Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information Environment and The Cost of Capital Orie Barron The Pennsylvania State

In empirical tests guided by recent theory (e.g., Hughes, Liu and Liu 2007; and Lambert, Leuz and Verrecchia 2012), we examine the joint effects of information asymmetry and information precision on the cost of capital and how these effects vary based on the amount and quality of available information and the level of market competition. Consistent with theory, we find that average information precision is an important factor that may alter the relation between information asymmetry and the cost of capital, leading to erroneous inferences, if not considered. We also show that, while information asymmetry increases the cost of capital in most settings, it decreases the cost of capital when the amount of public information is low, while it has no effect when the total information is of high quality and when there is a high level of market competition. Our final results indicate that the precision of private information decreases the cost of capital when the amount of public information is low, while it increases it when the quality of total information is low. Besides examining various aspects of the environment jointly, our study is also unique in that we use better measures of information asymmetry and precision, which allows us to tease out the economic significance of each factor on cost of capital. We find that cost of equity capital varies greatly with our measures of information asymmetry and average information precision. For example, our regression estimates suggest that information asymmetry and average information precision are comparable in importance to equity beta and firm size in determining firms’ cost of capital. JEL Classification: M41, G14, G12, D82
Malnutrition at Intensive Care Unit Admission Predicts Mortality in Emergency General Surgery Patients

BACKGROUND Emergency general surgery (EGS) patients are at an increased risk for morbidity and mortality compared with non-EGS patients. Limited information exists regarding the contribution of malnutrition to the outcome of critically ill patients who undergo EGS. We hypothesized that malnutrition would be associated with increased risk of 90-day all-cause mortality following intensive care unit (ICU) admission in EGS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed an observational study of patients treated in medical and surgical ICUs at a single institution in Boston. We included patients who underwent an EGS procedure and received critical care between 2005 and 2011. The exposure of interest, malnutrition, was determined by a registered dietitian's formal assessment within 48 hours of ICU admission. The primary outcome was all-cause 90-day mortality. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated by multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS The cohort consisted of 1361 patients. Sixty percent had nonspecific malnutrition, 8% had protein-energy malnutrition, and 32% were without malnutrition. The 30-day readmission rate was 18.9%. Mortality in-hospital and at 90 days was 10.1% and 17.9%, respectively. Patients with nonspecific malnutrition had a 1.5-fold increased odds of 90-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-5.04; P = .009) and patients with protein-energy malnutrition had a 3.1-fold increased odds of 90-day mortality (adjusted OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.89-4.92; P < .001) compared with patients without malnutrition. CONCLUSION In critically ill patients who undergo EGS, malnutrition at ICU admission is predictive of adverse outcomes. In survivors of hospitalization, malnutrition at ICU admission is associated with increases in readmission and mortality.
Greenhouse Warming, Decadal Variability, or El Niño? An Attempt to Understand the Anomalous 1990s

