus larvae, is a devastating disease in honeybees. In most countries, the disease is controlled through compulsory burning of symptomatic colonies causing major economic losses in apiculture. The pathogen is endemic to honeybees world-wide and is readily transmitted via the movement of hive equipment or bees. Molecular epidemiology of AFB currently largely relies on placing isolates in one of four ERIC-genotypes. However, a more powerful alternative is multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) using whole-genome sequencing (WGS), which allows for high-resolution studies of disease outbreaks. To evaluate WGS as a tool for AFB-epidemiology, we applied core genome MLST (cgMLST) on isolates from a recent outbreak of AFB in Sweden. The high resolution of the cgMLST allowed different bacterial clones involved in the disease outbreak to be identified and to trace the source of infection. The source was found to be a beekeeper who had sold bees to two other beekeepers, proving the epidemiological link between them. No such conclusion could have been made using conventional MLST or ERIC-typing. This is the first time that WGS has been used to study the epidemiology of AFB. The results show that the technique is very powerful for high-resolution tracing of AFB-outbreaks.
Inkjet Printed Silver Nanoparticle Humidity Sensor With Memory Effect on Paper

In this paper, the design and the manufacture of an inkjet printed resistive type humidity sensor on paper are reported. After having been exposed to humidity above a given threshold level, the resistance of the sensor decreases substantially and remains at that level even when the humidity is reduced. It is possible to deduce the humidity level by monitoring the resistance. The main benefit of the printed sensor presented in this case is in relation to its very low production costs. It has also been shown that both the ink type and this paper combination used prove to be crucial in order to obtain the desired sensor effect. More research is required in order to fully understand the humidity sintering effect on the nano particle ink and the role of the substrate. However, the observed effect can be put to use in printed humidity sensors which possess a memory function. The sensor can be used in various applications for environmental monitoring, for example, in situations where a large number of inexpensive and disposable humidity sensors are required which are able to detect whether they have been subjected to high humidity. This could be the checking of transportation conditions of goods or monitoring humidity within buildings.
Smart integrated conditioning electronics for electrostatic vibration energy harvesters

This paper presents an overview of problems related to electronic conditioning of capacitive transducers used for the kinetic energy conversion. It proposes a methodology for the system-level and circuit-level design of conditioning electronics for electrostatic energy harvesters so to comply with the requirements of realistic applications: long-lasting operation, self-calibration, low consumed power and the implementation using the integrated circuit CMOS technology. An original architecture of a self-calibrating conditioning circuit is proposed. The paper gives a review of main design challenges related to this architecture, explains the motivation of the technology choice, provides insight into critical blocks and presents intermediate results of design.
The Impact of Export Promotion Programs on Firms’ Export Competencies and Performance in a Transition Economy: The Case of Russian Manufacturers

Abstract This study evaluates the effects of export promotion programs (EPPs) in Russian manufacturers. It examines a multi-dimensional set of subjective and objective indicators including the level of awareness, use, the perception of usefulness, as well as different intermediate export marketing results, and final performance indicators. The results show that most EPPs are successful in attaining their goals as to improving firms’ export marketing competencies. Though, at the same time, they point to clear problems, regarding program awareness, availability, and accessibility. The paper concludes with a discussion about managerial and public policy implications.
Gene Profiling of Cottontail Rabbit Papillomavirus-Induced Carcinomas Identifies Upregulated Genes Directly Involved in Stroma Invasion as Shown by Small Interfering RNA-Mediated Gene Silencing

ABSTRACT To investigate changes in cellular gene expression associated with malignant progression, we identified differentially expressed genes in a cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) squamous carcinoma model employing New Zealand White rabbits. The technique of suppression subtractive cDNA hybridization was applied to pairs of mRNA isolates from CRPV-induced benign papillomas and carcinomas, with each pair derived from the same individual rabbit. The differential expression of 23 subtracted cDNAs was further confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) with additional biopsies. Eight papilloma-carcinoma pairs examined showed a constant upregulation of the transcripts for the multifunctional adaptor protein 14-3-3 ζ and the Y-box binding transcription factor YB-1, whereas transcripts for m-type calpain 2 and NB thymosin β, which are involved in cell motility and tissue invasion, as well as casein kinase 1 α, chaperonin, and annexin I, were found to be upregulated in the majority of the cases. RNA-RNA in situ hybridization and laser capture microdissection in combination with quantitative RT-PCR analysis verified the deregulated expression of the transcripts in the tumor cells. In contrast, CRPV E7 transcript levels remained rather constant indicating no requirement for a further upregulation of E7 expression following tumor induction. Small interfering RNA-mediated interference with expression of genes encoding YB-1, m-type calpain 2, or NB thymosin β in a CRPV-positive cell line established from New Zealand White rabbit keratinocytes resulted in decreased cell invasion in matrigel chamber assays.
A Multiplex SYBR Green Real-Time PCR Assay for the Detection of Three Colistin Resistance Genes from Cultured Bacteria, Feces, and Environment Samples

