Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Firm‐Level Illiquidity on Crash Risk and the Role of Media Independence: International Evidence

This study investigates the impact of firm‐level illiquidity on stock price crash risk by employing a sample of 21,986 firms across 36 countries spanning the years 1997 to 2007. In doing so, the role of media independence in shaping this impact is also examined. The empirical results suggest that stock illiquidity is significantly and positively associated with firm‐level crash risk. Furthermore, the positive association between illiquidity and crash risk has been mitigated in countries with independent media, characterized by a lower level of state ownership and a higher level of press freedom, in addition to the reduction effect of media independence per se on crash risk. Our main conclusions remain valid after taking into account the endogeneity issues and various robustness tests.
Surge Pricing and Two-Sided Temporal Responses in Ride Hailing

Problem definition: We investigate surge pricing in ride-hailing platforms from a temporal perspective, highlighting strategic behavior by riders and drivers and that drivers respond to surge pricing much more slowly than riders do. Academic/practical relevance: Surge pricing in ride-hailing platforms is a pivotal and controversial subject. Despite abundant anecdotal evidence, strategic behavior by riders and drivers has not been formally studied in the literature. Methodology: We adopt and analyze a classic two-period, game-theoretical model as in the strategic consumer literature. Results: We identify two types of equilibrium pricing strategies. The first consists of a short-lived, sharp price surge followed by a lower price, which we refer to as skimming surge pricing (SSP). The second consists of a low initial price followed by a higher price, which we refer to as penetration surge pricing (PSP). We find that PSP equilibria are generally superior to SSP equilibria when both exist but require platforms to share demand–supply information with drivers. Managerial implications: The SSP equilibrium rationalizes the controversial sharp surge-pricing practice: the short-lived sharp price surge causes many high-value riders to voluntarily wait out the initial surge period, which attracts additional drivers to the region to serve riders at a much lower price than the initial surge price. The theoretically superior PSP equilibrium suggests that a vastly different approach may improve surge pricing and highlights the potential value and importance for platforms to share demand–supply information with drivers.
Cocaine administration decreases functional connectivity in human primary visual and motor cortex as detected by functional MRI

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was conducted to observe the effects of cocaine administration on the physiological fluctuations of fMRI signal in two brain regions. Seven long‐term cocaine users with an average age of 32 years and 8 years of cocaine use history were recruited for the study. A T2*‐weighted fast echo‐planar imaging (EPI) pulse sequence was employed at 1.5 T to acquire three sets of brain images for each subject under three conditions (at rest, after saline injection, and after cocaine injection [0.57 mg/kg]). Cross‐correlation maps were constructed using the synchronous, low frequency signal from voxel time courses after filtering respiratory, cardiac, and other physiological noise. A quantitative evaluation of the changes in functional connectivity was made using spatial correlation coefficient (SCC) analysis. A marked 50% reduction in SCC values in the region of primary visual cortex and 43% reduction in SCC values in the region of primary motor cortex were observed after cocaine administration. This significant reduction in SCC values in these cortical regions is a reflection of changes in neuronal activity. It is suggested that the observed changes in low frequency components after acute cocaine administration during a resting, no‐task situation may be used as a baseline reference source when assessing the effects of cocaine on task‐driven activation or on mesolimbic dopamine pathways. Magn Reson Med 43:45–51, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human immunodeficiency virus-2 infection in baboons is an animal model for human immunodeficiency virus pathogenesis in humans.

OBJECTIVE To assess disease progression in baboons (Papio cynocephalus) that were infected with two human immunodeficiency virus-2 (HIV-2) isolates. METHODS Eight baboons were inoculated intravenously with either HIV-2UC2 or HIV-2UC14 and were followed for a 2- to 7-year period of observation. RESULTS Six of 8 baboons showed lymphadenopathy and other signs of HIV-related disease, 3 of 8 baboons had an acute phase CD4+ T-cell decline, and 2 of 5 baboons infected with the HIV-2UC2 isolate progressed to an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-like disease. Human immunodeficiency virus-2-specific pathology in lymphatic tissues included follicular lysis, vascular proliferation, and lymphoid depletion. Both neutralizing antibodies and a CD8+ T-cell antiviral response were associated with resistance to disease. CONCLUSIONS Disease progression and the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in HIV-2-infected baboons have similarities to human HIV infections.
Effectiveness of a computer-based educational program on nurses' knowledge, attitude, and skill level related to evidence-based practice.

