Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
One Hundred Years of British Minimum Wage Legislation

The Trade Boards Act 1909 was a landmark in the development of minimum wage regulation in Britain and around the world. Although their powers were limited, the trade boards had immediate and tangible effects in terms of raising living standards, and over time they became a core part of the system of state support for collective wage determination. While influential overseas, the wages councils (as the trade boards became after 1945) were eventually seen as providing only a partial solution to the problem of low pay. In the 1980s, their powers were reduced under the influence of deregulatory labour market policies, prior to their abolition in 1993. The British national minimum wage (‘NMW’), which was introduced in 1998, despite appearances, is not a universal national minimum of the kind which the Webbs and other Fabian writers argued for a century ago. Notwithstanding a growing consensus that the supposed negative economic effects of the minimum wage have not been borne out by the experience of the NMW, public policy has yet to take fully on board its potential benefits, including the reduction of social costs and the promotion of social partnership.
Non-Traded, Traded and Aggregate Inflation In Ireland (Part 2)

This paper attempts to shed further light on the primary determinants of Irish inflation. By way of introduction, the paper provides a critical assessment of the Irish literature to date within the context of several key international theories. Several areas of controversy surface from this review: there exists little or no consensus regarding (a) the main causes of consumer price inflation in Ireland (b) the role of wages in the inflation process and (c) the role played by domestic factors in determining Irish inflation. The main body of the paper attempts to address each of these questions directly. It does so by formulating a model which tests for potentially divergent price determination in the traded and non-traded sectors of the economy. The analysis was facilitated by the construction of a new dataset which decomposed an underlying measure of consumer prices into its traded and non-traded components. For traded price inflation, the results suggest the strong role of the exchange rate and foreign inflation in conformity with the small open economy view. In the case of non-traded prices, the data rejected a strict version of the small open economy view. Nonetheless the strong role of the exchange rate and foreign prices was confirmed even for the non-traded sector. Furthermore, in the case of both traded and non-traded inflation, there was also significant evidence that real wage growth in excess of that which is warranted by productivity gains can lead to higher inflation. As would be expected, the results for aggregate inflation fall somewhere between those for its traded and non-traded components.
Osmotically induced microinjection of ricin bypasses a ricin internalization defect in a Chinese hamster ovary mutant cell line

By osmotic lysis of pinocytic vesicles we were able to inject ricin or ricin A chain directly into the cytosol of Chinese hamster ovary cells. The lag time of 1 to 2 h before the onset of the inhibition of protein synthesis by ricin in intact cells was reduced to 15 to 30 min by this method. Preincubation of cells with a low concentration of nigericin, which was shown earlier to enhance the cytotoxicity of ricin, had no effect under this condition. Direct transfer of either intact ricin or the ricin A subunit by osmotic lysis of pinocytic vesicles into the cytosol of the ricin-resistant CHO mutant cell line 4-10 rendered the mutant 4-10 cells as sensitive to ricin as the CHO pro wild-type cells. Both the lag time and the rate of inhibition of protein synthesis in the wild-type and mutant cell lines after the introduction of ricin by osmotic lysis of pinocytic vesicles were the same. These results indicate that injection of ricin into the cytosol by osmotic lysis of pinosomes bypasses the internalization defect in the mutant cell line.
Effects of exposure to low-level lead on spatial learning and memory and the expression of mGluR1, NMDA receptor in different developmental stages of rats

The effect of different periods of lead exposure on deficits of learning and memory is still unclear. In this study, we conduct in vivo experiment to investigate the critical stages when lead induced neurotoxicity in rats and its underlying mechanisms in some critical stages. Rats were exposed to 0.2% mg/ml lead acetate solution via drinking water during gestation, lactation and ablactation periods. Behavior deficits were found in gestation and lactation. N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit 2A (NR2A) increased during gestation both in hippocampus and cerebral cortex compared to the control group; in all treatment groups NR2B decreased in hippocampus and in cerebral cortex during the lactation period. Meanwhile, in hippocampus metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) decreased during gestation and lactation periods but increased during the ablactation period. These observations suggest that exposure to lead in gestation and lactation periods could cause neurobehavioral deficits which extend to adulthood, and lactation was a more sensitive period for lead exposure. Furthermore, the abnormal expression of NMDA receptor 2 (NMDAR 2) subunits and mGluR1 are likely to be associated with the impairment.
Abnormal 5-HT1D Receptor Function in Cluster Headache: A Neuroendocrine Study with Sumatriptan

