Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Market Power, Productivity and Wage Determination: Ukrainian Firm Level Evidence

We develop a theoretical model that explains intra-industry distribution of wages with variation in market power of firms, along with traditional variation in productivity. The model predicts that the outcome of the bargaining game between the firm owners and employees depends crucially on the demand side characteristics. As a result, variation in the firms’ markups serves as an important determinant of wage distribution. We provide micro foundations for this channel of wage determination. We test the model on the sample of Ukrainian firm-level data. We find that the average wage rises with an increase of the firm productivity, but falls with an increase of the market power. These effects are roughly of the same size in absolute value; the results are statistically significant and robust to various model specifications estimated at the firm or industry level.
The Tumor Suppressor PTEN Is Necessary for Human Sprouty 2-mediated Inhibition of Cell Proliferation*

Sprouty family proteins are novel regulators of growth factor actions. Human Sprouty 2 (hSPRY2) inhibits the proliferation of a number of different cell types. However, the mechanisms involved in the anti-proliferative actions of hSPRY2 remain to be elucidated. Here we have demonstrated that hSPRY2 increases the amount of the tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and decreases its phosphorylation. The resultant increase in PTEN activity is reflected in decreased activation of Akt by epidermal growth factor and serum. Consistent with increased PTEN activity, in hSPRY2-expressing cells, the progression of cells from the G1 to S phase is decreased. By using PTEN null primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts and their isogenic controls as well as small interfering RNA against PTEN, we demonstrated that PTEN is necessary for hSPRY2 to inhibit Akt activation by epidermal growth factor as well as cell proliferation. Overall, we concluded that hSPRY2 mediates its anti-proliferative actions by altering PTEN content and activity.
How Do Financing Conditions Impact Firm Behavior? Evidence from the Gulf Zone

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of financing conditions on firm behavior in the Gulf zone over the period 2005–2014 using a panel of 357 firms. As a main consequence of market frictions, financing constraints have sizeable impacts on how CFOs behave and design their financial policies. We use a sample of firms from the six GCC countries and specify a range of investment equations to explore the behavior of cash flow sensitivities to fixed investment, working capital, and R&D. Our results show that GCC firms seem to have less costly financing sources when financing their inventories and/or holding cash than investing in fixed assets and R&D. Our results indicate that there is heterogeneity of the impact of financing conditions on the behavior of GCC firms. The Omani and Bahraini firms seem to be more oriented toward building their working capital during periods of financial distress in order to finance their fixed and R&D investments. This behavior does not seem to be consistent with the other countries. Indeed, we find sheer evidence that the Saudi, Qatari, Kuwaiti, and Emirati firms do not opt for an alleviation of financing constraints by smoothing the cash flow fluctuations with changes in working capital.
Simple clinical tests may predict severe oropharyngeal dysphagia in Parkinson's disease

Objective: To determine if simple screening tests can predict severe oropharyngeal dysphagia in subjects with Parkinson's disease. Methodology: Forty‐five subjects (26 females) of average age 75 (range: 65–94) who were classified as Modified Hoehn and Yahr stages 2 to 5 were enrolled. The presence of oropharyngeal dysphagia was assessed by a symptom questionnaire, 50 ml water swallowing test and videofluroscopic swallowing study. Results: Six of the subjects had severe oropharyngeal dysphagia in videofluroscopic swallowing study. Subsequent multivariate analysis showed that 3 factors could independently predict severe oropharyngeal dysphagia. These included higher Modified Hoehn and Yahr stage (P = 0.042), low Body mass index (P = 0.014), and increased difficulty in keeping food or drink in the mouth (P = 0.047). The regression model had a positive predictive power of 96% (sensitivity: 83.3%, specificity: 97.4%). Conclusion: A combination of 3 simple clinical parameters may be useful for screening for severe oropharyngeal dysphagia as shown radiologically in subjects with Parkinson's disease. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Estimation of the Spatially Distributed Surface Energy Budget for AgriSAR 2006, Part II: Integration of Remote Sensing and Hydrologic Modeling

