Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does the Riskiness of R&D Outweigh its Benefits? The Perspective of US Private Lenders

We investigate the relationship between R&D investments and loan spread. Prior research documents that R&D is associated with greater future benefits and risks, suggesting that the valuation of R&D depends on a tradeoff between the two. Some research finds that bondholders consider that the benefits of R&D outweigh its risks: R&D is negatively associated with bond yields. This is surprising given that debt holders are more concerned about downside risk due to asymmetric payoffs. Using data on private debt from the US, we find an overall positive association between loan spread and R&D intensity, suggesting that the riskiness of R&D appears to outweigh its benefits for private lenders. Furthermore, an asymmetric payoff structure implies that the risks of R&D for lenders increase with default risk. Consistent with this argument, we find a positive association between R&D and loan spread for firms that are smaller, with high default-risk ratings, unrated (no public debt), or in industries with weaker legal protection. Unrated firms are in the most R&D-intensive group and make up nearly 60% of the firms with private debt. Consequently, studies that exclude unrated firms are likely to present an incomplete picture of the perspective of debt holders on R&D.
The succinate dehydrogenase genetic testing in a large prospective series of patients with paragangliomas.

CONTEXT Germline mutations in SDHx genes cause hereditary paraganglioma. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess the indications for succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) genetic testing in a prospective study. DESIGN A total of 445 patients with head and neck and/or thoracic-abdominal or pelvic paragangliomas were recruited over 5 yr in 20 referral centers. In addition to classical direct sequencing of the SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD genes, two methods for detecting large genomic deletions or duplications were used, quantitative multiplex PCR of short fluorescent fragments (QMPSF) and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). RESULTS A large variety of SDH germline mutations were found by direct sequencing in 220 patients and by QMPSF and MLPA in 22 patients (9.1%): 130 in SDHD, 96 in SDHB, and 16 in SDHC. Mutation carriers were younger and more frequently had multiple or malignant paraganglioma than patients without mutations. A head and neck paraganglioma was present in 97.7% of the SDHD and 87.5% of the SDHC mutation carriers, but in only 42.7% of the SDHB carriers. A thoracic-abdominal or pelvic location was present in 63.5% of the SDHB, 16.1% of the SDHD, and in 12.5% of the SDHC mutation carriers. Multiple paragangliomas were diagnosed in 66.9% of the SDHD mutation carriers. A malignant paraganglioma was documented in 37.5% of the SDHB, 3.1% of the SDHD, and none of the SDHC mutation carriers. CONCLUSIONS SDH genetic testing, including tests for large genomic deletions, is indicated in all patients with head and neck and/or thoracic-abdominal or pelvic paraganglioma and can be targeted according to clinical criteria.
Attitudes of People with Disabilities toward Physician-Assisted Suicide Legislation: Broadening the Dialogue

This article presents the methods, findings, and implications of a participatory action research project that attempted to shed additional light on the debate over death with dignity (DWD) or physician-assisted suicide (PAS) legislation. In-depth, qualitative interviews with forty-five physically disabled residents of the San Francisco Bay Area, conducted by others with disabilities, revealed a wide breadth of opinions about and attitudes toward such legislation. For close to half of the participants, the desire for autonomy in making end-of-life decisions was a primary concern, yet fear that PAS legislation could violate this autonomy in various ways was a deep concern as well. Also reported were widespread accounts of disability-based discrimination and frequent expressions of fear about openly discussing positions that diverge from the official, publicly held opinions of disability leaders who oppose such legislation. The findings support those of a recent Harris poll demonstrating considerable diversity of opinion about PAS legislation among people with disabilities. The findings further suggest the need for additional research on the apparent disjunction between the diversity of attitudes held by those interviewed and the more unified position taken by many disability activists. Use of the study findings to promote greater dialogue within the community and to better position people with disabilities to take their place at the policy table also is discussed. In addition, the findings are seen as reinforcing the need for the public health community to become more engaged in this central ethical debate.
The relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and IFRS 7 compliance: evidence from an emerging market

