Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Why German banks should merge

Purpose - The paper aims to investigate whether the wave of mergers observed in other European countries is suitable for the German banking industry. Design/methodology/approach - This question is approached by studying the relationship between market structure and profit (the so-called profit-structure relationship) in the German banking industry using the model suggested by Berger. By extending his econometric model to include portfolio and capital risk and using German banks' financial data, the authors are able to test simultaneously for three competing theories of the profit-structure relationship. Findings - It is found that including portfolio risk significantly improves the fit of the estimated profit-structure relationship. In addition, it is found that scale economies are present in German banking and that the so-called structural conduct – performance hypothesis is accepted. Owing to the acceptance of this hypothesis, conclude it is that mergers are likely to boost German banks' profitability but possibly at the expense of lower consumer welfare. Research limitations/implications - The research methodology employed is unable to weigh the potential benefits of higher financial sector profitability and stability against the possible detrimental impact on consumer Originality/value - The value of the paper is to provide a robust estimate of scale economies and a reliable test of the profit-structure relationship in German banking based on recent data. It should be of particular value to bank managers, seeking to increase their institution's profitability by way of merger and to the regulator of the financial industry.
Natural antisense transcripts in fungi

Fungi are models for investigating many eukaryotic molecular processes. The identification of natural antisense transcripts (NATs) in fungi led to the discovery of mechanisms for controlling gene expression through transcriptional interference, chromatin remodelling and dsRNA formation. An overview of these mechanisms and the description of specific NAT functions is provided to give context for a broader discussion of fungal NATs. Transcriptome analyses have revealed a large number of NATs in a divergent group of fungi. The timing of NAT expression suggests roles in core life functions, such as responding to the environment and sexual reproduction. The transcriptome studies also uncover a large number of NATs whose functions remain elusive. These could provide novel control of gene expression, targeted responses to stimuli, or other functions. The goal of this review is provide background for this expanding field of research while highlighting opportunities for future discoveries.
Can capital income tax improve welfare in an incomplete market economy with a labor-leisure decision?

This paper is a quantitative exercise in the economic analysis of optimal fiscal policy. We look at an incomplete market economy where agents face idiosyncratic labor productivity shocks and borrowing constraints. We find the steady state equilibrium of this economy and then analyze the effect of a government policy introducing a capital income tax and redistributing the proceeds of tax collection back to the agents in the form of a labor subsidy. We find that this type of policy can indeed improve the welfare of the economy, but its quantitative effect is small. We thus conclude that using capital income tax as fiscal policy instrument is not an effective way to cure the problem of market incompleteness.
Growth of skeletal components in the young squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus boliviensis): a longitudinal experiment.

A functional skeletal criterion, as an extension of the van der Klaauw's cranial theory, was adopted in the present study. The null hypothesis tested was: "The major skeletal components of the platyrrhine body grow linearly, regardless of their functional dependence to different demands. " The acceptance of the hypothesis will imply that all Saimiri skeletal growth may be satisfactorily explained by independent variables in a single equation. The rejection will suggest that such skeletal growth patterns have to be explained by variables in several different equations, and perhaps these equations may vary with the effect of sex and undernutrition. Control and undernourished squirrel monkeys were radiographed monthly for 2 years; they were also measured; and their volumetric and morphometric neurocranial, facial, and pelvic indices were calculated. The curves that best described each of the 24-point sequences were obtained. Three main growth patterns were observed: 1) Simple linear (femur length for all groups, and pelvic index for control and undernourished females), for which the simple regression equation explained more than 95% of the variation; 2) Complex linear (pelvic index for control and undernourished males, and neurocranial and facial indices for all of the groups), for which more than 95% of the variation was explained by one of the four four-function type equations; and 3) Noncorrelated with age (neurofacial index for undernourished males, and pelviofemoral index for control females and undernourished males and females), which showed nonsignificant correlations with respect to age. The food intake and the oscillations of the environmental temperature might help to explain the undulating growth trajectory observed in the complex linear components.
The effects of anandamide on memory consolidation in mice involve both D1and D2 dopamine receptors

Post-training administration of anandamide (1.5, 3, 6 mg/kg) dose-dependently impairs the retention of an inhibitory avoidance response in mice. The effects on retention performance induced by the drug appear to be due to an effect on memory consolidation, as they were observed when drugs were given at short, but not long, periods of time after training, i.e. when the memory trace was susceptible to modulation. Pretreatment with either selective D1 or D2 dopamine (DA) receptor agonists, SKF 38393 and quinpirole, at doses that were ineffective when given alone (5 and 0.25 mg/kg, respectively), antagonized the effects of anandamide on memory consolidation, suggesting that D1 and D2 receptors are similarly involved in the effects of anandamide on memory consolidation. These results are discussed in terms of a possible inverse relationship between the modulation of memory processes by endogenous cannabinoid and DA systems.
Human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6): a cause for fulminant hepatic failure or an "innocent bystander?".

