Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Serum Angiogenic Factor Levels and Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the relationship between serum angiogenic factor levels and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using both clinical and dynamic wrist magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Patients and methods Simultaneous serum angiogenesis markers [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-1 (ANG1), ANG2, and tyrosine-protein kinase receptor for angiopoietin (Tie-2)] were studied in 40 patients with RA (13 males, 27 females; mean age 51.1±10.8 years; range, 23 to 69 years) and 20 healthy controls (11 males, 9 females; mean age 47.3±12.8 years; range, 29 to 69 years) and dynamic contrast-enhanced wrist MRI was performed in 40 RA patients and seven controls. Rate of early in 55th second (REE) and Relative enhancement (REt) values were calculated from the signal time curve values obtained from the analysis of images. In clinical assessment, duration of morning stiffness, patient pain assessment [visual analog scale (VAS)], physician and patient global assessments (VAS) were recorded. The number of tender joints and swollen joints were determined. Disease activity score 28 and Ritchie scores were calculated. Health assessment questionnaire was used for functional evaluation. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and high sensitive C-reactive protein analyses were performed. Results Serum VEGF, REE and REt values were significantly higher in RA patients than healthy controls (p=0.002, p=0.00, p=0.00, respectively). There was no significant correlation between serum angiogenesis markers and clinical parameters or REE and REt (p>0.05). VEGF value correlated positively with disease duration (p=0.024). Conclusion Serum VEGF was higher in RA patients. While its level was associated with disease duration, no significant correlation was found with disease activity. As a diagnostic test, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI was a valuable method for showing disease activity.
The effect of large macro surprises on mutual funds’ liquidity profile

We measure the liquidity profile of open-end mutual funds with the sensitivity of their daily returns to aggregate liquidity, and we study how this sensitivity changes around real-activity macro announcements that reveal large surprises about the state of the economy. The results show that, following negative news, the sensitivity to aggregate liquidity increases for less liquid mutual funds, like those that invest in the stocks of small companies and in high-yield corporate bonds. The effect is more pronounced during stress periods, suggesting that a deterioration in the funds’ liquidity profiles might potentially amplify vulnerabilities in situations of already weak macroeconomic conditions. ∗Federal Reserve Board. We are gratefulfor their useful comments to participants of the 2017 RCEA Macro-Money-Finance Workshop, the Georgetown Center for Economic Research 2017 Biennial Conference, the Atiner 2017 Conference, and the Federal Reserve Board Workshop. We are also grateful to Josh Morris-Levenson and Young-Soo Jang for excellent research assistance. This paper reflects the views of the authors and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or of any other person associated with the Federal Reserve System.
The Long-run Risks Model: What Differences Can an Extra Volatility Factor Make?

1This paper supersedes an early version of the paper circulated under title “A Long-run Risks Model with Longand Short-run Volatilities: Explaining Predictability and Variance Risk Premium. ” We are grateful to Doron Avramov, Ravi Bansal, Jason Beeler, Geert Bekaert, Tim Bollerslev, Henry Cao, Long Chen, Peter Christoffersen, Bjørn Eraker, Satadru Hore, Raymond Kan (the CICF discussant), Dana Kiku (the EFA discussant), Hong Liu, Zhongjin Lu, Ivan Shaliastovich, Jack Strauss, George Tauchen, Liping Wang, Yaping Wang (the Five Star Finance Forum discussant), Hao Zhou, and seminar/conference participants at East China University of Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, Tsinghua University, CKGSB 2009 summer workshop, 2010 China International Conference in Finance, 2010 European Finance Association annual meetings, and 2011 Beijing Five Star Finance Forum.
New particle formation and its effect on CCN abundance in the summer Arctic: a case study in Fram Strait and Barents Sea

In a warming Arctic the increased occurrence of new particle formation (NPF) is believed to originate from the declining ice coverage during summertime. Understanding the physico-chemical properties of newly formed particles, as well as mechanisms that control both particle formation and growth in this pristine environment is important for interpreting 15 aerosol-cloud interactions, to which the Arctic climate can be highly sensitive. In this investigation, we present the analysis of NPF and growth in the high summer Arctic. The measurements have been done on-board Research Vessel Polarstern during the PS106 Arctic expedition. Four distinctive NPF and subsequent particle growth events were observed, during which particle (diameter in a range 10-50 nm) number concentrations increased from background values of approx. 40 up to 4000 cm. Based on particle formation and growth rates, as well as hygroscopicity of nucleation and the Aitken mode 20 particles, we distinguished two different types of NPF events. First, some NPF events were favored by negative ions, resulting in more-hygroscopic nucleation mode particles and suggesting sulfuric acid as a precursor gas. Second, other NPF events resulted in less-hygroscopic particles, indicating the influence of organic vapors on particle formation and growth. To test the climatic relevance of NPF and its influence on the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) budget in the Arctic, we applied a zero-dimensional, adiabatic cloud parcel model. At an updraft velocity of 0.1 m s, the particle number size distribution 25 (PNSD) generated during nucleation processes resulted in an increase of the CCN number concentration by a factor of 2 to 5, compared to the background CCN concentrations. This result was confirmed by the directly measured CCN number concentrations. Although particles did not grow beyond 50 nm in diameter and the activated fraction of 15-50 nm particles was on average below 10%, it could be shown that the sheer number of particles produced by the nucleation process is enough to significantly influence the background CCN number concentration. It implies that NPF can be an important source 30 of CCN in the Arctic. However, more studies should be conducted in the future to understand mechanisms of NPF, sources of precursor gases and condensable vapors, as well as the role of the aged nucleation mode particles on Arctic cloud formation.
Code switching at reception classes in Botswana: a strategy to academic excellence

