Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Australian Preparer Perceptions Towards The Quality And Complexity Of IFRS

Despite concerns about their quality and complexity, in recent years there has been a rapid global uptake of IFRS. Following Australia’s 2005 adoption of IFRS, this paper documents the results of a study which utilised mail surveys and explored the perceived quality and complexity of these standards amongst CFOs from large, ASX listed Australian firms. A number of respondents acknowledged that IFRS adoption had provided tighter guidance on key issues that had not been adequately addressed in the past. Despite this, numerous faults with IFRS were identified. Furthermore, there was strong support for the position that, when compared to compliance with prior AASB standards, IFRS reporting is more complex, time consuming and results in greater financial statement user confusion and higher audit and external consultancy fees. Some respondents were very passionate in their critique of IFRS describing the standards as “utterly stupid”, “ridiculous”, “nonsense” and “a mess”. IFRS most commonly singled out for both praise and criticism included those in relation to financial instruments, share-based payments, impairment and intangible assets.
Safe navigation strategies for a biped robot walking in a crowd

Safety needs to be guaranteed before we can introduce robots into our working environments. For a biped robot to navigate safely in a crowd it must maintain balance and avoid collisions. In highly dynamic and unpredictable environments like crowds, collision avoidance is usually interpreted as passive safety, i.e. that the robot can stop before any collision occurs. We show that both balance preservation and passive safety can be analyzed, from the point of view of viability theory, as the ability of the robot to stop safely at some point in the future. This allows us to address both problems with a single model predictive controller with appropriate terminal constraints. We demonstrate that this controller predicts failures (falls and collisions) as early as the duration of the preview horizon. Finally, we propose a new strategy for safe navigation that relaxes the passive safety conditions to allow the robot to avoid a greater number of collisions.
Mitochondrial protein p32 can accumulate in the nucleus.

Human p32 was first isolated associated with the splicing factor ASF/SF-2. The p32 protein is translated as pre-protein from which a mitochondrial import signal is cleaved off to create the mature p32. The majority of p32 is consequently found in the mitochondria. In this study we investigated extramitochondrial p32. An increased nuclear localisation of endogenous p32 was demonstrated as a response to leptomycin B or actinomycin D treatment of cells. Mature p32 gene and deletion mutants were cloned into enhanced green fluorescence protein reporter plasmids. On transfection, EGFP-p32 protein was mainly localised to the cytoplasm and to a lesser extent to the nucleus of transfected COS cells. Upon treatment with actinomycin D or leptomycin B, the EGFP-p32 protein accumulated in the nucleus. Deletion analysis indicated which regions of EGFP-p32 are involved in nuclear export and nuclear import.
Determinants and Market Impact of Seasoned Equity Offerings: The Case of A-REITs

The paper examines the decision by Australian Real Estate Trusts (A-REITs) to issue seasoned equity offerings from 2000-2008 and stock market reaction to the offerings. The findings review that highly leveraged A-REITs with variable earnings are less likely to issue seasoned equity offerings. Inconsistent results for structure and type of properties held by the A-REIT do not allow for inference to be drawn. Similar to previous studies of seasoned equity offerings, we find a significant negative abnormal return associated with their announcement and no evidence of excessive leakage of information. Furthermore, market reaction differences to announcements of SEOs for the pre-global financial crisis (GFC) (2000-2006) and GFC eras (2007-2008) are noted with GFC era shareholders incurring larger abnormal return losses at 1.13% in comparison to the pre-GFC era shareholder loss of 0.34% on the SEO announcement day. Cross-sectional regressions show that the issued amount, leverage and profitability are significant factors affecting abnormal returns. Growth opportunities, tangibility, operating risk, size of A-REIT and other variables capturing A-REIT structure and property types held do not have an impact on abnormal returns.
Performances of Hedge Funds and Standard Assets: A Systematic Investigation

