Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Should Everybody Be in Services? The Effect of Servitization on Manufacturing Firm Performance

The servitization of the manufacturing sector refers to the evolution of manufacturers' capabilities to offer services as a complement to or a substitute for the goods that they produce. A vast literature has described these strategies and has shown that this phenomenon is widespread and growing in most developed economies. However, very little systematic evidence of the extent or consequences of servitization based on a comprehensive dataset of firms exists. In this paper, we provide such evidence using exhaustive data for French manufacturing firms between 1997 and 2007. We find that the vast majority of French manufacturers sell services in addition to producing goods. The shift toward services is growing steadily but at a slow pace. We also provide evidence of a causal impact of servitization on firm performance. Controlling for various sources of endogeneity bias, we find that firms that start selling services experience an increase in their profitability between 3.7% and 5.3%, increase their employment by 30%, increase their total sales by 3.7%, and increase their sales of goods by 3.6%. The results hold for most industries, although some heterogeneity exists.
Prognostic Value of the Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients With ST-Elevated Acute Myocardial Infarction

The predictive value of leukocyte counts has been reported in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the total leukocyte count and neutrophil–lymphocyte (N/L) ratio for mortality due to AMI. A total of 522 patients with acute ST-elevated MI were included in the study. The study population was divided into tertiles based on admission N/L ratio values. High (n = 174) and low N/L (n = 348) ratio groups were defined as patients having values in the third tertile (>5.77) and lower 2 tertiles (≤5.77), respectively. The high N/L ratio group had a significantly higher incidence of in-hospital cardiovascular mortality (13.8% vs 4.6%, P < .001). An N/L ratio >5.77 was found to be an independent predictor of in-hospital cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio: 3.78, 95% confidence interval: 1.71-8.30, P = .001). A high N/L ratio is a strong and independent predictor of in-hospital cardiovascular mortality of AMI with ST elevation.
The impact of a low-frequency chlorhexidine rinsing schedule on the subgingival microbiota (the TEETH clinical trial).

BACKGROUND Information on the efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) rinsing on the subgingival microbiota is limited. This study tested if intermittent CHX rinsing over 5 years had an impact on the subgingival microbiota. METHODS Subgingival plaque samples were analyzed by the checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization method in a double-blind randomized CHX rinse study. RESULTS A total of 210 subjects were included. The mean age of the subjects was 71.7 (+/- 4.1) years, and 56.2% were women. Evidence of alveolar bone loss was found in 39% of subjects. Bacterial loads were not correlated significantly with probing depth. At year 5, subjects in the CHX rinse group with no evidence of bone loss presented with lower total bacterial counts than control subjects with no bone loss. The levels of the following bacteria were significantly lower in the CHX group: Lactobacillus acidophilus (P <0.05), Eikenella corrodens (P <0.05), Fusobacterium nucleatum sp. nucleatum (P <0.01), Treponema denticola (P <0.05), Leptotrichia buccalis (P <0.05), and Eubacterium saburreum (P <0.05). No differences in bacterial loads were found between CHX and control rinse subjects with alveolar bone loss. CONCLUSIONS Older subjects with or without periodontitis carry a large variety of bacteria associated with periodontitis. Intermittent rinsing with CHX may provide a preventive benefit in reducing levels of bacteria but only in subjects without alveolar bone loss.
How Pro-Poor and Income Equitable Are Tourism Taxation Policies in a Developing Country? Evidence from a Computable General Equilibrium Model

This article highlights the impacts on poverty, income inequality, and the macroeconomic and sectoral output resulting from increases in the value-added tax and sales tax on hotels and restaurants using Indonesia as a case study. While taxing tourism-related sectors was ineffective in reducing poverty and income inequality, using tax revenue from the value-added tax as a cash transfer policy was effective and more so in rural Indonesia. Tax revenue used for infrastructural development was however limited in its impact on poverty and income distribution. Overall, the negative effects of taxation on various industries and the contraction of GDP and employment in the economy need to be mitigated. This can be done with an appropriate policy mix for the use of tax revenue between cash transfers and expenditure in education and health, with the view to address potential resource misallocation and output contraction in other industries.
Eleven loci encoding trans-acting factors are required for transient complementation of human cytomegalovirus oriLyt-dependent DNA replication