To the Editor: Human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) has been reported to cause acute hepatitis and fatal fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) (1–3). Although all reported cases demonstrated HHV-6 in the blood or liver samples of the patients, they did not necessarily establish the causality. Because of the high HHV-6 seroprevalence of 80% to 90% in the general population (4), it is debatable whether HHV-6 is a causative agent of hepatitis. Accordingly, we performed a retrospective analysis of all blood and bone marrow samples submitted for HHV-6 DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to our institutional laboratory since the assay was initiated in September 1999. The test results were then linked with the clinical presentations of the patients tested. Samples from 25 patients were tested; 18 were HHV-6 PCR positive (72%). HHV-6 was detected in 15 of 19 blood samples (79%) and in 3 of 5 bone marrow samples (60%). All five bone marrow samples were from children. Associated diagnoses, number of positive HHV-6 PCRs, and their percentage are shown in Table 1. Eight of the 12 children (67%) and 10 of the 12 (83%) adults tested positive for HHV-6. Three of the four children with FHF were HHV-6 PCR positive. One of the three was a 14-year-old girl with FHF and aplastic anemia who died after bone marrow transplantation. The other two were a 7-week-old girl and a 9-year-old girl, both of whom had FHF and underwent successful cadaveric liver transplantation. Our results indicate that the percentage of hospitalized patients with a variety of debilitating conditions and with positive HHV-6 PCR in blood and bone marrow samples was approximately 70%. This figure is comparable with that found in children with FHF (75%). Ozaki et al. (5) recently detected HHV6–specific genomes in the livers of 36 of 48 children (75%) with various liver diseases and in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 22 of 31 patients tested (71%). Our findings strongly suggest that primary HHV-6 infection is common in hospitalized children and adults with various debilitating conditions, including FHF. The suggestion that HHV-6 causes hepatitis should be challenged until large-scale prospective controlled studies of HHV-6 PCR in liver samples from FHF patients are conducted.
Underwriting Spreads and Reputational Capital: An Analysis of New Corporate Securities

When entering a new security market, investment banks must establish their reputation. This is done through direct experience in the security market or through reputational capital established in existing security markets. I examine the effects of underwriters' market reputation in publicly underwritten offerings in forty‐three financial innovations and find more significant entry barriers for less prestigious underwriters. An analysis of underwriting spreads reveals first‐issue pricing advantages due to reputational capital. Unlike the more prestigious underwriters, the less prestigious underwriters reduce spreads upon first entry into each new security market to overcome their lack of market reputation.
Heavy-traffic approximations for service systems with blocking

This paper develops approximations for the blocking probability and related congestion measures in service systems with s servers, r extra waiting spaces, blocked customers lost, and independent and identically distributed service times that are independent of a general stationary arrival process (the G/GI/s/r model). The approximations are expressed in terms of the normal distribution and the peakedness of the arrival process. They are obtained by applying previous heavy-traffic limit theorems and a conditioning heuristic. There are interesting connections to Hayward's approximation, generalized peakedness, asymptotic expansions for the Erlang loss function, the normal-distribution method, and bounds for the blocking probability. For the case of no extra waiting space, a renewal arrival process and an exponential service-time distribution (the GI/M/s/0 model), a heavy-traffic local limit theorem by A. A. Borovkov implies that the blocking depends on the arrival process only through the first two moments of the renewal interval as the offered load increases. Moreover, in this situation Hayward's approximation is asymptotically correct.
Fault detection and identification for quadrotor based on airframe vibration signals: A data-driven method

This paper proposes a new method to detect and identify rotor's fault of quadrotor by using airframe vibration signals. A three-level wavelet packet decomposition method is used to analyze vibration signals. Then, the standard deviations of wavelet packet coefficients construct feature vectors that are used as input signals to design a fault diagnostor based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Output signals of the fault diagnostor reflect rotor health status. Finally, the effectiveness and performance of the proposed method are validated by airframe vibration data collected from a hovering experiment of a quadrotor.
What kind of power?

Abstract The argument that the EU is a humanitarian – normative, civilian, civilizing – power has gained considerable attention. Echoing discussions about recent developments in the international system towards a post-Westphalian order, the EU's actual foreign policy is in many ways a test case for such developments. However, much remains to be done in terms of finding a satisfactory theoretical basis from which to examine this argument. The study of the putative humanitarian dimension to the EU's foreign policy may benefit from legal and normative theory and from sociological insights into modern politics. On this basis we may find a better starting point for examining whether the EU's humanitarian dimension is comprehensible as well as justifiable.
Forests and economic welfare

A single dimensional measure of economic welfare in terms of per capita income has neglected the contribution of the non‐timber benefits of forests; hence forests have not received their due weight in literature on the development process. Advocates a multi‐dimensional measure of economic welfare. Presents, at the global level, an overview of the contribution of non‐timber forest products and at the micro level a case study from India. Highlights a more complete evaluation of the contribution of forests, and focuses on the economic contribution of forest resources to household income, income distribution, and spread of income over the year.
Functional outcomes of partial prostate ablation and focal therapy: are we managing expectations of a bar set too high?

