Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Short Sales, Institutional Investors, and the Book-to-Market Effect

When institutional ownership is low, stock loan supply tends to be sparse, and short-sale constraints are thus more likely to bind. This paper shows that the book-to-market (B/M) effect is concentrated among such difficult-to-short stocks: Holding size fixed, returns of low B/M stocks decline sharply with lower institutional ownership. Moreover, the underperformance of low B/M stocks is less pronounced among stocks held by passive investors with large stock lending programs. Finally, return predictability effects attributed to short-sale constraints in prior research (breadth of ownership effect; loser momentum) are most evident among stocks with low B/M and low institutional ownership. These findings suggest that overpricing of costly-to-short low B/M stocks rather than risk factor exposure generates much of the book-to-market effect in stock returns.
The relationship between body mass index/body composition and survival in patients with heart failure

PurposeThe purpose of this review was to summarize the literature on the relationship between obesity and survival in persons with heart failure (HF). In particular, the article examines the ways in which studies define body size/composition (body mass index [BMI], body composition, weight, cachexia, fluid retention, or albumin) and the relationship of BMI and survival after controlling for factors such as HF severity, etiology of the HF, gender, race, age, and/or time since HF diagnosis. Data sourcesThe keywords heart failure and body mass index, heart failure and obesity, and heart failure and body composition were indexed in PubMed. Articles published from 1999 to 2006 that used multivariate analyses to examine the relationship between obesity and survival in persons with HF were included in the review. ConclusionsBMI is the standard most often used for measuring body weight in patients with HF. Yet, BMI does not address other major components of body weight (fat, lean body mass, and fluid) that may factor into the mortality of patients with HF. Four of the six studies reviewed reported a positive relationship between obesity and improved survival. However, the studies are limited by design, with the majority being cross-sectional. Furthermore, most of the data were collected through secondary data analysis from patient records in the 1990s, before contemporary HF treatment was used. Implications for practiceUntil further research solidifies a clear association between higher BMIs and improved survival in patients with HF, nurse practitioners and others should continue to counsel their patients with HF who are overweight to lose weight. Assessing BMI alone as a predictor of survival for patients with HF may be misleading and should be performed in the context of other factors. Moreover, care should be taken in managing patients with HF who are cachexic because these patients have a worrisome prognosis.
Body Image and Psychopathology in Male Bodybuilders

Background: To compare male bodybuilders to men with eating disorders and control men regarding body image, psychopathology and sexual history. Method: We compared 28 male bodybuilders, 30 men with eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia or binge eating disorder defined by DSM-IV), and 30 controls, using a battery of questionnaires covering weight history, eating behavior, body image, lifetime history of psychiatric disorders, and sexuality. Eating-disordered and control men were recruited from a college student population and studied during the course of an earlier investigation. Results: Bodybuilders exhibited a pattern of eating and exercising as obsessive as that of subjects with eating disorders, but with a ‘reverse’ focus of gaining muscle as opposed to losing fat. Bodybuilders displayed rates of psychiatric disorders intermediate between men with eating disorders and control men. In measures of body image, the bodybuilders closely resembled the men with eating disorders, but significantly differed from the control men, with the former two groups consistently displaying greater dissatisfaction than the latter. Sexual functioning did not distinguish the three groups except for the item ‘lack of sexual desire’ which was reported significantly more often by both bodybuilders and men with eating disorders. Conclusion: On measures of body image and eating behavior, bodybuilders share many features of individuals with eating disorders.
Risk Management Strategies By Australian Farmers: two case studies

Australian farmers operate in one of the most risky farming environments in the world. They have to cope with numerous sources of risk including weather uncertainty, variable market prices, and institutional changes in their business management. This paper reports results from two case studies undertaken to examine the issues of farming risks and risk management strategies in Australia. The first case study found that unpredictable weather, financial risk, marketing risk, and personal risk were regarded as the major sources of risk among farmers in the Upper Eyre Peninsula of South Australia. The main risk management strategies used by farmers in that region included diversifying crop varieties, adopting minimum tillage farming practices, minimising the area of risky crops and maximising the area of less-risky crops. They also regarded high equity, having farm management deposits, and other off-farm investments as appropriate risk management strategies, and mostly ‘left marketing to the experts’. The second case study among dryland cropping farmers in southwest Queensland revealed that weather uncertainty was ranked as the most important source of risk in farming in that area. The risk from weather uncertainty was then followed by financial risks, government policy, and marketing risks. The main risk management strategies used by farmers in that area were enterprise diversification, moisture conserving farming practices and using zero till planting, planting at the optimal time, selling only part of the farm’s production at any one time, and investing off-farm. The paper compares the results from these two case studies with results from other studies in the United States of America, Canada, Netherlands, and New Zealand.
Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) fracture and embolization in the pediatric population.