Recently we described the use of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) cosmid clones in a cotransfection assay of HCMV oriLyt replication (G. S. Pari, M. A. Kacica, and D. G. Anders, J. Virol. 67:2575-2582, 1993). We have now used this assay to identify 11 distinct required loci encoding trans-acting factors sufficient for transient complementation of oriLyt-dependent DNA replication. This set includes all of the virus genes essential to initiate and perform DNA synthesis together with the virus genes required to express these replication functions from their native promoters. Six of the identified loci span open reading frames (ORFs) that encode homologs or probable homologs of herpes simplex virus type 1 replication genes, consistent with predictions based on sequence similarities and biochemical properties. These include the DNA polymerase UL54 and polymerase-associated protein UL44, the single-stranded-DNA-binding protein UL57, and proposed subunits of a helicase-primase complex, UL70, UL105, and UL101-102. Frameshift mutations in any one of these essential ORFs abrogated complementation of DNA replication. Three required loci, UL36-38, IRS1 (or TRS1), and IE1/IE2, encode known regulatory proteins. The remaining two loci span ORFs UL84 and UL112-113 and encode early temporal class nucleus-associated proteins of unknown function. Neither of these genes have been implicated previously in DNA replication or in regulating gene expression, nor have counterparts in herpes simplex virus type 1 or Epstein-Barr virus been described. The results presented here will facilitate investigation of the mechanisms and regulation of HCMV lytic-phase DNA replication.
Noninvasive assessment of baroreflex control in borderline hypertension. Comparison with the phenylephrine method.

In this study, we examined the sensitivity of two recently developed noninvasive baroreflex measurement techniques to assess baroreflex control in hypertension. We assessed baroreflex sensitivity noninvasively from covariations of systolic pressure and RR interval using spectral analysis and sequence detection. The noninvasive estimates of baroreflex control were compared with estimates derived from phenylephrine-induced increases in systolic pressure and RR interval in normotensive subjects (n = 27) and borderline hypertensive subjects (n = 15). Baroreflex sensitivity was significantly reduced in the borderline hypertensive group relative to the normotensive group when assessed with the use of either the noninvasive or invasive methods to index baroreflex control. In addition, estimates obtained from the noninvasive methods were significantly correlated with baroreflex sensitivity assessed with the phenylephrine method (spectral: r = .48, P < .001; sequence: r = .50, P < .001). These findings suggest that spectral analysis and the sequence method provide viable alternatives to the pharmacological approach for estimation of baroreflex sensitivity in hypertension.
Optimism and Psychosocial Functioning in Caring for Children with Battens and other Neurological Diseases

Psychosocial functioning was compared between 32 caregivers of children with Batten's disease, a terminal, neurodegenerative illness, and with 20 caregivers of children with epilepsy or cerebral palsy. Caregivers' optimism was expected to be associated with better psychosocial functioning, regardless of the children's illness. A multivariate analysis of covariance indicated caregivers of children with Battens disease had significantly (p < .01) higher depression and anxiety scores on the Symptom Checklist-90 and demands on health and time schedule scores measured by the Caregiver Reaction Assessment than the comparison group. Pearson product-moment correlations were significant and ranged from –. 52 to –. 48 (p < .01) for scores on Life Orientation Test optimism and psychosocial functioning as measured by the Family Environment Scale and the SCL-90 for all participants. Findings suggest that caregivers of children with Battens disease experience greater psychological distress than the comparison group and that optimism is positively related to better caregivers' psychosocial functioning regardless of the type of illness.
Migration consequences on marital behaviour in Kenya

