Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dividend Policy: An Empirical Analysis Of The Greek Market

This paper explores the corporate dividend policy in the Greek market. Assuming that managers are reluctant to make dividend changes that might have to be reversed, we test the hypothesis that corporate dividends are associated with past dividends, as well as the performance and the effective management of the firms. The net income available to stockholders and the sales are employed as dummy variables that capture the performance and the effective management of the sampling firms respectively. The estimations have been performed using panel data procedure for a sample of 149 Greek companies listed in the Athens Stock Exchange during 1996 2001. The empirical results support the hypothesis that companies distribute a dividend according to their performance their effective management and are not willing to change their dividend policy frequently.
Digital and Social Media Marketing in Business Education

The Journal of Marketing Education (JME) is considered a premier outlet for educational scholarship as related to teaching and learning in marketing. The journal was one of three principal marketing education journals used by Brennan (2012) to determine the major themes as related to marketing education between 2008 and 2012. The four major themes that evolved from a review of the marketing literature were: (1) teaching and learning; (2) ethics, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability; (3) employability; and (4) the digital challenge in curriculum design. Harrigan and Hulbert (2011, p. 254) focused on this digital challenge when they claimed that “the marketing curriculum has been left behind by advancements in marketing practice, particularly with regard to the enabling power of technology in marketing. ” The 21st century is experiencing a communications revolution, and digital and social media marketing is changing the way consumers receive and use messages. While changes in the traditional roles of consumers and companies have created the need for material that can both shape and contribute to the emerging and evolving digital and social media landscape, these same changes have created innovative teaching and learning opportunities in our marketing classrooms. Digital and social media marketing is a fact-moving phenomenon, and marketing educators must stay abreast of the times. Not only are the tools changing constantly, the issues related to the tools are also expanding rapidly. Marketing is in the midst of constant reinvention, with social media technologies engendering radically new ways of interacting (Elliott, 2013; Hansen, Shneiderman, & Smith, 2011). Social media is expected to become the number one channel of marketing communications for many companies by 2017 (Hood & Day, 2014). As noted by Prensky (2001a), however, the single biggest problem facing education at the turn of the century was that of Digital Immigrant instructors. That is, marketing educators speak an outdated language and struggle to teach a population of Digital Natives, who speak an entirely new digital language of computers, video games, and the Internet. According to Frederiksen (2015), “University marketing departments are behind the curve,” with Harrigan and Hulbert (2011, p. 261) quoting a campus recruiter who said, “We are a big fan of employing graduates, but unfortunately we aren’t seeing the skills we need in marketing graduates—we’re employing a lot of stats and IT graduates to do our marketing roles. ”
Fear advertisements: influencing consumers to make better health decisions

From a goal-theoretic framework, this paper proposes that fear-based framing of health messages can lead to positive decision intentions, thus helping consumers make better future health-related choices. Across two experiments, findings demonstrate that the type of advertisement (fear versus hope) and food prime (indulgent versus non-indulgent) interact to determine goal-related choice focus – such as subsequent indulgence intention or intention to implement an exercise health goal. Research implications include the suggestion that if marketers properly execute fear-primed promotional messages with non-indulgent food offerings, they can satisfy the notion that ‘One good health decision can lead to another. ’
Consequences of axon guidance defects on the development of retinotopic receptive fields in the mouse colliculus