Purpose This paper aims to investigate compliance with risk disclosure requirements under International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS 7) by firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) over a three-year period. Specifically, the paper examines the extent, quality and determinants of risk disclosure compliance with IFRS 7. Design/methodology/approach The study uses 90 firm-year observations for the period 2011-2013 for firms listed on the GSE. Each annual report was individually examined and coded to obtain the extent and quality of corporate risk disclosure index. Descriptive analysis was performed to provide the background statistics of the variables examined. This was followed by regression analysis, which forms the main data analysis. Findings The results indicate that over the three years, the extent of compliance with IFRS 7 is, on average, 53 per cent, which is very low; the quality of the disclosures is, on average, 33 per cent, which is also very low. The regression results suggest that proportion of non-executive director (PNED) is significantly and positively associated with the extent of risk disclosure compliance under IFRS 7. Board size was found to be significantly and positively associated with quality of risks disclosure compliance. Originality/value This is the first study in Ghana that considered the impact of corporate governance factors on the extent and quality of IFRS 7 risk disclosure compliance. The findings of this study will help market regulators in Ghana in evaluating the adequacy of the risk disclosures by listed firms.
Why Are Crime Victims at Risk of Being Victimized Again? Substance Use, Depression, and Offending as Mediators of the Victimization–Revictimization Link

Using three waves of data from 5,165 male and 5,924 female teenagers surveyed in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study tested whether drug use, alcohol use, depression, and offending mediate the link between a serious violent criminal victimization and a subsequent serious violent revictimization. Results indicated that victimization at Wave 1 significantly predicted changes in violent offending, delinquency, and drug use at Wave 2, even controlling for all other lagged mediators. Violent offending emerged as a robust and consistent mediator of the victimization–revictimization link for males. For females, all the mediators together produced a significant and large indirect effect that reduced the direct effect of prior victimization to nonsignificance, but no one single mediator was significant. This study demonstrates that revictimization is partially the result of behavioral changes following victimization. The fact that mediation between victimization and revictimization occurred through a cluster of changed behaviors and moods suggests that the impact of victimization is greater for females than males. This evidence that victimization changes behavior and increases risks and that these risks differ by gender has implications for both mental health care and law enforcement.
Expression of bcl‐2 protein and Ki‐67 nuclear proliferation antigen in benign and malignant cutaneous T‐cell infiltrates

The bcl‐2 protein prolongs cell life by inhibiting apoptosis. Its expression has been studied in a variety of normal tissues and lymphomas but there is minimal information available concerning bcl‐2 expression by benign and malignant cutaneous T‐cells. Therefore, we investigated bcl‐2 expression in a wide variety of cutaneous T‐cell infiltrates using one‐ and two‐color immunohistologic techniques, bcl‐2 was expressed by the majority of lesional CD3+ T‐cells in most cases. This included 22Departments of 26 cases of mycosis fungoides (MF), 3/3 cases of non‐MF cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, 5/5 cases of lymphomatoid papulosis, 4/4 cases of T‐cell rich cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia, 2/3 cases of bullous pemphigoid, 2/2 cases of discoid lupus erythematosus and 1/1 case of lichen planus. Titration experiments and comparative studies of tonsil section positive controls revealed that, relative to mantle zone B‐cells, there was over‐ expression of bcl‐2 by a variable subset of T‐cells in most cases. Assessment of multiple biopsies in a subset of MF cases showed stable expression of bcl‐2 over intervals of up to two years. In contrast to the widespread expression of bcl‐2 in both early and advanced MF skin lesions, abundant expression of the nuclear proliferation antigen, Ki‐67, was skewed toward advanced MF skin lesions. Ten percnt or more Ki‐67+ cells were present in 5% of patients with patches/thin plaques, 38% with moderate plaques, 64% with thick plaques and 100% with tumor nodules. Two‐color immunohistologic analysis combined with molecular biologic analysis of clonality in the cases of T‐cell rich cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia indicated that bcl‐2 expression was both a polyclonal and multi‐lineage phenomenon, suggesting that it occurred by a physiologic rather than mutational mechanism. We conclude that bcl‐2 expression is a common feature of cutaneous T‐cell infiltrates that has minimal differential diagnostic value for distinguishing lymphomas from reactive T‐cell infiltrates. In early MF lesions, abundant expression of bcl‐2 and sparse expression of Ki‐67 suggested that the accumulation of tumor cells during the initial progression of MF may be facilitated by prolonged clonal survival in conjunction with low‐grade clonal proliferation.
The Information Content of Option-Implied Tail Risk on the Future Returns of the Underlying Asset

We compile optionâ€ implied tail loss and gain measures based on a deep outâ€ ofâ€ theâ€ money option pricing formula derived by applying â€œextreme value theory,â€ and then use these measures to investigate the information content of optionâ€ implied tail risk on the future returns of the underlying assets. Our empirical analysis shows that both tail measures implied by S&P 500 and VIX options can predict future changes in the corresponding underlying assets and are informative on the future returns of the S&P 500 index. The relationships are particularly strong during periods of economic recession and driven by the tailâ€ risk premium.
Studies on the effects of altered PMP22 expression during myelination in vitro