OBJECTIVES To document and characterize fracture and embolization of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in the pediatric population and define predisposing features for these complications. STUDY DESIGN A case series was assembled by examining the records of PICC insertions in a single tertiary care pediatric hospital over a 6-year period. A control group was selected by simple random sampling of eligible PICC insertions. RESULTS Among approximately 1650 PICCs, 11 children were identified with a fractured line, requiring invasive retrieval. Patient characteristics did not reveal any specific risk factors compared with the control group. Likewise, catheter size, site, and medications infused through the line were not significant predisposing factors for fracture. However, duration of placement and a line complication (blockage of the line or leaking at the insertion site) were significantly associated with catheter fractures. In all cases, the embolized line fragment was successfully retrieved by percutaneously inserted catheters and snares. No major complications arose from these fractured catheters. CONCLUSIONS Fracture and embolization of PICCs occur and may pose a potential risk of serious consequences. It is prudent to list PICC fracture as a rare but potentially serious complication of this device when obtaining informed consent for its insertion.
Biomass equations for Scots pine and Norway spruce in Finland

In this study, biomass equations for the aboveand below-ground tree components of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) were developed. The models were based on 908 pine trees and 613 spruce trees collected in 77 stands located on mineral soil, and represented a wide range of stand and site conditions in Finland. The whole data set consisted of three sub data sets: 33 temporary sample plots, five thinning experiments, and the control plots of 39 fertilization experiments. The biomass equations were estimated for the individual tree components: stem wood, stem bark, living and dead branches, needles, stump, and roots. In the data analysis, a multivariate procedure was applied in order to take into account the statistical dependence among the equations. Three multivariate models for above-ground biomass and one for below-ground biomass were constructed. The multivariate model (1) was mainly based on tree diameter and height, and additional commonly measured tree variables were used in the multivariate models (2) and (3). Despite the unbalanced data in terms of the response variables, the statistical method generated equations that enable more flexible application of the equations, and ensure better biomass additivity compared to the independently estimated equations. The equations provided logical biomass predictions for a number of tree components, and were comparable with other functions used in Finland and Sweden even though the study material was not an objective, representative sample of the tree stands in Finland.
Partial acquisitions : anticipation of control offers?

Between 1990 and 2005, 3,479 control offers were made for public U.S. targets. In only 1.21% of these cases, the control bidder had previously established a toehold. However, over that same period, we find a high incidence of partial acquisitions. Given the relative rarity of toeholds, are the partial acquisitions evidence of buyers establishing positions in anticipation of future control offers? We examine the long-run performance of targets in partial acquisitions prior to the transaction and find that partial acquisitions involving poorly-performing targets are more likely to be followed by control offers. However, in over 85% of these cases, the acquirer of control is not the same firm as the partial buyer. We find evidence suggesting that the abnormal return the time of the partial acquisition may be in anticipation of a subsequent control offer. We find preliminary evidence suggesting that bidders use substitution pricing in determining their offer premia when the control offer follows a partial acquisition. This substitution effect holds even when the control offer occurs between one and two years after the partial offer, and also if the control bidder is different from the partial acquisition bidder. These results suggest that firms are adjusting their control offer premiums in response to stock return movements that can be attributed to prior acquisition activity.
Gene replacement by homologous recombination in Mycobacterium bovis BCG

Gene replacement by homologous recombination is a powerful tool for fundamental studies of gene function, as well as allowing specific attenuation of pathogens, but has proved difficult to achieve for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We have used a plasmid‐based test system to demonstrate the occurrence of homologous recombination in the tuberculosis vaccine strain Mycobacterium bovis BCG, and we have successfully replaced a target gene in BCG by homologous recombination, using a shuttle plasmid. Specific inactivation of selected genes will facilitate study of virulence factors and drug resistance as well as allowing rational attenuation of M. tuberculosis for the production of new vaccines.
Intranet adoption in Irish organisations: a survey analysis

This paper outlines the findings of an eploratory postal survey, investigating the adoption of Intranets within Irish organisations. We initially explore background literature covering the issues of definitions, applications, advantages, predicted impact on organisations ,information nature and new potential roles of infomation providers. It is clear from this literature that there is a lack of empirically backed evidence of Intranet adoption. This study therefore attempts to address this imbalance and is centred on selective findings of a postal survey, which investigated the use of Intranets in the top 1000 Irish organisations. The main questions addressed by this survey incluted "How prevalent are Intranets in Organisations ? " "What way are they being used ? " and "what is the profile of organisations that claimed to acquire most benefit ? ".
Herd-level and territorial-level factors influencing average herd somatic cell count in France in 2005 and 2006

