Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Handgrip strength does not represent an appropriate measure to evaluate changes in muscle strength during an exercise intervention program in frail older people.

INTRODUCTION Although handgrip strength is considered a strong predictor of negative health outcomes, it is unclear whether handgrip strength represents a useful measure to evaluate changes in muscle strength following resistance-type exercise training in older people. We assessed whether measuring handgrip strength provides proper insight in the efficacy of resistance-type exercise training to increase muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in frail older people. METHODS Prefrail and frail older people (≥ 65 y) were either conducting a 24-week resistance-type exercise training or no exercise training. Before, during, and after the intervention, handgrip strength (JAMAR), lean body mass (DXA), leg strength (1-RM), and physical performance (SPPB) were assessed. RESULTS Handgrip strength correlated with appendicular lean mass (r = 0.68; p < .001) and leg strength (r = 0.67; p < .001). After 24 weeks of whole body resistance-type exercise training, leg extension strength improved significantly better when compared with the control group (57 ± 2-78 ± 3 kg vs 57 ± 3-65 ± 3 kg: p < .001). Moreover, physical performance improved significantly more in the exercise group (8.0 ± 0.4-9.3 ± 0.4 points) when compared with the control group (8.3 ± 0.4-8.9 ± 0.4 points: p < .05). These positive changes were not accompanied with any significant changes in handgrip strength (26.3 ± 1.2-27.6 ± 1.2 kg in the exercise group vs 26.6 ± 1.2-26.3 ± 1.3 kg in the control group: p = .71). CONCLUSION Although handgrip strength strongly correlates with muscle mass and leg strength in frail older people, handgrip strength does not provide a valid means to evaluate the efficacy of exercise intervention programs to increase muscle mass or strength in an older population.
A novel assay system for macrophage-activating factor activity using a human U937 cell line.

BACKGROUND Macrophages play important roles in antitumor immunity, and immunotherapy with the group-specific component protein-derived macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) has been reported to be effective in patients with various types of cancers. However, in macrophage research, it is important to properly evaluate macrophage activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS U937 macrophages were induced by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-phorbolacetate (TPA). The phagocytic activity of macrophages was evaluated as the internalized beads ratio. The MAF activity was assessed at 30 min after MAF addition as the activation ratio. RESULTS We established a novel assay for phagocytic activities using differentiated U937 macrophages. CONCLUSION The novel protocol was simple and rapid and was sensitive for GcMAF. This protocol should be useful not only for basic studies, such as those on molecular mechanisms underlying macrophage activation, but also for clinical studies, such as assessment of GcMAF activity prior to clinical use.
Using Elasticities from an Almost Ideal Demand System? Watch Out for Group Expenditure!

Group expenditure has often been treated as exogenous when estimating demand parameters for a group of commodities with an almost ideal demand system. Researchers draw demand elasticities from past literature to use in their own analysis, but elasticities contingent on exogenous group expenditure may be inappropriate. Here, the approach is considered in the case of Japanese meat demand with a simple equation added to estimate group expenditures. The results show that elasticities should be revised and that a group expenditure equation is not a panacea as it may result in the violation of theoretical restrictions, such as symmetry.
Direct blind MMSE channel equalization based on second-order statistics

A family of new MMSE blind channel equalization algorithms based on second-order statistics are proposed. Instead of estimating the channel impulse response, we directly estimate the cross-correlation function needed in Wiener-Hopf filters. We develop several different schemes to estimate the cross-correlation vector, with which different Wiener filters are derived according to minimum mean square error (MMSE). Unlike many known sub-space methods, these equalization algorithms do not rely on signal and noise subspace separation and are consequently more robust to channel order estimation errors. Their implementation requires no adjustment for either single- or multiple-user systems. They can effectively equalize single-input multiple-output (SIMO) systems and can reduce the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems into a memoryless signal mixing system for source separation. The implementations of these algorithms on SIMO system are given, and simulation examples are provided to demonstrate their superior performance over some existing algorithms.
The Relationship between Corporate Governance and Firm Productivity: Evidence from Taiwan's Manufacturing Firms