In the last decade, the performances of hedge funds were surprisingly satisfactory and recurrent. However, the bankruptcy of LTCM reminded investors of the risks associated with this asset class. The purpose of this study is to analyse systematically the relationship between the performances of hedge funds' strategies and those of standard asset classes via facto r models. As in the existing literature, we open the scope of the factors drawn upon to non-conventional measures such as performance spread or payoff of options on a standard asset class. Furthermore, we add other non-conventional measurements that aim to quantify, inter alia, the intensity of trends, the opportunities generated by range trading or arbitrage operations between various assets or the role of the heterogeneity of individual performances in the stock markets. We highlight the strategies that present a simple exposure to standard assets, those for which this exposure is combined with more complex exposures (notably non-linear/optional ones) and those, lastly, for which it is very difficult to reproduce performances. We notably present a synthetic transition matrix that allows us to link a relatively standard financial scenario and an allocation within major hedge funds' strategies (while giving a degree of confidence about the various strategies). Moreover, we illustrate the importance of extreme risk in hedge funds' strategies. In particular, we will show that once conditioned on "usual" or "normal" risk, several strategies present a substantial risk of extreme loss relative to standard asset classes. We analyse the impact of these results for the management of hedge funds in a prospect of asset allocation. We show as well that allocations based on standard measurements of risk (of the variance type) lead to non-optimal portfolios given the risk of extreme loss and suggest other measurements of risk that could be substituted. We then show the attractiveness in terms of return-to-risk ratio of inserting hedge funds into a standard asset portfolio, notably when a high enough individual degree of risk diversification by hedge funds has been achieved by blending strategies (funds of funds).
Increased levels of galactose-deficient IgG in sera of HIV-1-infected individuals

Background:The IgG from sera of patients with chronic inflammatory diseases of autoimmune character or some chronic microbial infections is frequently deficient in galactose on N-linked glycans. However, this phenomenon has not been investigated at length in human viral infections. Objectives:To evaluate the glycosylation of serum IgG in HIV-1-positive patients. Methods:Psathyrella velutina lectin was used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent and Western blot assays to determine glycosylation. In addition, gas–liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were utilized to confirm the galactose deficiency observed in the lectin-binding assays. Results:HIV-1-infected individuals had significantly higher levels of galactose-deficient IgG than healthy controls. In fact, the galactose deficiency of the N-linked glycans observed in other diseases was even more profound in HIV-1 infection. This deficiency was primarily restricted to IgG when total serum glycoproteins were evaluated and IgG1 was the subclass most affected in all patients. Also, a significant increase in lectin binding was observed on IgG2 and IgG4 from HIV-1-positive females compared with HIV-1-negative females. Conclusions:Identification of deficient galactosylation of serum IgG from HIV-1-infected patients extended the spectrum of diseases in which this phenomenon has been observed. In addition, the results suggest yet another aspect of immune dysfunction as a result of HIV-1 infection.
Gamma/delta tumor infiltrating lymphocytes selectively infiltrate human renal cell carcinomas

Although γδ T cells are thought to participate in tumor immunosurveillance, little is known about their diversity in human cancers. Previously, we shown that γδ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) may selectively infiltrate into human solid tumors and undergo activation. Here we compared γδ T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and complementarity determining region (CDR3) size distribution in TIL, peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and peritumoral tissue from 19 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. We first analyzed Vδ gene segment usage by flow cytometry (FCM) using monoclonal antibodies (anti- Vδ-1 and Vδ2) and PCR using a panel of Vδ family specific oligonucleotide primers (Vδ1-Vδ6). We observed a small, however consistent decrease of γδ T cells in TIL comparing to autologous PBL. FCM analysis of Vδ usage showed decrease of Vδ2 and increase of Vδ1 subpopulation in TIL. Further, we studied clonal diversity of each particular Vδ family by CDR3 size analysis using run off PCR. A detailed analysis of CDR3 size distribution revealed striking differences between γδ TIL, PBL and normal tissue. γδ T cells at tumor site were found to present clonal expansions over a more or less complex polyclonal background. Our data show selective infiltration of γδ T cells into tumor tissue.
Is It or Isn't It? A Reexamination of the Anterior Orbital Glands of the Fat‐Tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis Crassicaudata (Dasyuridae: Marsupiala) and a Reevaluation of Definitions for the Harderian Gland

