Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between the Cost of Equity Capital and Corporate Disclosure: The Chilean Case

ABSTRACT The objective of this research is to determine whether the Chilean investor rewards the corporate disclosure of economic information. The results have been consistent with international findings, since the relationship between the two studied variables was widely negative (the more information, the lower rate demanded by the investor). Also, the study shows that the integration of the capitals markets is improving the minimum standards of disclosure since, when a local company participates in more than one stock market, the strictest corporate disclosure or transparency rule will be applied. RESUMEN. El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar si el inversionista chileno premia la entrega de información por parte de las empresas. Los resultados han sido consistentes con la evidencia internacional, ya que la relación entre las variables estudiadas fue ampliamente negativa (a mayor información, menor tasa exigida por el inversionista). Además, el estudio evidencia que la integración de los mercados de capitales está mejorando los estándares mínimos de revelación, ya que al participar una firma local en más de una bolsa de valores, se aplicará la normativa más exigente de revelación o transparencia corporativa. RESUMO. O objetivo desta pesquisa é determinar se o investidor chileno compensa a divulgação das informações econômicas pelas empresas. Os resultados têm sido coerentes com as evidências internacionais, visto que a relação entre as duas variáveis estudadas foi amplamente negativa (quanto mais informação, menor é a taxa exigida pelo investidor). O estudo evidencia, também, que a integração dos mercados de capitais tem melhorado os padrões mínimos de divulgação, já que quando uma empresa local participa em mais de uma bolsa de valores, as normas mais rígidas de divulgação ou de transparência corporativa são aplicadas.
Integrated neuroendocrine immune risk factors in relation to rheumatoid arthritis: should rheumatologists now adopt a model of a multiyear, presymptomatic phase?

An integrative perspective of neuroendocrine immune (NEI) and related risk factors for the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is presented, based upon studies of the long‐term presymptomatic phase. Besides the recognized genetic markers and familial predisposition, multiple immunological precursors of RA have been identified many years before the clinical onset of inflammatory manifestations. Rheumatoid factors and related antibodies occur in approximately one‐half of presymptomatic susceptibles. Cigarette smoking in sufficient amount and duration is a major risk factor for RA, particularly for postmenopausal‐onset women and for men. In premenopausal‐onset RA, subtle insufficiency of adrenal cortical function is less well recognized. In such women, cytokine imbalance may also precede inflammatory onset of RA. In males alone, multiple hormonal and cytokine correlations were found many years before the onset of RA, implying long‐term activation or perturbation of this NEI system. The proposed physiopathogenetic model of RA requires further controlled, prospective studies for validation of the multiyear presymptomatic phase of RA. Such studies promise to clarify the currently unknown causal and sequential chains in this enigmatic disease.
HCFC1 is a common component of active human CpG-island promoters and coincides with ZNF143, THAP11, YY1, and GABP transcription factor occupancy

In human transcriptional regulation, DNA-sequence-specific factors can associate with intermediaries that orchestrate interactions with a diverse set of chromatin-modifying enzymes. One such intermediary is HCFC1 (also known as HCF-1). HCFC1, first identified in herpes simplex virus transcription, has a poorly defined role in cellular transcriptional regulation. We show here that, in HeLa cells, HCFC1 is observed bound to 5400 generally active CpG-island promoters. Examination of the DNA sequences underlying the HCFC1-binding sites revealed three sequence motifs associated with the binding of (1) ZNF143 and THAP11 (also known as Ronin), (2) GABP, and (3) YY1 sequence-specific transcription factors. Subsequent analysis revealed colocalization of HCFC1 with these four transcription factors at ∼90% of the 5400 HCFC1-bound promoters. These studies suggest that a relatively small number of transcription factors play a major role in HeLa-cell transcriptional regulation in association with HCFC1.
Glomerular and Tubular Renal Function after Repeated Once-Daily Tobramycin Courses in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Introduction. Antibiotic treatment regimens against Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients often include aminoglycoside antibiotics that may cause chronic renal failure after repeated courses. Aminoaciduria is an early marker of acute aminoglycoside-induced renal tubular dysfunction. We hypothesized that urinary amino acid reabsorption is decreased after repeated once-daily tobramycin therapies. Methods. In this prospective cross-sectional study creatinine clearance was estimated by the Schwartz and the Cockcroft-Gault formula. Tubular amino acid reabsorption was determined by ion exchange chromatography in 46 patients with CF who received multiple tobramycin courses (6.3 ± 10.1 (1–57)) in a once-daily dosing regimen and 10 who did not. Results. Estimated creatinine clearance employing the Cockcroft-Gault was mildly reduced in 17/46 (37%) of the patients who received tobramycin and 5/10 (50%) of the patients who did not but in none using the Schwartz formula. No association with lifetime tobramycin courses was found. Tubular amino acid reabsorption was not influenced by the amount of once-daily tobramycin courses. Conclusion. Clinically not significant reduction of eCCL occurred in a minority of CF patients. However, chronic tubular dysfunction was not present in patients with CF repeatedly treated with tobramycin in the once-daily dosing scheme.
Folic acid induces salicylic acid-dependent immunity in Arabidopsis and enhances susceptibility to Alternaria brassicicola.