This case study responds to a growing concern among educationist of the need for provision of quality education at early childhood level. The focus of this particular study was on code switching at reception classes in Botswana as a strategy for academic excellence. The idea for the study was triggered by the fact that Botswana is a multicultural society. The study was carried out at schools in the Kgalagadi North sub-district among eight (8) schools in the Hukuntsi cluster. Expressly, the study set out to assess teacher educators’ perceptions of code switching and to find out their views about the benefits of code switching. Data was collected through interviews and questionnaire. In relation to perceptions about the practice of code switching, a conclusion can be made that teachers differ widely. Findings revealed that majority of teachers view code switching as a feasible strategy at preschool level. This conclusion is made from findings which showed ardently that children learn best when they are taught in their mother tongue. However, a small minority did not agree with the idea and this creates room for further enquiry into the perceptions of teachers about code switching at national level. The study also concludes that code switching has positive and negative educational effects. Positively, facilitates the language learning process, promotes participation among others benefits. The study has on the contrary shown that at code switching has potential to impede the development of English and setswana language proficiency. The study recommends to Ministry of Basic Education to consider engaging in a robust engagement to develop other indigenous languages in Botswana and their eventual elevation to the same status. It is hope such move will contribute to educational gains.
An investigation of the product market effects of horizontal divestitures via asset sales: Evidence from customer, supplier, and rival firms

I investigate the wealth effects of horizontal asset sales on competitors, suppliers, and corporate customers of divesting firms. I find that restructuring firms must balance divestiture efficiency gains with potential unintended consequences, such as purchasing inefficiencies that arise from reduced bargaining power with suppliers. I observe that horizontal asset sales may generate efficiency gains for stakeholders, such as customers and suppliers. However, suppliers with high switching costs experience significant adverse valuation consequences at announcement. In addition, customers of deals that significantly increase competition (reduce industry concentration) in the divesting industry suffer negative wealth effects at announcement due to potentially higher input costs. Multivariate evidence of supplier and customer wealth effects also suggest that horizontal asset sales may reduce the probability of monopolistic collusion among divesting industry rivals. JEL classification: G30; G34; G38; D40; D42; D43; L13; L22; L25; L41
Gone with the Wind: Chicago’s Weather and Futures Trading

We examine the relation between Chicago weather and the behavior of S&P 500 index futures floor traders. Trading for these traders’ personal accounts suggests an association between weather and floor traders’ behavior, especially when afternoon behavior is conditioned on morning weather. Specifically, we find evidence of an increase in the effective bid-ask spread on windy days. Sky cover and wind are also positively related to trader income and market timing ability. Thus, we provide direct evidence on the effect of local weather on investor behavior. JEL Classification: G14; G10; G15
The Impact of CEO Quality on the Number of Outside Directorships , CEO Cash Compensation and Firm Performance 1 2

The link between CEO quality and outside directorships is first inves tigated. Using various proxies for CEO quality (measured ex-ante), We find that g re ter the quality of the CEO, more the number of outside directorships taken. We also find a ge cy related issues in a sub sample of the data. We then investigate the effe ct of CEO quality (measured ex-ante) and outside directorships on cash compensation awa rded to CEOs. While CEO quality explains cross-sectional variation in cash c ompensation, empirical result demonstrates that a non monotonic function characterizes the r elationship between number of outside directorships held and the cash compensation received. Als o, consistent with efficient market hypothesis, We find positive corre lation between ex-ante measures of CEO quality and firm performance. 1. Professor, Univ. of Connecticut, Department of Finance, Unit 1041, Storrs, CT 06269 USA.Email:Chinmoy@sba.uconn. edu. Tel: +1 8604864431. Fax: +1 8604860634 2. PhD Candidate, Univ. of Connecticut, Department of Finance, Unit 1041, Storrs, CT 06269 USA . Email:DPadmanabhan@business.uconn. edu. Tel: +18604866424 . Fax: +18604860634
Level Changes of Sexual Hormone in Plasma of Type 2 Diabetes Patients with or without Chronic Complications and Its Significance