Gradients of molecular factors pattern the developing retina and superior colliculus (SC) and guide retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons to their appropriate central target perinatally. During and subsequent to this period, spontaneous waves of action potentials sweep across the retina, providing an instructive topographic signal based on the correlations of firing patterns of neighbouring RGCs. How these activity‐independent and activity‐dependent factors interact during retinotopic map formation remains unclear. A typical phenotype of mutant mice lacking genes for one or more RGC axon guidance molecules is the presence of topographically inappropriate projections or ‘ectopic spots’. Here, we examine mice that lack functional bone morphogenetic protein receptors (BMPRs) in the retina. Retinal BMP controls the graded expression of RGC axon guidance molecules, resulting in some dorsal RGCs projecting ectopically to locations in the SC that normally receive input from ventral retina. We examine the consequences of this anatomical phenotype in vivo by studying the receptive field (RF) properties of neurons in the superficial SC. We observe a mixture of physiological phenotypes in BMPR mutant mice; notably we find some neurons with ectopic RFs displaced in elevation, corresponding to the observed anatomical defect. However, in a result not necessarily congruent with the presence of focal ectopic projections, some neurons have split, enlarged and patchy/distorted RFs. These results are consistent with the effects of spontaneous retinal waves acting upon a disrupted molecular template, and they place significant limits on the form of an activity‐dependent learning rule for the development of retinocollicular projections.
Autocrine CCL3 and CCL4 Induced by the Oncoprotein LMP1 Promote Epstein-Barr Virus-Triggered B Cell Proliferation

ABSTRACT Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) alters the regulation and expression of a variety of cytokines in its host cells to modulate host immune surveillance and facilitate viral persistence. Using cytokine antibody arrays, we found that, in addition to the cytokines reported previously, two chemotactic cytokines, CCL3 and CCL4, were induced in EBV-infected B cells and were expressed at high levels in all EBV-immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). Furthermore, EBV latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1)-mediated Jun N-terminal protein kinase activation was responsible for upregulation of CCL3 and CCL4. Inhibition of CCL3 and CCL4 in LCLs using a short hairpin RNA approach or by neutralizing antibodies suppressed cell proliferation and caused apoptosis, indicating that autocrine CCL3 and CCL4 are required for LCL survival and growth. Importantly, significant amounts of CCL3 were detected in EBV-positive plasma from immunocompromised patients, suggesting that EBV modulates this chemokine in vivo. This study reveals the regulatory mechanism and a novel function of CCL3 and CCL4 in EBV-infected B cells. CCL3 might be useful as a therapeutic target in EBV-associated lymphoproliferative diseases and malignancies.
Preservation of Noradrenergic Neurons in the Locus Ceruleus that Coexpress Galanin mRNA in Alzheimer's Disease

Galanin (GAL) innervation is hypertrophied in the basal forebrain and cortex of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increased GAL could exacerbate the cognitive and behavioral deficits of AD because GAL acts as an inhibitory modulator of cholinergic and noradren-ergic neurotransmission. The locus ceruleus (LC) may be a source of increased GAL in AD because (a) GAL is coexpressed in a subset of LC neurons, (b) GAL expression is up-regulated with neuronal injury, and (c) the LC undergoes extensive degeneration in AD. Therefore, we have used in situ hybridization histochemistry to measure GAL gene expression in the LC of AD patients and sex- and age-matched nondemented controls. Despite the extensive loss of norepinephrine neurons with AD, GAL mRNA-expressing neurons in the LC did not differ between groups. This resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of neuromelanin-pigmented cells that coexpressed GAL in AD patients compared with controls. These findings raise the possibility that the increased incidence of GAL expression among remaining LC neurons contributes to the hyperinnervation of GAL fibers in AD. Furthermore, GAL may be neuroprotective in the LC.
Impact of Dividend Policy on Shareholders’ Wealth: A Case of Karachi Stock Exchange

This current study is aimed at investigation of a relationship between two important segments of investor expectations relating to cash dividends' policy and wealth of shareholders. A number of research attempts have still to find an exact relationship. This study relies on a data that is gathered from sixty-eight companies from Karachi Stock Exchange. For some companies the financial year concludes in December while for others in June. The analysis is spread in two categories; in one of the categories 37 firms that close their accounts in June are taken for the period 2003 to 2007 whereas in the second category 31 firms are taken which close their accounts in December. The study period for the second category is from year 2004 to 2007. Ordinary least squares and fixed effect model are used to estimate regression equation by taking stock returns as explained variable and dividend payout ratio as explanatory variables. The results of the analysis show that returns have a negative correlation with dividend policy and firm size and have a positive correlation with return on assets, price-earning ratio and growth of the company for the companies with year ended June. For the companies with year ended December returns are negatively correlated with size of the firm, dividend payout ratio, and return on assets. The analysis reveals that OLS Model is not a good model for estimation of returns, but fixed effects model is a good model that can be used for estimation purposes.
Response‐guided telaprevir therapy in prior relapsers? The role of bridging data from treatment‐naïve and experienced subjects

