Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disclosure quality, diversification and the cost of capital

Based on a stylized infinite-period and multi-asset model of a securities market, I discuss several aspects of the link between disclosure quality and cost of capital, with a particular focus on how diversification influences this link. I first show that because investors have finite horizons and thus face price risk, disclosure plays a role in determining ex ante cost of capital in such a setting, contrary to the result of Christensen et al. ((2010) Information and the cost of capital: An ex ante perspective. Accounting Review 83: 817–848). With respect to diversification, I highlight the role of three aspects of a ‘large economy’ that influence how disclosure quality affects cost of capital: (1) the number of firms across which risk is distributed; (2) the number of investors among whom this risk is shared; and (3) the number of information signals (disclosures) available to investors from which to extract information. Finally, I extend the model to include the effects of non-rational traders who follow a simple trading heuristic and show that this results in an additional disclosure-contingent factor in equilibrium price that does not diversify away under fairly general conditions.
Strategic IT Planning, Evaluation and Benefits Management: the basis for effective IT governance

This paper reports on the results of an empirical study into the integration of strategic information systems planning and business-IT alignment, IT evaluation, and the proactive management of business benefits in large organisations, and to consider the linkages evident between these processes. An argument is developed which suggests that at the heart of good IT governance practice is an integrated cycle of building a business case, alignment and prioritisation of IT investments with business objectives and imperatives, evaluation, system acquisition, and post implementation proactive benefits realisation.
Equivalent Circuit Modeling in Time Domain of the Hysteresis of Magnetic Materials

This paper proposes a numerical solution of the nonlinear equations that describes the hysteretic behavior of ferromagnetic materials. From the proper definition and solution of these equations, an equivalent circuit model for a ferromagnetic core is developed and proposed. The results obtained from the equivalent circuit are compared with those obtained by a rigorous numerical solution.
Non-surgical primary treatment of chronic subdural haematoma: Preliminary results of using dexamethasone

From a series of 112 cases (64 men and 48 women, aged 37 – 91 years) of chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) in a 2-year period from January 1998 to December 1999, we have prospectively studied a group of 30 patients, who were managed non-operatively: 26 patients were treated with dexamethasone (Group 1) and four patients expectantly (Group 4). Nineteen patients (73%) from Group 1 were confused or had focal neurological deficits on admission. The mean maximum thickness of the CSDH was 12 mm. Only one of these cases (4%) required surgical drainage 6 weeks after steroid therapy. One patient died of an unrelated stroke (mortality = 4%). Two patients (8%) were left severely disabled. No significant complication from steroid therapy was documented. Out of the 85 surgically treated patients, 69 patients underwent surgical drainage in addition to steroid therapy (Group 2). Thirteen patients were treated with burr-hole drainage only (Group 3). The mean maximum thickness of the CSDH for these two groups were both 16 mm. Comparing with group 1, the redrainage rate of Group 2 [4% (3/69, p = 1)] and that of Group 3 [15% (2/13, p = 0.253)] were not significantly different. 50% of patients in Group 4 (2/4, p = 0.039) required delayed surgical drainage. The mortality rates of Groups 2, 3 and 4 were 3% (2/69, p = 1), 15% (2/13, p = 0.253) and 50% (2/4, p = 0.039), respectively. Our results suggest that steroid treatment in a selected group of patients is a good option, particularly in patients with co-morbidity.
[Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of chronic wounds and its correlation with CD34(+) endothelial progenitor cells].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy in the management of chronic wound and observe the correlation between wound healing and CD34+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). METHODS A total of 119 patients with chronic wound in lower extremities lasting > 3 months were recruited for this randomized, single-center, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The changes of CD34+ average count before and after HBO therapy were detected by flow cytometry (FACS). There were 97 patients on long-term HBO therapy and in 22 patients on hyperbaric air therapy as control group. The CD34/Scal-1+ and CD34/CXCR4 dual-positive populations of gated cell were determined respectively by FACs. The outcomes of two groups were compared. Treatment was administered within a single-place hyperbaric chamber for 90-min daily (session duration 120 min) for 5 days a week for 4 weeks (20 treatment sessions). RESULTS The wound size decreased at the 4-week end point (62.7% ± 22.3% in the HBO group vs 34.4% ± 20.6% in the control group, P < 0.05). After 10 episodes of HBO therapies for chronic non-healing wound, the peripheral CD34+ EPCs average count rose from 0.24% ± 0.03% at pre-treatment to 1.32% ± 0.05% while the number was 1.75% ± 0.17% after 20 episodes of HBO (P < 0.05). Both were significantly different from that of the patients at pre-treatment. However the overall circulating white cell count was not significantly elevated. The CD34/Scal-1+ and CD34/CXCR4 dual-positive populations of gated cell in HBO group were 5.8 and 5.2 folds than those at pre-treatment respectively. The number of EPCs was positively correlated with wound healing in lower extremities (correlation coefficient 0.84; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Adjunctive treatment of HBO facilitates the healing of chronic non-healing wound in selected patients through the mobilization of EPCs.
Dietary cholesterol, eggs and coronary heart disease risk in perspective