The anterior orbital glands of tetrapods, which include the Harderian and nictitans glands, can usually be differentiated either anatomically (nictitans gland is more anterior) or histochemically (Harderian gland secretes lipids). However, conflicting statements exist in the literature about the presence and identity of these glands. Two previous studies on Sminthopsis crassicaudata (Dasyuridae: Marsupiala) either failed to note any anterior ocular glands or used no histochemical analyses. This study reexamined the structure of the anterior orbital glands of S. crassicaudata. Histological, histochemical, and ultrastructural examination revealed three glandular units: two of which are located superficially in the nictitating membrane, the third lying deeper in the connective tissue. The ducts of these three glandular units all open onto the corneal aspect of the nictitating membrane. These cells contain mainly serous granules with sparse intracellular lipid droplets. The nomenclature of these structures depends upon the definition used. According to the anatomical definition, S. crassicaudata has two glands: anteriorly the nictitans and posteriorly the Harderian gland. In contrast, if the histochemical definition is used, there is only one gland, but its precise identity cannot be confirmed until the role of the lipid droplets is established. Moreover, the histochemical definition poses additional problems with respect to the mechanism of secretion, multiple secretions, and glandular plasticity. Finally, the unitary definition identifies one deeply subdivided gland with an anterior and a posterior lobe in S. crassicaudata. This last definition is broad enough to accommodate a wide level of anatomical variation in the anterior ocular glands of tetrapods. Anat Rec 293:1449–1454, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Results of an Internet Survey Determining the Most Frequently Used Ankle Scores by AOFAS Members

Background: With technological advances in ankle arthroplasty, there has been parallel development in the outcome instruments used to assess the results of surgery. The literature recommends the use of valid, reliable, and responsive ankle scores, but the ankle scores commonly used in clinical practice remain undefined. Methods: An internet survey of members of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) was conducted to determine which three ankle scores they perceived as most commonly used in the literature, which ones they believe are validated, which ones they prefer, and which they use in practice. Results: According to respondents, the three most commonly used scores were the AOFAS Ankle score, the Foot Function Index (FFI), and the Musculoskeletal Outcomes Data Evaluation and Management System (MODEMS). The respondents believed that the AOFAS Ankle score, FFI, and MODEMS were validated. The FFI and MODEMS are validated, but the AOFAS ankle score is not validated. Conclusions: Most respondents preferred using the AOFAS Ankle score. The use of the empirical AOFAS Ankle score continues among AOFAS members.
Surviving and prospering in the small firm sector

Performance, size and age which small firms fail what official receivers' reports reveal about failure which firms fail - the case of construction the performance of small firms and owner characteristics strategic planning and the small firm first principles of strategy market structure organization lifecycles the relative importance of influences on performance - the case of instrumentation influences on growth - an international comparison the capital market and small firms implications for company and public policy.
Influence of Drug Transporters and UGT Polymorphisms on Pharmacokinetics of Phenolic glucuronide Metabolite of Mycophenolic Acid in Japanese Renal Transplant Recipients