Mastitis is a multifactorial disease and the most costly dairy production issue. In spite of extensive literature on udder-health risk factors, effects of metabolic diseases, farmers’ competencies and livestock farming system on somatic cells count (SCC) are sparsely described. Herd-level or territorial-level factors affecting monthly composite milk weighted mean cow SCC (CMSCC) were analysed with a linear mixed effect model. The average CMSCC was 266000 cells/ml. Half of the herds had CMSCC >300000 cells/ml for 2–6 months a year, and 15% of herds for more than 7 months a year. CMSCC was positively associated with the number of cows, having a beef or fattening herd in addition to the dairy herd, the monthly average days in milk, the yearly age at first calving, the yearly proportion of purchased cows and the yearly culling rate. Moreover, a positive association is reported between CMSCC and the monthly proportion of cows probably with subacute ruminal acidosis (fat percentage minus protein percentage ⩽0·30%, for Holstein) and negative energy balance (protein to fat ratio ⩽0·66, for Holstein), the yearly average calving interval, having at least one dead cow and the mean monthly temperature. The association was negative for a predominant breed other than Holstein, the monthly milk production, the yearly dry-off period length, the monthly first calving cow proportion, having an autumn calving peak, being a Good Breeding Practices member, the monthly number of days with rain, the altitude and the territorial cattle density. CMSCC varied widely among the 11 dairy production areas. In conclusion, this study showed the average CMSCC for the French dairy cows, compared with international results. Moreover, it quantified the contribution of several factors to CMSCC, in particular metabolic diseases and the farm environment.
Delays from symptom onset to treatment in malignant spinal cord compression: Quantification and effect on pre-treatment neurological status.

8276 Background: Malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) is a devastating complication of advanced malignancy. Any delay in initiation of radiation treatment may result in a deterioration of pre-treatment neurological function; hence, a poorer prognosis of post treatment outcome and quality of life. A British study documented significant delays in patients with MSCC, the majority losing neurological function as a result. The objective of this study was to prospectively document patterns of care from symptom onset of MSCC until initiation of radiation treatment at our centre, and investigate potential affects on pre-treatment neurological status. METHODS A standardized data collection form was used to document demographics, tumor and functional information; and centre and referring doctors' charts were used to augment patient history. Chi-squared analysis and Person's r correlation determined statistical significance. Thirty patients identified from Jan/03-Dec/03 were accrued. Three subgroups were formed based on time from symptom onset until RT treatment: 0-7 days, 8-14 days, and >14 days. RESULTS A median delay of 16 days from symptom onset till RT treatment was experienced, of which 90% resulted from symptom onset to initiation of medical attention. When patients perceived symptoms to be related to their previous cancer the median time delay was 6 days, compared to 7 days when patients related symptoms to other co-morbidities. CONCLUSIONS Deterioration of symptoms was strongly correlated with time delay in patients with MSCC at our centre, thereby supporting prevention and educational strategies to help reduce the impact of this complication on patients with advanced cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Working Paper No . 80 Inflation Targeting in Latin Ameica

This paper analyzes Latin America’s recent experience with the use of inflation targeting (IT) while the region has made substantial progress toward eradicating high inflation. The paper assesses the implementation and results of inflation targeting in Latin America from a broad perspective. It starts by reviewing the issues relevant for the choice of exchange-rate regimes and monetary frameworks, documenting the evolution of exchange rate and monetary regimes in Latin America during the last two decades. Then it describes the Latin American and world samples of inflation targeters and compares their performance to non-targeters, focusing on their success in meeting inflation targets, their output sacrifice in achieving low inflation, and their output volatility. A more detailed analysis of five IT experiences follows for Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, with reference to the design of IT in the world sample of inflation targeters. The paper concludes by focusing on the dynamics of inflation reduction in the longest IT experience in the region (the case of Chile), evaluating how IT has affected inflation expectations and hence the effectiveness of monetary policy, using a battery of alternative model estimations and simulations. Paper prepared for presentation at the Latin American Conference on Fiscal and Financial Reforms, organized by the Center for Research on Economic Development and Policy Reform of Stanford University, November 9-11, 2000. We thank Oscar Facusse, Verónica Mies, Matías Tapia, and José Antonio Tessada for excellent discussion and outstanding assistance. * Professor of Economics, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. * *Research Director, Central Bank of Chile.
Highly potent nociceptin analog containing the Arg-Lys triple repeat.