Objective To investigate the level changes of sexual hormone contents in plasma of type 2 diabetes patients with or without chronic complications and its significance.Methods The plasma content of insulin(Ins),testosterone(T),progesterone(P),estradiol(E2),follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)and luteinizing hormone(LH)were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay in 55 cases of type 2 diabetic mellitus patients,41 cases complicated infection diseases,44 cases were complicated vascular diseases,55 cases were complicated nephropathy diseases and 46 cases were normal control.Results The level of testosterone in male patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus was significant lower than that of control group,while the levels of P,E2,FSH,LH were significant higher than that of control group(P 0.01);the levels of testosterone and E2 in male patients complicated vascular diseases were significant lower than that of other complication groups(P 0.01). The level of testosterone in female patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus was significant higher than that of control group,while the levels of P,E2,FSH,LH were significant lower than that of control group(P 0.01);the level of E2 in female patients complicated vascular diseases were significant lower than that of other complication groups(P 0.01). Conclusion The level of estrogen in male patients with diabetes is increased,and the level of testosterone is decreased,and vice versa in female patients,the disorder of estrogen level may more easily induce the development of vascular complication.
A Survey of Recent Evidence on Boards of Directors and CEO Incentives

This article surveys the recent literature on boards of directors and the interplay between director incentives and CEO incentives. The primary focus is on how the incentives and other characteristics of directors, boards and CEOs interact to affect firm performance. The article reviews the recent evidence documenting a causal relationship between board independence and measures of firm performance. It also discusses the major limitations of the current measure of director independence. Finally, the article highlights how board independence provides strong incentives for CEOs to create firm value and examines the recent evidence on what other director characteristics improve board effectiveness.
The Big Question : Tricuspid valve – Ring or no ring ?

Total Arterial Grafting: Part II Video Arterial conduits in redo coronary artery surgery G Tavilla, Nijmegen Learning from Experience Professional Challenges Mitral Valve and beyond: Part I Videos: Valve-in-ring implantation R Klautz, Leiden; F Maisano, Milan; H Vanermen, Aalst
Life is Too Short? Bereaved Managers and Investment Decisions

We examine whether bereavement affects managerial investment decisions in large organizations using the exogenous events of managers’ family deaths. We find evidence that bereaved managers take less risk in separate samples of mutual funds and publicly traded firms. Mutual funds managed by bereaved managers exhibit smaller tracking errors, lower active share measures, and higher portfolio weights on larger stocks after bereavement events. Firms managed by bereaved CEOs exhibit lower capital expenditures and fewer acquisitions after bereavement events. Further analyses support the emotion-driven explanation over other explanations. The risk-shifting by bereaved managers has negative implications on the performance of funds and firms that they manage.
Board Expertise and Executive Incentives 1

We investigate how board expertise affects executive incentives and firm value in a project investment setting. To increase the probability of project success, the CEO engages in a sequence of tasks: first acquiring information to evaluate a potential project, then reporting his assessment of the project to the board, and finally implementing the project if invested. We show that the CEO will get a higher compensation if the board and the CEO agrees. Such a compensation arrangement is purely an outcome of optimal contracting, even though the managerial power view may interpret it as evidence that more powerful CEOs get more pay. In addition, board expertise in evaluating the project helps motivate the CEO to acquire information, but may hurt the CEO’s incentives to properly implement the project. Consequently, higher board expertise can improve or hurt firm value. We also show that when board expertise is high enough, the CEO has incentives to underreport his assessment of the project to the board.
Ethnobotanical study of the competition between humans and baboons (Papio kindae) for wild fruit trees in the fringe of the Kundelungu National Park, D.R. Congo