The purpose of this study was to assess the sensitivity of 5-HT1D receptors in patients with episodic cluster headache using sumatriptan as a pharmacological probe. The drug, a selective 5-HT1B/1D agonist, stimulates the secretion of growth hormone and inhibits the release of prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol. These effects may be used to explore the function of serotonergic systems in vivo. We administered subcutaneous sumatriptan and placebo to 20 patients with cluster headache (10 in the active phase and 10 in the remission period) and to 12 controls. The sumatriptan-induced increase of growth hormone concentrations was significantly (P < 0.05) blunted in patients with active cluster headache. Prolactin and ACTH responses to the drug were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in patients with cluster headache, both in the active and in the remission period. Our results suggest that cerebral serotonergic functions mediated by 5-HT1D receptors are altered in patients with episodic cluster headache.
Barriers and facilitators to antiretroviral medication adherence among HIV-infected paediatric patients in Ethiopia: A qualitative study

Medication adherence is a complex behaviour with multiple determinants. Understanding the barriers and facilitators of adherence is invaluable for programme improvement, which assists the foundation of adherence intervention strategies. A qualitative study was conducted in six selected hospitals of Addis Ababa in 2008, to explore barriers and facilitators to antiretroviral medication adherence among HIV-infected paediatric patients. Twelve caregivers of adherent and non-adherent children and 14 key informants in five hospitals were included in the study. The findings revealed that over-dosage (heavy pill burden), fear of stigma and discrimination, cost and access to transportation, lack of understanding of the benefit of taking the medication, economic problems in the household, and lack of nutritional support were the barriers to adherence to HAART. The presence of mobile/wall alarm, the presence of follow-up counselling, improved health of the child, ART clinic setups, and disclosure of HIV serostatus were among the facilitators. This study indicated that paediatric adherence to antiretroviral therapy faces a huge challenge. It suggests the provision of income-generating schemes to caregivers for assisting HIV-infected children. Health care providers should address proper usage of medication reminders.
How to Invest Safely in Emerging Markets during the Global Financial Crisis: A Case Study of Taiwan

Following the globalization of financial markets, Taiwan opened up for security lendingin July 2007 to attract Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors (QFIIs) to participate in Taiwan’s equity markets. Based on the security lending data, this paper uses systematic trading and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model (EGARCH) to investigate the volatility of returns in Taiwan futures market. The evidence suggests that during the financial crisis, the leverage effect has declined due to the involvement of QFIIs in security lending. The Taiwan futures market has become more stabilized. Secondly, including the security lending data, we find that the leverage effect is the Granger cause of short selling by QFIIs. Finally, the MultiCharts program trading experimental results show that QFIIs are informed traders and the investment performance can be improved with the information of security lending.
Board Capability; An Interactions Perspective on Boards of Directors and Firm Performance

Multitheoretic board research and research on board processes have, to date, been pursued in isolation. I argue that board interactions can serve as the conceptual basis for a combination of these two approaches to board research. I argue that board composition and board structure merely endow the board with a certain potential to contribute to firm performance but do not ensure that this potential actually comes to bear. Based on the insights from social psychology and group research, I propose board interactions as an enabling factor that allows boards to realize their problem-solving potential and to thus contribute to the firm's performance. Based on this theoretical argument, I suggest that boards with adequate configurations of composition, structure, and interactions can build "board capability" that would enhance the firm's competitive advantage.
It and Productivity in U.S. Manufacturing: Do Computer Networks Matter?