This study analyses the relationship between ownership structure and board of director composition and their influences on the total factor productivity (TFP) of Taiwan's firms. The empirical results show that the curvilinear specification is better to capture the relationship between inside ownership and firm productivity. Meanwhile, the ownership structure in a firm indeed affects differences in TFP between conglomerate firms and non-conglomerate firms, high-tech firms and non-high-tech firms, and family-owned firms and non-family-owned firms. Additionally, a smaller board may be less encumbered by bureaucratic problems and more functional and CEO duality may be able to improve productivity. Furthermore, productivity deteriorates with increasing proportion of collateralised shares. More institutional holdings, however, are an effective way to alleviate the negative impact of collateralised shares on TFP.
Doxycycline in lymphangioleiomyomatosis: not all questions are answered

From the authors: We are grateful to B.G. Baldi and colleagues for their interest in our paper [1]. We agree that based upon our own, as well as the author's, data that doxycycline cannot currently be recommended as a therapy to reduce a decline in lung function in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). As the authors pointed out, in our randomised placebo-controlled study, the two groups had slightly differing baseline lung-function values, which may have led to …
Higher Risk of Bleeding in Asians Presenting With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample Database

Bleeding is a major complication in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Several studies suggested that Asians are more susceptible to bleeding when treated with antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and thrombolytic agents. In our study, we aimed to investigate the association between Asian ethnicity and bleeding events in patients who presented with STEMI. We analyzed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2002 to 2013 and identified patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of STEMI. We compared clinical outcomes between patients of Asian and white ethnicity. Primary outcome was inhospital major bleeding defined as a composite of intracranial hemorrhage and blood transfusions for bleeding events. After exclusions, an estimated 1 695 680 white and 46 563 Asian patients with STEMI were included in the analysis. Asian patients had a higher incidence of inhospital major bleeding (3.6% vs 2.2%, P < .001) without a significant difference in inhospital mortality (9.3% vs 8.7%, P = .06). Asian ethnicity was an independent predictor for major bleeding (estimated odds ratio: 1.32; 95% confidence interval: 1.16-1.51; P < .001). This increased risk of bleeding would warrant further investigation of optimal treatment strategies tailored for patients with STEMI of Asian ethnicity.
Income Distribution, Factor Endowments, and Trade Openness

This paper studies the empirical links among factor endowments, trade, and personal income distribution. The motivation is that many developing countries have implemented radical trade reforms in recent years. These reforms have changed relative prices, induced a reallocation of resources, and may have led to the introduction of new production techniques. These changes are quite complex and their final effect on income distribution is theoretically unclear. The author's aim is to present the stylized empirical facts on the relations between income distribution, factor endowments, and trade.
Doppler spectra of medium grazing angle sea clutter; part 2: model assessment and simulation

This study is concerned with the assessment of models of Doppler spectra, derived from high range resolution X-band radar sea clutter observed from an airborne platform over the range of grazing angles, 15-45°. When looking up or downwind these models represent the strong correlation between mean Doppler shift and local spectrum intensity. When combined with random fluctuations of spectrum width, these characteristics give the spectra a temporal and spatial variability. The models are used to predict clutter spectrum statistics as a function of Doppler frequency and these are compared with statistics derived from the original data. It is also shown how realistic range-varying coherent clutter returns can be simulated using the models.
Cell divisions and mammalian aging: integrative biology insights from genes that regulate longevity

Despite recent progress in the identification of genes that regulate longevity, aging remains a mysterious process. One influential hypothesis is the idea that the potential for cell division and replacement are important factors in aging. In this work, we review and discuss this perspective in the context of interventions in mammals that appear to accelerate or retard aging. Rather than focus on molecular mechanisms, we interpret results from an integrative biology perspective of how gene products affect cellular functions, which in turn impact on tissues and organisms. We review evidence suggesting that mutations that give rise to features resembling premature aging tend to be associated with cellular phenotypes such as increased apoptosis or premature replicative senescence. In contrast, many interventions in mice that extend lifespan and might delay aging, including caloric restriction, tend to either hinder apoptosis or result in smaller animals and thus may be the product of fewer cell divisions. Therefore, it appears plausible that changes in the number of times that cells, and particularly stem cells, divide during an organism's lifespan influence longevity and aging. We discuss possible mechanisms related to this hypothesis and propose experimental paradigms. BioEssays 30:567–578, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of educational background on the behavior of effective CIO's

study explores the behavioral characteristics of effective CIO"s through the analysis of video observations during meetings with subordinates. CIO"s require skills in BA and IT. Currently CIO"s are employed both with IT and BA educational backgrounds. However, little is known about the impact of the education on the daily work of CIO"s. This study looks at the behavioral pattern of a CIO with a BA background and compares this to their counterparts with an IT education. The results give a better insight in the success factors of CIO"s and in the long run can help in recruitment and training. Results indicate that the CIO with a BA education gives his subordinates more freedom to interpret factual information themselves and form their own ideas. He also listens more to his employees. IT educated CIO"s spend more time structuring the conversation and verifying with their subordinates. It is concluded that more research needs to be done with a broader methodology, including surveys and interviews, to confirm these findings.
A Clinical Prediction Rule for Functional Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Analysis of an International Prospective Multicenter Data Set of 757 Subjects.

