Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing the predictive performance of the logit and discriminant analysis models in bankruptcy prediction

This research assesses the sensitivity of ratio analysis in bankruptcy prediction. I challenge the usually applied criterion in bankruptcy analysis where a model outperforms another model based on their classification performance (prediction) of firms into bankrupt and non-bankrupt categories. The commonly applied decision criterion is based on Type 1 and Type 2 errors or the aggregate predictive ability of a model. However, I claim that, say, if these metrics show identical results for two models, it is not clear by any stretch that they have the same predictive ability. Rather I contest that looking at the classification patterns of each individual firm, one may observe that indeed both models classify rightly and wrongly all firms in a testing sample; or, they do not, in which case a data-driven result has been obtained. I have chosen to demonstrate this novel idea by means of the classification performance of the multivariate discriminant analysis (MDA) and Logit models. These two models were introduced by Altman (1968) and Ohlson (1980), respectively, and are probably the most established bankruptcy prediction tools in the literature and in business applications. In doing so, I heavily lean on Begley et al. (1996) who compare the two models using data from the 1990ies. From this starting point, I further apply criteria that allow for a fairer comparison of the two models, because testing two models about the predictive ability to classify firms into groups seems unreliable when each model uses different variables and where for neither of the two models any specification test results are considered. My research question therefore asks whether the reported results of the MDA and Logit models in the literature with respect to bankruptcy prediction do hold when firm-specific classification patterns are considered. I provide various negative results to this question. This work and the discussed future direction that may be taken based on my work have to potential to redirect the bankruptcy literature to more useful assessments of model performance comparisons.
Potential risk factors for the transition to injecting among non-injecting heroin users: a comparison of former injectors and never injectors.

AIMS To compare potential risk factors for the transition to injecting among non-injecting heroin users (NIUs) with different injecting histories. DESIGN Cross-sectional data from baseline structured interviews with NIUs in a study on transitions to injecting. Sample recruited by outreach or chain-referral in New York City (NYC), 1996-1998. SETTING Recruitment of sample and interviews conducted in a NYC neighborhood where many drug users reside and/or use drugs. PARTICIPANTS Of 575 NIUs, 67% had never injected; 16% had injected one to nine times (infrequent former injectors (IFI)); and 18% 10 or more times (frequent former injectors (FFI)). MEASUREMENTS Controlling for age and race/ethnicity, adjusted odds ratios were estimated in multivariate logistic regression, and differences in means tested by ANCOVA. FINDINGS FFI (compared to never injectors and IFI) were more likely: to be homeless; to be unemployed; to be long-time users; to be younger at first heroin use; to not have initiated heroin use through non-injected routes; to not be afraid of injecting themselves with needles; to sniff heroin with former IDUs; and, for both men and women separately, to have sex partners who were former IDUs. Both FFI and IFI were twice as likely as never injectors to perceive that their friends thought that it was "OK" to inject drugs. CONCLUSIONS FFI have multiple individual and network characteristics that may increase their risk of injecting drugs. Interventions among NIUs to prevent transitions to injecting need to ascertain NIUs' injecting history and address the many potential risks that FFI have for resuming injecting drug use.
Assessment of Microbial Diversity in Four Southwestern United States Soils by 16S rRNA Gene Terminal Restriction Fragment Analysis

ABSTRACT The ability of terminal restriction fragment (T-RFLP or TRF) profiles of 16S rRNA genes to provide useful information about the relative diversity of complex microbial communities was investigated by comparison with other methods. Four soil communities representing two pinyon rhizosphere and two between-tree (interspace) soil environments were compared by analysis of 16S rRNA gene clone libraries and culture collections (Dunbar et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 65:1662–1669, 1998) and by analysis of 16S rDNA TRF profiles of community DNA. The TRF method was able to differentiate the four communities in a manner consistent with previous comparisons of the communities by analysis of 16S rDNA clone libraries. TRF profiles were not useful for calculating and comparing traditional community richness or evenness values among the four soil environments. Statistics calculated from RsaI, HhaI, HaeIII, and MspI profiles of each community were inconsistent, and the combined data were not significantly different between samples. The detection sensitivity of the method was tested. In standard PCRs, a seeded population comprising 0.1 to 1% of the total community could be detected. The combined results demonstrate that TRF analysis is an excellent method for rapidly comparing the relationships between bacterial communities in environmental samples. However, for highly complex communities, the method appears unable to provide classical measures of relative community diversity.
Large Trade Anticipation