Severe inherited dysmyelinating diseases of the peripheral nervous system, the Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth type1A disease (CMT1A) and the hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) are associated with a large DNA duplication or deletion of a chromosomal region containing the peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) gene. It has been suggested that a gene dosage effect involving PMP22 is responsible for the pathological phenotype. We investigated if altered PMP22 expression affects the onset of myelin formation and the ultrastructure of myelin. Rat Schwann cell cultures were stably infected with recombinant retrovirus vectors harboring the rat PMP22 cDNA in sense or antisense orientation. Schwann cells over‐ or underexpressing PMP22 were cocultured with purified DRG neurons under conditions that promote myelination. We examined PMP22 expression and localization in the myelin forming cultures by RT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, and we analyzed myelin ultrastructure by electron microscopy. Our results demonstrate that abnormal levels of PMP22 expression do not impair the early stages of myelination and membrane compaction and do not interfere with the expression of other myelin genes. Our observations further indicate that PMP22 is involved more in controlling myelin thickness and stability than in the events determining the initial steps of myelin formation. J. Neurosci. Res. 48:31–42, 1997. © 1977 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychological, biological and health behavior predictors of blood pressure changes in middle-aged women.

A long-standing hypothesis is that feelings of anger and anxiety increase the risk for essential hypertension. Most studies examining this hypothesis have been cross-sectional in design or undertaken with men only. We tested this hypothesis along with determination of the other behavioral and biological predictors of increases in systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure from baseline to a follow-up examination 3 years later in a prospective study of 468 middle-aged women whose blood pressure at the baseline examination was less than 140/90 mmHg. Analyses showed that increases in the Spielberger Trait Anger Scale between the baseline and 3-year follow-up examination, as well as Framingham Tension scores (a measure of anxiety) at baseline, independently predicted an increase in SBP (P less than 0.01). Other factors that independently predicted an increase in SBP were baseline fasting insulin, parental history of hypertension and increases in body mass index and in alcohol intake across the 3 years of follow-up. Increases in the Spielberger Trait Anger Scores independently predicted increases in DBP (P less than 0.02), as did black race, increases in body mass index and hematocrit and decreases in potassium intake. Although menopausal status and hormone replacement therapy were unrelated to changes in blood pressure, postmenopausal women on hormone replacement therapy did show significant increases in DBP in the univariate analysis. Anxiety at baseline, along with parental history of hypertension, baseline fasting insulin and baseline body mass index, predicted a later onset of hypertension, i.e. on pharmacologic treatment for hypertension, in the univariate analysis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Segregation, integration, inclusion and effective provision: a case study of perspectives from special educational needs children, parents and teachers in Bangalore, India

Educating special educational needs (SEN) children in special schools is the norm in India but there is a growing trend towards inclusive practice. Perspectives were sought from children, their parents and teachers in Bangalore, India to investigate perceptions of effective provision for SEN children using an interpretative approach to provide ‘thick descriptions’. Findings suggest that integration of SEN children in mainstream schools was not the preferred model for both the children and adults in the study. Separate schooling was cited by the majority of respondents as the most appropriate model for reasons of unsuitable pedagogy and curriculum, a lack of individualised attention for children and difficulties of social interaction. The study reveals that teacher dedication, passion and care for the SEN children in their classes is juxtaposed with an acknowledgment of their professional training and development needs. These findings provide teachers and policy makers with an in depth insight from this sample case study into the perspectives of children, their parents and teachers on appropriate SEN provision and the challenges of implementing inclusive practice.
CD8 T cell competition for dendritic cells in vivo is an early event in activation

T cell responses against an antigen are often focused on a small fraction of potentially immunogenic determinants, a phenomenon known as immunodominance. Immunodominance can be established at several stages of antigen presentation, including antigen processing, binding of peptides to MHC, and competition between T cells for dendritic cells (DCs). The mechanism of this T cell competition is unclear, but may include competition for physical access to DCs, competition for limiting soluble DC-derived factors, or a suppressive effect of one T cell population on the other(s). To model DC-specific T cell competition, normal mice were injected with one or two T cell receptor transgenic CD8 T cell populations, each with high affinity for different peptides presented by different class I MHC complexes. These mice were immunized with DCs pulsed with peptides that are recognized by the transferred T cells. Competition was detectable when both T cell populations were transferred and their target peptides were present on the same DCs. The competition resulted in fewer cells entering the response, but had no effect on the level of activation of the cells that did respond. The effect was evident very early in the response, and in fact the competing T cells needed to be present in the first 5 h of the response for competition to occur. Thus, some aspect of DCs other than peptide/MHC complexes is limiting in the earliest stages of the CD8 T cell response. These results have implications for the design of multivalent vaccines.
Running performance, not anthropometric factors, is associated with race success in a Triple Iron Triathlon