This paper analysed the relationship between migration process and marital behaviour in Kenya. Data for analysis came from the Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys (KDHS) of 1988/89 and 1993. The hypothesis was that, women who migrate comprise those that act rationally to maximise other lifetime aspirations at the expense of reproductive behaviours. That is, migrants are involved in behaviours that negatively influence fertility determining factor of marriage compared to that of never-migrants. The paper contended that, migration dynamics are important in determining reproductive behaviour of women through time and space. The methods of estimating the association between migration process and marital behaviours were undertaken through several analysis techniques: Singulate mean age at marriage (SMAM); ordinary least squares (OLS) and; logistic regression (LR). Singulate mean age at marriage estimated patterns of marriage by migration status by background variables. Ordinary least square regression was used to identify the impact of migration process on marriage behaviour relative to other factors. Logistic regression determined the probability that a woman will marry early or late among the migrants and never-migrants. Findings confirmed that migration negatively affects age at first marriage. Migrants marry relatively late compared to never-migrants. Key words: Migration process, marriage behaviour, consequences, Kenya.
Productive Impacts of Cash Transfer and Conditional Cash Transfer Programs in Bangladesh: Propensity Score Matching Analysisi

Bangladesh has a comprehensive portfolio of social protection programs, fruits are yet to be reaped more effectively. However, the extent of their productive impacts is not yet analysed in great detail. The objective of this study is to estimate the productive impacts of cash transfer (old age allowance, allowances for the widowed, destitute and deserted women) and conditional cash transfer programs (stipend for primary students, secondary students and a combination of CFW, FFW, VGD, and 100 days employment scheme) in Bangladesh. The study used the HIES 2010 data. The study used PSM method. The outcome variables were i) labor allocation changes, ii) income generating activities, iii) investments in land, tools, animals, family enterprises, durable goods and housing, iv) investments in human capital, and v) coping mechanisms. Results show that different programs are producing different outcomes. So, policy makers should implement a number of interventions simultaneously to serve the needy.
An improved helper-dependent adenoviral vector allows persistent gene expression after intramuscular delivery and overcomes preexisting immunity to adenovirus

Helper-dependent adenoviral vectors deleted of all viral coding sequences have shown an excellent gene expression profile in a variety of animal models, as well as a reduced toxicity after systemic delivery. What is still unclear is whether long-term expression and therapeutic dosages of these vectors can be obtained also in the presence of a preexisting immunity to adenovirus, a condition found in a high proportion of the adult human population. In this study we performed intramuscular delivery of helper-dependent vectors carrying mouse erythropoietin as a marker transgene. We found that low doses of helper-dependent adenoviral vectors can direct long-lasting gene expression in the muscles of fully immunocompetent mice. The best performance—i.e., 100% of treated animals showing sustained expression after 4 months—was achieved with the latest generation helper-dependent backbones, which replicate and package at high efficiency during vector propagation. Moreover, efficient and prolonged transgene expression after intramuscular injection was observed with limited vector load also in animals previously immunized against the same adenovirus serotype. These data suggest that human gene therapy by intramuscular delivery of helper-dependent adenoviral vectors is feasible.
Endurance training reduces the rate of diaphragm fatigue in vitro.

PURPOSE The present study examined the effects of endurance training on the contractile and biochemical properties of the rat costal diaphragm in vitro. METHODS Sixty-four rats were divided into two groups: exercise trained (T) and control (C). Training consisted of treadmill running 5 d x wk(-1), 60 min x d(-1) at approximately 70% of VO2max, over a 10-wk period. RESULTS Control diaphragm strips produced an average of 12% less force from minute 15 to 50 of a 60-min in vitro fatigue protocol, compared with the T diaphragm strips (P < 0.01). T diaphragms had 10.1% higher citrate synthase (CS) and 12.1% higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities compared with the C (P < 0.05). Despite a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in Type IIb myosin heavy chains (MHC) and an increase (P < 0.05) in Type I MHC in T diaphragms, maximal shortening velocity (Vmax) in the diaphragm was not different between T and C animals. No differences were observed in specific force or the relative proportions of myosin light chains between groups. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that endurance training reduces the rate of diaphragm fatigue in vitro but has no effect on Vmax or specific force.
Effect of Sacral and Iliac Instrumentation on Strains in the Pelvis: A Biomechanical Study