The purpose of this report is to illustrate the US Food and Drug Administration's rationale for approving response‐guided therapy (RGT) for telaprevir (TVR) in combination with pegylated interferon‐α and ribavirin (P/R) for the treatment of adults with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C who were prior relapsers. RGT was prospectively evaluated in two registration trials of treatment‐naïve subjects. In these studies, RGT allowed subjects who achieved undetectable hepatitis C virus RNA from weeks 4 and 12, known as extended rapid virologic response (eRVR), to stop all treatments at 24 weeks. A patient without eRVR received an additional 36 weeks of P/R after 12 weeks of a TVR triple regimen (total of 48 weeks). However, RGT in prior P/R relapsers was not prospectively evaluated. Empirical cross‐trial data indicated high sustained virologic response rates (>90%) in prior relapsers achieving eRVR, irrespective of P/R duration (24 or 48 weeks). Further analyses demonstrated that interferon responsiveness does not change in P/R‐experienced subjects with a second round of P/R. The comparability in interferon responsiveness across treatment courses allowed us to bridge data between treatment‐naïve and P/R‐experienced subjects to support the approval of RGT in prior relapse subjects. (HEPATOLOGY 2013)
EXPERIMENTAL HEPATIC PORPHYRIA: STUDIES WITH STEROIDS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL ORIGIN IN MAN

This report describes the ahility of steroids derived from sources physiological to man, to stimulate the activity of the porphyrin and heme biosynthetic pathway in liver cells. This new biological action of natural steroids is considered to have possible relevance to the normal cellular control of heme formation,13 and to the mechanism of the periodic exacerbations which characterize the natural history of the hereditary form of hepatic porphyria. *~~ The porphyrin and heme biosynthetic pathway is summarized in FIGURE 1. The initial and terminal reactions depicted take place in the mitochondria; the intermediate reactions occur in the cytoplasm. The mitochondria1 enzyme ALAsynthetase which condennes glycine and activated succinate to form &aminolevulinic acid, controls the rate limiting step in this pathway; and it has been suggested that over-all regulation of porphyrin and heme biosynthesis resides in a repressor-operator control on the activity of the structural gene which codes for this enzyme.1. 2 This synthetic pathway is normally regulated at a low level in the liver since heme requirements for cytochromes and other heme-proteins are small. In hereditary hepatic porphyria, however, the control mechanism for heme synthesis is defective. Such patients have abnormally high levels of ALA-synthetase in the liver and excrete excessive amounts of intermediates in this biosynthetic pathway in the urine. Patients carrying the genetic lesion of this disease are also extremely sensitive to small amounts of certain drugs which may provoke severe chemical and symptomatic exacerbations of the disease. These drugs have been shown to act by stimulating the de novo formation of ALA-synthetase in liver cells. The majority of the episodic relapses which characterize the clinical course of hepatic porphyrja occur spontaneously however and not in clear relation to drug ingestion. This suggests that there might be endogenous substances which like drugs act as inducing agents in genetically susceptible subjects. The chemical nature of these endogenous inducing substances is not known, although clinical observations suggest that one class of such agents may be endocrine in origin and specifically steroidal in type. These observations include: the high female preponderance of acute intermittent hepatic porphyria despite its inheritance as an autosomal dominant trait: the almost exclusive occurrence of the disease at post-pubertal ages. the direct relation of attack5 of porphyria to specific phases of the menstrual cycle or to pregnancy in some women; and the symptomatic and chemical exacerbations of the disease which have been evoked by the administration of natural and synthetic hormones, including those steroid mixtures used for contraceptive purposes.6-'0
Helmet use and the risk of neck or cervical spine injury among users of motorized two-wheel vehicles