The idea that dietary cholesterol increases risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) by turning into blood cholesterol is compelling in much the same way that fish oil improves arthritis by lubricating our joints! Dietary cholesterol, chiefly in the form of eggs, has long been outlawed as a causative agent in CHD through its association with serum cholesterol. However, the scientific evidence to support a role for dietary cholesterol in CHD is relatively insubstantial in comparison with the incontrovertible link between its circulating blood relative in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and CHD. Interpretation of the relationship between dietary cholesterol and CHD has been repeatedly confounded by an often inseparable relationship between dietary cholesterol and saturated fat. It has also been exaggerated by the feeding of unphysiologically high intakes of eggs. Nonetheless, numerous studies have shown that dietary cholesterol can increase serum LDL-cholesterol, but the size of this effect is highly variable between individuals and, according to over 30 years of prospective epidemiology, has no clinically significant impact on CHD risk. Variation in response to dietary cholesterol is a real phenomenon and we can now identify nutrient-gene interactions that give rise to this variation through differences in cholesterol homeostasis. More importantly, to view eggs solely in terms of the effects of their dietary cholesterol on serum cholesterol is to ignore the potential benefits of egg consumption on coronary risk factors, including obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Cardiovascular risk in these conditions is largely independent of LDL-cholesterol. These conditions are also relatively unresponsive to any LDL-cholesterol raising effects of dietary cholesterol. Treatment is focused primarily on weight loss, and it is in this respect that eggs may have a new and emerging role in facilitating weight loss through increased satiety. © 2006 British Nutrition Foundation.
Evolvability and Acceleration in Evolutionary Computation

Biological and artificial evolutionary systems can possess varying degrees of evolvability and different rates of evolution. Such quantities can be affected by various factors. Here, we review some evolutionary mechanisms and discuss new developments in biology that may improve evolvability or accelerate evolution in artificial systems. Biological notions are discussed to the degree they correspond to notions in evolutionary computation. We hope the findings put forward here can be used to design computational models of evolution that exhibit significant gains in evolvability and evolutionary speed.
Pathogenesis of arterial hypotension in cirrhotic rats with ascites: Role of endogenous nitric oxide

Nitric oxide is a vasodilator tonically secreted by endothelial cells that is involved in the regulation of arteriolar tone. This study, which includes two protocols, was performed to investigate whether nitric oxide plays a role in the pathogenesis of arterial hypotension in cirrhosis with ascites. In protocol 1, the administration of increasing doses (25, 50, 250, 500 and 1,000 μg · kg−1 · min−1) of the nitric oxide biosynthesis inhibitor Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine to 18 conscious rats with cirrhosis and ascites produced, at each dose tested, a significantly greater increase in arterial pressure than in 17 conscious control rats. At the lowest dose of Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine, arterial pressure significantly rose in cirrhotic rats but not in controls. In protocol 2, arterial pressure, estimated renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate and sodium excretion were measured in 12 cirrhotic rats with ascites and 10 control rats before and during the sequential infusion of previously selected doses of Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine (25, 50 and 250 μg · kg−1 · min−1). Changes in arterial pressure reproduced those observed in protocol 1. In control rats, Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine caused a decrease in estimated renal plasma flow without affecting glomerular filtration rate or sodium excretion. In contrast, Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine administration to cirrhotic animals did not produce any appreciable renal vasoconstrictor effect, and it increased glomerular filtration rate and sodium excretion. These results, which indicate that cirrhotic rats show enhanced sensitivity to the pressor effect of nitric inhibition, support the contention that an increased systemic release of nitric oxide in cirrhosis with ascites contributes to the arterial hypotension present in this condition. In addition, they suggest that nitric oxide does not play a major role in the maintenance of renal hemodynamics in cirrhosis. (HEPATOLOGY 1992;15:343–349).
On Attack-Resilient Distributed Formation Control in Operator-Vehicle Networks

This paper tackles a distributed formation control problem where a group of vehicles is remotely controlled by a network of operators. Each operator-vehicle pair is attacked by an adversary, who corrupts the commands sent from the operator to the vehicle. From the point of view of operators, each adversary follows an attacking strategy linearly parameterized by some (potentially time-varying) matrix which is unknown a priori. In particular, we consider two scenarios depending upon whether adversaries can adapt their attacking tactics online. To assure mission completion in such a hostile environment, we propose two novel attack-resilient distributed control algorithms that allow operators to adjust their policies on the fly by exploiting the latest collected information about adversaries. Both algorithms enable vehicles to asymptotically achieve the desired formation from any initial configuration and initial estimate of the adversaries' strategies. It is further shown that the sequence of the distances t.
Effect of continuous interscalene brachial plexus block on diaphragm motion and on ventilatory function