The link between information technology and productivity is clear. Yet how computers affect productivity is not well understood. Ours is the first study using data for approximately 30,000 U.S. manufacturing plants to examine the effect of computer networks on productivity. We find a positive and significant relationship between computer networks and plant labor productivity. Plants with lower productivity in earlier periods are also more likely to have a computer network, supporting the hypothesis that plants use networks to catch up. The positive network effect remains significant when we account for endogenous computer networks. (JEL L6, O3)
Whole-body vibration can reduce calciuria induced by high protein intakes and may counteract bone resorption: A preliminary study

Abstract Excess protein intake can adversely affect the bone via an increase in calcium excretion, while suitable mechanical loading promotes osteogenesis. We therefore investigated whether vibration exposure could alleviate the bone mineral losses associated with a metabolic acidosis. Ten healthy individuals aged 22 – 29 years (median = 25) underwent three 5-day study periods while monitoring their dietary intake. The study consisted of recording the participants' usual dietary intake for 5 consecutive days. Participants were then randomly divided into two groups, one of which received a protein supplement (2 g · kg−1 body mass · day−1; n = 5) and the other whole-body low-magnitude (3.5 g), low-frequency (30 Hz) mechanical vibration (WBV) delivered through a specially designed vibrating plate for 10 min each day (n = 5). Finally, for the third treatment period, all participants consumed the protein supplement added to their normal diet and were exposed to WBV exercise for 10 min per day. Daily urine samples were collected throughout the experimental periods to determine the excretion of calcium, phosphate, titratable acid, urea, and C-telopeptide. As expected, when the participants underwent the high protein intake, there was an increase in urinary excretion rates of calcium (P < 0.001), phosphate (P < 0.003), urea (P < 0.001), titratable acid (P < 0.001), and C-telopeptide (P < 0.05) compared with baseline values. However, high protein intake coupled with vibration stimulation resulted in a significant reduction in urinary calcium (P = 0.006), phosphate excretion (P = 0.021), and C-telopeptide (P < 0.05) compared with protein intake alone, but did not affect titratable acid and urea output. The participants showed no effect of WBV exercise alone on urinary excretion of calcium, phosphate, urea, titratable acid, or C-telopeptide. The results indicate that vibration stimulation can moderate the increase in bone resorption and reduction in bone formation caused by a metabolic acidosis.
Uric acid is positively associated with metabolic syndrome but negatively associated with diabetes in Japanese men.

BACKGROUND The relationships between uric acid and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes, as well as the gender differences in these relationships are controversial. METHODS Medical check-up data from 2,449 Japanese men and 1,448 Japanese women were examined. The prevalence of MetS and diabetes was calculated by the quartiles of serum levels of uric acid. Correlation coefficients between uric acid and MetS-related risk factors were calculated and compared between men and women. RESULTS The prevalence of MetS in the 3rd quartile (Q3) of uric acid was significantly higher than that in the 1st (lowest) quartile (Q1) and the prevalence of MetS in the 4th quartile (Q4) was significantly higher than that in Q1, the 2nd quartile (Q2), and Q3 in men. The prevalence of MetS in Q4 was significantly higher than that in Q1, Q2, and Q3 in women. The prevalence of diabetes in Q3 was significantly lower than that in Q1 and the prevalence of diabetes in Q4 was significantly lower than that in Q1 and Q2 in men. The prevalence of diabetes was not significantly different among the quartiles of uric acid in women. The age-adjusted correlation coefficient between uric acid and fasting glucose was not significant in men. CONCLUSION Uric acid is positively associated with metabolic syndrome but negatively associated with diabetes in Japanese men.
Range and Size Estimation Based on a Coordinate Transformation Model for Driving Assistance Systems