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is mainly glucuronized by uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) into the phenolic MPA glucuronide (MPAG). MPAG is excreted by transporters such as organic anion-transporting polypeptide (gene SLCO), multidrug resistance protein 2 (gene ABCC2), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, gene ABCG2) or P-glycoprotein (gene ABCB1). This study investigated the association of UGTs, SLCOs, ABCB1, ABCC2, and ABCG2 polymorphisms with MPAG pharmacokinetics in 80 Japanese renal transplant recipients. Eighty recipients were given repeated doses of combination immunosuppressive therapy consisting of mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus every 12 hours at a designated time (0900 and 2100). On day 28, after renal transplantation, plasma concentrations of MPA and MPAG were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. There were no significant differences in the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) ratio of MPAG/MPA between UGT1A1, UGT1A6, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, and UGT1A9 I399C/T genotypes. On the other hand, the median dose-adjusted AUC0-12 of MPAG in SLCO1B1 1a/1a+1a/1b+1b+1b (n = 53) and 1a/*15 + 1b/*15+*15/*15 (n = 27) were 1549 and 1134 mg·h L−1 g−1, respectively (P = 0.03004 in multivariate analysis). The median dose-adjusted AUC0-12 of MPAG in SLCO1B3 334T/T+T/G (699G/G+G/A, n = 46) and 334G/G (699A/A, n = 34) was 1191 and 1580 mg·h L−1 g−1, respectively (P = 0.02792 in multivariate analysis). There were no significant differences in the dose-adjusted AUC0-12 of MPAG between the ABCB1 C3435T and ABCC2 C-24T genotypes. However, the dose-adjusted AUC0-12 of MPAG was significantly lower in recipients with ABCG2 421C/A+A/A (n = 44) than in those with C/C (n = 36) (P = 0.0295). In conclusion, our findings showed that MPAG pharmacokinetics were significantly influenced by SLCO1B1 and SLCO1B3 polymorphisms and not by UGT polymorphisms. BCRP rather than multidrug resistance protein 2 seems to be the transporter associated with biliary excretion of MPAG.
Corporate Governance and Information Content of Stock Trades: Evidence from S&P 100 Companies

This paper studies the relationship between firms' corporate governance quality and information content of stock trades. Following Hasbrouck (1991) method, a trade's information content is defined as persistent impact of trade innovation on stock price. Using firm-level governance data, we show that the information content is negatively correlated with firms' corporate governance quality for the S&P 100 companies. Further analysis shows that board of directors is the main governance mechanism contributing to the negative correlation, while audit, anti-takeover, and compensation do not play a significant role. Our results provide empirical evidence to support the theory that corporate governance improves firms' information environment. It provides guidance on governance system design to reduce information asymmetry.
Signal-activated phospholipase regulation of leukocyte chemotaxis This work was supported by National Institutes of Health Grants HL-61971 and HL-74451 and by the National Center for Research Resources (CTSA 1UL1RR024989), Cleveland, OH. Published, JLR Papers in Press, Janury 2, 2009.

Signal-activated phospholipases are a recent focus of the rapidly growing field of lipid signaling. The extent of their impact on the pathways regulating diverse cell functions is beginning to be appreciated. A critical step in inflammation is the attraction of leukocytes to injured or diseased tissue. Chemotaxis of leukocytes, a requisite process for monocyte and neutrophil extravasation from the blood into tissues, is a critical step for initiating and maintaining inflammation in both acute and chronic settings. Recent studies have identified new important and required roles for two signal-activated phospholipases A2 (PLA2) in regulating chemotaxis. The two intracellular phospholipases, cPLA2α (Group IVA) and iPLA2β (Group VIA), act in parallel to provide distinct lipid mediators at different intracellular sites that are both required for leukocytes to migrate toward the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. This review will summarize the separate roles of these phospholipases as well as what is currently known about the influence of two other classes of intracellular signal-activated phospholipases, phospholipase C and phospholipase D, in regulating chemotaxis in eukaryotic cells, but particularly in human monocytes. The contributions of these phospholipases to chemotaxis both in vitro and in vivo will be highlighted.
Macroeconomic Growth, Real Estate Market Conditions, and the Time Series Dynamics of CMBS Loan Default Risk