The dominant variability modes in the Tropics are investigated and contrasted with the anomalous situation observed during the last few years. The prime quantity analyzed is anomalous sea surface temperature (SST) in the region 308S-608N. Additionally, observed tropical surface wind stress fields were investigated. Further tropical atmospheric information was derived from a multidecadal run with an atmospheric general circulation model that was forced by the same SSTs. The tropical SST variability can be characterized by three modes: an interannual mode (the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)), a decadal mode, and a trend or unresolved ultra- low-frequency variability. The dominant mode of SST variability is the ENSO mode. It is strongest in the eastern equatorial Pacific, but influences also the SSTs in other regions through atmospheric teleconnections, such as the Indian and North Pacific Oceans. The ENSO mode was strong during the 1980s, but it existed with very weak amplitude and short period after 1991. The second most energetic mode is characterized by considerable decadal variability. This decadal mode is connected with SST anomalies of the same sign in all three tropical oceans. The tropical Pacific signature of the decadal mode resembles closely that observed during the last few years and can be characterized by a horseshoe pattern, with strongest SST anomalies in the western equatorial Pacific, extending to the northeast and southeast into the subtropics. It is distinct from the ENSO mode, since it is not connected with any significant SST anomalies in the eastern equatorial Pacific, which is the ENSO key region. However, the impact of the decadal mode on the tropical climate resembles in many respects that of ENSO. In particular, the decadal mode is strongly linked to decadal rainfall fluctuations over northeastern Australia in the observations. It is shown that the anomalous 1990s were dominated by the decadal mode. Considerable SST variability can be attributed also to a linear trend or unresolved ultra-low-frequency vari- ability. This trend that might be related to greenhouse warming is rather strong and positive in the Indian Ocean and western equatorial Pacific where it accounts for up to 30% of the total SST variability. Consistent with the increase of SST in the warm pool region, the trends over the tropical Pacific derived from both the observations and the model indicate a strengthening of the trade winds. This is inconsistent with the conditions observed during the 1990s. If the wind trends reflect greenhouse warming, it must be concluded that the anomalous 1990s are not caused by greenhouse warming. Finally, hybrid coupled ocean-atmosphere model experiments were conducted in order to investigate the sensistivity of ENSO to the low-frequency changes induced by the decadal mode and the trend. The results indicate that ENSO is rather sensitive to these changes in the background conditions.
Identification of Functional Residues on Caenorhabditis elegans Actin-interacting Protein 1 (UNC-78) for Disassembly of Actin Depolymerizing Factor/Cofilin-bound Actin Filaments*

Actin-interacting protein 1 (AIP1) is a WD40 repeat protein that enhances actin filament disassembly in the presence of actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin. AIP1 also caps the barbed end of ADF/cofilin-bound actin filament. However, the mechanism by which AIP1 interacts with ADF/cofilin and actin is not clearly understood. We determined the crystal structure of Caenorhabditis elegans AIP1 (UNC-78), which revealed 14 WD40 modules arranged in two seven-bladed β-propeller domains. The structure allowed for the mapping of conserved surface residues, and mutagenesis studies identified five residues that affected the ADF/cofilin-dependent actin filament disassembly activity. Mutations of these residues, which reside in blades 3 and 4 in the N-terminal propeller domain, had significant effects on the disassembly activity but did not alter the barbed end capping activity. These data support a model in which this conserved surface of AIP1 plays a direct role in enhancing fragmentation/depolymerization of ADF/cofilin-bound actin filaments but not in barbed end capping.
Apolipoprotein(a) phenotype-associated decrease in lipoprotein(a) plasma concentrations after renal transplantation.

High lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] plasma concentrations are an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. In the general population, Lp(a) levels are primarily determined by allelic variation at the apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] gene locus. Apo(a) isoforms of various sizes are associated with different Lp(a) concentrations. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have elevated plasma concentrations of Lp(a), which are not explained by the size variation at the apo(a) gene locus. To further investigate the origin of the elevated Lp(a) plasma concentrations, we examined Lp(a) concentrations and apo(a) phenotypes in 154 ESRD patients undergoing renal transplantation. In a prospective longitudinal study we observed a rapid normalization of Lp(a) levels from an average concentration of 25.9 +/- 28.7 mg/dL before to 17.9 +/- 25.5 mg/dL 3 weeks after renal transplantation (P < .0001). Only patients with high-molecular-weight phenotypes had a significant decrease in Lp(a) plasma concentrations. This study demonstrates the nongenetic origin of elevated Lp(a) concentrations in ESRD patients, which is obviously caused by the disease. It further confirms a phenotype-associated elevation of Lp(a) concentrations in ESRD.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the treatment of Budd–Chiari syndrome: a critical review of literatures

