Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Liquidity Benefits from IPO Underpricing: Ownership Dispersion or Information Effect

type="main"> The positive correlation between initial underpricing and liquidity in the secondary market several months after an initial public offering (IPO) has previously been attributed to ownership dispersion induced by underpricing. We find that public information production is another channel by which underpricing improves liquidity. Using a sample of IPOs from Euronext, we find that analyst coverage engendered by initial underpricing reduces information asymmetry costs and illiquidity in the secondary market. The impact of information asymmetry is statistically more significant on measures based on adverse selection costs than on those based on the proportion of informed traders in the market.
Predictive Effect of Preoperative Anemia on Long-Term Survival Outcomes with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND Anemia is the most common hematologic abnormality in bladder cancer (BC) patients. We evaluated the impact of preoperative anemia on oncologic outcomes in BC undergoing transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TURBT) for the first time diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the data collected from 639 patients who underwent TURBT between January 2006 and September 2014 in our department. Of these patients, 320 qualified for inclusion in the study. The primary efficacy endpoint was the effect of preoperative anemia status on cancer-specific and overall survival. Independent t-test and chi-square analyses were performed to assess the effects of anemia on oncologic outcomes. Survival was estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier test. RESULTS There were 118 (36.9%) and 202 (63.1%) patients in the anemia (Group-1) and non-anemia groups (Group-2), respectively. The median follow-up duration was 68 months. Anemia was associated with decreased overall survival (<0.001). Comparison between cancer-specific survival of two groups did not show any statistically significant difference (p=0.17). CONCLUSIONS Preoperative anemia status of BC patients according to World Health Organization classification is associated with decreased overall survival, but not with cancer-specific survival. We think that preoperative hemoglobin levels should be considered in patient counseling and decision-making for additional therapy.
A New Hypothesis on the Frequency Discrimination of the Cochlea.

OBJECTIVE Medial olivocochlear efferent (MOCE) neurons innervate outer hair cells (OHCs) of the cochlea, which in turn leads to basilar membrane motion. We hypothesized that MOCE-induced alterations in basilar membrane motion, independent of traveling waves, is responsible for the cochlear frequency discrimination of sound. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven guinea pigs underwent bilateral otoscopic and audiologic evaluations under general anesthesia. The study comprised two parts. Part I (n=11) included spontaneous otoacoustic emission (SOAE) recordings with or without contralateral pure-tone acoustic stimuli (1 and 8 kHz) at 60 dB sound pressure level (SPL). Part II involved pure-tone (1 or 8 kHz) acoustic trauma in the right ears of two randomly selected subgroups (G1: 1 kHz; n=4 and G8: 8 kHz; n=4). The remaining three animals served as controls. After frequency-specific deafness was confirmed by distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), SOAEs were recorded in the left ears in the presence of a contralateral pure-tone (1 and 8 kHz) stimulus of 60 dB SPL. Furthermore, the surface of the organ of Corti was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS The contralateral pure tone led to frequency-specific activation in SOAEs in part I (without trauma) and part II (with trauma) measurements. SEM showed heterogeneous OHC damage along the cochlea in traumatized ears with pure tone. CONCLUSION We suggest that MOCEs convey acoustic information from traumatized ears to intact ears. Traumatized ears can show frequency-specific activation in the presence of diffuse damage in OHCs that excludes the passive transmission of the pressure wave from the perilymph to the basilar membrane.
Augmented suppression of androgen receptor signaling by a combination of α‐tocopheryl succinate and methylseleninic acid

Previous reports showed that α‐tocopheryl succinate (αTS) and methylseleninic acid (MSA) independently reduce the abundance of androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer cells. The response to MSA happens quickly, whereas the response to αTS takes much longer. The present study was designed to investigate whether a combination of αTS and MSA would produce an additive or a greater than additive effect in suppressing AR level, AR transactivation, and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA).
Fusogenic Alzheimer's peptide fragment Aβ (29–42) in interaction with lipid bilayers: Secondary structure, dynamics, and specific interaction with phosphatidyl ethanolamine polar heads as revealed by solid‐state NMR

