Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Ownership Identity Matter? A Meta‐Analysis of Research on Firm Financial Performance in Relation to Government Versus Private Ownership

We examine whether reported ownership–performance relations systematically differ for government versus private ownership by integrating the diverse empirical results for listed corporations in emerging markets. Our meta‐analysis confirms popular perceptions that, compared to private ownership, government ownership is associated with inferior performance. We find that, on average, the underlying ownership–performance relation is negative for government ownership and positive for private ownership, and the difference between these relations is significant. We also find that the positive private ownership–performance relation is stronger for institutional/foreign ownership compared to family/management ownership. Further analysis shows that negative (positive) government (private) ownership and performance relations have weakened (strengthened) over time. Our assessment of the sources of heterogeneity shows that reported relations are biased by estimation methods that fail to adequately control for endogeneity. Our results suggest that the nature of ownership–performance relations in emerging markets remains very dynamic and warrants ongoing research interest.
Soluble transferrin receptor: a differentiating marker between iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disorders.

BACKGROUND Iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disorders are the two major causes of microcytic and hypochromic anaemia. Many times the diagnosis of these conditions becomes difficult through conventional laboratory tests. Determination of soluble transferrin receptors is a helpful laboratory test for the differential diagnosis of these conditions. The study was conducted to evaluate the role of soluble transferrin receptors in the differential diagnosis between iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disorders. METHODS A total of 80 blood samples were evaluated, i.e., 20 samples from normal adult male, 20 samples from normal adult female, 20 samples from iron deficiency anaemia group and 20 samples from patients with anaemia of chronic disorders. Soluble transferrin receptors were determined by ELISA technique using Quantikine IVD kit (R and D Systems). RESULTS There was significant difference in the levels of sTfR in iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disorders. Statistically non-significant difference was observed between the levels of sTfR in patients with anaemia of chronic disorders as compared to normal control group. CONCLUSION The sTfR determination can be used as a reliable differentiating marker in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disorders.
Population-level associations between antiretroviral therapy scale-up and all-cause mortality in South Africa

Summary Our aim was to describe the association between increasing access to antiretroviral therapy and all-cause mortality in South Africa from 2005 to 2009. We undertook a longitudinal, population-level study, using antiretroviral monitoring data reported by PEPFAR implementing partners and province-level and national all-cause mortality records from Statistics South Africa (provider of official South African government statistics) to analyse the association between antiretroviral therapy and mortality. Using mixed effects models with a random intercept for province, we estimated the contemporaneous and lagging association between antiretroviral therapy and all-cause mortality in South Africa. We also conducted subgroup analyses and estimated the number of deaths averted. For each 100 HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy reported by PEPFAR implementing partners in South African treatment programmes, there was an associated 2.9 fewer deaths that year (95% CI: 1.5, 4.2) and 6.3 fewer deaths the following year (95% CI: 4.6, 8.0). The associated decrease in mortality the year after treatment reporting was seen in both adults and children, and men and women. Treatment provided from 2005 to 2008 was associated with 28,305 deaths averted from 2006 to 2009. The scale-up of antiretroviral therapy in South Africa was associated with a significant reduction in national all-cause mortality.
Characterization of “Candidatus Piscichlamydia salmonis” (Order Chlamydiales), a Chlamydia-Like Bacterium Associated With Epitheliocystis in Farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