In most hydrologic modeling studies, the hypothesis is made that an improvement in the modeled soil moisture leads to an improvement in the modeled surface energy balance. The objective of this paper is to assess whether this hypothesis is true. The study was performed over the winter wheat fields in the AgriSAR 2006 domain. Remotely sensed soil moisture values and latent heat fluxes were used, in combination with in situ observations. First, the land cover and saturated subsurface flow parameters were estimated using the in situ observations. A spatially distributed model simulation was then performed, for which the Brooks-Corey parameters were derived from a soil texture map, and of which the results were validated using the remote sensing data. The remotely sensed soil moisture values were then used to optimize the Brooks-Corey parameters. As expected, a better performance with respect to the soil moisture estimation was obtained. However, this did not improve the latent heat flux estimates. This can be explained by the consumption of water from the deeper soil layers by the vegetation. The overall conclusion is that, under conditions where evapotranspiration is limited by energy and not by the soil moisture content, surface soil moisture values alone are not sufficient for the optimization of hydrologic model results. More data sets are needed for this purpose.
Effect of Exogenous Hepatocyte Growth Factor on Vocal Fold Fibroblasts

Objectives We have previously demonstrated the therapeutic potential of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the treatment of vocal fold scarring, although how exogenous HGF affects gene expression of endogenous HGF or extracellular matrix components in the vocal fold fibroblasts remains unclear. In this in vitro study, we aimed to clarify this aspect in order to better understand the effects of HGF on the vocal folds. Methods Fibroblasts were obtained from the lamina propria of the vocal folds of 5 Sprague-Dawley rats and were cultured with HGF at concentrations of 100, 10, 1, and 0 ng/mL. The cells were collected on days 1, 3, and 7, and the expression of endogenous HGF, its receptor c-Met, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), procollagen types I and III, and hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS)-l and HAS-2 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) was examined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results The expression of endogenous HGF and HAS-1 mRNAs increased significantly when exogenous HGF was administered at a concentration of 1 ng/mL. On day 1, the expression of TGF-β1 and HAS-2 mRNAs increased significantly in response to 1 ng/mL HGF. Conclusions Exogenous HGF triggered the up-regulation of endogenous HGF, TGF-β1, HAS-1, and HAS-2 mRNAs in vocal fold fibroblasts.
Competitive intelligence practice in the South African property sector

Background: The South African property sector contributes highly to creating jobs, skills development, poverty reduction and economic growth. Although South Africa dropped in the global competitiveness ranking, the property sector of South Africa remains very competitive. To survive in a competitive sector, firms around the world practice competitive intelligence(CI). Although the use of CI has been examined in other sectors in South Africa, no study on CI practice has been conducted in the property sector. Objectives: The objective of this research was to establish the extent to which the property sector of South Africa practices CI. Method: This research was quantitative in nature and a web-based questionnaire was used to collect data from estate agencies in the South African property sector. Results: The results indicate that the South African property sector is very competitive and estate agencies practice CI to gain competitive advantage and make quality decisions.Moreover, the results reveal that the property sector practice CI legally and ethically. The results indicate that the majority of estate agencies are very small employing at most five employees and make at most 5 million Rands annual turnover. Conclusion: The South African property sector ethically and legally practices CI to gain competitive advantage and to aid in making quality decisions.
Adherent and Invasive Escherichia coli Is Associated with Granulomatous Colitis in Boxer Dogs