Using account level trade data for Korean KOSPI 200 futures contracts, we provide compelling empirical evidence that large trades are systematically front run by predatory traders. Our analysis indicates that predatory traders begin correctly building positions at least two hundred trades before the arrival of a large trade and begin to unwind their positions almost immediately after the arrival of the large trade consistent with the predictions of Brunnermeier & Pedersen (2005). We find that front running increases transaction costs for large traders by exacerbating the price run up just prior to the arrival of the large trade.
Pituitary‐gonadal hormones and adrenal androgens in non‐cirrhotic female alcoholics after cessation of alcohol intake

To investigate the sex‐hormone profiles associated with chronic alcoholism in women we examined 16 non‐cirrhotic alcohol abusers (aged 18–46 years). They were admitted for the treatment of alcoholism (duration of 2–16 yrs) to a social hospital for 6 weeks. Their mean daily alcohol consumption was 170 g. Blood samples for serum LH, FSH, prolactin (PRL), oestrone (E1), oestradiol (E2), progesterone (P), 17‐α‐hydroxyprogesterone (17‐OHP), androstenedione (A) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were drawn three times a week during the hospital stay. Similar blood samples were taken from 10 control women during one menstrual cycle. The cycles were anovulatory in two patients and in none of controls. Serum LH and FSH levels were similar in alcoholic and control women but serum concentrations of PRL were increased 2–4‐fold in alcoholic women. In the patients serum, concentrations of E1 and E2 tended to be lower during the follicular and midcycle phases, as did those of P and 17‐OHP during the luteal phase. Compared with the controls, serum levels of A were increased 2–3‐fold in the patients. A parallel difference between the two groups was seen in serum DHEA concentrations. We conclude that until liver injury, even heavy alcohol drinking has only minor effects on the secretion of gonadotrophins and ovarian steroids. Hypersecretion of PRL and adrenal androgens may well be an initiating mechanism for sexual dysfunction of female alcoholics.
Regulation, Outreach, and Sustainability of Microfinance Institutions in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Multilevel Analysis

The paper examines the effect of regulation on microfinance institutions’ (MFIs) sustainability and outreach in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Using unbalanced panel data from 2002 to 2012 for 30 countries and a multilevel estimation technique, we find that regulation helps improves the sustainability and breadth of outreach but not the depth. We also find that MFIs that accept deposits have better sustainability but tend to serve the marginal poor. Finally, regulatory quality has a positive impact on outreach and sustainability. Overall, the paper casts new light on the contribution of regulation to the dual objectives of microfinance.
Acute and Long-Term Administration of Anticholinergics in Parkinson's Disease: Specific Effects on the Subcortico-Frontal Syndrome

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is often associated with a subcortico-frontal syndrome (SCFS) that is mainly characterized by executive dysfunctions. The complete biochemistry of these dysfunctions remain misunderstood. Most studies have focused on the well-known nigro-striatal dopaminergic degenerations of PD, but a more satisfying understanding of the SCFS has come from the study of the cholinergic systems. We present here two new experiments carried out with long-term and acute anticholinergic treatments in PD. In the first experiment, the effects of a 2-week treatment with trihexyphenidyl were compared to those observed under placebo on a neuropsychological battery. Results showed that anticholinergic-induced deficits in PD were exclusively concerned with executive functions. In the second experiment, the effects of an acute subclinical dose of scopolamine were compared between normal controls and PD patients who were devoid of cognitive deficit on a subset of executive tasks. Results indicates that PD patients but not normal controls developed a transient SCFS for the duration of the drug action. In contrast to other populations with cholinergic depletions-such as Alzheimer's disease-cholinergic blockade in PD exacerbates specifically the SCFS. Such a discrepancy between these two neuropsychological profiles are discussed in terms of the specificity of the underlying cholinergic lesions.
Characterization of (2S,2′R,3′R)‐2‐(2′,3′‐[3H]‐Dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine Binding in Rat Brain