ABSTRACT To characterize intracellular gram-negative bacteria associated with epitheliocystis in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), gills with proliferative lesions were collected for histopathology, conventional transmission and immunoelectron microscopy, in situ hybridization, and DNA extraction during epitheliocystis outbreaks in Ireland and Norway in 1999 and 2000, respectively, and compared by ultrastructure and immunoreactivity to nonproliferative gills from Ireland archived in 1995. Genomic DNA from proliferative gills was used to amplify 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) for molecular phylogenetic analyses. Epitheliocystis inclusions from proliferative gills possessed variably elongate reticulate bodies, examples of binary fission, and vacuolated and nonvacuolated intermediate bodies, whereas inclusions in nonproliferative gills had typical chlamydial developmental stages plus distinctive head-and-tail cells. Immunogold processing using anti-chlamydial lipopolysaccharide antibody labeled reticulate bodies from proliferative and nonproliferative gills. 16S rDNA amplified directly from Irish (1999) and Norwegian (2000) gill samples demonstrated 99% nucleotide identity, and riboprobes transcribed from cloned near-full-length 16S rDNA amplicons from Norwegian gills hybridized with inclusions in proliferative lesions from Irish (1999) and Norwegian (2000) sections. A 1,487-bp consensus 16S rRNA gene sequence representing the chlamydia-like bacterium (CLB) from proliferative gills had the highest percent nucleotide identity with endosymbionts of Acanthamoeba spp. (order Chlamydiales). Molecular phylogenetic relationships inferred from 16S rRNA gene sequences using distance and parsimony indicated that the CLB from proliferative gills branched with members of the order Chlamydiales. “Candidatus Piscichlamydia salmonis” is proposed for the CLB associated with epitheliocystis from proliferative gills of Atlantic salmon, which exhibits developmental stages different from those identified in nonproliferative gills.
How Aggregate Volatility-of-Volatility Affects Stock Returns

A stylized theoretical model with stochastic volatility suggests the existence of a trade-off between returns and volatility-of-volatility. Using the VVIX, a measure of the option-implied volatility of the volatility index, we confirm this prediction and detect that time-varying aggregate volatility-of-volatility commands an economically substantial and statistically significant negative risk premium. We find that a two-standard-deviation increase in aggregate volatility-of-volatility factor loadings is associated with a decrease in average annual returns of about 11%. These results are robust to controlling for aggregate volatility, jump risk, and several other characteristics and factor sensitivities, as well as various additional tests.
Intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal associated with mast cells survive nitrergic nerves in achalasia

Abstract Achalasia is dominated by injury to inhibitory nerves. As intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC‐IM) are proposed to form functional units with nitrergic nerves, their fate in achalasia may be critically important. We studied the relationship between loss of nitrergic nerves and injury to ICC‐IM in patients with achalasia and determined associations between ICC‐IM and mast cells (MC), using quantitative immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Loss of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) immunoreactivity was completed within 3 years of acquiring achalasia. Thereafter, progressive ultrastructural injury to remaining nerve structures was evident. Within the first 2 years, the number of ICC‐IM did not decline although ultrastructural injury was already present. Thereafter, loss of ICC‐IM occurred unrelated to duration of disease. Damage to ICC‐IM appeared unrelated to nerve injury. A significant MC infiltration was observed in the musculature; the number of MC was positively related to the persistent number of ICC‐IM. Mast cell formed close contacts with ICC‐IM and piecemeal‐degranulation occurred towards ICC‐IM. In conclusion, injury to ICC‐IM in achalasia is variable, but not related to duration of disease and injury to nitrergic nerves. MC are prominent and form close functional contact with ICC‐IM which may be responsible for their relatively long survival.
A mixed-mode approach to data collection: combining web and paper questionnaires to examine nurses' attitudes to mental illness.

AIM This paper is a report an evaluation of the use of a sequential mixed-mode approach to data collection in a study of attitudes to mental illness and people with mental health problems held by Registered Nurses working in adult acute inpatient and psychiatric intensive care settings. BACKGROUND The use of electronic tools for data collection is becoming increasingly common in nursing research. Currently there is a lack of reports of the use of mixed-mode designs featuring both web and paper questionnaires. The efficacy of this approach remains unclear. METHOD Web and paper versions of a questionnaire including the Community Attitudes towards the Mentally Ill scale were distributed in 2007 to all 148 Registered Nurses working in acute care settings in an English mental healthcare organization. RESULTS The mixed-mode design was successful in increasing overall response rate. Data collection mode was indicative of statistically significantly different response rates, but had no impact on differences in nurses' socio-demographic characteristics or attitudes to mental illness. The use of email reminders had a positive impact on the web questionnaire return rate. CONCLUSION Future nursing studies could benefit from a mixed-mode study design to attain increased response rates and reduce non-response bias, although further research should be undertaken with larger groups of nurses to verify consistently the absence of mode effect on study outcomes.
Diversity among lactococci isolated from ewes’ raw milk and cheese