ABSTRACT The mucosa-associated microflora is increasingly considered to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. This study explored the possibility that an abnormal mucosal flora is involved in the etiopathogenesis of granulomatous colitis of Boxer dogs (GCB). Colonic biopsy samples from affected dogs (n = 13) and controls (n = 38) were examined by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with a eubacterial 16S rRNA probe. Culture, 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing, and histochemistry were used to guide subsequent FISH. GCB-associated Escherichia coli isolates were evaluated for their ability to invade and persist in cultured epithelial cells and macrophages as well as for serotype, phylogenetic group, genome size, overall genotype, and presence of virulence genes. Intramucosal gram-negative coccobacilli were present in 100% of GCB samples but not controls. Invasive bacteria hybridized with FISH probes to E. coli. Three of four GCB-associated E. coli isolates adhered to, invaded, and replicated within cultured epithelial cells. Invasion triggered a“ splash”-type response, was decreased by cytochalasin D, genistein, colchicine, and wortmannin, and paralleled the behavior of the Crohn's disease-associated strain E. coli LF 82. GCB E. coli and LF 82 were diverse in serotype and overall genotype but similar in phylogeny (B2 and D), in virulence gene profiles (fyuA, irp1, irp2, chuA, fepC, ibeA, kpsMII, iss), in having a larger genome size than commensal E. coli, and in the presence of novel multilocus sequence types. We conclude that GCB is associated with selective intramucosal colonization by E. coli. E. coli strains associated with GCB and Crohn's disease have an adherent and invasive phenotype and novel multilocus sequence types and resemble E. coli associated with extraintestinal disease in phylogeny and virulence gene profile.
Limiting the morbidity of inguinal lymphadenectomy for metastatic melanoma.

BACKGROUND Surgery is currently the primary treatment modality for metastatic melanoma involving the inguinal lymph nodes. However, inguinal lymph node dissections are associated with substantial morbidity including infection, wound dehiscence, lymphedema, seroma, and deep venous thromboembolism (DVT). Improved understanding is needed regarding the factors predisposing patients to complications and the operative and perioperative maneuvers that can decrease morbidity. METHODS We reviewed recently published literature regarding the morbidity associated with lymphadenectomy in the treatment of inguinal metastatic melanoma. Where available, emphasis was focused on appropriately designed studies aimed at reducing treatment-related morbidity. When appropriate, the review was supplemented by our personal experience. RESULTS Strategies to limit treatment-related morbidity involve optimizing the preoperative assessment, operative technique, and postoperative care. Establishing the diagnosis of nodal metastasis early using minimally invasive techniques is critical to reduce subsequent perioperative complications. Morbidity is higher for inguinal compared to cervical or axillary lymphadenectomy, and many variations in extent of inguinal lymphadenectomy and operative technique have been reported. The lack of definitive trials has led to controversy regarding surgical technique such as indications for pelvic lymphadenectomy ("deep" node dissection), saphenous vein preservation, and sartorius transposition. In the postoperative period, the use of DVT and lymphedema prophylaxis should be considered to potentially improve patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS While the morbidity of inguinal lymphadenectomy can be substantial, several straightforward pre- and postoperative measures can be instituted to limit morbidity. Controversy persists regarding the indications for and benefit of pelvic lymphadenectomy, saphenous vein preservation, and sartorius muscle transposition. A multi-institutional trial is currently in progress to investigate the safety of avoiding lymphadenectomy in patients with microscopic metastases in the sentinel node.
Are Socially-Responsible Firms Less Likely to Expatriate? An Examination of Corporate Inversions

ABSTRACT: This study examines whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) is related to the likelihood of corporate inversions, a legal tax-planning strategy. We use a full sample to test stakeholder theory and a risk management view of CSR. We find that firms with higher CSR performance are less likely to expatriate compared to firms with lower CSR performance. Although equity investors react positively to inversion announcements, we find that the reaction is less positive for firms with higher CSR ratings. These results are consistent with stakeholder theory. We do not find evidence that inversion firms experience significant improvements in operating performance after inversion. Overall, this study improves our understanding of the role of CSR in corporate expatriation decisions and has practical implications for a firm's stakeholders. Data Availability: Data are available from sources identified in the paper.
Substrate oxidation during incremental arm and leg exercise in men and women matched for ventilatory threshold

