Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developing a Better Understanding of the Older Worker

As the baby boomer generation ages into retirement a “gray revolution” is occurring. Managers need to consider how this revolution impacts their organizations. This study proposes and tests a model to better understand what factors influence planned retirement age in older workers. The sample included 277 older working residents of Pennsylvania and the data was collected through phone surveys. The model was found to be only partially supported; workers who had to support others and individuals who were continuing work because they wanted to were more likely to have higher planned retirement ages.
Prospective effects of violence exposure across multiple contexts on early adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problems.

BACKGROUND Violence exposure within each setting of community, school, or home has been linked with internalizing and externalizing problems. Although many children experience violence in multiple contexts, the effects of such cross-contextual exposure have not been studied. This study addresses this gap by examining independent and interactive effects of witnessing violence and victimization in the community, home, and school on subsequent internalizing and externalizing problems in early adolescence. METHODS A community sample of 603 boys and girls (78% African American, 20% Caucasian) participated in a longitudinal study of youth violence. During two assessments 16 months apart, adolescents reported on witnessing violence and victimization in the community, school, and home, and their internalizing and externalizing problems. RESULTS Multiple regressions tested the independent and interactive effects of witnessing violence or victimization across contexts on subsequent adjustment, after controlling for initial levels of internalizing and externalizing problems and demographic covariates. Witnessing violence at school predicted anxiety and depression; witnessing at home was related to anxiety and aggression; and witnessing community violence predicted delinquency. Victimization at home was related to subsequent anxiety, depression, and aggression; victimization at school predicted anxiety; and victimization in the community was not independently related to any outcomes. Finally, witnessing violence at home was associated with more anxiety, delinquency, and aggression only if adolescents reported no exposure to community violence. CONCLUSIONS Violence exposure at home and school had the strongest independent effects on internalizing and externalizing outcomes. Witnessing community violence attenuated the effects of witnessing home violence on anxiety and externalizing problems, perhaps due to desensitization or different norms or expectations regarding violence. However, no comparable attenuation effects were observed for victimization across contexts.
Do economic factors influence stock returns? A firm and industry level analysis

The objective of this study is to examine the stock returns variation to specific economic variables by applying a multi-factor model. The firms relating to banking and textile sectors were selected for this study on the basis of data availability, profitability and performance on the Karachi Stock Exchange. The data for the selected firms and economic variables obtained for the period of 10 years. GARCH model used to analyze risk and returns relationship. The tests applied on the stock returns of each firm and on the data set of the entire industry to generalize the results. The results disclose that market return is mainly accounts variation in stock returns, however the inclusion of other macroeconomic and industry related variables has added additional explanatory power in describing the stock returns variation. It is found that economic exposure is higher at industry level than firm level stock returns. Results also indicate that stock returns of different firms behave differently in similar economic conditions that acquaint investors about the risk diversification opportunity in the stock market. Key words: Stock returns, multifactor model, macroeconomic variables.
Exploring the Effect of Ligand Structural Isomerism in Langmuir-Blodgett Films of Chiral Luminescent Eu(III) Self-Assemblies.

Here we have investigated the influence of the antenna group position on both the formation of chiral amphiphilic Eu(III) -based self-assemblies in CH3 CN solution and, on the ability to form monolayers on the surface of quartz substrates using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, by changing from the 1-naphthyl (2(R), 2(S)) to the 2-naphthyl (1(R), 1(S)) position. The evaluation of binding constants of the self- assemblies in CH3 CN solution was achieved using conventional techniques such as UV/Visible and luminescence spectroscopies along with more specific circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The binding constants obtained for EuL, EuL2 and EuL3 species in the case of 2-naphthyl derivatives were comparable to those obtained for 1-naphthyl derivatives. The analysis of the changes in the CD spectra of 1(R) and 1(S) upon addition of Eu(III) not only allowed us to evaluate the values of the binding constants but the resulting recalculated spectra may also be used as fingerprints for assignment of the chiral self-assembly species formed in solution. The obtained monolayers were predominantly formed from EuL3 (≈85 %) with the minor species present in ≈15 % EuL2 .
Expanding the Scope of Fluorine Tags for PET Imaging

A fast fluorination method can allow a wider range of drug molecules to be imaged in the body with positron emission tomography (PET). Millions of patients undergo PET (positron emission tomography) imaging every year, but there is a critical unmet need for new PET imaging probes capable of diagnosing and monitoring a multitude of diseases. One of the most versatile radionuclides for PET imaging is 18F, but rapid chemical synthesis of any probe based on 18F is essential because its physical half-life is only 110 min. Huiban et al. (1) recently reported an improved method for labeling trifluoromethylarenes (Ar-CF3) with 18F that could greatly facilitate the development and adoption of new PET probes and allow the site of action of existing drugs to be identified.
The RepA and RepB autorepressors and TraR play opposing roles in the regulation of a Ti plasmid repABC operon