P. GAYA, M. BABÍN, M. MEDINA and M. NUÑEZ. 1999.The technological and genetic characteristics of lactococci present in ewes’ raw milk and 1‐d‐old ewes’ raw milk cheeses sampled over a 1‐year period were investigated. The proportion of lactic acid bacteria isolates from milk samples able to decrease milk pH by more than 1·25 units after 6 h incubation at 30 °C reached 14·5% in spring vs 10·7% in summer, 8·3% in autumn and 3·0% in winter. In 1‐d‐old cheese samples, the proportion of lactic acid bacteria able to lower milk pH by more than 1·25 units increased up to 32·3% in spring vs 23·4% in summer, 8·0% in autumn and 10·3% in winter. Fast acid‐producing lactic acid bacteria mainly belonged to the genus Lactococcus. Using polymerase chain reaction protocols, fast acid‐producing lactococci were grouped as 61 Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, 13 L. lactis subsp. cremoris and 14 L. lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting of fast acid‐producing lactococci, using two primers, resulted in 21 different RAPD patterns for L. lactis subsp. lactis isolates, nine RAPD patterns for L. lactis subsp. cremoris isolates and three RAPD patterns for L. lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis isolates. Up to 19 different RAPD patterns were found for L. lactis isolates from cheeses made in a particular month.
Accuracy of two digital implant impression systems based on confocal microscopy with variations in customized software and clinical parameters.

PURPOSE To evaluate the accuracy of two digital impression systems based on the same technology but different postprocessing correction modes of customized software, with consideration of several clinical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS A maxillary master model with six implants located in the second molar, second premolar, and lateral incisor positions was fitted with six cylindrical scan bodies. Scan bodies were placed at different angulations or depths apical to the gingiva. Two experienced and two inexperienced operators performed scans with either 3D Progress (MHT) or ZFX Intrascan (Zimmer Dental). Five different distances between implants (scan bodies) were measured, yielding five data points per impression and 100 per impression system. Measurements made with a high-accuracy three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine (CMM) of the master model acted as the true values. The values obtained from the digital impressions were subtracted from the CMM values to identify the deviations. The differences between experienced and inexperienced operators and implant angulation and depth were compared statistically. RESULTS Experience of the operator, implant angulation, and implant depth were not associated with significant differences in deviation from the true values with both 3D Progress and ZFX Intrascan. Accuracy in the first scanned quadrant was significantly better with 3D Progress, but ZFX Intrascan presented better accuracy in the full arch. CONCLUSION Neither of the two systems tested would be suitable for digital impression of multiple-implant prostheses. Because of the errors, further development of both systems is required.
The risk of developing non‐melanoma skin cancer, lymphoma and melanoma in patients with psoriasis in Taiwan: a 10‐year, population‐based cohort study

Background Hospitalized psoriasis patients are known to have a higher risk of malignancy (e.g., nonmelanoma skin cancer [NMSC], lymphoma, and melanoma) than the general population; currently, it is unclear whether this risk is affected by psoriasis severity. The aim of this study was to compare the cancer risk of patients with mild and severe psoriasis and the general population.
Empirical Pricing Kernels: A Tale of Two Tails and Volatility?