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the variations in substrate utilization between men and women matched for ventilatory threshold (T vent) during incremental arm cranking and leg cycling exercise at 70, 85, 100 and 115% of the mode-specific T vent. Recreationally active men (n = 12) and women (n = 10) with similar values for percentage of peak oxygen consumption at T vent participated in the study. Ventilatory equivalence, excess CO2 and modified V-slope methods were used concurrently to determine T vent. The participants performed 5 min of exercise at each of 70, 85, 100 and 115% T vent during both arm cranking and leg cycling exercise. The females were tested during the early follicular phase for all trials. A two-way mixed-design analysis of variance was performed to test for differences between the sexes. When carbohydrate and fat oxidation were expressed relative to total fat-free mass, carbohydrate oxidation during arm cranking and leg cycling was significantly higher in men than women at each percentage of T vent. In contrast, women showed significantly higher fat oxidation across intensities during both arm cranking and leg cycling. Our results suggest that when substrate utilization is expressed relative to total fat-free mass, women appear to maintain a higher rate of fat and lower rate of carbohydrate oxidation than men during both incremental arm cranking and leg cycling exercise relative to T vent.
The Gap Between

Genesis 39:1‐23 THE BUMPY ROAD TOWARDS THE DREAM The secret in surviving the gap between what is and what could be. o Preparation: The practical side of a dream is just plain work (vs.6a) pIntegrity: Regardless of the cost, say no and run (v.6b-19) q Wisdom: We can't control the waves but we can learn to surf. (vs. 20-23) QUICK REVIEW-Looking back over your sermon notes, which particular point or passage of Scripture most challenged, confused or caught your attention? 1. This week we saw Joseph's character go from arrogance to humility. Have you ever had a time in your life or a situation when God particularly got your attention regarding a harmful attitude, action, or perspective and really began to change it? If so, explain. 2. The centurion in Luke 7:1-10, like Joseph, found himself in a chaotic situation that humbled and moved him toward trusting God. As you read his story, what took place that caused the centurion to humbly trust God? What are some other ways he could have potentially responded? 3. When it comes to resisting temptation, most of us don't plan on messing up our lives. Unfortunately temptation works subtly at taking us step by step to entice us into sin. King David experienced both this and the adverse effects firsthand. As you read his story in 2 Samuel 11, identify how he failed to put into practice the five steps to protect our character from this week's sermon. 4. Finding out God has been trying to get our attention or realizing that we are falling into temptation can be quite humbling and frightening to admit. What hope and incentive do the following verses give us when this occurs? 5. Wouldn't it be great if we could just snap our fingers and have temptation disappear? Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Look over the following verses and identify some additional strategies that help us avoid and overcome temptation.
Association between −250G/A polymorphism of the hepatic lipase gene promoter and coronary artery disease and HDL‐C levels in a Southern Brazilian population

Hepatic lipase (HL) is a glycoprotein that plays a major role in remodeling high‐density lipoprotein (HDL). The effect of the −250G/A promoter polymorphism on coronary artery disease (CAD) and lipid levels was studied in 231 male CAD patients and in a population‐based sample of men and women (n = 514). A sample of 140 men was chosen among those included in the population‐based sample as controls for the CAD sample. In the total group of CAD patients, the frequency of the −250A allele was somewhat lower (25% in CAD patients and 32% in controls; p = 0.06), but when the control samples were compared only with the CAD+ sample (more than 60% of luminal stenosis in at least one coronary artery or major branch segment) the −250A allele was significantly less frequent (23% in the patients vs 32% in controls; p = 0.02). A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that this association was independent of classical CAD risk factors [odds ratio (OR) = 1.79, p = 0.025]. Using multiple linear regression analyses, it has been shown that this polymorphism was a significant factor affecting HDL‐C levels in men from the population‐based sample (p = 0.001), an interaction between −250G/A variant and wine consumption was also detected (p = 0.001). Thus, our results show that the −250G/A polymorphism in the HL gene is associated with significant variations in HDL‐C levels and CAD risk in males.
Wavelet analysis of autonomic outflow of normal subjects on head‐up tilt, cold pressor test, Valsalva manoeuvre and deep breathing