This paper presents new approaches for the estimation of range between the preceding vehicle and the experimental vehicle, estimation of vehicle size and its projective size, and dynamic camera calibration. First, our proposed approaches adopt a camera model to transform coordinates from the ground plane onto the image plane to estimate the relative position between the detected vehicle and the camera. Then, to estimate the actual and projective size of the preceding vehicle, we propose a new estimation method. This method can estimate the range from a preceding vehicle to the camera based on contact points between its tires and the ground and then estimate the actual size of the vehicle according to the positions of its vertexes in the image. Because the projective size of a vehicle varies with respect to its distance to the camera, we also present a simple and rapid method of estimating a vehicle's projective height, which allows a reduction in computational time for size estimation in real-time systems. Errors caused by the application of different camera parameters are also estimated and analyzed in this study. The estimation results are used to determine suitable parameters during camera installation to suppress estimation errors. Finally, to guarantee robustness of the detection system, a new efficient approach to dynamic calibration is presented to obtain accurate camera parameters, even when they are changed by camera vibration owing to on-road driving. Experimental results demonstrate that our approaches can provide accurate and robust estimation results of range and size of target vehicles.
Galectin 15 (LGALS15) functions in trophectoderm migration and attachment

Galectin 15 (LGALS15) is expressed specifically by the endometrial luminal epithelium (LE) of the ovine uterus in concert with blastocyst growth, elongation, and implantation. LGALS15 contains a predicted carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) as well as LDV and RGD recognition sequences for integrin binding. Studies tested the hypothesis that LGALS15 is a secreted regulator of blastocyst development, as well as growth, migration, adhesion, and apoptosis of tro‐phoblast. Bovine embryos were produced in vitro by standard conditions, and putative zygotes were cultured in the presence of recombinant ovine LGALS15. Rates of embryo cleavage and blastocyst formation were not affected by LGALS15. LGALS15 moderately increased proliferation of ovine trophectoderm (oTr) cells. Staurosporine elicited apoptosis of oTr cells, which could be partially inhibited by LGALS15. Migration of oTr cells was stimulated by LGALS15 that was dependent on Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). A dose‐dependent increase in oTr cell attachment to LGALS15 was found that could be inhibited by cyclic GRGDS, but not GRADS, peptides. Mutation of the LDVRGD integrin binding sequence of LGALS15 to LADRAD decreased its ability to promote oTr cell attachment, whereas mutation of the CRD had little effect. LGALS15 induced formation of robust focal adhesions in oTr cells that was abolished by mutation of the LDVRGD sequence. Collectively, these results support the hypothesis that LGALS15 stimulates trophectoderm cell migration and attachment via integrin binding and activation which are critical to blastocyst elongation and implantation. —Farmer, J. L. , Burghardt, R. C. , Jousan, F. D. , Hansen, P. J., Bazer, F. W. , Spencer, T. E. Galectin 15 (LGALS15) functions in trophectoderm migration and attachment. FASEB J. 22, 548–560 (2008)
Association of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with specific alleles of the HLA‐DR4:DR53:DQ8 haplotype in German patients

The etiology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains unknown, though a genetic susceptibility has been suggested. Results of complete DNA typing of HLA alleles in CLL patients are lacking. We compared HLA class I and class II frequencies in 101 German CLL patients and 157 healthy German controls as determined by PCR‐SSP/SSO DNA analysis and serologic typing. The most striking difference was the increased frequency of HLA‐DRB4*0103 [relative risk (RR) = 2.74, p < 0.0025] among patients. The presence of alleles HLA‐DRB1*0401, HLA‐DQB1*0302 and HLA‐DPB1*0301 as well as of homozygosity for HLA‐DQB1 was also associated with a higher risk for CLL, though none of these differences remained significant after correction for multiple comparisons. No association was found for any HLA class I allele. Haplotype analysis revealed a CLL‐specific linkage disequilibrium for HLA‐DRB1*0401:DRB4*0103 and HLA‐DRB4*0103:DQB1*0302. Our results suggest that CLL could be associated with distinct class II alleles of the Caucasian haplotype HLA‐DR4:DR53:DQ8, which has also been related to a susceptibility for several auto‐immune diseases. The positive, though weak, association of CLL with HLA‐DPB1*0301 might represent an independent susceptibility factor since no linkage disequilibrium existed with any of the other CLL‐associated alleles. None of the previously reported associations with HLA class I antigens was confirmed. Our results suggest that factors within or close to the human MHC class II region confer susceptibility to CLL. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Study Of Size Effect And Macroeconomics Factors In New York Stock Exchange Stock Returns