Folates are essential for one-carbon transfer reactions in all organisms and contribute, for example, to de novo DNA synthesis. Here, we detected the folate precursors 7,8-dihydropteroate (DHP) and 4-amino-4-deoxychorismate (ADC) in extracts from Arabidopsis thaliana plants by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance-mass spectrometry. The accumulation of DHP, but not ADC, was induced after infection of plants with Pseudomonas syringae delivering the effector protein AvrRpm1. Application of folic acid or the DHP precursor 7,8-dihydroneopterin (DHN) enhanced resistance in Arabidopsis to P. syringae and elevated the transcript accumulation of the salicylic acid (SA) marker gene pathogenesis-related1 in both the treated and systemic untreated leaves. DHN- and folic acid-induced systemic resistance was dependent on SA biosynthesis and signalling. Similar to SA, folic acid application locally enhanced Arabidopsis susceptibility to the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria brassicicola. Together, the data associate the folic acid pathway with innate immunity in Arabidopsis, simultaneously activating local and systemic SA-dependent resistance to P. syringae and suppressing local resistance to A. brassicicola.
Firm size, university based research, and the returns to R&D

This paper compares university-based research relationships between small and large firms as an explanation for the difference in innovative activity across firm sizes. We test the hypothesis that there are diseconomies of scale in producing innovations in large firms due to the inherent bureaucratization process which inhibits both innovative activity as well as the speed with which new inventions move through the corporate system towards the market. By utilizing university-based research relationships, small firms are able to avoid bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Comparative Implementation Research: Directions and Dualities

Abstract The study of policy implementation developed steadily and considerably in the 1970s and 1980s through two generations of research. Since then progress towards a more rigorous scientific “third generation research paradigm”, assumed to be crucial for further theoretical development, has been much slower and more uneven. Comparative studies figure prominently in this respect. On one hand they are strongly encouraged but on the other they are difficult to conduct according to best practice advice in the textbooks. Comparative implementation research is the theme of this special issue. In this Introduction the articles included are presented, focusing on how they deal with some of the issues posed by the norms of a rigorous “third generation” approach. Reasons for the state of affairs in implementation research are discussed. Some inherent dualities and tensions in contemporary comparative implementation research are identified as particular challenges.
Terrorism Risks and Cost‐Benefit Analysis of Aviation Security

We evaluate, for the U.S. case, the costs and benefits of three security measures designed to reduce the likelihood of a direct replication of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. To do so, we assess risk reduction, losses, and security costs in the context of the full set of security layers. The three measures evaluated are installed physical secondary barriers (IPSB) to restrict access to the hardened cockpit door during door transitions, the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), and the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) Program. In the process, we examine an alternate policy measure: doubling the budget of the FFDO program to $44 million per year, installing IPSBs in all U.S. aircraft at a cost of $13.5 million per year, and reducing funding for FAMS by 75% to $300 million per year. A break‐even cost‐benefit analysis then finds the minimum probability of an otherwise successful attack required for the benefit of each security measures to equal its cost. We find that the IPSB is costeffective if the annual attack probability of an otherwise successful attack exceeds 0.5% or one attack every 200 years. The FFDO program is costeffective if the annual attack probability exceeds 2%. On the other hand, more than two otherwise successful attacks per year are required for FAMS to be costeffective. A policy that includes IPSBs, an increased budget for FFDOs, and a reduced budget for FAMS may be a viable policy alternative, potentially saving hundreds of millions of dollars per year with consequences for security that are, at most, negligible.
Linking social welfare development with cash transfers and education to promote child wellbeing – what we know and what we need to know

This review aimed to identify international literature on the triple provision combination of social welfare services (SWS) embedded within programmes where cash transfers are conditional (CCT) on school attendance in order to inform best policy and practice. The review found only one example of such provision, descriptions of which indicated a benefit of the triple combination approach yet did not provide an in-depth evaluation of the link with SWS. More relevant evidence and indications for future research and policy were found within literature concerned with the double combination of SWS and schooling, including extended and full-service schools. However, this has not yet been linked to CCT. This literature reports an overall positive impact of a SWS and school integration for both children and families, while noting several complexities and challenges such as resource availability and management issues. Methodologies are currently diverse. A Theory of Change approach may represent an optimum strategy for future programme evaluations to address the complex synergies of inputs and outcomes. Also, the definition of SWS needs to be refined as appropriate to countries of the global South, where the triple combination is of particular relevance.
[Humeral shaft nonunions: plates and nails].

OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare the functional results of dynamic compression plates (DCP) and interlocked retrograde intramedullary nails (IRIN) used for the treatment of humeral shaft nonunions. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-six patients (12 males, 14 females; mean age, 42.8 years; range 21 to 61 years) who underwent surgical treatment of humeral shaft nonunion either with DCP (n=13) or IRIN (n=13) between October 1999 and January 2008, were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment consisted of removing previous implants and DCP or IRIN fixation with additional autogenous bone grafts for atrophic nonunions. Union time, range of motion, radiographic length difference, Constant-Murley Scale (CMS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH-T) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were evaluated at a mean follow-up time of 59.5 months (range; 17 to 125 months). RESULTS There was a statistically significant correlation among the functional scores of DASH-T, MEPS and CMS. No statistically significant difference was observed in the functional outcome between the groups (DCP and IRIN). Range of motion of the elbow joint was significantly impaired in three patients who were plated for distal shaft nonunions. CONCLUSION Both DCP and IRIN provide satisfactory functional outcomes in the treatment of humeral shaft nonunions. Distal shaft nonunions may demonstrate a decrement in elbow motion associated with distal placement of plates.
Side-chain conformational disorder in a molten globule: molecular dynamics simulations of the A-state of human alpha-lactalbumin.

Molten globules are compact, partially folded forms of proteins consisting of an ensemble of interconverting conformers with disorder in the side-chain packing across the ensemble. Using insights from experimental data a strategy has been devised to describe this side-chain disorder in a molten globule. Structures of human alpha-lactalbumin have been generated with significantly different side-chain packings to those observed in the native protein by changing all the chi1 torsion angles. Molecular dynamics simulations have been carried out starting from these structures using conditions under which the molten globule is seen experimentally, i.e. at low pH and in the absence of calcium. In each simulation, low energy conformers were generated which are compact and retain substantial secondary structure and an overall native fold, but have very different side-chain contacts; there are all-atom root-mean-square differences of up to 0.5 nm between the different structures. The structures from the different simulations taken together provide an initial description of possible contributors to the ensemble of conformers in the molten globule state which is consistent, at least in general terms, with experimental data.
The relationships between age, sex, and the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer disease: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Prevalence studies on dementia and Alzheimer disease (AD) have reported a positive association with age. However, the trend of the association in the oldest-old categories has been the subject of discussion. The relationship between sex and AD has been inconsistent with these studies. Prevalence rates are influenced by the survival and disease incidence. Incidence rates provide a better measure of disease risk. METHODS English-language articles identified through a MEDLINE search on "incidence dementia" and "incidence Alzheimer's disease" were examined and references from identified articles were reviewed. Population-based studies using personal interviews, standard clinical diagnosis criteria (DSM-III for dementia, National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke-Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorder Association for AD) and reporting age-specific incidence rates were included in the meta-analysis. Data from the selected studies were extracted and verified. Mixed-effect models were used in the meta-analysis to accommodate the heterogeneity of the studies. RESULTS Incident dementia and AD are associated with a significant quadratic age effect indicating that the increase in incidence rates slows down with the increase in age, although there is no sign of a decline in the incidence rates themselves. The odds ratios for women to develop incidence of dementia and AD relative to men are 1.18 (95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.46) and 1.56 (95% confidence interval, 1.16-2.10), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The acceleration of incidence rates for AD and dementia slows down with the increase in age, although we find no evidence of a rate decline. Women are at higher risk of developing AD than men.
Public Expenditure Profile and Economic Growth in Nigeria: A Cointegration Approach