Objective: To quantify the effects of wearing a helmet on head and facial injury among users of motorized two-wheel vehicles and to determine if helmet use increases the risk of neck and cervical spine injury. Design/method: A population-based study involving injured riders from the Rhône Road Trauma Registry from 1996 to 2005. Victims were only included if they had an injury to a body region other than (or in addition to) the head, face, neck, or cervical spine. Thus, inclusion was not affected by helmet use by the rider. The risk of head, face, neck, and cervical spine injury was assessed, with helmet use as the exposure of interest using logistic regression analyses. Adjusted odds ratios and corresponding confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Helmet use significantly decreased the risk of head and facial injuries. The adjusted odds ratios for non-helmeted riders were 2.43 (95% CI 2.05 to 2.87) and 3.02 (95% CI 2.48 to 3.67), respectively. There was no association between helmet use and the occurrence of neck or cervical spine injuries. The adjusted odds ratios for non-helmeted riders were 0.86 (95% CI 0.60 to 1.23) and 1.04 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.39), respectively. Conclusion: Helmets protect users of motorized two-wheel vehicles against head and facial injury without increasing the risk of neck or cervical spine injury.
Effect of whitening toothpastes on color stability of different restorative materials

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of application of three over the counter whitening toothpastes (Colgate Optic White, Aquafresh Ultimate White and Crest 3D White) on the color stability of different esthetic restorative materials (Resin composite/Filtek Z250 XT, resin modified glass ionomer/GC Fuji II LC, and glass ionomer/Ketac Molar Quick Aplicapweek) commonly used in children. Methods: Cylindrical specimens were prepared from each restorative material using Mylar strip with no further trimming, finishing or polishing or after finishing and polishing. The specimens were randomly assigned into 4 main groups according to each restorative material. All specimens were measured for color (Baseline - T1). All specimens were finished and polished using Sof-Lex finishing and polishing system according to the instructions of the manufacture. Then, all specimens according to the groups were brushed with water without whitening toothpastes (control) or brushed with the different whitening toothpastes. The specimens were rinsed before color measurement (Testing Phase Three – T2). Statistical analysis were performed using paired ttest used and Tukey’s HSD (Honestly Significant Differences) Post Hoc Test. Results: Delta E (DE) showed significant difference (P=0.0001) between baseline (T1) and after application of whitening toothpastes (T2) for all three restorative materials. DE showed significant difference (P=0.0001) between baseline (T1) and after application of whitening toothpastes (T2) for distilled water, Colgate Optic White, and Aquafresh Ultimate White. There was significant difference (P=0.001) between baseline (T1) and after application of whitening toothpastes (T2) for Crest 3D White. Conclusion: The use of Colgate Optic White, Aquafresh Ultimate White and Crest 3D White whitening toothpaste for two minutes twice each day for 15 days does cause significant change in the color of the Filtek Z250 XT, GC Fuji II LC, and Ketac Molar Quick Aplicap restorative materials. The highest color change was recorded for Ketac Molar Quick Aplicap and use of Colgate Optic White. Color change is dependent upon the type of restorative material and whitening.
Why 10b-5 Litigation Risk is Higher for Technology and Financial Services Firms

In this paper we analyze why 10b-5 litigation risk was higher for corporations in technology and financial services industries than for companies in other industries between 1989 and 1992. We find that technology firms were more likely to be sued primarily because of characteristics reflected in stock market variables. The estimated proportion of outstanding shares that traded during the previous year explains most of the elevated litigation risk. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the relatively high volatility of stock returns for technology firms explains only a small portion of the greater incidence of litigation in this industry. After controlling for stock market characteristics, membership in a technology industry has little incremental effect on litigation risk. Our stock market variables are unable to explain why financial services companies were more likely than other firms to be sued during this period. In fact, the estimated effect of membership in a financial services industry on litigation risk is larger once we control for these variables.
Anticoagulant treatment of pulmonary embolism: impact and implications of the EINSTEIN PE study