Study Design. This study is a biomechanical study on human cadaver pelves using strain gauges to measure strains at different locations in response to different load states. Objectives. To examine the changes in strains, at different sites on the pelvis, and after instrumentation of the lumbosacral joint and the lumbosacroiliac joint. Summary of Background Data. Pelvic girdle pain after long instrumented fusions to the sacrum has been described and studied along with sacroiliac and pubic instability. Fractures of the pelvic rami or the iliac wing have been reported in patients after surgical fusions that incorporated the sacrum and sacroiliac joint. Methods. Pelves with lumbar spine attached had three axis rosette strain gauges cemented to specific sites on the pelves (ileum and rami). Specimens were tested in different configurations involving lumbosacral and sacroiliac instrumentation. Iliac bone harvest was also tested. Strain values were computed and compared for each configuration. Results. The “Galveston” and “sacral” instrumentation configurations caused significant stress shielding in pelves under all compression loads applied. Axial rotations on the instrumented specimens caused higher strains at all sites. Harvesting of bone from the ilium did not alter the strains seen at the different sites. Conclusions. This study suggests significant stress shielding provided by sacro and sacroiliac instrumentation systems, supporting the possibility of development of device‐related osteopenia that may predispose patients to late, insufficiency‐type fractures as their activity increases. The rigid instrumentation of the lumbosacral spine was found to increase the stress during torsion, which may lead to failure during activity.
Flexibility of truncated and full‐length glucansucrase GTF180 enzymes from Lactobacillus reuteri 180

Glucansucrase enzymes synthesize high‐molecular‐mass extracellular α‐glucan polysaccharides from sucrose. Previously, the crystal structure of truncated glucansucrase glucosyltransferase (GTF)180‐ΔN from Lactobacillus reuteri 180 (lacking the N‐terminal domain) revealed an elongated overall structure with two remote domains (IV and V) extending away from the core. By contrast, a new crystal form of the α‐1,6/α‐1,3 specific glucansucrase GTF180‐ΔN shows an approximate 120o rotation of domain V about a hinge located between domains IV and V, giving a much more compact structure than before. Positional variability of domain V in solution is confirmed by small angle X‐ray scattering experiments and rigid‐body ensemble calculations. In addition, small angle X‐ray scattering measurements of full‐length GTF180 also provide the first structural data for a full‐length glucansucrase, showing that the enzyme has an almost symmetric boomerang‐like molecular shape, with a bend likely located between domains IV and V. The ~ 700‐residue N‐terminal domain, which is not present in the crystal structures, extends away from domain V and the catalytic core of the enzyme. We conclude that, as a result of the hinge region, in solution, GTF180‐ΔN (and likely also the full‐length GTF180) shows conformational flexibility; this may be a general feature of GH70 glucansucrases.
Firm Specific Option Risk and Implications for Asset Pricing

This paper examines the benefits and costs of investing in firm specific options as an additional investment in a portfolio. We examine twelve option strategies and find that there is significant negative (positive) abnormal return to buying (selling) puts from January 1996 through July 2006. There is almost no additional benefit from going long any option, and some benefit from selling calls, dependent on the amount option leverage taken. Additionally, we find that the premiums from selling puts are not related to any specific firm characteristic, suggesting a pervasive premium for puts. Asset pricing tests that include market option return factors are unable to explain the returns to firm specific options. Tests on delta-hedged portfolios confirm that the gains to puts are related to idiosyncratic volatility and not market volatility. This is indicative an idiosyncratic volatility risk premium that is distinct from idiosyncratic price risk.
Sex Differences and Incidence of Activity-Stress Ulcers in the Rat

Female rats housed in running-wheel activity cages and fed 1 hr. daily ran significantly more than similarly housed and fed male rats. Male rats survived an average of 10 days, whereas mean survival time for female rats was 7.3 days. Experimental activity rats developed glandular stomach ulcers. Pair fed controls housed in cages without activity wheels were ulcer-free. Among experimental activity rats, there were no sex differences with respect to the number or severity of ulcers.
The ORF1 Gene Located on the Class-1-Integron-Associated Gene Cassette Actually Represents a Novel Fosfomycin Resistance Determinant

