Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Politically connected CEOs and earnings management: evidence from China

ABSTRACT This paper examines the impact of politically connected CEOs on earnings management in Chinese listed firms. The results show that firms with politically connected CEOs engage in significantly lower levels of accrual-based earnings management than firms without politically connected CEOs. We then find evidence that firms with politically connected CEOs conduct significantly higher levels of real earnings management, which is more difficult to detect than accrual-based earnings management, and that in non-state-controlled firms, where government support is less, the presence of politically connected CEOs is positively related to accruals manipulation. We draw regulators’ attention to the fact that using accrual-based earnings management measures alone may underestimate the earnings management activities of firms with politically connected CEOs. Our findings are robust after controlling for possible endogeneity.
The potential implications of environmental deterioration on business and non-business visitor expenditures in a natural setting

Nature-based tourism can be an important source of income for regional economies but relies on a healthy environment. Using data collected from business and non-business visitors to Australia’s coast adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, the authors generate estimates of the potential financial impact of environmental degradation, demonstrating a novel way of testing and controlling for hypothetical response bias. More than 90% of non-business visitors and 67% of business visitors came to the region for at least one nature-related reason. Average daily expenditure was similar for both visitor segments (≈AUD$190), but the determinants of expenditure varied. All visitors reacted much more negatively to the prospect of environmental degradation than to a 20% increase in (local) prices, although business visitors were much less responsive than non-business visitors. Adjusting for hypothetical response bias, the authors estimate that substantial environmental degradation could reduce visitor expenditures (and thus local tourism incomes) by at least 17%.
Serum ionised calcium as a prognostic risk factor in the clinical course of pancreatitis in cats

Objectives The aims of the study were to assess the possible effects of sex, age and breed on the evolution of pancreatitis, and to understand if low values of serum ionised calcium ([Ca2+i]) can be considered as a prognostic risk factor for determining the clinical course of the disease. Methods A sample of 24 cats (n = 24) with pancreatitis was used and grouped according to the disease progress into two groups: (i) non-fatal (NF) for those that recovered and (ii) fatal (F) for those that died. Quantification of [Ca2+i] and feline pancreatic lipase (fPL) was carried out for each patient at two different times: T1 (day of diagnosis) and T2 (day of recovery or death). For statistical analysis, P values <0.05 were considered significant. Results At T1, 58.3% of patients presented with hypocalcaemia, 33.3% with normocalcaemia and 8.3% with hypercalcaemia. The [Ca2+i] mean values were higher in the F group than in NF. At T2, 75.0% of patients showed normocalcaemia and 25.0% hypocalcaemia. The mean value of [Ca2+i] for F at T2 was 0.88 ± 0.23 mmol/l, whereas for NF it was 1.10 ± 0.11 mmol/l. There was no sex or age predisposition for disease development, but a breed effect was noted (domestic shorthair cats were more prone to developing pancreatitis). Conclusions and relevance The results suggest that hypocalcaemia is common in patients with pancreatitis and that [Ca2+i] may be used as a prognostic risk factor for predicting the clinical course of the disease, with values ⩽1 mmol/l corresponding to a poor prognosis.
Systemic but asymptomatic transthyretin amyloidosis 8 years after domino liver transplantation

As familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is an adult-onset disease, a long period is expected between domino liver transplantation (DLT) and the occurrence of amyloidosis in recipients of a FAP liver. However, as time passes, and increased numbers of patients have undergone DLT, patients with symptoms suggesting amyloidosis have been reported. The authors describe, for the first time, pathological findings in an autopsy case of a recipient of a FAP liver. A male patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis received a liver graft from a FAP patient with the transthyretin (TTR) Tyr114Cys mutation when he was 30 years old. Although a recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis was detected at age 34, he had no symptoms indicating amyloidosis. He died from Burkitt's lymphoma at 38 years of age. TTR immunoreactive amyloid was found in various organs including the heart, lung, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, spleen, reproductive system and skeletal muscles. In the nervous system, TTR immunoreactive amyloid deposition was obvious in the sympathetic ganglia and the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, while loss of neurons or nerve fibres was not apparent. This case allows for the characterisation of amyloid deposition during the asymptomatic stage of FAP. Widespread amyloid deposition may occur before tissue damage in this disease.
Oxygen Cost Versus a 1-Minute Walk Test in a Population of Children With Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Difficulties with direct measurement of oxygen (O2) consumption have led to the use of simpler proxy measures to estimate energy efficiency in children with cerebral palsy. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between a fast 1-minute walk test and O2 cost in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Eighty-four children (31 girls, 53 boys; mean age, 10 years 11 months; Gross Motor Function Classification System level I n = 8, level II n = 41, level III n = 21, level IV n = 14) were eligible to participate in the study. Seventy-seven children completed the walk test and 47 children completed the O2 consumption protocol. Results showed significant differences between Gross Motor Function Classification System levels for both tests (P < 0.001) and a significant moderate quadratic relationship between the distance covered during the 1-minute fast-walk test and the net O2 cost (adjusted r2 = 0.477; P < 0.001). The 1-minute fast-walk test may provide useful information on the efficiency of gait in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy in the absence of more sophisticated equipment; however, further work is required to address its reliability and responsiveness.
Repeated Measurements of the Anterior Segment During Accommodation Using Long Scan Depth Optical Coherence Tomography

Objectives The aim was to determine the repeatability of ultralong scan depth spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) measurements of the ocular anterior segment during accommodation. Methods The center wavelength of the SD-OCT light source was 840 nm with a bandwidth of 50 nm. The ocular axial resolution of the system was approximately 6.0 &mgr;m, and the scan depth was 7.2 mm in air. Twenty eyes of 20 healthy subjects were imaged with a custom-built, ultralong scan depth SD-OCT during 2 visits. The anterior segment images were acquired during nonaccommodative and maximal accommodative states. After image processing and correction, the true values of the morphometric dimensions of the anterior eye were obtained. The variables of the two states from two visits were compared. Results For the corrected anterior segment images, the variables did not significantly differ from one visit to the next. The values of anterior chamber depth, pupil diameter, and the radius of the lens anterior surface curvature during accommodation were significantly smaller than those during the nonaccommodative state. The lens thickness significantly increased with accommodation. There was no significant difference in the posterior surface curvature of the lens between the two states. Conclusions Ultralong scan depth SD-OCT holds promise for quantifying dimensional changes in the eye during accommodation. The instrument demonstrated good repeatability of ocular anterior segment dimensional measurements during accommodation.
Influence of iron on plasma interleukin-2 and gamma interferon level in iron deficiency anemia.

AIM to find out the the influence of iron on the levels of plasma IL-2 and IFNgamma in iron deficiency anemia patient. METHODS the study subjects were patients with IDA (intended samples) selected from the accessible population that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria using consecutive sampling technique and by signing an informed consent. Blood samples were taken for measurement of IL-2 and IFNgamma concentrations as well as list of questionnaires for obtaining data on age, gender, body weight, infections suffered, use of immunosuppressive medicines, malnutrition, malignancy and genetic disorder, and IDA diagnosis. The levels of IL-2 and IFNgamma were measured before and after 8 weeks of iron tablet adminitration using immunoassay solid phase ELISA. Descriptive statistics was used to illustrate patient's characteristics and frequency distribution of various variables. The average difference of IL-2 and IFNgamma concentrations was also examined pre and post administration of iron tablets for 8 weeks using Wilkoxon sign rank test. RESULTS in the study, 26 IDA patients were eligible, chosen from 64 IDA patients who were then given iron tablets for 8 weeks. By the end of the treatment, they were tested for complete blood analysis, serum ferritin, and cytokines of plasma. Sign rank test of Wilcoxon was used to find out direction and degree of difference between the two paired groups which showed a significant difference between pre and post iron tablet administration of hemoglobin (Z= -4.561; p<0.001), MCV (Z= -4.276; p<0.001), MCH (Z= -3.616; p<0.001) and feritin (Z= -3.556; p<0.001). After 8 weeks of iron tablets, the study also noted, increasing of plasma IL-2 and IFNgamma. Before treatment level of plasma IL-2 was 7.65 pg/l then became 29.3 pg/l after treatment (Z=- 3.508, p<0.001) and plasma IFNg before treatment was 10.15 pg/l became 46.7 pg/l after treatment (Z= -4.241, p<0.001). CONCLUSION concentration of IL2 dan IFNgamma in plasma significantly increased after administration of iron tablets for 8 weeks as compared to that before iron treatment.
Lysosomal Trafficking and Cysteine Protease Metabolism Confer Target-specific Cytotoxicity by Peptide-linked Anti-CD30-Auristatin Conjugates*