The aim of the study was to develop a multiplex assay for rapid detection of mcr-1, mcr-2, and mcr-3, a group of genes of conferring resistance to colistin mediated by plasmid in Enterobacteriaceae. A SYBR Green based real-time PCR assay has been designed to detect the mcr genes, and applied to cultured bacteria, feces and soil samples. All three mcr genes could be detected with a lower limit of 102 cultured bacteria. This test was highly specific and sensitive, and generated no false-positive results. The assay was also conclusive when applied to feces and soil samples containing mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli, which could facilitate the screening of mcr genes not only in the bacteria, but also directly from the environment. This simple, rapid, sensitive, and specific multiplex assay will be useful for rapid screening of the colistin resistance in both clinical medicine and animal husbandry.
Reliability and Validity of GDP Time Series in Asia

There is much literature on the topic of statistical comparability of African countries. However, the focus on Africa has left an information gap for other regions. This paper aims to fill some of that gap by comparing GDP data on Asian countries from some of the most frequently used datasets. Additionally, by comparing the base years and versions of the system of national accounts of Asian countries, an indication of the comparability of their national accounts is acquired. It is concluded that although the general comparability between the datasets is good, there are cases of large differences that can cause data users to come to different conclusions depending on what dataset is being used. To find and reduce the impact of these cases, it is recommended to cross-compare the datasets and, in the case of growth rates, average longer periods when possible. It is also found that the quality of Asian countries’ statistics can vary substantially and therefore caution is advised when comparing countries. Finally, an improvement to the World Bank’s statistical capacity indicator is suggested since it would have great benefits for data users. (Less)
EPOPROSTENOL IMPROVES MUCOSAL TISSUE OXYGEN TENSION IN AN ACUTE ENDOTOXEMIC PIG MODEL

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of increasing dosages of continuously infused epoprostenol (PGI), a prostacyclin analog, on intestinal oxygen supply and jejunal mucosal tissue oxygen tension in an acute endotoxic pig model. Jejunal mucosal tissue PO2, oxygen saturation of jejunal microvascular hemoglobin, and gut microvascular blood flow were investigated. Systemic hemodynamic variables, mesenteric-venous and systemic acid base and blood gas variables, and lactate measurements were recorded. Measurements were performed at baseline, after Escherichia coli LPS administration, and at 20-min intervals during incremental PGI infusion (n = 8; 25, 50, 100, and 200&mgr;g·kg−1·h−1, respectively); or infusion of an equal amount of isotonic sodium chloride solution (n = 7). LPS infusion led to a significant decrease in mucosal tissue oxygen tension and microvascular hemoglobin oxygen saturation. Epoprostenol infusion led to a significant, dose-dependent increase in cardiac index and systemic oxygen delivery. Mucosal tissue oxygen tension and microvascular hemoglobin oxygen saturation increased after PGI administration and even returned to more-than-baseline values. Continuously infused PGI increased intestinal hemoglobin oxygen saturation and mucosal tissue oxygen tension in a dose-dependent manner mainly due to an increase in villus blood flow in this acute endotoxic pig model.
Throughput analysis of adaptive flow control protocol for optical packet switching networks

Optical packet switching network is expected to be the most hopeful candidate for future high-speed internetworking since it is characteristic of large capacity and fine granularity. However, due to lack of effective memory in optical domain for buffering, packet loss event happens even when the load of network is relatively low. This phenomenon overthrows the prerequisite assumption of TCP, which regards packet loss event as the sign of network congestion and decreases the sending rate accordingly. As a result, unnecessary slow down will adversely affect the throughput of optical packet switching network if TCP is adopted. In this paper, we propose a novel flow control algorithm which adaptively controls packet size together with window size in order to improve throughput for optical packet switching network. We evaluate it by simulation on throughput improvement and other properties including convergence and fairness
Role of JAK2–STAT3 in TLR2‐mediated tissue factor expression

Tissue factor (TF) is a core protein with an essential function in the coagulation cascade that maintains the homeostasis of the blood vessels. TF not only participates in neointima formation, but also causes the development of atherosclerosis. This study investigated the mechanism regulating TF expression in macrophages using Pam3CSK4, a TLR2 ligand. Pam3CSK4 induced TF expression in two types of macrophages (Raw264.7 and BMDM), but not in TLR2 KO mice derived BMDM. Pam3CSK4 induced TF expression was inhibited by pretreatment with pan‐JAK inhibitor or JAK2 inhibitor AG490. JAK2 knock‐down by siRNA inhibited Pam3CSK4 induced TF expression. Pam3CSK4 stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation (S727), while STAT3 knock‐down by siRNA reduced Pam3CSK4 induced TF expression. These results suggest that Pam3CSK4 induced TF expression is regulated by the JAK2–STAT3 signaling pathway. Pam3CSK4, unlike increased TF expression, significantly decreased RGS2 expression, while RGS2 overexpression decreased Pam3CSK4 induced TF expression. Inhibition of TF by RGS2 WT did not occur in mutants with flawed RGS domains. We also investigated the correlation between RGS2 and STAT3 phosphorylation. RGS2 knock‐down elevated Pam3CSK4 induced STAT3 phosphorylation, but RGS2 overexpression had the opposite effect on STAT3 phosphorylation. These results suggest that, while Pam3CSK4 induced TF expression is regulated by JAK2–STAT3 signaling, RGS2 is a negative regulator targeted to STAT3. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1315–1321, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nemo‐Like Kinase (NLK) Inhibits the Progression of NSCLC via Negatively Modulating WNT Signaling Pathway