The replicator regions of the Ti plasmids of Agrobacterium tumefaciens belong to the repABC family of replication and partitioning systems, members of which are widely distributed among alpha proteobacteria. In the region upstream of the octopine‐type Ti plasmid repABC operon, three promoters were recently shown to be activated by the LuxR‐type regulator TraR. Activation of these promoters by TraR led to enhanced rep gene expression and increased Ti plasmid copy number. Here we describe a fourth promoter, designated P4. This promoter lies directly upstream of repA and is not regulated by TraR. The promoter was localized by subcloning and demonstrated to be strongly autorepressed. RepA is the major cis‐acting autorepressor of this promoter, though RepB enhanced repression and was essential for RepA‐mediated repression in trans. Purified RepA bound to an approximately 70‐nucleotide operator site overlapping the P4 promoter and extending well downstream. Binding affinity was increased by adenosine di‐ and tri‐phosphates and also by purified RepB. Activation of P1, P2, and P3 enhanced the activity of P4, suggesting that P4 somehow communicates with the upstream promoters. These findings demonstrate that both autoinduction and autorepression play critical and opposing roles in regulating repABC expression and hence in the replication, stability and copy number of the Ti plasmid.
The Impact of Family Ownership, Management and Governance on Innovation

Previous research suggests that the distinctive nature of family firms, including both specific advantages and disadvantages related to their particular agency situation, influences innovation activities. Most studies, however, view family firms as homogeneous entities and thus neglect the heterogeneity of family firms when comparing them with nonfamily firms. One important factor of this firm heterogeneity is family influence in terms of ownership, management, and governance. A data set of large German publicly traded firms between 2000 and 2009 is used to test how these three dimensions of family influence predict innovation input and output. The results show that family participation in management and governance has a negative impact on innovation input and a positive influence on innovation output. This suggests that family members are risk averse and reluctant to invest in innovation, but at the same time do so more effectively.
Staphylococcus saprophyticus beta-lactamase production and disk diffusion susceptibility testing for three beta-lactam antimicrobial agents

beta-Lactamase production and MIC determinations for penicillin, methicillin, and cephalothin were assessed for 67 strains of Staphylococcus saprophyticus and correlated with results of disk diffusion susceptibility testing. Fifty-five (82%) of the 67 strains produced beta-lactamase, and 40 (77%) of these beta-lactamase-producing strains were susceptible (zone size, greater than 29 mm) by disk diffusion techniques. Although the range of zone sizes for beta-lactamase producers was broad (26 to 36 mm), all 38 strains with a zone size of less than 31 mm by disk diffusion testing were beta-lactamase producers compared with 17 (59%) of 29 with larger zone sizes (P = 0.0000008). The median penicillin MIC for 12 S. saprophyticus strains was 0.25 micrograms/ml and was not related to beta-lactamase production. Although the methicillin MICs for 15 strains were in the susceptible range (4.0 micrograms/ml), interpretation of disk diffusion testing for oxacillin varied greatly among laboratories using identically prepared media and standardized techniques. Criteria presently used to define susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus to penicillin and oxacillin by disk diffusion are inappropriate for S. saprophyticus. The clinical significance of the beta-lactamase produced by these strains needs further evaluation.
Views on the combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches

This article addresses the possibility of combining quantitative and qualitative researchapproaches. The paradigms underlying quantitative and qualitative research (for example,positivism and postmodernism) are identified. The limitations and strengths of bothapproaches are highlighted, and the conclusion is reached that a combination of the twomethods builds on the strengths of both. This is followed by a discussion of three combinedmodels: (1) the two-phase model; (2) the dominant less-dominant model and (3) the mixedmethodology model. Two research types that combine quantitative and qualitativemethodologies and are especially useful to educators are explained. These are actionresearch and programme evaluation.
Prospective, randomized comparison of ProSeal and Classic laryngeal mask airways in anaesthetized neonates and infants.