Abstract An increasing number of patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) have undergone transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). However, the critical role of TIPS in the treatment of BCS has not been systematically reviewed. The authors identified all relevant literatures via the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases. Overall, 160 papers from 29 countries reported the application of TIPS for BCS. The number of publications was increased over time, but the level of evidence in this field was low. Common indications for TIPS in BCS patients included refractory ascites, recurrent variceal bleeding, diffuse hepatic vein thrombosis and progressive liver failure. Successful TIPS insertion could improve the hemodynamic and clinical parameters. TIPS procedure-related complications were not infrequent (range: 0–56%), but procedure-related death was rare. Shunt dysfunction rate appeared to be higher (range: 18–100%). Compared with bare stents, covered stents could significantly decrease the rate of shunt dysfunction. Hepatic encephalopathy rate after TIPS was relatively low (range: 0–25%). Short- and long-term prognosis of BCS-TIPS patients was excellent with 1-year cumulative survival rate of 80–100% and 5-year cumulative survival rate of 74–78%. In conclusions, existing literatures supported the feasibility, safety and efficacy of TIPS in the treatment of BCS. Prospective cohort studies or randomized controlled trials were difficult due to the rarity of BCS, but might be very necessary to precisely identify the timing of transition from medical therapy and/or percutaneous recanalization to TIPS insertion and the real candidates in whom early TIPS should be promptly employed with no need of any prior therapy.
Prosthesis survival after total hip arthroplasty—does surgical approach matter? Analysis of 19,304 Charnley and 6,002 Exeter primary total hip arthroplasties reported to the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register

Background and purpose Controversies still exist about whether there is any effect of operative approach on survival of hip prostheses. We compared long-term survival of primary total hip arthroplasties in a welldefined study population from a national prospective population-based registry with regard to the three most commonly used surgical approaches. Methods We assessed prosthesis survival according to surgical approach (the lateral with or without trochanteric osteotomy, and the posterolateral) for 19,304 Charnley and 6,002 Exeter total hip arthroplasties performed from 1987 to 2004. Results For Charnley total hip arthroplasties, lateral approach with trochanteric osteotomy had a lower probability of revision than lateral approach without trochanteric osteotomy (RR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5–0.8). The lower revision rate was due to fewer revisions for aseptic loosening and dislocation. The differences had declined in the latest time period (1995–2004). We observed no differences between lateral approach without trochanteric osteotomy and posterolateral approach, except that there were more revisions due to dislocation in the posterolateral approach group (RR = 1.9, 95%CI: 1.1–3.2). No statistically significant differences were observed for Exeter total hip arthroplasties. Interpretation For Charnley prostheses, the lateral approach with trochanteric osteotomy gave a reduced revision risk compared to the other approaches, which was due to fewer revisions for dislocation, and in the first time period also fewer revisions due to aseptic loosening.
The Measurement of Liver Blood Flow Using Clearance Techniques

More than 30 years ago, Bradley et al. (1) described a clearance technique for measuring hepatic blood flow. This technique requires the simultaneous measurement of clearance and hepatic extraction of the test substance. In the last 2 years, several studies (2, 3, Feely, J. and Guy, E. Lancet 1982; 1:169, Correspondence), including the one published in this issue of Hepatology by Henderson et al. (4), use clearance techniques, without measuring hepatic extraction, in normal volunteers (2, Feely, J. and Guy, E., Lancet 1982; 1:169, Correspondence) and in patients with liver disease (4) to evaluate changes in liver blood flow produced by drugs (2,4, Feely, J. and Guy, E., Lancet 1982; 1:169, Correspondence) or hemodynamic maneuvers (3). I am concerned that confusion may emerge from these publications unless limitations of the clearance technique for measuring liver blood flow are reaffirmed. The classical formula, developed by Bradley et al. (l), to measure hepatic blood flow using the clearance technique is based on the Fick principle. It states that HBF = Cl/E, where HBF is hepatic blood flow, C1 is clearance of the indicator, and E is extraction of the indicator across the liver. To estimate hepatic blood flow solely from clearance of an indicator, one must assume that the indicator is removed from blood only by the liver and is completely extracted in a single pass; that is, one must assume that E in a single pass is 100%. In the past, different indicators have been utilized to estimate hepatic blood flow by this technique (5). The most common indicators are indocyanine green, a carbocyanine dye that is tightly bound to albumin and is excreted in bile (5), and galactose, which is metabolized mainly in the liver (6). Indocyanine green is removed only by the liver (5), as seems to be the case with galactose at the dose used in Henderson’s study (6). Neither substance is completely cleared by the liver in a single pass. The E of indocyanine green, the most commonly used indicator, averages 65% (7) in normal volunteers, which implies an underestimation by 35% of hepatic blood flow when clearance is used without correction for extraction. A
Weight gain prevention and smoking cessation: cautionary findings.