Recent financial market turmoil calls for better understanding of the default risk of mortgages and mortgage-related securities. In this paper, I study commercial mortgage default risk using the performance data of nearly 50,000 CMBS loans. Particularly, I examine the time series dynamics of commercial mortgage default risk and the underlying systematic risk factors in both the macroeconomy and the real estate market. A first-passage model with equilibrium macroeconomic dynamics is presented, and the default hazard rate is solved. The solutions are then put into a state space form and the model is estimated with real world mortgage performance data using extended Kalman filter. Results show large variations of default risk over time in the commercial mortgage market, and that these variations are well explained by two mean-reverting latent risk factors -- a macroeconomic factor and a commercial property market-specific factor. The model and the results can be used in default risk prediction, hedging and pricing.
Around-the-Clock Media Coverage and the Timing of Earnings Announcements

We reexamine the descriptive ability of the conventional wisdom that earnings announcements made after trading and on Friday are dominated by bad news in light of the 24/7 media coverage and other technological changes of the 1990’s. We find that the change in media coverage has facilitated a significant change in earnings announcement times: only 27% of earnings announcements are now made during trading as opposed to 67% in prior research. However, our finding of continued dominance of bad news in Friday announcements in particular strongly suggests that the conventional wisdom is not solely the result of managers’ desire to take advantage of limited media coverage. Instead, managers appear to be taking advantage of other aspects of investors’ behavior, such as their anticipating negative Friday announcements earlier in the week, and the relatively quiet (in terms of trading) weekend period to manage stock price responses to their companies’ financial news.
Dividends Revisited: An In-Depth Look at the Relationship between Dividends and Earnings

We find that dividend increases are associated with significant positive shifts in average earnings, while dividend decreases are associated with significant negative shifts in average earnings. Moreover, earnings over the years following dividend increases will be higher than the previous level of dividends, while they will be a lower for most dividend decreases. This quite robust finding points can be related to managers' well-documented aversion to dividend cuts. Since managers increase dividends when they are reasonably sure that future earnings will be high enough and only reduce dividends when they are forced to do so by the poor prospects of the firm, dividend changes will contain useful information for earnings performance in the medium term.
oderation of the Effect of Adolescent-Onset Cannabis se on Adult Psychosis by a Functional Polymorphism n the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Gene: ongitudinal Evidence of a Gene X Environment nteraction

ackground: Recent evidence documents that cannabis use by young people is a modest statistical risk factor for psychotic symptoms n adulthood, such as hallucinations and delusions, as well as clinically significant schizophrenia. The vast majority of cannabis users o not develop psychosis, however, prompting us to hypothesize that some people are genetically vulnerable to the deleterious effects of annabis. ethods: In a longitudinal study of a representative birth cohort followed to adulthood, we tested why cannabis use is associated with he emergence of psychosis in a minority of users, but not in others. esults: A functional polymorphism in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene moderated the influence of adolescent annabis use on developing adult psychosis. Carriers of the COMT valine allele were most likely to exhibit psychotic symptoms and o develop schizophreniform disorder if they used cannabis. Cannabis use had no such adverse influence on individuals with two opies of the methionine allele. onclusions: These findings provide evidence of a gene environment interaction and suggest that a role of some susceptibility genes s to influence vulnerability to environmental pathogens.
THE FUTURE OF THE LOCAL BUS MARKET

An aggregate analysis of the British local bus market outside London suggests that this is a market in terminal decline. However, such an analysis would be simplistic for at least four reasons. First, at a route level, there are some suggestions that improvements in the bus product and its marketing can lead to increases in bus demand. Secondly, at the firm level, there are some suggestions that the development of coherent networks can lead to increases in bus demand. Thirdly, at the city level, there are some suggestions that alternative organisational regimes and transport policies can lead to increases in bus demand. Fourthly, there may be some external factors, in particular increasing congestion, parking charges and fuel tax, which may lead to increase in bus demand. The paper concludes that continuation of the downward spiral is not inevitable and assesses the likely impact of the bus policies suggested by the Integrated Transport White Paper. (A)