By considering options on the S&P 500 it is shown how (i) missing option data, (ii) misestimated subjective probabilities, and (iii) a time varying variance (risk-premium) lead to different empirical pricing kernels. Accounting for all these aspects, the empirical return pricing kernel is w-shaped in calm periods and u-shaped in turbulent times. Finding w-shaped return pricing kernels, this paper is the first to reveal the interconnectedness between two asset pricing "puzzles": non-monotonically decreasing return pricing kernels and u-shaped volatility pricing kernels. Based on the non-parametric estimates, a parametric option pricing model that matches the stylized facts in the return and volatility dimension is proposed. Moreover, it is shown how a simple ambiguity aversion economy generates w- and u-shaped return pricing kernels.
Sediment, carbon, and nutrient accumulation at two 10-year-old created riverine marshes

Two 1-ha riverine wetlands at the Olentangy Wetland Research Park in Columbus, Ohio, USA were constructed in 1993 with a nearly identical geomorphology and have maintained an identical hydrology since their creation. The only initial difference was that one wetland was planted with native macrophytes in 1994 while the other was not. Sediment and nutrient accumulation was evaluated in May 2004, ten years after the wetlands were created. Higher mean sediment accumulation was detected in the deeper open water (OW) zones of both wetlands (6.1 ±0.6 and 7.3 ±0.5 kg m−2 yr−1) than in the emergent (EM) vegetation zones (3.7 ±0.2 and 3.9 ±0.3 kg m−2 yr−1). Directional spatial structure associated with sediment accumulation was detected in both wetlands and was attributed to the greater accumulation in the OW zones and the gradual decrease in accumulation from inflow to outflow. Despite several years of markedly higher productivity in Wetland 2, this wetland showed no evidence of greater organic C accumulation; however, the dense Typha established during those years may have elicited greater deposition and reduced re-suspension of sediment in the OW zones. Large accumulations of Ca (235 ±23 and 235 ±15 kg m−2 yr−1) and inorganic C (71.6 ±6.9 and 70.3 ±4.8 g m−2 yr−1) in the OW zones of both wetlands suggest that CaCO3 deposition has remained a critical process where alga productivity has been highest. Annual rates of sediment and nutrient accumulation for each wetland were lower than those calculated in previous years and typically fall between ranges seen for newly created wetlands and natural wetlands.
Classifying Exchange Rate Regimes: 15 Years Later

Levy Yeyati and Sturzenegger (2001, 2003, 2005) proposed an exchange rate regime classification based on cluster analysis to group countries according to the relative volatility of exchange rates and reserves, thereby shifting the focus from a de jure to de facto approach in the empirical analysis of exchange rate policy. This note extends the classification through 2014 and broadens the country sample, increasing the number of classified country-year observations from 3335 to 5616. Based on this extension, the note documents the main stylized facts in the 2000s, including the behavior of exchange rate policy around the global financial crisis, and the prevalence of floating regimes.
Prostate specific antigen molecular forms in breast cyst fluid and serum of women with fibrocystic breast disease

We have analyzed matched serum and breast cyst fluid samples for total PSA from 148 patients with fibrocystic breast disease. We have also determined the molecular forms of PSA (free PSA and PSA bound to α1‐antichymotrypsin) in 78 breast cyst fluid samples. We found that total PSA can be detected in all cyst fluids and in about 75% of female sera. The median total PSA concentration in breast cyst fluid (bcf) is about 30 times higher than the median in the corresponding sera. Breast cyst fluid and serum PSA are not correlated with each other. Total serum PSA is inversely associated with patient age but the inverse association between bcf PSA and age is weak. Lower total PSA in bcf was seen in women who breast feed, and higher bcf PSA is associated with multiple cysts. Type I cysts (with a high K+/Na+ ratio) tend to have higher total PSA than Type II cysts. All but three of the fractionated cyst fluids (75/78; 96%) had free PSA as the predominant molecular form. The most consistent finding of our study was the positive association between the cyst fluid K+/Na+ ratio and the free to bound PSA ratio. This association was confirmed by Spearman correlation as well as by Wilcoxon and chi‐square analysis. Secretory/apocrine cysts (Type I) tend to have more total PSA and proportionally more free PSA than transudative/flattened cysts (Type II). J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 13:75–81, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic and clinical characterization of patients with an interstitial duplication 15q11‐q13, emphasizing behavioral phenotype and response to treatment