The class 1 integrons are genetic elements capable of integrating gene cassettes by a site-specific recombination mechanism ([1][1]). Gene cassettes are mobile units composed of a gene, most often an antibiotic resistance gene, and a recombination site, the 59-base element ([1][1]). We have
Roles of increased glycaemic variability, GLP-1 and glucagon in hypoglycaemia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Objective Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is currently the most effective treatment for diabetes and obesity. An increasingly recognized and highly disabling complication of RYGB is postprandial hypoglycaemia (PPH). The pathophysiology of PPH remains unclear with multiple mechanisms suggested including nesidioblastosis, altered insulin clearance and increased glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. Whilst many PPH patients respond to dietary modification, some have severely disabling symptoms. Multiple treatments are proposed, including dietary modification, GLP-1 antagonism, GLP-1 analogues and even surgical reversal, with none showing a more decided advantage over the others. A greater understanding of the pathophysiology of PPH could guide the development of new therapeutic strategies. Methods We studied a cohort of PPH patients at the Imperial Weight Center. We performed continuous glucose monitoring to characterize their altered glycaemic variability. We also performed a mixed meal test (MMT) and measured gut hormone concentrations. Results We found increased glycaemic variability in our cohort of PPH patients, specifically a higher mean amplitude glucose excursion (MAGE) score of 4.9. We observed significantly greater and earlier increases in insulin, GLP-1 and glucagon in patients who had hypoglycaemia in response to an MMT (MMT Hypo) relative to those that did not (MMT Non-Hypo). No significant differences in oxyntomodulin, GIP or peptide YY secretion were seen between these two groups. Conclusion An early peak in GLP-1 and glucagon may together trigger an exaggerated insulinotropic response to eating and consequent hypoglycaemia in patients with PPH.
Investigation of Indoor Air Quality in a Hospital: A Case Study from Şanlıurfa, Turkey

Cogu insan zamanlarinin %80’ninden fazlasini ic ortamlarda gecirmektedir. Hastaneler, Turkiye'de onemli bir kamusal alandir. Insanlarin hastanelere diger kamusal alanlardan cok daha fazla gitmesi hastaneleri onemli bir kurum haline getirmektedir. Bu calismada, Turkiye’nin Şanliurfa ilinde en cok hasta bakan hastanenin polikliniklerinde ic hava kalitesi arastirilmistir. Ic hava kalitesini belirleyen partikul madde (PM), CO, CO 2 , sicaklik ve bagil nem ic hava kalitesini belirleyen parametreler olarak degerlendirilmistir. Olculen degerler WHO, ASHAE gibi uluslararasi standartlarla karsilastirildiginda PM 2.5 ve PM 10 konsantrasyonun her ikisinin de yuksek degerlerde oldugu poliklinikler sirasiyla genel cerrahi, uroloji, noroloji, kalp servisi ve goz hastaliklari olarak belirlenmistir. CO 2 insanlar tarafindan solunum yoluyla yayilan bir ic hava kirleticisidir. Bu arastirmada CO 2 seviyesinin radyoloji, tomografi, rontgen, ortopedi poliklinigi ve acil serviste ASHAE standartlarinin altinda oldugu bulunmusken diger polikliniklerde standartin ustunde olculmustur. Sicaklik ve bagil nem degerleri tum polikliniklerde standartlara uygun olmadigi, CO degerinin tum polikliniklerde dusuk olup standartlari saglamakta oldugu saptanmistir . Yetersiz havalandirma, eksik temizlik, alcak tavan ve hasta sayisindaki fazlalik polikliniklerde standartlarin uzerinde degerlere sebep olan ana etmenler arasinda oldugu dusunulmektedir. Eski yapili hastanelerde, toz partikulleri, CO 2 , sicaklik ve bagil nem polikliniklerde calisanlarin ve hastalarin sagligi icin risk olusturabilecegi saptanmistir.