Background : This study is the first step of a project addressing the under-researched human-nonhuman primate competition for forest resources. Methods : Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in Lukafu and Mulenga, two villages adjacent to the Kundelungu National Park (K.N.P.), Democratic Republic of Congo, involved 139 purposively selected informants. With a particular emphasis on baboon ( Papio kindae Lonnberg)-edible fruit trees, we collected and analyzed information on the most utilized indigenous trees of the area. These included used parts, types of utilizations, acquisition, and perceptions of availability. Results : A total of 26 indigenous tree species, nine of which are baboon-edible, were utilized the most by respondents. Tree products are collected from surrounding miombo woodlands of the K.N. P. mainly for energy (firewood and charcoal) supply and medicinal purposes. Of the nine baboon-edible species, four are used for two or more purposes and three do not have alternative resources. Conclusions : We conclude that the local people: (i) depend on indigenous trees, mainly for energy supply and medicinal uses, and (ii) observe a multipurpose and indispensable character, as well as decreasing tendencies in the main fleshy-fruited trees of food interest for baboons. Therefore, tackling tree cover losses in such a context implies the improvement of access to both non-wood renewable energy sources and quality health services. Towards the alleviation of the anthropogenic pressure on forests resources at the periphery of the K.N. P., two species of both multipurpose status for humans and high food interest for Kinda baboons deserve a particular attention. As an alternative to wild fruits collection, the domestication of the Wild loquat tree Uapaca kirkiana and the Monkey orange tree Strychnos cocculoides will not only improve households’ livelihoods, but also contribute to mitigating the competition for forest resources between humans and baboons. Keywords : Miombo woodlands, Indigenous trees, Wild fruit trees, Ethnobotanical uses, Kinda baboon, Human-Wildlife Conflicts, Park-adjacent Communities, Kundelungu National Park.
Allelopathic interaction between two common meadow plants: Dactylis glomerata L. and Trifolium pratense L.

Under natural conditions, plants compete for environmental resources, including by the release of allelopathic compounds with a various spectrum of activity. Therefore, the effect of aqueous extracts of cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata L. on germination and early growth phases and electrolyte leakages of a red clover Trifolium pratense L. was investigated. The 5, 10, and 15% of the aqueous extracts of cock’s-foot separately from shoots and inflorescences were used in two type of treatments tested in parallel. In first treatment the red clover seeds were watered directly with the aqueous extracts by eight days of experiment time, in second the seeds were pretreated with extracts for 24, 48 and 72 h and next they were watered with distilled water during experiment time. The results showed that the germination capacity of red clover seeds decreased with increasing concentrations of cock’s-foot aqueous extracts. Regardless of the duration of seed treatment with the extracts, the highest inhibition of germination was found when the 15% cock’s-foot shoot extracts was used. For red clover seedlings pretreated with extracts for 72 h, the highest and statistically significant differences in the growth were observed. With the increasing of concentration of cock’s-foot extracts significant inhibition of the underground and aboveground organs growth were observed. The increase of fresh and dry masses of red clover seedlings varied depending on the duration of contact with the extracts and their concentrations. The electrolyte leakage, as compared to the control, increased with the concentration of extracts, regardless of types and duration of extracts. The obtained results clearly confirm that leaving biomass of cock’s-foot on the field can lead to the release of phytotoxins that may inhibit germination and growth of red clover.
Decreased mycorrhizal colonization of Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist in invaded range does not affect fungal abundance in native plants

If we are to fight against plant invasions, we need to know the invasion mechanisms of particular neophytes. Conyza canadensis is a successful invader that is native to North America and expanding to human-made as well as natural habitats. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate symbionts of a large majority of land plants, and they seem to play significant roles in a number of plant invasions. Although C. canadensis hosts AMF, their role in its invasion remains to be addressed. This survey’s aim was to test the interactions of C. canadensis with AMF in its native (North America) and invaded (Europe) range and the effect of its invasion on the AMF in roots of native plants within the invaded range. We compared AMF colonization of C. canadensis in both ranges, as well as AMF colonization of three native plant species of not yet invaded and invaded sites within the invaded range. Although this survey proved the colonization of C. canadensis with arbuscules and decreased AMF colonization of C. canadensis in the invaded versus its native range, AMF colonization of native plants was not affected by the invasion of C. canadensis. We presume there to be decreased dependence of C. canadensis on mycorrhiza in the invaded range and that another mechanism supports the successful invasions of this plant species. Nevertheless, this is the first time that the impact of C. canadensis on the abundance of AMF in roots of native plants has been assessed.
Prevalence of thiamine deficiency in heart failure patients on long-term diuretic therapy

Background: Loop diuretics are an integral part of heart failure management. It has been shown that loop diuretics cause thiamine deficiency (TD) by increasing its urinary loss. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of TD in heart failure patients on long-term oral loop diuretics. Methods: Heart failure patients (cases) on oral loop diuretics (furosemide ≥40 mg/day or torsemide ≥20 mg/day), irrespective of the cause of heart failure, were compared to non-heart failure patients (controls) not on loop diuretics in a 1:1 ratio. Whole blood free thiamine level was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Results: A total of 100 subjects were enrolled in a 1:1 ratio (50 cases and 50 controls). 67% of the total study population had TD, (defined as whole blood free thiamine level <0.7 ng/ml). There was no difference in mean thiamine level between cases and controls. On comparing patients with TD in both groups, patients on diuretics had significantly lower thiamine level compared to the patients, not on diuretics (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: There was no difference in the thiamine level when patients on loop diuretics were compared to controls. However, very low thiamine levels (<0.1 ng/ml) was significantly more common in patients on loop diuretics.