Purpose of review Prostate ablation treatments have long been utilized although a recent shift away from whole gland ablation has occurred in an effort to decrease side-effects. Interest in this form of focal treatment has developed following encouraging initial reports suggesting feasibility, safety and favorable quality of life. Data on functional outcomes and limitations are now accumulating that require careful interpretation for educating patients and providers on the realistic outcomes achievable with these approaches. Recent findings Published results of partial prostate ablation provide short-term outcomes using a variety of metrics to estimate treatment effects on identified cancerous regions of the prostate. Validations of these metrics in regard to intermediate and long-term oncologic outcomes are awaited. Functional results indicate short-term effects on urinary and sexual function are frequent although perhaps less severe than whole gland or conventional treatments. Summary Outcome measures from prostate ablation have served to partially address some patient short-term goals of treatment and to support the further development of these approaches. More specific data to understand the long-term outcomes, goals and expectations for functional recovery that may be specific to each treatment modality are needed.
Structural basis of light chain amyloidogenicity: comparison of the thermodynamic properties, fibrillogenic potential and tertiary structural features of four Vλ6 proteins

Primary (AL) amyloidosis results from the pathologic deposition of monoclonal light chains as amyloid fibrils. Studies of recombinant‐derived variable region (VL) fragments of these proteins have shown an inverse relationship between thermodynamic stability and fibrillogenic potential. Further, ionic interactions within the VL domain were predicted to influence the kinetics of light chain fibrillogenicity, as evidenced from our analyses of a relatively stable Vλ6 protein (Jto) with a long range electrostatic interaction between Asp and Arg side chains at position 29 and 68, respectively, and an unstable, highly fibrillogenic Vλ6 protein (Wil) that had neutral amino acids at these locations. To test this hypothesis, we have generated two Jto‐related mutants designed to disrupt the interaction between Asp 29 and Arg 68 (JtoD29A and JtoR68S). Although the thermodynamic stabilities of unfolding for these two molecules were identical, they exhibited very different kinetics of fibril formation: the rate of JtoD29A fibrillogenesis was slow and comparable to the parent molecule, whereas that of JtoR68S was significantly faster. High‐resolution X‐ray diffraction analyses of crystals prepared from the two mutants having the same space group and unit cell dimensions revealed no significant main‐chain conformational changes. However, several notable side‐chain alterations were observed in JtoR68S, as compared with JtoD29A, that resulted in the solvent exposure of a greater hydrophobic surface and modifications in the electrostatic potential surface. We posit that these differences contributed to the enhanced fibrillogenic potential of the Arg 68 mutant, since both Jto mutants lacked the intrachain ionic interaction and were equivalently unstable. The information gleaned from our studies has provided insight into structural parameters that in addition to overall thermodynamic stability, contribute to the fibril forming propensity of immunoglobulin light chains. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unusual presentation of Takayasu's arteritis as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

Takayasu's arteritis is a chronic, idiopathic, inflammatory disease primarily affecting aorta and its branches. It mainly affects young females in the age group of 10-30 years. Various atypical presentations of Takayasu's arteritis have been described in children. These atypical presentations can cause delayed diagnosis resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neuroradiologic condition associated with headache, seizures, altered sensorium, visual disturbances, and characteristic lesions on neuroimaging. We report a child with Takayasu's arteritis who presented a posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. He also had associated abdominal tuberculosis for which anti-tuberculous treatment was started. PRES was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging with fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences. The child was started on nifedipine and propranolol. The child regained his consciousness within 48 h of admission. Prompt treatment of hypertension led to rapid reversal of neurological symptoms. In view of hypertension a computed tomography aortogram was done, which showed features suggestive of high grade (>75%) focal proximal left renal artery stenosis. EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism)/PReS (Paediatric Rheumatology European Society) consensus criteria was used for the diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis in our patient. Percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty of the stenotic left renal artery was performed. Post-angioplasty, nifedipine was gradually omitted and oral propranolol was continued.
Hemostatic abnormalities in uncomplicated babesiosis (Babesia rossi) in dogs.