PURPOSE To conduct a baseline assessment of nurses' perceptions of knowledge, attitude, and skill level related to evidence-based practice (EBP) and research utilisation; determine the level of organisational readiness for implementing EBP and research; and examine the effectiveness of a computer-based educational program on nurses' perceptions of knowledge, attitude, and skill level related to EBP and research utilisation. DESIGN A descriptive, quasi-experimental design with a one-group, pre-intervention survey, intervention, and post-intervention survey method was used. A convenience sample of 744 nurses working in an integrated health care system was recruited. The study was conducted from May 2006 through November 2006. METHODS Data collection instruments were a demographic data questionnaire and the Evidence-Based Nursing Questionnaire. An education intervention on principles of EBP and research utilisation was conducted via three computer-based learning modules. FINDINGS Statistically significant differences in perceptions of knowledge, attitude, and skill level, as well as beliefs about organisational readiness were found after nurses participated in the computer-based education intervention. Although nurses indicated having positive attitudes about using research to support best nursing practice, gaps in knowledge and skills in retrieving research publications, evaluating the evidence, and incorporating the evidence into practice remain. Nurses rated their managers, senior nursing administrators, and staff nurses on their unit higher than hospital managers in supporting changes to practice based on research. CONCLUSIONS Nurses in clinical settings need to be able to use research findings and incorporate EBP into their nursing practice to promote positive patient outcomes. Appropriate organisational infrastructures are essential for promoting EBP and research utilisation in clinical settings. Diverse and effective methods are essential in educating and engaging nurses in EBP and research utilisation. Computer-based education is an effective approach that can be used by nursing leaders in health care organisations to educate and engage nurses in EBP initiatives and research utilisation.
Leptin in Relation to Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate whether leptin is involved in the etiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients. Methods: Thirty-one male cirrhotic patients with HCC, 26 male cirrhotic patients without HCC, and 25 control subjects were included in this study. Body fat mass (FM) was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and serum leptin and hormone concentrations were measured by immunoassay. Results: A significant correlation of serum leptin levels to FM was observed in both patient groups and control subjects (r = 0.760, p < 0.001; r = 0.520, p < 0.01; r = 0.460, p < 0.05, respectively). The serum leptin levels in cirrhotic patients with or without HCC were significantly higher than those in control subjects (6.0 ± 1.1 vs. 6.1 ± 0.6 vs. 3.8 ± 0.3 ng/ml, p < 0.05), though their body FM was lower. Using a multiple logistic regression analysis, it was found that the odds ratio of serum leptin for HCC was 1.04 (95% CI 0.79–1.33) after adjustment of several known risk factors. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that cirrhotic patients with or without HCC had increased serum leptin concentrations. However, leptin did not appear to be associated with the development of HCC in cirrhotic patients.
Higher sex hormone-binding globulin and lower bioavailable testosterone are related to prostate cancer detection on prostate biopsy

Abstract Objective. Recent studies show an inverse relationship between testosterone levels and prostate cancer (PCa). The usefulness of hormonal patterns in PCa diagnosis is controversial. This study aimed to determine the relationship between hormonal patterns and PCa, and to find a cut-off point of hormone levels to assess PCa risk. Material and methods. A prospective analysis was undertaken of 279 patients referred for first or second prostate biopsy in the Hospital Clínic Barcelona from November 2006 to May 2009. The indication for prostate biopsy was suspicion of PCa based on the results of digital rectal examination (DRE) and/or elevation of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Screening was carried out with a 5+5-core transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Age, prostate volume, DRE (normal or abnormal), biopsy findings (normal or report of PCa), PSA, free-to-total PSA, PSA density, testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were also prospectively recorded. Free and bioavailable testosterone were calculated using Vermeulen's formula. Results. In the multivariate analysis, abnormal DRE [odds ratio (OR = 5.46, p < 0.001], SHBG levels ≥ 66.25 nmol/l [OR = 3.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52 to 7.04, p < 0.002] and bioavailable testosterone levels ≤ 104 ng/dl (OR = 4.92, 95% CI 1.78 to 13.59, p = 0.002) were related to the diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma. Age, free testosterone, PSA, testosterone, PSA/testosterone, PSA/free testosterone and PSA/bioavailable testosterone were not related to PCa diagnosis. Conclusions. Low bioavailable testosterone levels and high SHBG levels were related to a 4.9- and 3.2-fold risk of detection of PCa on prostate biopsy owing to PSA elevation or abnormal DRE. This fact may be useful in the clinical scenario in counselling patients at risk for PCa.
Childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in the Nordic countries: Epidemiology and predictors of chronic disease