Nemo‐like kinase (NLK), an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase, is a critical regulator of various cancers. NLK expression was evaluated by Western blot in 8 paired fresh non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on 83 paraffin‐embedded slices. NLK was lowly expressed in NSCLC and significantly associated with NSCLC histological differentiation, clinical stage, lymph node status, and Ki‐67. Multivariate analysis indicated that low NLK expression was an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC patients' low survival rate. In vitro, after the release of NSCLC cell line A549 from serum starvation, the expression of NLK was downregulated, whereas the cell‐cycle‐related proteins were upregulated. In addition, we used RNA interference to knock down NLK expression, then observed its effects on NSCLC's growth in vitro. Western blot analyses indicated that deletion of NLK was positively correlated with cell‐cycle‐related proteins. The present investigation demonstrated that suppression of NLK expression resulted in significant promotion of proliferation in NSCLC cells. And flow cytometry further indicated that loss of NLK promoted cell proliferation by facilitating S‐phase and mitotic entry. Besides, the transcription activity of β‐catenin/TCF in A549 cells was remarkably enhanced when NLK was knocked down, which suggested that NLK participated in NSCLC cell proliferation via medulating Wnt signaling pathway. Based on these findings, we can provide a potential strategy for NSCLC therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 81–92, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Family Firms in the Ownership Network: Clustering, Bridging, and Embeddedness

In this article, we investigate family firms' position in the intercorporate ownership network. Rooting our predictions in the Behavioral Agency Model and a Network analytical framework, we predict and find that family involvement decreases the likelihood of business group affiliation and of cross-group ties leading to a lower embeddedness within the overall network. We predict and find the opposite effect for community involvement. We use the complete longitudinal dataset of publicly listed firms' corporate ownership ties in India (2001, 2005, and 2009). Theoretical and substantive contributions are to research on family businesses and to research on interorganizational networks.
Protection of androgen‐dependent human prostate cancer cells from oxidative stress‐induced DNA damage by overexpression of clusterin and its modulation by androgen

Recent studies reported that oxidative stress is one of the major factors associated with the progression of prostate cancer through the accumulation of DNA damage. In the present study, we investigated the effect of oxidative stress on cell injury using androgen‐dependent human prostate cancer LNCaP cells overexpressing clusterin, which has been shown to play crucial roles in the acquisition of resistance to several apoptotic stimuli.
The Effects of Ownership Structure and Intragroup Loans on Leverage: Evidence from Family Firms in Chile

ABSTRACT This article examines the effects of family control and pyramidal ownership on firms’ capital structure decisions. After studying a sample of listed family and nonfamily firms in Chile, we find that families take a conservative approach to debt and financial risk exposure. We test the hypothesis that family firms restrict the use of debt in order to avoid the monitoring role of creditors, which could limit their enjoyment of the private benefits of control. In keeping with this hypothesis, we find a U-shaped relationship between leverage and the degree of pyramidal ownership that is more pronounced among family firms than nonfamily firms. We do not find any evidence that is consistent with the hypothesis that family-controlled firms have low leverage ratios due to their access to internal capital markets. In fact, conversely, we find that listed family firms provide more loans to related companies than comparable nonfamily firms.
Cumulative prior dose of cisplatin as a cause of the nephrotoxicity of high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND Nephrotoxicity is one of the most frequent dose-limiting factors of high-dose chemotherapy to create tolerance of autologous peripheral blood stem-cell transplantation (PBSCT) for the treatment of malignant diseases. The relative importance of factors that may be responsible for the development of nephrotoxicity varied in different trials. METHODS The factors affecting nephrotoxicity in the early period of high-dose ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide treatment (ICE) followed by autologous PBSCT was investigated in 47 patients. ICE was given as a conditioning regimen for 6 days. Nephrotoxicity was defined as an increase in the serum creatinine concentration of 0.5 mg/dl or more over individual baseline levels. RESULTS Eleven patients developed nephrotoxicity (23.4%). There was no significant difference in baseline renal function between patients with nephrotoxicity and those without. No differences were found between the two groups in terms of average total doses of ICE, infections and antibiotic use. The age of patients was higher in those with nephrotoxicity (37+/-3.7 vs 26+/-1.7 years, P=0.019). The cumulative cisplatin dose administered prior to this regimen was higher in the group that developed nephrotoxicity (470 vs 227 mg/m(2), P=0.02). The overall mortality rate was 17%, but the transplant-related deaths were higher in the presence of nephrotoxicity (54.5 vs 5.5%, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS The cumulative dose of cisplatin is a strong risk factor for the development of nephrotoxicity in patients who receive high doses of ICE followed by PBSCT. Nephrotoxicity may occur with much lower doses than the currently recommended maximum doses.