OBJECTIVES Weight gain is a consistent sequela of smoking cessation. A successful intervention might attract smokers who fear weight gain. If the gain causes smoking relapse, such an intervention might reduce smoking relapse risk. METHODS Using a sample of 158 smokers who completed a 2-week smoking treatment program, we compared an innovative weight gain prevention intervention with both a nonspecific treatment and standard treatment. Subjects were assessed on weight and smoking behavior and followed for 1 year. RESULTS A disturbing, unexpected finding was that subjects in both the innovative and nonspecific conditions had a higher risk of smoking relapse than did standard treatment subjects. Some differences were observed between abstinent and smoking subjects in weight gain by treatment condition. CONCLUSIONS Both active interventions may have been so complicated that they detracted from nonsmoking. Also, caloric restriction may increase the reinforcing value of nicotine, a psychoactive drug, thereby increasing smoking relapse risk. The magnitude of weight gain after smoking cessation may not merit interventions that increase smoking risk. Perhaps attitudinal modifications are the most appropriate.
Detection of Epstein–Barr virus and human herpesvirus 7 and 8 genomes in primary cutaneous T‐ and B‐cell lymphomas

Background Several studies have investigated the possible involvement of viral agents, particularly herpesviruses, in primary cutaneous lymphoma (PCL). Objectives Our aim was to screen for the presence of human herpesvirus 7 (HHV‐7) and 8 (HHV‐8) genomes in samples of PCL, and to determine if their presence was independent of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). Methods Screening was performed using polymerase chain reaction assay in 64 skin samples from historical lesional tissues with PCL. Results Only nine cases showed positivity for HHV‐7: four of 29 mycosis fungoides (MF), two of four CD30‐positive large‐cell cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL), two of 12 follicle centre cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma (CBCL) and one of nine marginal zone CBCL. Fifteen cases tested positive for EBV: seven of 29 MF, two of four pleomorphic small/medium sized CTCL, three of three angiocentric CTCL, one of 12 follicle centre CBCL and two of nine marginal zone CBCL. All cases were uniformly negative for HHV‐8. No simultaneous positivity was found for EBV and HHV‐7. Controls tested negative for all viruses. Conclusions The findings indicate that EBV, HHV‐7 and HHV‐8 seem not to be involved in the pathogenesis of PCL.
A lens-coupled 210–270 GHz circularly polarized FMCW radar transceiver module in SiGe technology

A 240 GHz homodyne circularly polarized SiGe FMCW radar transceiver module with a single on-chip antenna is presented. The transceiver chip is implemented in a low-cost 0.13-μm SiGe HBT technology version with cutoff frequencies fT/fmax of 300/450 GHz. The transmit block comprises a wideband ×16 frequency multiplier chain, a 4-stage PA, while the receive block consists of a 3-stage PA acting as a preamplifier with high linearity, a fundamental down-conversion mixer, and a 4-stage PA to drive the mixer. A Gysel power splitter, a coupled line quadrature hybrid coupler, and a dual polarization on-chip antenna are added on-chip to realize a fully integrated radar transceiver. All building blocks are operated differentially. The use of a single antenna in the circularly polarized radar transceiver leads to compact size and high system SNR. The measured peak radiated power from the lens-packaged radar module is +5dBm and the SSB noise figure is 21 dB. The characterization bandwidth of the radar transceiver is 54 GHz around the center frequency of 240 GHz, and the simulated Tx-to-Rx leakage is below -23 dB. After system calibration the range resolution of 2.75mm is achieved, which exactly corresponds to the theoretical BW-limited resolution value.
X‐linked recessive bulbospinal neuronopathy (Kennedy's syndrome): a neurophysiological study