The purpose of this paper is to look at the ‘size-effect’ question using a large sample drawn from New York Stock Exchange prices. The impact of the stock returns' size is also examined and the validity of models explaining the observed negative relations between asset returns and inflation are addressed. The generalized impulse response functions are adopted. Further, The vector error correction model (VECM) (Johansen (1991)) is utilized to determine the impact of selected macroeconomic variables on NYSE. Results reveal that size had an impact on stock returns. Further, it appears that there is reliable negative relationship between stock prices and inflation. The level of real economic activity affects stock prices positively. Finally, interest rates have a negative relationship with stock prices
Impact of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support on Clinical Outcome of Pediatric Patients with Acute Cardiopulmonary Failure: A Single-Center Experience

Background: Conventional therapy against acute pediatric cardiopulmonary failure (APCPF) caused by a variety of disease entities remains unsatisfactory with extremely high morbidity and mortality. For refractory APCPF, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is one of the last resorts. Methods: In this study, the in-hospital outcomes of pediatric patients with refractory APCPF receiving ECMO support were reviewed. Results: Between August 2006 and May 2011, a single-center cohort study was performed in pediatric patients who required ECMO support due to cardiogenic shock or severe hypoxemia. A total of 22 patients with mean age of 7.0 ± 6.3 years received ECMO (male = 11; female = 11). The indications included acute fulminant myocarditis (AFM) (n = 6), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) (n = 3), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (n = 6), enterovirus 71 (n = 3), viral sepsis (n = 2), refractory ventricular fibrillation due to long QT syndrome (n = 1), and pulmonary edema with brain herniation (n = 1). Eighteen patients received veno-arterial (VA) mode ECMO, while another four patients undertook the veno-venous (VV) mode. The duration of ECMO use and hospitalization were 6.1 ± 3.1 and 24.4 ± 19.4 days, respectively. The survival rate in patients with AFM was 100% (n = 6). Successful ECMO weaning with uneventful discharge from hospital was noted in 14 (63.6%) patients, whereas in-hospital mortality despite successful ECMO weaning occurred in 5 patients (22.7%). Failure in ECMO weaning and in-hospital death was noted in 3 patients (13.6%). Conclusions: ECMO resuscitation is an effective strategy in the clinical setting of APCPF.
Management of Lower Lid Ectropion

BACKGROUND Ectropion repair is a challenge in plastic surgery. Depending on the etiology of the underlying problem, a variety of surgical techniques are available. The etiology, operative management, and recurrence rate are presented. OBJECTIVE An improvement of the deformity or, in the ideal case, a functional and aesthetic restoration should be accomplished. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, 58 patients with ectropion treated from June 2002 until March 2004 were analyzed, 33 with scar contractures, 13 with a tumor of the lid margin, 8 with facial paralysis, and 4 with senile ectropion. Surgical procedures included lateral or medial canthopexy, lateral tarsorrhaphy, wedge excision, skin graft, local flaps, cartilage graft, fascial slings, and combined procedures in one-third of the patients. RESULTS Postoperative complications included incomplete correction and others in 18.9% of the patients. Eight patients (13.8%) had to be reoperated. CONCLUSION Correction of the lower lid area including restoration of the lid margin in terms of shape and position is the surgical end point. The preoperative analysis is mandatory for a surgical solution to this severe problem, which is associated with a high incidence of recurrence, especially in difficult reconstructive cases. An individual sophisticated strategy combined with experience in the variety of surgical techniques is mandatory. Frequently, multiple procedures are necessary.