The interaction of the native Alzheimer's peptide C‐terminal fragment Aβ (29–42), and two mutants (G33A and G37A) with neutral lipid bilayers made of POPC and POPE in a 9:1 molar ratio was investigated by solid‐state NMR. This fragment and the lipid composition were selected because they represent the minimum requirement for the fusogenic activity of the Alzheimer's peptide. The chemical shifts of alanine methyl isotropic carbon were determined by MAS NMR, and they clearly demonstrated that the major form of the peptide equilibrated in membrane is not in a helical conformation. 2H NMR, performed with acyl chain deuterated POPC, demonstrated that there is no perturbation of the acyl chain's dynamics and of the lipid phase transition temperature. 2H NMR, performed with alanine methyl‐deuterated peptide demonstrated that the peptide itself has a limited mobility below and above the lipid phase transition temperature (molecular order parameter equal to 0.94). MAS 31P NMR revealed a specific interaction with POPE polar head as seen by the enhancement of POPE phosphorus nuclei T2 relaxation. All these results are in favor of a β‐sheet oligomeric association of the peptide at the bilayer interface, preferentially recruiting phosphatidyl ethanolamine polar heads.
Capital, Economic Growth and Relative Income Differences in Latin America

This paper examines the growth effects of imported and domestic capital in thirty two Latin America economies from 1960 to 2010. Disaggregated data on imported and domestic physical capital is compiled for each economy during the time horizon along with measures of human capital and other economic aggregates. Alternative growth econometric methods and instrumental variables procedures are then applied to control for economic policy, trade distortions and endowments effects. We find significant evidence that the acquisition of capital imports enhances economic growth and lessens relative income differences, particularly at lower income levels. We also find that relative income grows faster in countries that invest more on domestic capital. Our evidence show that countries which experienced a slowdown in economic growth were relatively richer in 1970, and acquired relatively less capital imports and domestic capital. Our findings indicate the existence of a positive correlation between higher productivity growth and the acquisition of capital imports in these countries. Capital accumulation is found to be a key driver of growth and development in Latin America.
Cloning and nucleotide sequence of frpC, a second gene from Neisseria meningitidis encoding a protein similar to RTX cytotoxins

Neisseria meningitidis FAM20 has recently been shown to produce two Fe‐regulated proteins (FrpA and FrpC) related to the RTX family of cytotoxins. Here we report the cloning and DNA sequence of the locus containing the gene encoding the larger meningococcal RTX protein FrpC. FrpC was highly similar to FrpA throughout much of the predicted protein, with two main differences. Whereas the FrpA protein had 13 copies of the nine‐amino‐acid repeat units typical of RTX proteins, FrpC had 43 copies. The additional copies in FrpC apparently arose from a threefold tandem amplification of a 600bp DNA fragment encoding the repeats. In addition, the frpC gene lacked good promoter consensus sequences. An open reading frame (0RF1) of unknown function was found immediately upstream of frpC, suggesting the possibility that frpC was cotranscribed with ORF1. A probable promoter was found 300 bp upstream of ORF1, and it contained a Fur protein‐binding sequence found in the promoters of Fe‐regulated Escherichia coli genes. DNA upstream of the ORF 1/frpC promoter was homologous to IStO76‐like elements surrounding capsulation loci of strains of Haemophilus influenzae. A FrpC‐like protein (reactive in immunoblots with monoclonal antibody 9D4; multiple reactive bands of about 200 to 120kDa) was found in five out of eight meningococcal strains but only in one out of 14 other Neisseria, suggesting that FrpC may participate in the pathogenesis of meningococcal disease.
Curriculum Adaptation for Inclusive Classrooms.