The chimeric anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody cAC10, linked to the antimitotic agents monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) or F (MMAF), produces potent and highly CD30-selective anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo. These drugs are appended via a valine-citrulline (vc) dipeptide linkage designed for high stability in serum and conditional cleavage and putative release of fully active drugs by lysosomal cathepsins. To characterize the biochemical processes leading to effective drug delivery, we examined the intracellular trafficking, internalization, and metabolism of the parent antibody and two antibody-drug conjugates, cAC10vc-MMAE and cAC10vc-MMAF, following CD30 surface antigen interaction with target cells. Both cAC10 and its conjugates bound to target cells and internalized in a similar manner. Subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that the antibody and antibody-drug conjugates entering target cells migrated to the lysosomes. Trafficking of both species was blocked by inhibitors of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, suggesting that drug conjugation does not alter the fate of antibody-antigen complexes. Incubation of cAC10vc-MMAE or cAC10vc-MMAF with purified cathepsin B or with enriched lysosomal fractions prepared by subcellular fractionation resulted in the release of active, free drug. Cysteine protease inhibitors, but not aspartic or serine protease inhibitors, blocked antibody-drug conjugate metabolism and the ensuing cytotoxicity of target cells and yielded enhanced intracellular levels of the intact conjugates. These findings suggest that in addition to trafficking to the lysosomes, cathepsin B and perhaps other lysosomal cysteine proteases are requisite for drug release and provide a mechanistic basis for developing antibody-drug conjugates cleavable by intracellular proteases for the targeted delivery of anti-cancer therapeutics.
A Large Scale Prediction Engine for App Install Clicks and Conversions

Predicting the probability of users clicking on app install ads and installing those apps comes with its own specific challenges. In this paper, we describe (a) how we built a scalable machine learning pipeline from scratch to predict the probability of users clicking and installing apps in response to ad impressions, (b) the novel features we developed to improve our model performance, (c) the training and scoring pipelines that were put into production, (d) our A/B testing process along with the metrics used to determine significant improvements, and (e) the results of our experiments. Our algorithmic improvements resulted in a 3X improvement in satisfaction for app install advertisers on our ad platform. In addition, we dive into how sequential model training, deep learning, and transfer learning resulted in a further 7% lift in conversion rate and 11% lift in revenue. Finally, we share the scientific, data-related, and product-related challenges that we encountered -- we expect others across the industry would greatly benefit from these considerations and our experiences when they kick-start similar efforts.
Distinct Differences Between Morphine‐ and [d‐Ala2,N‐MePhe4,Gly‐ol5]‐Enkephalin‐ μ‐Opioid Receptor Complexes Demonstrated by Cyclic AMP‐Dependent Protein Kinase Phosphorylation