BACKGROUND Babesiosis in dogs is associated with severe thrombocytopenia; yet infected dogs rarely show clinical signs of hemorrhage. HYPOTHESIS Dogs with uncomplicated babesiosis have normal hemostatic capacity despite severe thrombocytopenia. ANIMALS Nineteen client-owned dogs with uncomplicated babesiosis; 10 healthy controls. METHODS A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Thromboelastography (TEG), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, D-dimers, and antithrombin (AT) measured in both groups. Statistical significance set at P < . 01. RESULTS Babesiosis group hematocrit and platelet count significantly lower than controls (0.29 versus 0.50 L/L; P < .001 and 20.0 versus 374.5 × 10(9)/L; P < . 001, respectively). Except for K, no significant difference in TEG variables between groups. Hemostatic variables for babesiosis group versus controls (mean ± SD); R: 5.9 ± 1.8 versus 4.6 ± 0.9 min (P = .048); K: 2.8 ± 1.1 versus 1.9 ± 0.6 min (P = .003); angle: 55.5 ± 11.7 versus 62.2 ± 4.1 degrees (P = .036); MA: 48.4 ± 9.7 versus 57.2 ± 5.2 mm (P = 0.013); G: 5.1 ± 1.9 versus 6.9 ± 1.5 dyn/cm(2) (P = .019); LY30 (median, range): 0 (0-5.7) versus 0.6% (0-6.1) (P = .152); and LY60: 0 (0-8.8) versus 3.1% (0-13.1) (P = .012). AT activity significantly lower (105.2 ± 16.5 versus 127.8 ± 15.4%; P = .001). Fibrinogen concentration significantly higher in babesiosis group (5.7 ± 1.3 versus. 3.0 ± 0.7 g/L; P < .001). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Despite severe thrombocytopenia, dogs with uncomplicated babesiosis did not have clinical signs of hemorrhage and TEG variables were normal, which could indicate a normocoagulable state.
Renal effects of salmon calcitonin in man.

Abstract Renal effects of salmon calcitonin (SCT) were studied in man. The excreted fractions of filtered phosphate—(UV)(P × GFR) · PO 4 —and sodium—(UV)(P × GFR) · Na—and the urinary excretions of calcium (UV Ca ) and magnesium (UV Mg ) increased sharply during the intravenous administration of SCT and in the first following hour. Then UV Ca and UV Mg fell below their control values, (UV)(P × GFR) · PO 4 remained at a high level and (UV)(P × GFR) · Na returned to its control value or just slightly higher. The initial increases were proved to be due to SCT itself and a part of the later modifications to the release of endogenous parathyroid hormone (PTH). The secondary decreases of UV Ca and UV Mg were absent in patients with hypoparathyroidism, and coupled experiments in the same normal subjects infused with calcium, with or without SCT, showed that UV Ca , UV Mg , and (UV)(P × GFR) · PO 4 were persistently higher in the test where SCT was given, when there was no hypocalcemia. Thus, the late modifications of UV Ca and UV Mg are the consequences of the release of PTH, whereas the sustained increase of (UV)(P × GFR) · PO 4 is not entirely due to PTH but also to the direct action of SCT. Distal blockade studies which enable proximal urine to be obtained in man showed that the ratio UPO4PPO4 over UinulPinul increased rapidly after the administration of SCT, from which we can conclude that SCT brings about a rapid decrease of the proximal tubular reabsorption of phosphate. Free water clearance expressed as a fraction of creatinine clearance was measured in normal subjects whose ADH secretion was inhibited and increased markedly after the administration of SCT which can be interpreted as the consequence of the decrease of the proximal reabsorption of sodium.
A Prediction and Early Alert Model Using Learning Management System Data and Grounded in Learning Science Theory

Students experience considerable challenge in STEM coursework and many struggle to earn the grades needed to move forward in their majors. Interventions informed by prediction models can support learners to ensure successful completion of STEM courses and entry into the STEM workforce. In order to accurately target intervention efforts, we developed a prediction model based on log data generated by student use of content hosted on a learning management system (LMS; Blackboard Learn) course site in the first weeks of the course. The prediction model employed a forward selection logistic regression algorithm (with 10-fold cross validation) trained on four semesters of data, and provided instructors the opportunity to message students and provide learning support before the first major exam, potentially intervening before onset of poor performance. The best fitting model was used to identify students unlikely to obtain the required grade (B or better) in the course. Among 106 students predicted to perform poorly, 63 received a message from the instructor’s account that referenced an upcoming exam and linked students to supportive materials. Messaged students who accessed learning supports outperformed non-messaged but eligible students ( n = 43) on each of five subsequent exams throughout the semester ( d s = .64 - .88). Fifty-eight percent earned a B or better, compared to 25% of non-messaged peers predicted to earn a C or worse. This study affirms that data-driven early alert messages can provide targeted support and boost achievement in challenging STEM courses.