Interscalene block may cause phrenic nerve block and decreased diaphragmatic motion. We evaluated the effect of continuous interscalene block on ventilatory function and diaphragmatic motion. We studied ten patients scheduled for surgery or manipulation of the shoulder. Preoperatively, the patients underwent spirometry and double‐exposure chest radiography. They received an interscalene block with 0.75% bupivacaine. Thereafter, 0.25% bupivacaine was infused into the interscalene space for 24 h. Spirometry was repeated three times and double‐exposure radiography twice. The maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were measured repeatedly. Haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SPo2) was monitored with pulse oximetry. The block provided adequate anaesthesia for surgery or manipulation. All patients had a marked ipsilateral paresis of the diaphragm in the radiographs 3 h after the initial block. Twenty‐one hours later five patients had diaphragmatic motility comparable to the situation before the block. In the other five patients, the amplitude of diaphragmatic motility on the side of the block was only 4–37% of the values before the block. All patients had a clear reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in ls (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) 3 and 8 h after the block without signs of dyspnoea. In conclusion, in all our patients interscalene block caused an ipsilateral hemidiaphragm paresis, which in five of ten patients persisted until the end of the continuous block.
Single amino acid substitutions in the glycoprotein B carboxy terminus influence the fusion from without property of herpes simplex virus type 1.

Syncytial mutations of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) strains ANG, ANG path, HFEM, tsB5 and HSZP cause extensive cell fusion and were mapped to the cytoplasmic domain of glycoprotein B (gB), within the syn 3 locus. These strains are so far the only ones which show the phenotype 'fusion from without' (FFWO): 60 min after infection with high m.o. i. , cells in a tissue culture are fused without transcription and translation of the viral genome. In this report we detected, using the recombinants 27/III and K-7, that an amino acid exchange from Ala to Val at aa position 854 of gB is the main determinant for FFWO activity of strains ANG, ANG path and recombinant K-7. The transfer of this mutation to wild-type strains KOS and 17 syn+ by co-transfection results in recombinants KOS-854Q, 17-syn3, 17-syn3a and 17-syn3b. As a selection marker we used the cyclosporin A resistance of fusion which was shown to be a unique characteristic of syn 3 locus mutants. The recombinants show the FFWO phenotype in BHK cells but not in Vero cells. FFWO was shown to be cell-type dependent by comparing the number of p.f. u. needed to induce FFWO in various cell types.
Sequencing of substance use and affective morbidity in 166 first-episode bipolar I disorder patients.

OBJECTIVES Since bipolar disorder (BPD) patients have high rates of comorbid substance abuse, and the temporal relationships involved are unclear, we evaluated the sequencing of specific substance use and affective morbidity. METHODS Prospective follow-up (4.7 years) of 166 first-episode DSM-IV type I BPD patients with reliable, standardized assessments provided data for longitudinal analysis of temporal distribution of alcohol and cannabis use versus manic or depressive episodes or symptoms, using generalized estimating equation regression modeling. RESULTS By quarters, cannabis use selectively and strongly preceded and coincided with mania/hypomania, and alcohol use preceded or coincided with depression, whereas substance use was unassociated with mood states in preceding quarters. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings suggest potentially predictive temporal associations, in which the abuse of cannabis or alcohol anticipated or corresponded with, but did not follow, affective morbidity, including selective association of cannabis with mania and alcohol with depression.
Report of the Eye Bank Association of America Medical Review Subcommittee on Adverse Reactions Reported From 2007 to 2014

Purpose: To investigate the incidence of adverse reactions after corneal transplantation, reported to the Eye Bank Association of America. Methods: Incidence of adverse reactions from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2014, was analyzed. Results: Of the 354,930 transplants performed in the United States, adverse reactions were reported in 494 cases (0.139%). Primary graft failure (PGF) predominated (n = 319; 0.09%) followed by endophthalmitis (n = 99; 0.028%) and keratitis (n = 66; 0.019%). The procedure type predominantly associated with PGF was endothelial keratoplasty (EK) in 56% (n = 180; 11 per 10,000 grafts), followed by penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in 42% (n = 135; 6.9 per 10,000 grafts). The procedure type predominantly associated with endophthalmitis and keratitis was EK in 63% (n = 104; 6.3 per 10,000 grafts) followed by PK in 34% (n = 56; 2.8 per 10,000 grafts), anterior lamellar keratoplasty in 1% (n = 2; 2.7 per 10,000 grafts), and keratoprosthesis in 1% (n = 2; 12.4 per 10,000 grafts). Although the incidence of PGF and endophthalmitis between PK and EK was noteworthy, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.098). Endophthalmitis-associated pathogens were isolated in 78% of cases: predominantly Candida species (65%), gram-positive organisms (33%), and gram-negative rods (2%). Keratitis-associated pathogens were isolated in 64% of cases: predominantly Candida species (81%), Herpes simplex virus (7%), gram-negative organisms (7%), and gram-positive organisms (5%). Conclusions: PGF was the most commonly reported adverse reaction, disproportionately associated with EK. An increasingtrend in the rate of endophthalmitis and keratitis was observed, disproportionately associated with EK and Candida species.
High Levels of Hybridization between Molecular Forms of Anopheles gambiae from Guinea Bissau