Abstract: The present study demonstrates a conditional, agonist‐dependent phosphorylation of the μ‐opioid receptor (MOR‐1) by cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) in membrane preparations of MOR‐1‐transfected neuroblastoma Neuro2A cells. Opioid agonist‐dependent phosphorylation occurs in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner (EC50∼40 nM) and can be abolished by the receptor antagonist naloxone. Stoichiometric analysis indicates incorporation of a maximum of 6 mol of phosphate/mol of receptor in the presence of 1 µM morphine and 6 nM PKA. Although morphine and related alkaloids as well as some peptide agonists (PLO17 and β‐endorphin) stimulated phosphorylation of MOR‐1 by PKA, the potent μ‐opioid‐selective peptide [d‐Ala2,N‐MePhe4,Gly‐ol5]‐enkephalin (DAMGO) or other enkephalin analogues such as [d‐Ala2]‐Met5‐enkephalinamide (DALA), [d‐Ala2,d‐Leu5]‐enkephalin (DADLE), and Met5‐enkephalin had no effect. The lack of the effect of DAMGO on MOR‐1 phosphorylation state was evident also after chronic pretreatment. These results suggest the existence of different agonist‐dependent conformations of MOR‐1. Furthermore, phosphorylation may be a useful parameter with which to identify different agonist‐receptor conformations.
The Decoupling of Emerging Economies: Theoretical and Empirical Puzzle

With the growing importance of the emerging economies (EEs) in the international scene, a lively debate has begun on whether the national economic cycles are converging or the cycles of EEs and advanced economies (AEs) are becoming disconnected, the so-called ‘hypothesis of decoupling of EEs from the AEs’. Given the important practical implications that decoupling could have, for example, on the definition of national and international economic policies and on business strategies aimed at investment diversification and risk management, the question kindles not only the interest of academics but also policymakers and practitioners are very interested in the issue. The decoupling question has been long debated in different circles and from different points of view. This survey aims to retrace the steps of this debate and to provide some suggestions for future empirical researches.
Recombinant anti‐podoplanin (NZ‐1) immunotoxin for the treatment of malignant brain tumors

Our study demonstrates the glioma tumor antigen podoplanin to be present at very high levels (>90%) in both glioblastoma (D2159MG, D08‐0308MG and D08‐0493MG) and medulloblastoma (D283MED, D425MED and DAOY) xenografts and cell line. We constructed a novel recombinant single‐chain antibody variable region fragment (scFv), NZ‐1, specific for podoplanin from the NZ‐1 hybridoma. NZ‐1‐scFv was then fused to Pseudomonas exotoxin A, carrying a C‐terminal KDEL peptide (NZ‐1‐PE38KDEL). The immunotoxin (IT) was further stabilized by a disulfide (ds) bond between the heavy‐chain and light‐chain variable regions as the construct NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL. NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL exhibited significant reactivity to glioblastoma and medulloblastoma cells. The affinity of NZ‐1‐(scdsFv), NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL and NZ‐1 antibody for podoplanin peptide was 2.1 × 10−8 M, 8.0 × 10−8 M and 3.9 × 10−10 M, respectively. In a protein stability assay, NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL retained 33–98% of its activity, whereas that of NZ‐1‐PE38KDEL declined to 13% of its initial levels after incubation at 37°C for 3 days. In vitro cytotoxicity of the NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL was measured in cells isolated from glioblastoma xenografts, D2159MG, D08‐0308MG and D08‐0493MG, and in the medulloblastoma D283MED, D425MED and DOAY xenografts and cell line. The NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL IT was highly cytotoxic, with an 50% inhibitory concentration in the range of 1.6–29 ng/ml. Significantly, NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL demonstrated tumor growth delay, averaging 24 days (p < 0.001) and 21 days (p < 0.001) in D2159MG and D283MED in vivo tumor models, respectively. Crucially, in the D425MED intracranial tumor model, NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL caused a 41% increase in survival (p ≤ 0.001). In preclinical studies, NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL exhibited significant potential as a targeting agent for malignant brain tumors.
THE RELATION BETWEEN MATERNAL AND CORD SERUM IRON LEVELS AND ITS EFFECT ON FETAL GROWTH IN IRON DEFIClENT MOTHERS WITHOUT MALARIAL INFECTION