Objectives: To investigate the influence of anthropometric parameters on race performance in ultra-endurance triathletes. Design: Descriptive field study. Setting: The Triple Iron Triathlon Germany 2006 in Lensahn over 11.6 km swimming, 540 km cycling and 126.6 km running. Subjects: 17 male Caucasian triathletes (mean (SD) 39.2 (7.5) years, 80.7 (8.9) kg, 178 (5) cm, BMI 25.4 (2.4) kg/m2). Interventions: None. Main outcome measurements: Determination of body mass, body height, skin fold thicknesses, circumferences of extremities, as well as calculation of body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass (SM), per cent SM (%SM) and per cent body fat (%BF) in order to correlate measured and calculated anthropometric parameters with race performance. Results: Body mass, body height, skin fold thicknesses, circumferences of extremities, BMI, %SM and %BF had no effect (p>0.05) on race performance. No significant correlation (p>0.05) was observed between total race time and any of the directly measured and calculated anthropometric properties. A significant correlation (p<0.05) was observed between total race time and both running time (r2 = 0.87) and cycling time (r2 = 0.62). In contrast, no significant correlation (p>0.05) was shown between swimming time and total race time. Conclusions: There is no significant association between anthropometric parameters and race performance in ultra-endurance triathletes. Running performance rather than cycling performance seems to be the most important factor in order to be successful in a Triple Iron Triathlon. Swimming performance seems to be of low importance.
Health Promotion Schools of Excellence: a model program for Kentucky and the nation.

This article reviews the development and progress of an innovative, comprehensive school health project in the Jefferson County school district known as the Health Promotion Schools of Excellence (HPSE). This project features unique working relationships between public and private entities seeking a common goal: "A Healthier Community. " The goals and development of HPSE have been formulated to coincide with the emerging directives of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) as well as the growing pressures to control health care costs through effective preventive measures. The results of testing following the first and second years of the project show an encouraging trend of improved physical fitness levels for all students (grades K-12) and improving levels of health knowledge and attitudes in elementary level children (grades 4-8) as well as school faculty and staff. These initial results, although encouraging, will only be meaningful if they translate over time into a healthier, more responsible cohort of adolescents and young adults when compared to their peers not involved in the project. The project, while only in its third year of development, has already been recognized at regional and national levels as a successful model of a comprehensive school health program. As the project continues and grows, the authors anticipate developing one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive longitudinal data bases of childhood and adolescent health information.
Clinical accuracy of estimated fetal weight in term pregnancies in a teaching hospital

Abstract Objective: To evaluate whether clinical characteristics alter the accuracy of clinical estimation of fetal weight (EFW) in term pregnancies in a teaching hospital. Methods: Secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting for labor at term. Clinical EFW was performed using Leopold maneuvers. A Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (r) was used to evaluate the linear relationship between clinical EFW and actual birth weight (BW). Body mass index (BMI), gestational age, fetal station, and admission diagnosis were evaluated with respect to their impact on clinical EFW. The primary outcome was an absolute error between clinical EFW and actual BW >500 g. Results: Of 3797 patients, 941 (24.8%) had an absolute error in clinical EFW exceeding 500 g. The overall correlation between clinical EFW and actual BW was weak (r = 0.4). There was a significant trend of improved accuracy of clinical EFW with increasing gestational age; however, BMI, fetal station, and admission diagnosis did not have significant effects. Of 221 cases of macrosomia (>4000 g), 181 (81.9%) were undetected by clinical EFW. Conclusion: The correlation between clinical EFW and actual BW is overall weak, particularly in patients with macrosomic fetuses; however, BMI, admission diagnosis, and fetal station do not have a significant impact.
Wearable mobile ear-based ECG monitoring device using graphene-coated sensors

This work proposes the design and evaluation of a wearable mobile ear-based electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system using highly electrically conductive material — graphene — enabled electrodes. Prolonged physiological monitoring is important in diagnosis, monitoring chronic diseases, and improving training regimes. Current technologies for monitoring ECGs alone are acceptable to clinicians or professionals, but alien to users. Uncomfortable and unfamiliar technologies are not efficient for obtaining ambulatory data they are designed for. Smartphones and headphones are increasingly ubiquitous across generations. Here, a novel design is aimed to progress the development of an ear-based, graphene sensors with mobile connectivity producing high quality, prolonged, real-time ECG measurements in a system more familiar to the end user.