Aim: To describe the epidemiology of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in the Nordic countries, to define clinical subgroups and to investigate factors predicting chronic disease. Methods: A prospective registration was done from 1998 to 2000, including all children with newly diagnosed ITP aged 0–14 y and at least one platelet count <30×109/l. Results: 506 children were registered and 423 followed for 6 mo. The incidence was 4.8/105 per year. Most children were aged 0–7 y (78%), with a predominance of boys, while patients aged 8–14 y had equal representation of the two sexes. There were seasonal variations determined by variations in postinfectious cases with sudden onset. The platelet count was <10×109/l in 58%, but bleeding manifestations were mild or moderate in 97%. The insidious form (symptoms for more than 2 wk) was more frequent in older children and girls, showed little seasonal variation, had milder manifestations and ran a chronic course in more than half the cases. Intracranial haemorrhages did not occur in the first 6 mo after diagnosis. Chronic ITP developed in 25%. The strongest predictor of chronic disease was insidious onset of symptoms (OR 5.97).
The Hemagglutinin Protein of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Influenza Viruses Overcomes an Early Block in the Replication Cycle To Promote Productive Replication in Macrophages

ABSTRACT Macrophages are known to be one of the first lines of defense against influenza virus infection. However, they may also contribute to severe disease caused by the highly pathogenic avian (HPAI) H5N1 influenza viruses. One reason for this may be the ability of certain influenza virus strains to productively replicate in macrophages. However, studies investigating the productive replication of influenza viruses in macrophages have been contradictory, and the results may depend on both the type of macrophages used and the specific viral strain. In this work, we investigated the ability of H1 to H16 viruses to productively replicate in primary murine alveolar macrophages and RAW264.7 macrophages. We show that only a subset of HPAI H5N1 viruses, those that cause high morbidity and mortality in mammals, can productively replicate in macrophages, as measured by the release of newly synthesized virus particles into the cell supernatant. Mechanistically, we found that these H5 strains can overcome a block early in the viral life cycle leading to efficient nuclear entry, viral transcription, translation, and ultimately replication. Studies with reassortant viruses demonstrated that expression of the hemagglutinin gene from an H5N1 virus rescued replication of H1N1 influenza virus in macrophages. This study is the first to characterize H5N1 influenza viruses as the only subtype of influenza virus capable of productive replication in macrophages and establishes the viral gene that is required for this characteristic. The ability to productively replicate in macrophages is unique to H5N1 influenza viruses and may contribute to their increased pathogenesis.
Trickle‐Down Social Inclusion: The EU Minorities Agenda in Times of Crisis

This article investigates the minority dimension of EU social policy and how the conceptualization of ethnic minorities' socioâ€ economic inclusion has evolved over time. Three findings are drawn from the close analysis of overlapping EU agendas on social inclusion and minority inclusion. First, although there are no comprehensive data on European minorities' socioâ€ economic condition, significant evidence has been collected at EUâ€ level that minorities are consistently at a disadvantage. Second, the growing recognition that minorities suffer disproportionately from socioâ€ economic exclusion has not been accompanied by an increasing willingness to consider structural policy approaches. Rather, a policy paradigm has emerged that prioritizes job creation, growth and employability as the oneâ€ sizeâ€ fitsâ€ all solution to social exclusion. I call this the â€˜trickleâ€ downâ€™ approach to minority social inclusion. Third, the economic crisis crystallized this mismatch between problem and EU policy approach but did not cause it.
Collagen-embedded hydroxylapatite–beta-tricalcium phosphate–silicon dioxide bone substitute granules assist rapid vascularization and promote cell growth

In the present study we assessed the biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo of a low-temperature sol–gel-manufactured SiO2-based bone graft substitute. Human primary osteoblasts and the osteoblastic cell line, MG63, cultured on the SiO2 biomatrix in monoculture retained their osteoblastic morphology and cellular functionality in vitro. The effect of the biomaterial in vivo and its vascularization potential was tested subcutaneously in Wistar rats and demonstrated both rapid vascularization and good integration within the peri-implant tissue. Scaffold degradation was progressive during the first month after implantation, with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive macrophages being present and promoting scaffold degradation from an early stage. This manuscript describes successful osteoblastic growth promotion in vitro and a promising biomaterial integration and vasculogenesis in vivo for a possible therapeutic application of this biomatrix in future clinical studies.
Protective effects of erdosteine against nephrotoxicity caused by gamma radiation in male albino rats

The aim of this study was focused on investigating the possible protective effect of erdosteine against gamma radiation-induced renal lesions in male albino rats. Twenty-eight albino rats were divided into four equal groups as follows: control group, irradiated group (animals subjected to whole-body gamma irradiation at a dose of 5 Gy), treated group (each rat received 100 mg/kg body weight once daily, orally by gastric tube, erdosteine for 1 week), and treated irradiated group (each rat received 100 mg/kg body weight once daily, orally by gastric tube, erdosteine for 1 week, then exposed to whole-body gamma irradiation at a dose of 5 Gy). The results revealed that the administration of erdosteine to rats before irradiation significantly ameliorated the changes occurred in kidney function (creatinine and urea) compared with irradiated group. Also the changes in serum tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 6 activities were markedly improved compared with the corresponding values of irradiated group. Kidney catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and reduced glutathione concentration showed approximately normal level when compared with the irradiated group. The histopathological results showed distinctive pattern of renal lesions in irradiated group, while in treated irradiated group the renal tissues showed relatively well-preserved architecture. Erdosteine acts in the kidney as a potent scavenger of free radicals to prevent or ameliorate the toxic effects of gamma irradiation as shown in the biochemical and histopathological changes and might provide substantial protection against radiation-induced inflammatory damage.
Paradox as a generative practice