This manual on curriculum adaptation for inclusive classrooms was developed as part of the PEERS (Providing Education for Everyone in Regular Schools) Project, a 5-year collaborative systems change project in California to facilitate the integration of students with severe disabilities previously at special centers into services at regular school sites and the integration of students in special classes in regular schools into general education. After an introduction, which provides a historical perspective on the concept of inclusive education and notes activities of the National Full Inclusion Site Network, the manual is divided into four sections with content on: (1) service delivery models (including itinerant categorical and non-categorical specialised support, considerations in service delivery model development, and policies and procedures that support inclusion); (2) building level support and strategies (e.g., administrative leadership, a positive and accepting school climate and culture, and collaborative team structures); (3) classroom-based strategies (e.g., an array of instructional supports, measuring outcomes, and meeting a variety of needs in a typical classroom); and (4) student-specific strategies. (designing an individual program, curriculum adaptation strategies, data gathering procedures, and supportive planning strategies). Appendices list network members, offer PEERS guidelines, and include sample individualized program development forms. (Contains 100 references.) (DB) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** U.S. DEPARTMENT OEDUCATION 0.hce of Educanonot Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES ERIC) INFORMATION CENTE ( q11,. NCs document has been reproduced as received from tho person or otganuation originating rt O Minor changes have been made to moron' tooroduCtiOn quality P01nts 01 wow Or OPMfOrIS Maw. 'n this document do not nCtaarily faprasnt official OERI posthon or policy CURRICULUM ADAPTATION FOR INCLUSIVE CLASSROOMS Tom Neary PEERS Project California State University, Sacramento Ann Halvorsen PEERS Project California State University, Hayward Robi Kronberg Colorado Systems Change Project Colorado State Department of Education Dotty Kelly California Research Institute San Francisco State University
Seroma Formation Following Breast Cancer Surgery

Abstract: A seroma is the most frequent complication of breast cancer surgery, the etiology of which remains obscure. We reviewed our data to determine the factors related to the incidence of seroma formation in our patients. A retrospective analysis of the records of 359 consecutive patients (334 Hispanic; 93%) who underwent primary surgical therapy from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2000, with either modified radical mastectomy (MRM) or wide local excision (WLE) and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was performed. In all cases, removal of the breast was performed using electrocoagulation, and sharp dissection was used in the axilla. One‐eighth inch closed suction round drains were used. Early arm motion was encouraged. The seroma rate was compared to the age of the patient, the presence and number of positive axillary lymph nodes, the total number of axillary lymph nodes removed, tumor size, weight of the patient, the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and the type of surgery performed. The overall seroma rate was 15.8%. Seromas occurred in 19.9% of patients undergoing MRM and in 9.2% of patients undergoing breast‐conserving surgery (p = 0.01). The seroma rate was not influenced by any other tested variables. All seromas were easily managed with aspiration and pressure; this technical maneuver allowed seroma resolution in all patients except one following one to six aspirations. A seroma did not delay initiation of chemotherapy. No patient developed a capsule requiring excision. In our experience, a seroma is a “necessary evil;” it will occur unpredictably in a predictable number of patients.
Poverty Prediction with Public Landsat 7 Satellite Imagery and Machine Learning