Background of the Study Governments, the world over expend resources in the economy to achieve certain macro-economic objectives. Prime issues are the provision of infrastructure, which enhances employment and productivity and improvement in the general well being of the people to catalyse the economy towards optimal growth level. The expenditure incurred by public authorities like Federal, state and local governments for the provision of public goods to satisfy the collective social wants of the people is known as public expenditure. It can be referred to as the funds expended by local, state and federal government and its agencies and distinct from that of households and firms. Anyafor (1996) referred to expenditure as an actual payment or the creation of obligation to make a future payment for some benefits, items or service received. Expenditure can be classified into two broad categories: Capital Expenditure and Recurrent expenditure. Capital Expenditure are expenses on capital projects like roads airports education, telecommunication, electricity generation, etc., while Recurrent Expenditure are government spendings on administration in the form of wages and salaries, interest on loans maintenance, transfer payments and so on. Public expenditure is vital in the process of macro economic stability because it is an important fiscal tool and can be used to manipulate or manage the economy (Begg et al (1984). In Nigeria government expenditure has nominally been on the increase due to oil revenue which is now the mainstay of the Nigerian economy. This over dependence on extractive industry and commodity export (traditional capital) characterize not only the Nigerian economy but also other sub-Saharan Africa. This reinforces the need to review the public expenditure structure in these countries since the success of government fiscal policy implementation depends upon efficient public expenditure management and also the effectiveness of Government’s fiscal measures/operations is seen against the back drop of the extent to which they help in achieving the macro-economic objectives. A cursory look at the expenditure profile in Nigeria reveals that the proportion of recurrent expenditure to the total expenditure stood at 68%, 60% and 70% in 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively while apportioning very poor proportion to capital expenditure. This poor public expenditure management seems to account for unemployment, high level of poverty lack of visible development in terms of physical infrastructure, and other facilities that aid economic growth. Ogwuru (2008) suggested a reduction in the funds allocated to recurrent expenditure in order to reduce unemployment in Nigeria. The spate of complaints of poor infrastructure relative to the huge oil revenue in Nigeria has led to the question concerning the benefit of public expenditures in this country. Nevertheless, this study sets out to determine empirically the extent of public expenditure impact on the growth of Nigerian economy.
Active Sampling-based Binary Verification of Dynamical Systems

Nonlinear, adaptive, or otherwise complex control techniques are increasingly relied upon to ensure the safety of systems operating in uncertain environments. However, the nonlinearity of the resulting closed-loop system complicates verification that the system does in fact satisfy those requirements at all possible operating conditions. While analytical proof-based techniques and finite abstractions can be used to provably verify the closed-loop system's response at different operating conditions, they often produce conservative approximations due to restrictive assumptions and are difficult to construct in many applications. In contrast, popular statistical verification techniques relax the restrictions and instead rely upon simulations to construct statistical or probabilistic guarantees. This work presents a data-driven statistical verification procedure that instead constructs statistical learning models from simulated training data to separate the set of possible perturbations into "safe" and "unsafe" subsets. Binary evaluations of closed-loop system requirement satisfaction at various realizations of the uncertainties are obtained through temporal logic robustness metrics, which are then used to construct predictive models of requirement satisfaction over the full set of possible uncertainties. As the accuracy of these predictive statistical models is inherently coupled to the quality of the training data, an active learning algorithm selects additional sample points in order to maximize the expected change in the data-driven model and thus, indirectly, minimize the prediction error. Various case studies demonstrate the closed-loop verification procedure and highlight improvements in prediction error over both existing analytical and statistical verification techniques.
Immunotoxicity of acute acephate exposure in control or IL‐1‐challenged rats: correlation between the immune cell composition and corticosteroid concentration in blood

Corticosterone concentration and the immune cell composition were measured in rats exposed by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection to different doses (10–500 mg kg−1) of acephate (Ace) and 250 µg kg−1 of interleukin 1 (IL‐1), either alone or in combination. Two different combination protocols were used: IL‐1 and Ace were administered simultaneously; and IL‐1 was injected 60 min after Ace administration (sequential exposure). Ace, in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, inhibited blood and brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities, increased blood corticosterone concentrations, suppressed blood CD4, CD8, B cell and monocyte contents and increased blood neutrophil counts. The Ace‐induced changes lasted for up to 24 h after Ace exposure. Interleukin 1 increased blood corticosterone concentrations without affecting blood or brain AChE activities. The IL‐1‐induced corticosterone concentration returned to the basal level within 3–10 h after IL‐1 exposure. The CD4, CD8, B cell and monocyte counts increased significantly at 10 min after IL‐1 exposure. The cell counts decreased gradually thereafter and returned to the basal level within 30 min after IL‐1 exposure. Simultaneous exposure of rats to Ace and IL‐1 partially suppressed the IL‐1‐induced increase in the immune cell counts and decreased the immune cell numbers below the basal values. Sequential injection of Ace and IL‐1 blocked the IL‐1‐induced increase in the immune cell numbers. Thus, Ace exposure would impair the normal distribution of immune cells and deregulate the IL‐1 response in rats. This study therefore suggests that Ace would suppress the immune cell numbers in blood, thus decreasing an organism's immunity. Ace exposure occurring concurrent with injury would augment the acute‐phase response, which would augment the toxic effects of IL‐1 and other cytokines, and Ace exposure occurring prior to the injury would suppress or abolish the initial stimulatory effects of IL‐1, which would decrease an organism's ability to combat infection or injury. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.