The more conscious management of paradoxical situations is gaining currency as practitioners wrestle with so called ‘wicked problems’ within regulated policy environments. Organisations involved with improving lives, through furthering development goals, often advance linear frameworks for such problems, amidst contradictory and political inter-dependencies. The paper challenges prevailing practice perspectives on rational strategy that are both claimed and assumed by the mandates of development. Instead, core practices around incremental action occur, which in effect massage the grand strategy. The findings theoretically anchor these central adaptions through invoking Brunsson’s political qualities of organisations and inserting acquired practices as conduits between his four qualities. In extending the theoretical context of Brunsson’s analysis, the paper argues that practices and practitioners sustain and are the carriers of both politics and action towards a calibration of organisational hypocrisy, equilibrium and strategic survival.
Your Place or Mine? Does the Sleep Location Matter in Young Couples?

This study sought to characterize the impact of sleep location (own sleeping environment vs. partner’s sleeping environment), social setting (sleeping in pairs vs. sleeping alone), and sex on sleep. An experimental 2 x 2 (sleep location x social setting) within-subject design was employed with 15 young heterosexual couples. The results suggest that sleep location does not appear to have a strong and consistent effect on sleep quantity or quality. The social setting had a specific effect in heterosexual young men, who were found to sleep longer and rise later when cosleeping with their partner. In contrast, we did not find any significant effect of the social setting on sleep continuity parameters in women. In both sexes, sleep quality was perceived to be better when sleeping in pairs. However, there was a higher concordance of the partners’ body movements in cosleeping nights compared to the sleeping alone condition.
Age at first drink moderates the impact of current stressful life events on drinking behavior in young adults.

BACKGROUND Recent evidence from animal experiments and studies in humans suggests that early age at first drink (AFD) may lead to higher stress-induced drinking. The present study aimed to extend these findings by examining whether AFD interacted with stressful life events (SLE) and/or with daily hassles regarding the impact on drinking patterns among young adults. METHOD In 306 participants of an epidemiological cohort study, AFD was assessed together with SLE during the past 3 years, daily hassles in the last month, and drinking behavior at age 22. As outcome variables, 2 variables were derived, reflecting different aspects of alcohol use: the amount of alcohol consumed in the last month and the drinking frequency, indicated by the number of drinking days in the last month. RESULTS Linear regression models revealed an interaction effect between the continuous measures of AFD and SLE on the amount of alcohol consumed. The earlier young adults had their first alcoholic drink and the higher the levels of SLE they were exposed to, the disproportionately more alcohol they consumed. Drinking frequency was not affected by an interaction of these variables, while daily hassles and their interaction with AFD were unrelated to drinking behavior. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of early age at drinking onset as a risk factor for later heavy drinking under high load of SLE. Prevention programs should aim to raise age at first contact with alcohol. Additionally, support in stressful life situations and the acquisition of effective coping strategies might prevent heavy drinking in those with earlier drinking onset.
Perioperative factors affecting length of hospital stay among elderly patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Timely assessment and prevention of risk factors for the main perioperative complications in elderly patients provide an opportunity to avoid them, decrease mortality, and diminish costs associated with longer hospital stay. The aim of this study was to estimate perioperative factors that could potentially predict the length of stay and to estimate their predictive value using a comprehensive geriatric assessment among elderly patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study population comprised 99 surgical patients aged 65 and more. The patients were followed up until discharge. Study data analysis included questionnaires, anthropometric measurements before surgery, assessment and interviews after surgery, and case histories. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS Malnutrition was detected in 53.5% of the patients. Postoperative cognitive disorder was documented in 18.2% of elderly patients. The mean length of hospital stay was 10.1 days (SD, 9.14). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the best predictors for longer hospital stay in elderly patients were malnutrition (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.5-11.8; P=0.007) together with postoperative cognitive impairment (OR, 9.2; 95% CI, 1.0-83.3; P=0.048). The total predictive value of the model was 70.5%. CONCLUSIONS . Malnutrition and a postoperative cognitive disorder were independent risk factors for longer hospital stay, while depression, cognitive impairment, functional dependence, and poor physical status were not independently associated with longer hospital stay. A comprehensive geriatric assessment can help assess the risk factors for longer treatment and predict the length of hospital stay, thus enabling the planning of optimal healthcare management of elderly patients.