Abstract: [(2S,2′R,3′R)‐2‐(2′,3′‐[3H]Dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine ([3H]DCG IV) binding was characterized in vitro in rat brain cortex homogenates and rat brain sections. In cortex homogenates, the binding was saturable and the saturation isotherm indicated the presence of a single binding site with a KD value of 180 ± 33 nM and a Bmax of 780 ± 70 fmol/mg of protein. The nonspecific binding, measured using 100 µM LY354740, was <30%. NMDA, AMPA, kainate, l(−)‐threo‐3‐hydroxyaspartic acid, and (S)‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine were all inactive in [3H]DCG IV binding up to 1 mM. However, several compounds inhibited [3H]DCG IV binding in a concentration‐dependent manner with the following rank order of potency: LY341495 = LY354740 > DCG IV = (2S,1′S,2′S)‐2‐(2‐carboxycyclopropyl)glycine > (1S,3R)‐1‐aminocyclopentane‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid > (2S,1′S,2′S)‐2‐methyl‐2‐(2‐carboxycyclopropyl)glycine > l‐glutamate = ibotenate > quisqualate > (RS)‐α‐methyl‐4‐phosphonophenylglycine = l(+)‐2‐amino‐3‐phosphonopropionic acid > (S)‐α‐methyl‐4‐carboxyphenylglycine > (2S)‐α‐ethylglutamic acid > l(+)‐2‐amino‐4‐phosphonobutyric acid. N‐Acetyl‐l‐aspartyl‐l‐glutamic acid inhibited the binding in a biphasic manner with an IC50 of 0.2 µM for the high‐affinity component. The binding was also affected by GTPγS, reducing agents, and CdCl2. In parasagittal sections of rat brain, a high density of specific binding was observed in the accessory olfactory bulb, cortical regions (layers 1, 3, and 4 > 2, 5, and 6), caudate putamen, molecular layers of the hippocampus and dentate gyrus, subiculum, presubiculum, retrosplenial cortex, anteroventral thalamic nuclei, and cerebellar granular layer, reflecting its preferential (perhaps not exclusive) affinity for pre‐ and postsynaptic metabotropic glutamate mGlu2 receptors. Thus, the pharmacology, tissue distribution, and sensitivity to GTPγS show that [3H]DCG IV binding is probably to group II metabotropic glutamate receptors in rat brain.
Endoscopic CO2 Laser Excision for Tis, T1, and T2 Glottic Carcinomas: Cure Rate and Prognostic Factors

We present the results of a retrospective study based on a cohort of 140 patients who underwent endoscopic CO2 laser excision for previously untreated early glottic cancer (21 Tis, 96 T1, and 23 T2). This study used univariate analysis to review the impact on disease-free survival of 15 factors related to the host, the tumor, and the treatment. Recurrent cancer developed in 28 patients with an average interval to recurrence of 37.5 months. Retreatment consisted of different procedures, including laser excision, partial or total laryngectomy, and/or radiotherapy. The larynx was definitively preserved in 96% of patients. By the end of the study, 14 patients had died, but only 2 of them had died of the disease. Five-year overall survival and determinate survival were 93% and 98%, respectively. Ultimate local control at 5 years with CO2 laser excision alone was 95% for Tis, 87% for T1, and 91% for T2 lesions. Only involvement of the anterior third of the vocal cord (P = 0.02), involvement of the false vocal cord (P = 0.02), and infiltration of the vocalis muscle (P = 0.004) showed a significant negative impact on disease-free survival.
Reorganization of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Coding for Day Length