Abstract In the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae Giles sensu stricto, two molecular forms denoted M and S are considered units of incipient speciation within this species. Very low hybrid frequencies and significant genetic differentiation have been found in sympatric M- and S-form populations. We studied the molecular form composition and the degree of genetic differentiation at 15 microsatellites in two samples of An. gambiae collected in two consecutive years from Bissau, Guinea Bissau. High frequencies of M/S hybrids (19–24%) were found in this area. Coincidently, very low levels of genetic differentiation were detected between forms when analysis involved microsatellites mapped at chromosome-3 (mean Fst, 0.000–0.002). The single exception was the X-linked AGXH678, for which high differentiation was measured (Fst, 0.158–0.301). This locus maps near the centromere of chromosome X, a low recombination region in which selection is likely to promote divergence between M and S forms. These results strongly suggest that the degree of isolation between M and S forms, considered the units of incipient speciation within An. gambiae, is not homogenous throughout the species distribution range.
The challenges of long-term sepsis survivors: when surviving is just the beginning.

A 72 year old man with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension arrives at the emergency room due to shortness of breath. He�s diagnosed with community acquired lobar pneumonia and admitted for observation and empiric antibiotic therapy. Three days later the patient is found agitated, confused and unable to recognize his son. The shortness of breath worsens later in the morning culminating in intubation and mechanical ventilation. Following admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) he develops normocytic anemia, acute renal failure requiring dialysis, and elevation of liver enzymes. Ten days later his condition starts improving. Finally, 32 days after admission the patient is ready to be discharged. He has survived severe sepsis, and does not require further renal substitution, but is persistently weak, short of breath, and confused. What is new in our understanding of sepsis survival? What is the short and long-term prognosis? What can the medical team do to reduce mortality and improve quality of life following sepsis?
Security analysis and review of digital signature-based low-cost RFID tag authentication

BACKGROUND: In logistic processes, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology provides possibilities for improving the integrity of shipments, the performance of supply chains and for enabling leaner processes. RFID tags are used in logistics to identify and authenticate users, products or shipments. Especially cheap, passive long-range low-cost RFID tags are of interest, but these provide security-related challenges. In new implementations of this RFID technology the threats and risks must be carefully considered as they can result in system malfunctioning, revenue losses and illegal activities. Hence, there is a need for cryptography techniques for low-cost RFID tags. Various lightweight security mechanisms that take into account the limitations of the tags have been designed. The potentiality of using asymmetric cryptography and digital signatures in tags is one such mechanism that enables more secure tag authentication. RESULTS: This paper explores how asymmetric digital signatures have been used for RFID tag authentication. The paper provides a literature overview of the methods used in both research and in commercial products, and provides knowledge about gained and missing protection in such use cases. A method based on asymmetric Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) digital signatures has been developed for the authentication of low-cost RFID tags. In addition to this, the paper categorizes RFID threats to categories as presented in IETF RFC 4949 and analyzes how using asymmetric cryptography-based digital signatures protects against described threats and attacks suitable for low-cost RFID tags that do not use additional security mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: This paper finds that asymmetric cryptography and digital signatures are suitable for low-cost RFID tags and that usage of them gives additional security, especially against physical data modification and impersonation attacks. The research underlines that IETF RFC 4949 is suitable for categorization of threats and attacks towards RFID technology. In addition to this, systematic threat and attack categorization and analysis enables the specification of further threats.
Electrophoresis of guinea-pig complement components (C3, C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9) on polyacrylamide gel.

The electrophoretic mobilities of C3, C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9 of guinea-pig complement were studied using polyacrylamide (PAA) gel as a supporting medium. The haemolytic activity of each complement component was readily revealed as a discrete haemolytic band in blood agar containing intermediate red blood cells and appropriate reagents which was overlayed on the PAA gel plate after electrophoresis. By this method, the relative mobilities of C3, C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9 were determined as 0.19, 0.40, 0.17, 0.27, 0.31 and 0.57 respectively. An additional, distinct, haemolytic C5 band was detected when native guinea-pig serum was run. The relative mobility of the haemolytic activity which was not detected when purified C5 was electrophoresed, was 0.25.