One of the structural characteristics of a neuropeptide nociceptin is the existence of Arg-Lys (RK) residues at positions 8-9 and 12-13; both RKs have been suggested to bind to the acidic amino acid cluster in the second extracellular loop of the seven transmembrane domain receptor ORL1. With a design strategy of attempting to obtain an analog that binds more strongly to the receptor's acidic cluster, we synthesized a series of nociceptin analogs in which the RK dipeptide unit was placed at positions 6-7, 10-11, or 14-15 adjacent to the parent RKs. Among these nociceptin analogs containing the RK triple repeat, [Arg-Lys(6-7)]- and [Arg-Lys(10-11)]nociceptins exhibited weak activities (6-9 and 60-90% of nociceptin, respectively) both in the receptor binding assay and in the [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding functional assay. In contrast, [Arg-Lys(14-15)]nociceptin was found to be very potent in both assays (3-fold in binding and 17-fold in GTPgammaS functional assay). [Arg-Lys(14-15)]nociceptin was the first peptide analog found to be stronger than the parent nociceptin, and structure-activity studies have suggested that the incorporated Arg-Lys(14-15) interacts with either the receptor acidic amino acid cluster or the receptor aromatic amino acid residues.
A Charge-Trapping Model for the Fast Component of Positive Bias Temperature Instability (PBTI) in High- $\kappa $  Gate-Stacks

We propose a physical model for the fast component (<;1 s) of the positive bias temperature instability (PBTI) process in SiOx/HfO2 gate-stacks. The model is based on the electron- phonon interaction governing the trapping/emission of injected electrons at the preexisting defects in the dielectric stack. The model successfully reproduces the experimental time dependences of the VTH shift on both stress voltage and temperature. Simulations allow the extraction of the physical characteristics of the defects contributing to PBTI, which are found to match those assisting the leakage current in these stacks (i.e., oxygen vacancies).
Phase II trial of paclitaxel in patients with soft-tissue sarcoma.

The response rate (RR) to single-agent chemotherapy with doxorubicin or ifosfamide in patients with advanced soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) is in the range of 20%. Paclitaxel is clinically useful in treating several solid tumors and has demonstrated activity in a series of human sarcoma cell lines. Twenty-eight patients with measurable advanced STS participated in this phase II trial of paclitaxel at 250 mg/m2 administered as a 3-hr i.v. infusion once every 3 weeks. All patients received granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) beginning on the day after paclitaxel and lasting until recovery from neutropenia. No prior chemotherapy had been used in 17 patients; 10 patients had had prior doxorubicin-based therapy; and 1 patient had had intraperitoneal therapy with edatrexate. Two partial responses (PRs) (7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1-23%) were observed. The responding patients included a patient with angiosarcoma of the scalp who had complete regression of cutaneous lesions and improvement of nonmeasurable pulmonary disease lasting 6 months. The other PR occurred in a woman with metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma and lasted 9 months. Seven patients had stable disease for 3-4 months. Median time to progression for all patients was 3.5 months (range: 2.5-9 months). The mean nadir in the white-blood-cell (WBC) count was 3.8 x 10(3)/microliter (range: [0.2-16.2] x 10(3)/microliter), with a mean nadir in the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 2.4 x 10(3)/microliter (range: [0.0-7.1] x 10(3)/microliter). Three patients died while in the study. Two patients with angiosarcoma of the scalp who did not qualify for this study were treated with paclitaxel off protocol, and experienced dramatic tumor regression. The overall response to paclitaxel observed in this heterogeneous group of patients was disappointing. However, the activity seen in angiosarcoma of the scalp suggests that further evaluation is warranted in patients with STS.
Serving all urban consumers - a marketing approach to water services in low- and middle-income countries: Book 5 - Sample strategic marketing plan for water services in Kampala City, Uganda

This book is one of a series of six publications that consider how water utilities working with other key stakeholders, can meet the needs and demands of urban water consumers - including the poor - through developing an understanding of the needs and demands of all consumer groups, and by the adaptation of marketing/commercial approaches. A strategic marketing approach to comprehensive city-wide planning of water services for all consumer groups is described in Part III of Book 2 - Guidance notes for managers. Sample Strategic Marketing Plans (SMPs) have been developed to both test and demonstrate the methodology outlined in Book 2 and are included in the following three books: Book 4: Sample strategic marketing plan for water services in Mombasa and the Coast region; Book 5: Sample strategic marketing plan for water services in Kampala City, Uganda; Book 6: Sample strategic marketing plan for water services in Guntur, India.