BACKGROUND Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a progressive spinal condition that is often managed surgically. Knowledge of important predictors of surgical outcome can provide decision support to surgeons and enable them to effectively manage their patients' expectations. The purpose of this study was to identify the most important clinical predictors of surgical outcome in patients with CSM using data from two multinational prospective studies. METHODS A total of 757 patients treated surgically for CSM participated in either the CSM-North America or the CSM-International study. The model was designed to distinguish between patients who achieved a modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score of ≥16 at the one-year follow-up and those who did not (mJOA < 16). A score of 16 was chosen as the cutoff as an mJOA of ≥16 translates to minimal impairment. Univariate analyses evaluated the relationship between outcome and various clinical predictors. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to create the final prediction rule and estimate relative risks. RESULTS Based on univariate analyses, the probability of achieving a score of ≥16 decreased with the presence of certain symptoms, including gait dysfunction, the presence of certain signs such as lower limb spasticity, positive smoking status, higher comorbidity score, more severe preoperative myelopathy, and older age. The final model consisted of six significant and clinically relevant predictors: baseline severity score (relative risk [RR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07 to 1.15), impaired gait (RR, 0.76 [ref. = absence]; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.88), age (RR, 0.91 per decade; 95% CI, 0.85 to 0.96), comorbidity score (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88 to 0.98), smoking status (RR, 0.78 [ref. = non-smoking]; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.93), and duration of symptoms (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.90 to 0.99). CONCLUSIONS Patients were more likely to achieve a score of ≥16 (indicating minimal impairment) if they were younger, had milder preoperative myelopathy, did not smoke, had fewer and less severe comorbidities, did not present with impaired gait, and had shorter symptom duration.
Service Innovation Myopia? A New Recipe for Client-Provider Value Creation

Traditional management thinking addresses either the service provider's or the client's individual competences and competitive advantage in service innovation. This is myopic in the extreme; value creation should be based on the simultaneous recognition of the interests and competencies of both parties. This article examines the service innovation strategies in the ICT field from the perspective of the resource-based view of the firm and the management competencies involved. First, the characteristics of three main types of service innovations (established service, incremental service innovation, and radical service innovation) are outlined, as these can be shown to require different value creation approaches. Second, a service strategy matrix is constructed illustrating the client-driven, provider-driven, and collaborative service innovation strategies. The article provides a recipe for managing the service co-creation modes, with guidelines given on how to succeed through collaborative capabilities and culture, as well as appropriate business models.
Urban Water Demand with Periodic Error Correction

Monthly demand for publicly supplied water to U.S. residences and businesses is estimated from a 10-year panel of 167 cities. A periodic error correction model integrates monthly, annual, and long-run time scales. Statistical consistency is validated by unit root tests adapted to the monthly frequency. Water and wastewater price elasticity of demand is estimated by sector, calendar month, and time horizon. (JEL Q25)
The Evolution of Individual Male Earnings in Great Britain: 1975-95

In this paper I study the changing dynamic structure of male wages in Great Britain using the New Earnings Survey Panel form 1974-1994. Computing the covariance structure of individual wages by cohort I find evidence of a substantial permanent component of earnings that increases over the life cycle and a highly persistent, serially correlated transitory component. In addition, the estimated variances of both the permanent and transitory components have risen over this period, each explaining about half the rise in inequality. These results imply that the observed cross sectional rise in inequality is reflective of largely permanent differences between individuals that have grown over the last decade or so.
Recruitment science and practice

An overview of employee recruitment. Employee recruitment: a framework. Organizational recruitment. How applicants evaluate jobs: an overview. The importance of person-job fit. Understanding the critical initial employment period: a model for improving person-job fit. Improving the accuracy of job candidate expectations. Major government regulations affecting employee recruitment. The effects of government regulations on recruitment activities. Effectively utilizing research on recruitment. Recruitment methods: making contact with job candidates. Summary and future research directions.
Src kinase has a central role in in vitro cellular internalization of Staphylococcus aureus