BACKGROUND When compared with the Classic laryngeal mask airway (cLMA), the recently introduced ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) has modified features to produce higher airway seal pressures and enable ventilation in circumstances where the cLMA might fail. The first neonatal size 1 PLMA recently became available. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of the size 1 cLMA and PLMA during positive pressure ventilation in anesthetized neonates and infants. METHODS Forty-six consecutive patients undergoing elective cardiac surgical procedures were randomized for initial airway management with the cLMA or PLMA. Insertion time (IT), number of placement attempts, ease of placement, quality of the initial airway, maximum tidal volume (TVmax), and airway pressure at which an audible leak in the mouth (P(leak)) occurred were collected. All data were recorded before performing tracheal intubations. RESULTS IT and success rate were similar for both LMAs. The initial quality of the airway was significantly better for the PLMA (P<0.05). TVmax and P(leak) were significantly higher for PLMA (77 vs 58 ml, P<0.02 and 29.8 vs 24.4 cm H2O, P<0.02). No adverse events were recorded during the study. CONCLUSIONS The size 1 PLMA forms a more effective seal than size 1 cLMA in neonates. This might allow the PLMA to be used in those newborn infants requiring high airway pressures for ventilation.
Transcriptional Regulation of Murine Slc 22 a 11 ( Oct 1 ) by Peroxisome-proliferator agonist receptor ( PPAR )-alpha and-gamma

The transport and metabolism of organic cationic endobiotics, nutrients and drugs are essential hepatic functions. Slc22A11 is the basolateral liver transporter mediating the uptake of organic cations, however, little is known about the regulation of this transport protein. PPAR-α and PPAR-γ agonists are commonly used agents that regulate many hepatocellular transport functions. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of PPAR agonists on the hepatic regulation and function of Slc22a11. Mice and H35 cells were administered PPAR-α and PPAR-γ agonists and the effect on Slc22a11 gene expression was measured. We subsequently cloned the Slc22a11 promoter and employed chimeric constructs to assay Slc22a11 gene transcription. The effects of PPAR agonist treatment on organic cation uptake was also assayed. Slc22a11 expression was increased by PPAR-α and PPAR-γ agonist treatment in both murine livers and H35 cells. Gene expression in H35 cells was further increased following transfection with expression vectors of PPAR transcription factors and PPAR agonist treatment. We cloned the promoter region of Slc22a11, identified a PPAR response element (PRE), and transfections with chimeric Slc22a11 promoter-reporter gene constructs demonstrate that the increased gene expression was transcriptionally regulated. Functional assays confirmed that cells treated with PPAR agonists displayed significant increases in organic cation uptake. PPAR-α and PPAR-γ agonists transcriptionally increase Slc22a11 gene expression, and the increased Slc22a11 expression results in enhanced cellular organic cation uptake. These studies may have implication for the uptake of organic cationic drugs and for lipid metabolism.
TMPRSS12 Is an Activating Protease for Subtype B Avian Metapneumovirus

ABSTRACT The entry of avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) into host cells initially requires the fusion of viral and cell membranes, which is exclusively mediated by fusion (F) protein. Proteolysis of aMPV F protein by endogenous proteases of host cells allows F protein to induce membrane fusion; however, these proteases have not been identified. Here, we provide the first evidence that the transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS12 facilitates the cleavage of subtype B aMPV (aMPV/B) F protein. We found that overexpression of TMPRSS12 enhanced aMPV/B F protein cleavage, F protein fusogenicity, and viral replication. Subsequently, knockdown of TMPRSS12 with specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) reduced aMPV/B F protein cleavage, F protein fusogenicity, and viral replication. We also found a cleavage motif in the aMPV/B F protein (amino acids 100 and 101) that was recognized by TMPRSS12. The histidine, aspartic acid, and serine residue (HDS) triad of TMPRSS12 was shown to be essential for the proteolysis of aMPV/B F protein via mutation analysis. Notably, we observed TMPRSS12 mRNA expression in target organs of aMPV/B in chickens. Overall, our results indicate that TMPRSS12 is crucial for aMPV/B F protein proteolysis and aMPV/B infectivity and that TMPRSS12 may serve as a target for novel therapeutics and prophylactics for aMPV. IMPORTANCE Proteolysis of the aMPV F protein is a prerequisite for F protein-mediated membrane fusion of virus and cell and for aMPV infection; however, the proteases used in vitro and vivo are not clear. A combination of analyses, including overexpression, knockdown, and mutation methods, demonstrated that the transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS12 facilitated cleavage of subtype B aMPV (aMPV/B) F protein. Importantly, we located the motif in the aMPV/B F protein recognized by TMPRSS12 and the catalytic triad in TMPRSS12 that facilitated proteolysis of the aMPV/B F protein. This is the first report on TMPRSS12 as a protease for proteolysis of viral envelope glycoproteins. Our study will shed light on the mechanism of proteolysis of aMPV F protein and pathogenesis of aMPV.
Adoption of improved dairy cattle management practices under Vidarbha Development Programme Package.