In mammals, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the circadian pacemaker, receives light information via the retina and functions in the entrainment of circadian rhythms and in phasing the seasonal responses of behavioral and physiological functions. To better understand photoperiod-related alterations in the SCN physiology, we analyzed the clock gene expression in the mouse SCN by performing in situ hybridization and real-time monitoring of the mPer1::luc bioluminescence. Under long photoperiod (LP) conditions, the expression rhythms of mPer1 and Bmal1 in the caudal SCN phase-led those in the rostral SCN; further, within the middle SCN, the rhythms in the ventrolateral (VL)—like subdivision advanced compared with those in the dorsomedial (DM)—like subdivision. The mPer1::luc rhythms in the entire coronal slice obtained from the middle SCN exhibited 2 peaks with a wide peak width under LP conditions. Imaging analysis of the mPer1::luc rhythms in several subdivisions of the rostral, middle, caudal, and horizontal SCN revealed wide regional variations in the peak time in the rostral half of the SCN under LP conditions. These variations were not due to alterations in the waveform of a single SCN neuronal rhythm. Our results indicate that LP conditions induce phase changes in the rhythms in multiple regions in the rostral half of the SCN; this leads to different circadian waveforms in the entire SCN, coding for day length.
Imaging Pulmonary Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression with PET

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity increases in acute and chronic inflammatory lung diseases. Imaging iNOS expression may be useful as an inflammation biomarker for monitoring lung disease activity. We developed a novel tracer for PET that binds to iNOS in vivo, 18F-NOS. In this study, we tested whether 18F-NOS could quantify iNOS expression from endotoxin-induced lung inflammation in healthy volunteers. Methods: Healthy volunteers were screened to exclude cardiopulmonary disease. Qualifying volunteers underwent a baseline, 1-h dynamic 18F-NOS PET/CT scan. Endotoxin (4 ng/kg) was then instilled bronchoscopically in the right middle lobe. 18F-NOS imaging was performed again approximately 16 h after endotoxin instillation. Radiolabeled metabolites were determined from blood samples. Cells recovered by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) after imaging were stained immunohistochemically for iNOS. 18F-NOS uptake was quantified as the distribution volume ratio (DVR) determined by Logan plot graphical analysis in volumes of interest placed over the area of endotoxin instillation and in an equivalent lung region on the left. The mean Hounsfield units (HUs) were also computed using the same volumes of interest to measure density changes. Results: Seven healthy volunteers with normal pulmonary function completed the study with evaluable data. The DVR increased by approximately 30%, from a baseline mean of 0.42 ± 0.07 to 0.54 ± 0.12, and the mean HUs by 11% after endotoxin in 6 volunteers who had positive iNOS staining in BAL cells. The DVR did not change in the left lung after endotoxin. In 1 volunteer with low-level iNOS staining in BAL cells, the mean HUs increased by 7% without an increase in DVR. Metabolism was rapid, with approximately 50% of the parent compound at 5 min and 17% at 60 min after injection. Conclusion: 18F-NOS can be used to image iNOS activity in acute lung inflammation in humans and may be a useful PET tracer for imaging iNOS expression in inflammatory lung disease.
Metabolic theory and taxonomic identity predict nutrient recycling in a diverse food web