In this relatively iron deficient population both multiparous and primiparous pregnant women had similar serum iron levels. The mothers' levels had a linear correlation with the cord serum levels, but the lowest mean cord levels were above 100 μg. /dl. Maternal and cord blood haemoglobin levels, birthweights and placental weights showed no constant relation to the serum iron levels, and even in anaemic mothers the fetus was relatively non‐anaemic with a haemoglobin level around 13 g. /dl. In non‐anaemic mothers the cord blood haemoglobin rose rapidly and progressively.
Pattern of Cerebral Aneurysms in Morocco: Review of the Concept of Their Rarity in Developing Countries: Report of 200 Cases

OBJECTIVEMany neurosurgeons consider cerebral aneurysms to be rare in Africa and the Middle East. In this report, we describe the pattern of cerebral aneurysms in Morocco and call into question the idea of their rarity in developing countries. Our objective is to urge neurosurgeons in these areas to track them and to treat them under better conditions. METHODSWe report a retrospective study of 200 patients with cerebral aneurysms admitted to our department between 1983 and 1999. The results of this study are supported by pertinent epidemiological surveys, anatomic studies on the incidence of cerebral aneurysms in Morocco, and analysis of the literature related to the epidemiology of aneurysms in developing countries. RESULTSThe patients in our series ranged in age from 7 to 70 years (mean age, 52 yr), with a slight female predominance (52%). They presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (173 patients), cranial nerve palsy (18 patients), or mass symptoms (9 patients). The delay between subarachnoid hemorrhage and admission ranged from 1 to 30 days (mean, 14 d). The aneurysm was located in the internal carotid artery in 42%, in the anterior communicating and anterior cerebral arteries in 28%, in the middle cerebral artery in 19%, and in the vertebrobasilar artery in 10%. Multiple aneurysms were encountered in 9% and giant aneurysms in 15.5%. Seventeen patients died before surgery (with vasospasm in 13 cases and rebleeding in 4 cases), and 19 died after surgery. Follow-up, ranging between 1 and 10 years, revealed good outcomes with complete recovery in 64.5% and recovery with major sequelae in 7%. Pre- and postoperative mortality represented 18%; there was no operative treatment and no follow-up in 11.5%. CONCLUSIONSome data in this study (the delay between subarachnoid hemorrhage and admission, the high incidence of urban patients [80%], and the high rate of giant aneurysms) explain why many cases of ruptured aneurysms are not diagnosed. The analysis of our clinical series and the results of the epidemiological surveys show that the incidence has doubled every 5 years. These findings confirm that cerebral aneurysms are not rare in Morocco. A critical reading of the published articles claiming a low incidence of cerebral aneurysms in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia shows that this conclusion is not based on accurate and reliable statistical studies. Neurosurgeons in these regions should abandon this idea of rarity, and they should search for arterial cerebral aneurysms and develop the optimum conditions for the treatment of patients with aneurysms.
Eating Disorders “Mental Health Literacy” in Low Risk, High Risk and Symptomatic Women: Implications for Health Promotion Programs

Attitudes and beliefs concerning the nature and treatment of bulimia nervosa (BN) were compared among young adult women at low risk of an eating disorder (n = 332), at high risk (n = 83), or already showing symptoms (n = 94). Participants completed a self-report questionnaire that included a measure of eating disorder symptoms. A vignette of a fictional person suffering from BN was presented, followed by a series of questions addressing the nature and treatment of the problem described. High-risk and symptomatic participants were more likely than low-risk participants to report that they would not approach anyone for advice or help, were they to have BN or a similar problem, because they would not want anyone to know. Symptomatic participants were more likely to believe that someone with BN would be discriminated against, more likely to consider bulimic behaviors to be acceptable, and more likely to view BN as being common among women in the community, than low-risk participants, participants in the high-risk group being intermediate on each of these questions. The findings suggest that the attitudes and beliefs of individuals with eating disorder symptoms differ systematically from those of individuals at high risk, but who do not yet have symptoms, and from those at low risk. They also indicate specific attitudes and beliefs that may need to be addressed in prevention and early intervention programs. The potential benefits of assessing individuals' attitudes and beliefs concerning the nature and treatment of eating-disordered behaviour and tailoring program content accordingly may be worthy of investigation.