We examined 8 men with X‐linked recessive bulbospinal neuronopathy. Quantitative electromyography showed large amplitude motor unit action potentials of prolonged duration and increased polyphasia. There was a pronounced loss of motor units in all but one muscle at maximal volition even in muscles with normal or only mildly decreased force. Denervation activity was present in 53% sampled limb muscles, and fasciculation was recorded in 33% of limb muscles. Nerve conduction studies showed small amplitude sensory action potentials in 6 out of 8 patients. The motor and sensory conduction velocity was normal or borderline slow. The electrophysiologic findings were consistent with chronic partial denervation (motor axonopathy) combined with large fibre sensory axonopathy.
Magmatic garnets from the Cardigan pluton and the Acadian thermal event in southwest New Hampshire

Samples from the Cardigan pluton preserve magmatic garnet-biotite temperatures and record an intrusive cooling history. Cardigan garnets do not seem to have formed in situ nor to have been reset by regional metamorphism. The interiors of Cardigan garnets are compositionally homogeneous, reflecting high-temperature, rapid volume difusion. Garnet core-matrix biotite temperatures range from 750 to 900'C, with samples from the margins of the Cardigan pluton recording higher temperatures than those from the interior of the pluton. On the other hand, garnets from metapelites surrounding the Cardigan pluton have diferent compositions and preserve lower temperatures (500-700'C) than Cardigan garnets. The rims of Cardigan garnets are steeply zoned, reflecting incomplete re-equilibration at lower temperatures. Temperatures calculated from garnet rim and adjacent biotite compositions are approximately 400'C, reflecting the last temperature of equilibration. These relationships provide constraints on the relative timing of emplacement of the Cardigan pluton and regional metamorphism. K-feldspar<ordierite zone metamorphism preserved in metapelites surrounding the Cardigan pluton could not have been a regional event that postdated the intrusion of the Cardigan pluton. These data contrast with previous work that suggested that high-grade Acadian isograds crosscut the Cardigan pluton.
Dietary habits and life style among the students of a private medical university Karachi.

OBJECTIVES To determine the dietary habits and life style of the students of a private medical university in Karachi. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study was conducted at Baqai Medical University, from August 2005 to September 2005. A total of 384 medical students from the batches of 2002 to 2005 participated in this study. A pre-tested semi structured questionnaire was self administered to the students after taking their consent. The data included sociodemographic characteristics, life style, exercise, dietary habits and family history of diabetes mellitus. The collected data was analyzed by statistical program SPSS version 11. RESULTS Out of the total participants, 53.4% were male and 46.6% were female students. The mean age was 20 +/- 1.58 years. The average income of the household of students was 50,000 Pakistani rupees per month. Only 7% students were tobacco users. About 33% students had a history of diabetes mellitus among their parents. Nearly ninety-seven percent reported consumption of junk food while 60% reported use of whole grain food in their diet. Seventy percent students walked 30 minutes and 47% exercised daily. According to the body mass index, 58.3% students were of normal weight and 41.7% were overweight. No significant difference was found among male and female students when dietary habits and life style were compared by sex. Junk food and soft-drink consumption was associated with being overweight. Eating whole grain food and doing exercise showed a protective association against overweight. CONCLUSION Unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits were highly prevalent in the overweight study population. Type-2 diabetes mellitus was common among parents and grandparents of the students making them prone to this disorder. Our study concluded that dietary and exercise counselling is necessary as a preventive strategy.
Regional cerebral blood flow in chronic alcoholics measured by single photon emission computerized tomography

Regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured by single photon emission computerized tomography of inhaled 133‐Xe in 20 chronic alcoholic men. Mean CBF was 51 ml/(100 g x min) compared with 53 ml/(100 g x min) in 20 normals. Reduced cerebellar blood flow correlated both to structural abnormalities seen on CT scan and to cognitive dysfunction. Slight abnormalities of the regional CBF was observed in the alcoholics. They had a higher incidence of regional low flow areas than a control group. Low flow areas were found in frontal and posterior parts of the brain not only in patients with atrophia, but also in patients without CT abnormalities, suggesting neuronal dysfunction. The occurrence of regional low flow areas was associated with the severity of alcoholism, cerebral atrophy and intellectual impairment.