Significance A fundamental dilemma in ecology is to reconcile the degree to which ecological processes are generalizable among taxa and ecosystems or determined primarily by taxonomic identity. We apply a unique dataset of organisms from a diverse marine community to test the applicability of two theories, metabolic theory of ecology (MTE) and ecological stoichiometry (EST), and the role of taxonomic identity for predicting nutrient excretion rates by fishes and macroinvertebrates. Excretion rates were principally explained by body mass and taxonomic identity, providing strong support for MTE, but also highlighting the intrinsic importance of taxonomic identity. Little support for basic predictions of EST was found. This research reveals animal-mediated nutrient cycling is largely generalizable by metabolic processes, but refined predictions require taxa-specific understanding. Reconciling the degree to which ecological processes are generalizable among taxa and ecosystems, or contingent on the identity of interacting species, remains a critical challenge in ecology. Ecological stoichiometry (EST) and metabolic theory of ecology (MTE) are theoretical approaches used to evaluate how consumers mediate nutrient dynamics and energy flow through ecosystems. Recent theoretical work has explored the utility of these theories, but empirical tests in species-rich ecological communities remain scarce. Here we use an unprecedented dataset collected from fishes and dominant invertebrates (n = 900) in a diverse subtropical coastal marine community (50 families, 72 genera, 102 species; body mass range: 0.04–2,597 g) to test the utility of EST and MTE in predicting excretion rates of nitrogen (EN), phosphorus (EP), and their ratio (ENP). Body mass explained a large amount of the variation in EN and EP but not ENP. Strong evidence in support of the MTE 3/4 allometric scaling coefficient was found for EP, and for EN only after accounting for variation in excretion rates among taxa. In all cases, including taxonomy in models substantially improved model performance, highlighting the importance of species identity for this ecosystem function. Body nutrient content and trophic position explained little of the variation in EN, EP, or ENP, indicating limited applicability of basic predictors of EST. These results highlight the overriding importance of MTE for predicting nutrient flow through organisms, but emphasize that these relationships still fall short of explaining the unique effects certain species can have on ecological processes.
Biochemical Characterization of Symmetric GroEL-GroES Complexes

When chaperonins GroEL and GroES are incubated under functional conditions in the presence of ATP (5 mM) and K (150 mM), GroEL-GroES complexes appear in the incubation mixture, that are either asymmetric (1:1 GroEL:GroES oligomer ratio) or symmetric (1:2 GroEL:GroES oligomer ratio). The percentage of symmetric complexes present is directly related to the [ATP]/[ADP] ratio and to the K concentration. Kinetic analysis shows that there is a cycle of formation and disappearance of symmetric complexes. A correlation between the presence of symmetric complexes in the incubation mixture and its rhodanese folding activity suggests some active role of these complexes in the protein folding process. Accordingly, under functional conditions, symmetric complexes are found to contain denatured rhodanese. These data suggest that binding of substrate inside the GroEL cavity takes place before the symmetric complex is formed.
MR features of longitudinal tears of the peroneus brevis tendon.

OBJECTIVE Our objective is to describe the characteristic MR imaging features of longitudinal tears of the peroneus brevis tendon and to describe pathologic conditions and normal variants that are associated with these tears which may require surgical intervention at the time of primary tendon repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 10 MR images of asymptomatic volunteers and 31 MR images of 27 patients with evidence of longitudinal splits of the peroneus brevis tendon. Seven of these cases were surgically proven. In addition, we assessed five pathologic conditions and normal variants: lateral collateral ligamentous tears; injuries to the superior peroneal retinaculum; low-lying muscle belly of the peroneus brevis tendon; peroneus quartus muscle; and convex, flat, or irregular retromalleolar groove. RESULTS In the patient's group, we saw longitudinal splits as clefts and an irregularity of the contour of the peroneus brevis tendon with (71%) and without (29%) signal changes on proton density-weighted and T2-weighted MR imaging sequences. Divisions of the split tendon assumed a characteristic C-shaped configuration that partly enveloped the peroneus longus tendon. Fifteen cases revealed other pathologic conditions and normal variants known to be associated with or to predispose to tears of the peroneus brevis tendon. These include ankle ligamentous tears (n = 3); abnormal superior peroneal retinaculum (n = 4); low-lying muscle belly of the peroneus brevis tendon (n = 1); peroneus quartus muscle (n = 2); and convex, flat, or irregular retromalleolar groove (n = 15). MR imaging revealed tears in all patients with surgical proof (n = 7). CONCLUSION MR imaging is a useful technique for revealing longitudinal tears of the peroneus brevis tendon as well as showing anatomic and pathologic factors associated with or predisposed to tears.