Obtaining detailed and reliable data about local economic livelihoods in developing countries is expensive, and data are consequently scarce. Previous work has shown that it is possible to measure local-level economic livelihoods using high-resolution satellite imagery. However, such imagery is relatively expensive to acquire, often not updated frequently, and is mainly available for recent years. We train CNN models on free and publicly available multispectral daytime satellite images of the African continent from the Landsat 7 satellite, which has collected imagery with global coverage for almost two decades. We show that despite these images' lower resolution, we can achieve accuracies that exceed previous benchmarks.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, interleukin 8, and chronic airways inflammation in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common causes of death, with cigarette smoking among the main risk factors. Hallmarks of COPD include chronic airflow obstruction and chronic inflammation in the airway walls or alveolar septa. An earlier study reported elevated numbers of macrophages and mast cells within the bronchiolar epithelium in smokers with COPD, compared with smokers without. Since specific chemokines may be involved in this influx, the in situ protein and mRNA expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1) and of interleukin 8 (IL‐8) were studied in tumour‐free peripheral lung tissue resected for lung cancer of current or ex‐smokers with COPD (FEV1<75%; n=14) and without COPD (FEV1>84; n=14). MCP‐1 was expressed by macrophages, T cells, and endothelial and epithelial cells. Its receptor, CCR2, is expressed by macrophages, mast cells, and epithelial cells. IL‐8 was found in neutrophils, epithelial cells, and macrophages. In subjects with COPD, semi‐quantitative analysis revealed 1.5‐fold higher levels of MCP‐1 mRNA and IL‐8 mRNA and protein in bronchiolar epithelium (p<0.01) and 1.4‐fold higher levels of CCR2 in macrophages (p=0.014) than in subjects without COPD. The bronchiolar epithelial MCP‐1 mRNA expression correlated with both CCR2 expression on macrophages and mast cells (p<0.05) and the numbers of intra‐epithelial macrophages and mast cells (p<0.04). The epithelial IL‐8 expression did not correlate with the numbers of neutrophils, macrophages, CD45RO+, CD8+, or mast cells. These data suggest that MCP‐1 and CCR2 are involved in the recruitment of macrophages and mast cells into the airway epithelium in COPD. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is dehydration test using isosorbide useful in Meniere’s disease?

Abstract Conclusion: The dehydration test using isosorbide is well tolerated when used to detect endolymphatic hydrops and may also be used to improve the sensitivity of ECoG performed on patients with MD, especially in poor hearing at low-frequency. Objective: This prospective study was to explore the diagnostic utility of a dehydration test, administering oral isosorbide, which has been used to treat Meniere’s disease (MD). Method: Electrocochleography (ECoG) and the dehydration test with isosorbide were performed on 32 patients diagnosed with definite diagnosed MD. Isosorbide (120 mL) was orally administered after baseline audiometric testing, and the testing was repeated 3 h later. The dehydration test was considered positive when improvements in hearing thresholds of 10 dB or more were evident at two or more frequencies, or the speech discrimination score increased by 12% or more. An abnormal ECoG finding was defined as an SP/AP (summating potential/action potential) ratio ≥0.4. Results: The dehydration test using isosorbide was positive in 10 of 32 patients (31.3%). The test was not associated with development of any serious side-effect. Abnormal ECoG findings were noted in 14 of 32 patients (43.8%). When endolymphatic hydrops was defined as an abnormal ECoG or a positive dehydration test, the condition was detected in 21 of 32 patients (65.6%). The positive result in dehydration test was significantly higher in patients with above moderate hearing loss at low-frequency.
Characterization of the Mouse Sulfonylurea Receptor 1 Promoter and Its Regulation*

The ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K+ ATP channels) are heteromultimeric structures formed by a member of the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) family and a member of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel family (Kir6.x). The K+ ATP channels play an essential role in nutrient-induced insulin secretion from the pancreatic β-cell. We have cloned and characterized the promoter region of the mouse SUR1 gene, and have shown that it lacks CAAT and TATA boxes or an initiator element. Studies of transcription initiation in several tissues showed that there is a common SUR1 promoter in brain, heart, and pancreas and in the pancreatic β-cell line, βTC3. The SUR1 gene uses multiple transcription start sites with the major site located 54 base pairs 5′-upstream of the translation initiation site. Transient transfection experiments in pancreatic β-cell lines showed that the proximal promoter fragment −84/+54 is sufficient for significant transcriptional activity. The proximal promoter region contains multiple SP1-binding sites, and cotransfection experiments of the SUR1 promoter-luciferase vector with SP1 expression vector inDrosophila SL2 cells demonstrated a stimulatory effect of SP1 on SUR1 transcriptional activity. The mobility shift assays confirmed the interaction of the SP1 transcription factor with the proximal promoter region of the SUR1 gene. Together, these results indicate that SP1 may mediate transcription initiation of the SUR1 gene. In addition, we have described the coordinate regulation of the gene expression of both K+ ATP channel subunits by glucocorticoids. SUR1 and Kir6.2 mRNA levels are down-regulated by ∼40–50% in response to glucocorticoid treatment. Interestingly, the extent of the inhibitory effect as well as the kinetics and sensitivity are very similar for both mRNAs. Studies of mRNA turnover demonstrate that glucocorticoids most likely decrease the transcriptional activity of both SUR1 and Kir6.2 genes since glucocorticoids failed to affect the stability of each mRNA. Likewise, the reduction in mRNA levels was correlated with a decrease in SUR1 and Kir6.2 protein levels.
Further revision of the genus Megalopsalis (Opiliones, Neopilionidae), with the description of seven new species