The clinical significance of an interstitial duplication of (15)(q11‐q13) remains unclear and controversial. The reported phenotypes vary widely and appear to be influenced by the parent of origin of the duplication. Aside from cases of dup(15) reported with autism, the behavioral phenotype of individuals with dup(15) has not been described. We present three families, two with intrachromosomal duplication (15)(q11‐q13) ascertained because of developmental delay in a relative. Two families show clear evidence of multigenerational maternal inheritance. The individuals discussed in this paper have minor anomalies and developmental delays. In addition, we describe a behavioral phenotype which often includes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autistic spectrum disorder. Responses to medications used to manage these behaviors are also described, including a positive response to methylphenidate and a poor response to fluoxetine. The duplication in each presenting individual, and available family members, was investigated utilizing cytogenetic and molecular techniques including high resolution cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), DNA methylation studies, and quantitative fluorescence PCR. High resolution cytogenetic techniques alone missed some cases, demonstrating the need to confirm results with other methods. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heart failure in patients with preserved and deteriorated left ventricular ejection fraction

Objectives: To determine clinical and prognostic differences between preserved and deteriorated systolic function (defined as left ventricular (LV) ejection fractions ⩾ 50% and < 50%, respectively) in patients with heart failure satisfying modified Framingham criteria. Patients and methods: Records were studied of 1252 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) (mean (SD) age 69.4 (11.7) years; 485 women, 767 men) who had been admitted to a cardiology service for CHF in the period 1991–2002 and whose LV systolic function had been echocardiographically evaluated within two weeks of admission. Data were collected on the main clinical findings, supplementary examinations, treatment, and duration of hospitalisation. Whether the patient was alive in the spring of 2003 was evaluated by searching the general archives of the hospital and by telephone survey. Results: LV systolic function was preserved in 39.8% of patients. Age, female to male sex ratio, and prevalence of atrial fibrillation, valve disease, and other non-ischaemic, non-dilated cardiopathies were all significantly greater in the group with preserved systolic function. New York Heart Association functional class IV, third heart sound, jugular vein congestion, cardiomegaly, radiological signs of lung oedema, pathological Q waves, left bundle branch block, sinus rhythm, ischaemic cardiopathy, and dilated cardiomyopathy were all significantly more prevalent in the group with deteriorated systolic function, as was treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and most other antihypertensive drugs on discharge from hospital. There was no significant difference in survival between the groups with preserved and deteriorated systolic function (either survival regardless of age at admission or in subgroups aged < 75 and ⩾ 75 years at admission). In the whole group, survival rates after one, three, and five years were 84.0%, 66.7%, and 50.9%, respectively. Conclusion: In view of the poor prognosis of patients with CHF with preserved LV systolic function, who are currently treated empirically, it is to be hoped that relevant controlled clinical trials under way will afford information allowing optimisation of their treatment.
Ascaridole and related peroxides from the genus Chenopodium.

AIM Detection of monoterpenoid ascaridole and other terpenoids in the genus Chenopodium from the East Mediterranean. METHOD Distribution of ascaridole in leaves of 13 species medicinal plant belonging to the genus Chenopodium was examined with the help of the GC MS method. RESULTS cis Ascaridole was found as a major peroxy monoterpenoid (up to 46.9 %) in the oil. Three minor isomers: cis isoascaridole (1.1 6.4 %), trans ascaridole (1 2 %), and trans isoascaridole (1 2 %) were also detected. The biological activities and biosynthesis of ascaridole are further discussed. CONCLUSIONS The results on Ascaridol and the major volatiles and semi volatiles of wild species belonging to the genus Chenopodium provide important information on biologically active monoterpenoid compounds and volatile metabolites biosynthesized in wild medicinal plants growing in the East Mediterranean.