Pulmonary embolism (PE), which can develop as a consequence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a serious and potentially fatal venous thromboembolic event. Patients with PE are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence and serious complications such as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Anticoagulants, namely heparins and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), have been the main treatments for PE in patients who are haemodynamically stable. However, use of these agents can be complex and is associated with an increased risk of bleeding (a characteristic that is common to all anticoagulants). Simplified, effective treatment regimens for PE would be very beneficial for patients, physicians and payers. Compared with DVT, PE is a different clinical manifestation of VTE; phase III trials have now started to focus specifically on patients with PE. Trials in patients with PE can provide further information on the optimal management of these patients. Results of the phase III EINSTEIN PE study demonstrated non‐inferiority in the efficacy and safety of oral rivaroxaban compared with standard of care (enoxaparin/VKA) for the treatment of patients with acute symptomatic PE (with or without symptomatic DVT). Rates of major bleeding were significantly lower in patients receiving rivaroxaban. This review will discuss the findings of recent trials, particularly the potential impact of single, oral agents for both the initial and long‐term treatment of a range of patients with PE, and how these results may influence the clinical management of PE.
RADIOAUTOGRAPHIC LOCALIZATION OF SODIUM PUMP SITES IN RABBIT INTESTINE

Direct demonstration of the cellular location of sodium pumping constitutes a key problem in the solution of intestinal sodium absorption. Utilizing silicone-impregnated epoxy sections of freeze-dried, osmium-fixed tissue, ouabain-3H and inulin-3H light microscope radioautographs have been produced which show that: lateral but not brush border membranes of rabbit small intestine bind ouabain-3H (high specific activity) with an affinity so great that a subsequent washing in ouabain-free medium has little effect on binding; lateral membrane binding is not apparent with low specific activity ouabain-3H, and inulin-3H and ouabain-3H (low specific activity) in the cores of the villi do not equilibrate with the intercellular spaces. Preliminary tracer measurements of ouabain-3H and inulin-14C spaces also agree with these findings As ouabain is a specific inhibitor of active sodium transport, these observations provide direct support for the view that lateral membrane pumping of sodium into the intercellular spaces causes, through osmotic forces on water, a flow of fluid out of these spaces into the interstitium.
Altered lipid composition and enhanced lipid production in green microalga by introduction of brassica diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2.

Higher lipid biosynthesis and accumulation are important to achieve economic viability of biofuel production via microalgae. To enhance lipid content, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was genetically engineered with a key enzyme diacylglycerol acyltransferase (BnDGAT2) from Brassica napus, responsible for neutral lipid biosynthesis. The transformed colonies harbouring aph7 gene, screened on hygromycin-supplemented medium, achieved transformation frequency of ~120 ± 10 colonies/1 × 10(6) cells. Transgene integration and expression were confirmed by PCR, Southern blots, staining lipid droplets, proteins and spectro-fluorometric analysis of Nile red-stained cells. The neutral lipid is a major class (over 80% of total lipids) and most significant requirement for biodiesel production; this was remarkably higher in the transformed alga than the untransformed control. The levels of saturated fatty acids in the transformed alga decreased to about 7% while unsaturated fatty acids increased proportionately when compared to wild type cells. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially α-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid, were enhanced up to 12% in the transformed line. Nile red staining confirmed formation of a large number of lipid globules in the transformed alga. Evaluation of long-term stability and vitality of the transgenic alga revealed that cryopreservation produced significantly higher quantity of lipid than those maintained continuously over 128 generations on solid medium. The overexpression of BnDGAT2 significantly altered the fatty acids profile in the transformed alga. Results of this study offer a valuable strategy of genetic manipulation for enhancing polyunsaturated fatty acids and neutral lipids for biofuel production in algae.