Abstract The Australian harvestmen genus Megalopsalis (Neopilionidae: Enantiobuninae) is recognised as a senior synonym of the genera Spinicrus and Hypomegalopsalis, and seven new species are described in Megalopsalis: Megalopsalis suffugiens, Megalopsalis walpolensis, Megalopsalis caeruleomontium, Megalopsalis atrocidiana, Megalopsalis coronata, Megalopsalis puerilis and Megalopsalis sublucens. A morphological phylogenetic analysis of the Enantiobuninae is also conducted including the new species. Monophyly of Neopilionidae and Enantiobuninae including ‘Monoscutidae’ is corroborated, with the Australasian taxa as a possible sister clade to the South American Thrasychirus.
The Impact of Taxation on the Equalizing Effect of Social Insurance to Income Inequality: a Comparative Analysis of Ten Welfare States

Welfare state regimes vary in their redistribution strategies. Some welfare states have extensive taxable social insurance schemes, while others rely more on non-taxable means-tested benefits. In order to assess the distributive effects of different program types, it is necessary to analyze social insurance after taxes, something rarely practiced in comparative research. In this paper, we evaluate distributive effects of social insurance after taking taxes into account in ten welfare states. However, a study of net social insurance raises estimation problems in countries where spouses are taxed separately and income data only is reported on household level. The paper therefore includes a series of validity tests of estimated levels of social insurance after taxes. The main conclusion is that it is possible and necessary to estimate social transfers net of taxes in order to not misspecify the redistributive outcome of social insurance in both inter-country and intra-country analyses of income distributions. The analyses are based on micro level income data from the Swedish Level of Living Survey (LLS) and the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS) including ten countries.
Opportunities to improve domestic hygiene practices through new enabling products: a study of handwashing practices and equipment in rural Cambodia.

BACKGROUND Lack of a dedicated place and equipment for handwashing has been associated with poor practice of handwashing with soap in the home in developing communities where the practice is needed to reduce diarrhea diseases and respiratory infections. METHODS We conducted formative research on handwashing knowledge, attitudes, practices and equipment and investigated the need and demand for dedicated handwashing equipment to enable improved hygiene practices and enhance handwashing performance for health in rural Cambodian homes where water is collected and stored. Responses to closed and open-ended questions and structured observation of a demonstration of handwashing by the mother or another female adult child caretaker in 79 households were used to identify handwashing occasions, evaluate handwashing equipment and competency, investigate attitudes and structural barriers to handwashing with soap, and assess use of and interest in dedicated handwashing equipment. RESULTS We found significant evidence of the need for handwashing enabling equipment to eliminate unsafe domestic water handling during handwashing and reduce structural barriers to routine handwashing with soap in Cambodian homes dependent on stored water supplies. Substantial interest in dedicated handwashing equipment and in specific equipment features was measured. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest household demand for and uptake of affordable household handwashing facilities incorporating desired features and functionality could be generated in Cambodia to support improved domestic hygiene practices.