Maharashtra Government launched Vidarbha Development Programme Package (VDPP) in year 2004 to increase milk production in Vidarbha region. The study was conducted in Nagpur district, where 101 cross bred dairy cows were distributed among 86 farmers, scattered in 39 villages of 12 Tahsils. The study highlighted the correlation of profile and adoption of improved dairy cattle management practices by beneficiaries under VDPP. The attributes namely education and socioeconomic status were found highly significant. Whereas land size, total annual income, dairy herd size, daily milk production, daily milk sale, milk production from purchased dairy cattle social participation, utilization of communication sources, knowledge level, attitude towards dairy farming, economic motivation and training on dairy farming were significantly correlated with adoption of improved dairy cattle management practices. Independent variables like age, family size, family member participation in dairy farming, number of purchased dairy cattle and experience in dairy farming were non-significantly related with adoption level of improved dairy cattle management practices.
Behavior-Based and Outcome-Based Salesforce Control Systems

The authors develop a conceptual model depicting relationships between salesforce control systems, characteristics, performance, and sales organization effectiveness as a framework for testing the propositions formulated by Anderson and Oliver (1987). The results from a study of 144 diverse sales organizations provide support for the relationship between behavior-based salesforce control systems and specific salesforce characteristics, different salesforce performance dimensions, and sales organization effectiveness. The results imply a limited role for incentive compensation in salesforce control systems. They also suggest the need for a proper blend between field sales management and compensation control and identify important avenues for future research.
Three Essays on Bank Profitability, Fragility, and Lending

We present three chapters on theoretical issues of banking. These deal with bank runs, risk sharing, lending and profitability. In the first chapter, we examine the agency problem in the bank-depositor relationship. Depositors are the principals and banks are the agents. Banks choose investment portfolios and are subject to moral hazard in that they have incentive to take on more risk than desirable to depositors because they are residual claimants. We study an incentive-compatible mechanism that prompts banks to follow a safe investment policy. This mechanism leaves the bank a profit margin in a similar manner to a CEO being paid a bonus by a company. In the second chapter, we extend Allen and Gale (1998) by adding a long-term riskless investment opportunity to the original portfolio of a short-term liquid asset and a long-term risky illiquid asset. Through portfolio diversification, we identify the risk-sharing deposit contract in a three-period model that maximizes the ex-ante expected utility of depositors. Unlike Allen and Gale, there are no information-based bank runs in equilibrium. In addition, our model can improve consumers’ welfare over the Allen and Gale model. I also show that the bank will choose to liquidate the cheaper investments, in terms of the gain-loss ratios for the two types of existing long-term assets, when there is liquidity shortage in some cases. Such a policy reduces the liquidation cost and enables the bank to meet the outstanding liability to depositors without large liquidation losses. In the third chapter, we study the role of banks in providing loans to borrower firms. This paper extends the theory of designing optimal loan contracts (for profits) in the Bolton and Scharfstein (1996) model to a setting where asymmetry of information exists. Based on the verifiability of information structure, we analyze complete and incomplete contracts. Through this analysis,
SBU Strategies, Corporate-SBU Relations, and SBU Effectiveness in Strategy Implementation

In a departure from earlier studies focusing only on the effects of corporate strategies, this study examined the effects of strategic business units' (SBUs') strategies on the utility of various states of corporate-SBU relations. For SBUs trying to build market share or to pursue differentiation as a competitive strategy, openness in corporate-SBU relations and subjectivity in performance assessment were found to be positively associated with effectiveness; for SBUs trying lo maximize short-term earnings or to pursue low cost as a competitive strategy, the corresponding associations were found to be negative. In contrast, corporate-SBU decentralization emerged as positively associated with SBUs' effectiveness irrespective of their strategic contexts; although SBUs' competitive strategies moderated the magnitude of that association, their strategic missions did not.
Voluntary and timely disclosure and the cost of debt: South African evidence

Purpose - – The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of voluntary and timely disclosure on the cost of debt for the South African setting. Design/methodology/approach - – The sample of this paper consists of 20 South African listed non-financial companies for the period 2008-2011. A content analysis is used to measure the extent of voluntary disclosure. Timely disclosure is proxied by earnings reporting lag. Findings - – Results show that the extent of voluntary disclosure is negatively and significantly associated with the cost of debt. In contrast, timely disclosure exerts a trivial effect on the cost of debt. When testing for the moderating effect of timely disclosure on the association between the extent of voluntary disclosure and the cost of debt, this paper documents that this association is only negative and significant for the shorter earnings announcement lag group. Originality/value - – The findings of this paper have policy implications for managers in the South African setting and other developing economies similar to South Africa, given the crucial role played by debt as an important source of external financing for publicly traded companies.