Traditionally recognized as an extracellular pathogen, the Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus can also be internalized by a variety of cell types in vitro. Internalization is known to involve binding of the host extracellular protein fibronectin to the bacterium, recognition of the fibronectin‐coated bacterium by the fibronectin‐binding integrin α5β1 on the host cell surface, and integrin‐mediated internalization. Here we examine elements of mammalian cell signalling pathways involved in S. aureus internalization. The mouse fibroblast cell line GD25, in which the gene encoding the β1 integrin subunit is inactivated, has been complemented with a β1 integrin cDNA encoding a tyrosine (Y) to phenylalanine (F) mutation in each of the two β1 integrin intracellular NPXY motifs. This cell line, GD25β1 A Y783/795F, is defective in migration on fibronectin coated surfaces and intracellular signalling activities involving the tyrosine kinase Src. GD25β1 A Y783/795F cells have a decreased ability to internalize S. aureus compared to GD25β1 A cells expressing wild‐type β1 integrins. Furthermore, using mouse embryo fibroblasts in which different members of the Src family kinases are genetically inactivated, we demonstrate that optimal internalization is dependent on expression of Src kinase. Interferon, which has been implicated in repression of the effects of the viral homologue of Src inhibits internalization of S. aureus indicating that internalization may be blocked by inhibitors of Src kinase function. We then demonstrate that Src family kinase specific inhibitors effectively block S. aureus internalization into HeLa cells leading to the conclusion that a function unique to Src is required for optimal internalization of S. aureus in vitro.
Financial information and the management of small private companies

This research is drawn from a survey of 385 private limited companies in the UK that fall within the 1999 EU size thresholds for a small company. Examines the use of financial information in small companies, as financial management is critical to their success and survival. The purpose of the research was to identify the sources and utility of financial information used and the results show that the majority of small companies adopt practices that include formal methods of planning and control. There is a strong emphasis on controlling cash and monitoring performance in the context of maintaining relationships with the bank. The most widely used and most useful sources of financial information are the monthly/quarterly management accounts and cash flow information in various forms. Multivariate analysis reveals that the utility of the periodic management accounts is contingent upon the size of the business and the receipt of management advice from the auditor/accountant. The findings of this research have important managerial implications for the directors and their advisers.
Postherapeutic follow-up of colorectal cancer patients treated with curative intent.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Based on published data showing that despite a curative intent treatment approximately 50% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients will present with disease relapse, and on the results of meta-analysis which showed improved survival by using intense posttreatment follow-up programs, we aimed in the present study to evaluate the additional benefit of routine abdominal ultrasound in the follow-up program of CRC patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD We conducted a prospective study, on 107 patients diagnosed with stage III CRC. Patients follow-up included: history and physical examination, CEA determination, and abdomino-pelvic US every 3 months. RESULTS Recurrent disease was observed in 36% of cases after a median follow-up interval of 24 months. The liver was the most frequent isolated site of disease recurrence (62%). Serum CEA level increased in most patients (69%) with recurrent disease. Also, a high percentage of relapses was diagnosed by routine abdominal US (62%). CONCLUSIONS Our study illustrates the benefit of intense follow-up (CEA, abdominal US) after curative treatment of CRC.
ANALISIS PENGARUH SUSTAINABILITY REPORT TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN PERUSAHAAN

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menguji pengaruh sustainability report yang dijabarkan menjadi economic performance disclosure, environmental performance disclosure, dan social performance disclosure terhadap kinerja keuangan perusahaan. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah 19 perusahaan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia dan sekaligus terdaftar di web NCSR (National Center for Sustainability Report). Teknik analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis regresi linear. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa economic performance disclosure, environmental performance disclosure, dan social performance disclosure tidak memiliki pengaruh terhadap kinerja keuangan perusahaan baik secara parsial maupun secara simultan. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of sustainability report which defined as economic performance disclosure, environmental performance disclosure and social performacne disclosure on financial performance of the company. The sample of this research were 19 companies which are listed in Indonesian Stock Exchange and in National Centers for Sustainability Report’s web (NCSR). The technique analysis which used in this research is linear regression analysis. The result of this study showed that economic performance disclosure, environmental performance disclosure, and social performance disclosure have no impact on financial performance of the company partially or simultaneously as sustainability report.