Non‐invasive autonomic evaluation has used fast Fourier transform (FFT) to assign a range of low (LF) and high frequencies (HF) as markers of sympathetic and parasympathetic influences, respectively. However, FFT cannot be applied to brief transient phenomena, such as those observed on performing autonomic tests where the acute changes of cardiovascular signals (blood pressure and heart rate) that represent the first and most important stage of the autonomic performance towards a new state of equilibrium occur. Wavelet analysis has been proposed as a method to overcome and complement information taken exclusively in the frequency domain. With discrete wavelet transform (DWT), a time–frequency analysis can be done, allowing the visualization in time of the contribution of LF and HF to the observed changes of a particular signal. In this study, we evaluate with wavelets the acute changes in R–R intervals and systolic blood pressure that are observed in normal subjects during four classical autonomic tests: head‐up tilt (HUT), cold pressor test (CPT), deep breathing (DB) and Valsalva manoeuvre (VM). Continuous monitoring of ECG and blood presure was performed. Also LF, HF and LF/HF were calculated. Consistent with previous interpretations, data showed an increase of sympathetic activity in HUT, CPT and VM. On DB, results reflected an increase in parasympathetic activity and frequencies. In conclusion, when compared with FFT, wavelet analysis allows the evaluation of autonomic variability during short and non‐stationary periods of time and may constitute a useful advance in the assessment of autonomic function in both physiological and pathological conditions.
Cognitive development of children in poverty with failure to thrive: a prospective study through age 6.

BACKGROUND This study examined the cognitive development of children in poverty with normal growth and those with a history of failure to thrive (FTT) prospectively from infancy through age 6. METHOD Participants were 226 low-income infants with normal birthweight and no perinatal complications, congenital problems, or chronic illnesses. One hundred and twenty-eight children experienced FTT and were treated in an interdisciplinary clinic, and 98 had normal growth. RESULTS Cognitive development declined in both groups to 1.0-1.5 SD below the norm. Children with FTT had lower cognitive scores than children with adequate growth through age 4, followed by recovery. By ages 5 and 6, there were no differences in cognitive scores based on the children's growth history. Using hierarchical linear modeling, child-centered home environment and small family size were related to better cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS The low scores of both groups point to the need for programs promoting a child-centered home environment.
Fractionated Radiation-Induced Acute Encephalopathy in a Young Rat Model: Cognitive Dysfunction and Histologic Findings

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction is a common and serious complication after radiation therapy of brain tumor, yet knowledge of its mechanism is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to establish a young rat model for acute radiation encephalopathy, at both cognitive and pathologic levels, induced by fractionated irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four-week-old male rats were randomized into sham (0 Gy) and 2 experimental groups receiving fractionated irradiation of 5 Gy/day, 5 days/week, with total doses of 20 and 40 Gy, respectively. Cognition, BBB integrity, and potential astrogliosis were evaluated at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks' postirradiation. RESULTS: Twenty-Gy irradiation led to transient cognitive impairment only at 4 weeks' postirradiation. Forty-Gy irradiation induced cognitive impairment at both 4 and 8 weeks' postirradiation, which was more severe than that induced by 20 Gy. Cognitive impairment was accompanied by a transient increase in BWC only at 4 weeks for the 40-Gy group. Disrupted BBB permeability was detected at 4 and 8 weeks' postirradiation for the 20-Gy group, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks' postirradiation for 40-Gy group, respectively. Increased astrogliosis in the hippocampus could be detected at 4 weeks' postirradiation for 40-Gy group. CONCLUSIONS: Fractionated irradiation in this experiment could induce acute brain injury, leading to cognitive impairment in young rats. BBB disruption might be a sensitive index for acute radiation encephalopathy. In addition, reactive astrogliosis might play an important role in this process. The present model, especially the 40-Gy irradiation group, is useful for basic and therapeutic studies of acute radiation encephalopathy.