Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization Tax Incidence When Quality Matters : Evidence from the Beer Market

What are the effects of a per-unit tax on the sales of a good? The answer in standard economics textbooks is a reduction in quantity and an increase in price. However, the homogeneous-product assumption in such treatments is not always correct because the taxed product is frequently sold under numerous differentiated brands. In general, quantity and price adjustments to a perunit tax increase may vary differentially by brand, which implies that tax incidence requires a more thorough analysis than the standard one. In this paper, we test a popular theoretical prediction that the effects of a per-unit tax on sales may be different for low-quality brands than for high-quality brands. We exploit two exogenous variations on per-unit charges (excise taxes and shipping costs) in the beer industry to study if quality is an important determinant of equilibrium quantity, prices and advertising expenditures. We find that, when faced with higher perunit charges, the equilibrium price and quantity of a brand are usually positively associated with its quality level; similarly, higher per-unit charges appear to provide firms with an incentive to shift advertising effort towards brands of higher quality. We discuss implications for public policy and firm profitability.
Markov Switching and State-Space Approaches for Investigating the Link between Egyptian Inflation Level and Uncertainty

In this paper, we use the Markov switching model, the state-space model with Markov switching heteroskedasticity and the local level model with GARCH(1,1) disturbances to investigate the link between the level of Egyptian inflation and its uncertainty. We use different ways to measure inflation uncertainty. First, we consider it as the variance of unanticipated inflation. Second, we measure it as the unconditional variance of unanticipated changes in inflation. Finally, we measure it by the conditional variance modeled as GARCH effect. We find evidence of a positive effect of inflation level on inflation uncertainty for the three models. By making the distinction between the long run and the short run, we conclude that inflation has a significant positive effect on uncertainty in the short run but no effect in the long run. We state that the cost of inflation is mainly due to the association between higher inflation and higher shortrun uncertainty. Reversing the causality link between inflation and its uncertainty, we find that inflation uncertainty has a positive effect on inflation level in the short run but this effect dies out in the long run, which is indicative of a stabilization monetary policy in Egypt. According to the likelihood-based information criteria (Akaike and Schwarz Bayesian criteria), the state-space model with Markov switching heteroskedasticity and the two-state Markov switching model outperform all others.
Nonexistence Results of Sign-changing solutions for a Supercritical Problem of the Scalar Curvature Type

Abstract This paper is devoted to the study of the nonlinear elliptic problem with supercritical critical exponent (Pε) : −Δu = K|u|4/(n−2)+εu in Ω, u = 0 on ∂Ω, where Ω is a smooth bounded domain in ℝn, n ≥ 3, K is a C3 positive function and ε is a positive real parameter. We show first that in dimension 3, for ε small, (Pε) has no sign-changing solutions with low energy which blow up at two points. For n ≥ 4, we prove that there are no sign-changing solutions which blow up at two nearby points. We also show that (Pε) has no bubble-tower sign-changing solutions.
An Overview of the Current State of Pediatric Scoliosis Management

Abstract Historically pediatric scoliosis represents a condition deeply rooted within the origins of orthopedic surgery. Today only a few subspecialized surgeons treat pediatric scoliosis patients. In severe cases surgery can hold progression of and correct pathologic spinal curvature. The goal of this article is to provide an overview of the current state of pediatric scoliosis management. It aims to increase the attention of general physicians and orthopedic surgeons to a niched but rather frequently encountered pediatric pathology to facilitate early recognition and diagnosis. A thorough research of literature was conducted to summarize the different scoliosis types, their etiology and presentation. Classification, normal human growth phases and curve progression risk have been further elaborated. Finally, current treatment options with their benefits, shortcomings and complications were laid out and discussed. Among the etiological groups a focus was put on idiopathic scoliosis, in particular adolescent idiopathic scoliosis as the most frequently encountered subtype.
The Association Between SYNTAX Score II and Carotid Artery Disease Severity in Patients Who Underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

The SYNTAX score (SS) and SS II, which include additional clinical parameters, are widely used today for deciding revascularization following coronary angiography. We investigated the association between the presence and severity of carotid artery disease (CrAD) using the SS and SS II in 287 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. We based this investigation on the known association between coronary artery disease and CrAD. A significant association was observed between the groups with and without CrAD in terms of SS II values (28.4 ± 9.6 vs 21.4 ± 7.7, respectively; P < .001). A significant difference was also observed when stenosis was classified according to severity as <50%, 50% to 70%, and >70% (P < .001). The results indicated a positive correlation between the presence and severity of CrAD as SS II increased (r = 0.187, P = .005). According to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis, the SS II was an independent predictor of CrAD.
GRP78 regulates CD44v membrane homeostasis and cell spreading in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer

Endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein GRP78 interacts with CD44v and regulates F-actin integrity, cell adhesion, and cell spreading in breast cancer cells. Targeting cell surface GRP78 by antibodies can reduce CD44v expression. GRP78 conducts protein folding and quality control in the ER and shows elevated expression and cell surface translocation in advanced tumors. However, the underlying mechanisms enabling GRP78 to exert novel signaling functions at cell surface are just emerging. CD44 is a transmembrane protein and an important regulator of cancer metastasis, and isoform switch of CD44 through incorporating additional variable exons to the extracellular juxtamembrane region is frequently observed during cancer progression. Using super-resolution dual-color single-particle tracking, we report that GRP78 interacts with CD44v in plasma membrane nanodomains of breast cancer cells. We further show that targeting cell surface GRP78 by the antibodies can effectively reduce cell surface expression of CD44v and cell spreading of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells. Our results uncover new functions of GRP78 as an interacting partner of CD44v and as a regulator of CD44v membrane homeostasis and cell spreading. This study also provides new insights into anti-CD44 therapy in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer.
Impact of Repositioning During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement on Embolized Debris.

BACKGROUND Use of the dual-filter cerebral embolic protection (CEP) device has been linked to a lower stroke rate in patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Captured debris is found in almost every filter. The impact of repositioning on number and area of captured debris has not been studied. METHODS Consecutive patients (n = 200) undergoing transfemoral TAVR with double-filter CEP device were included. A total of 400 filters were analyzed. Histopathologic assessment and histomorphometric analyses of debris were compared for TAVR procedures with vs without repositioning. Analyses were differentiated by particle size, particle count, and total particle area. RESULTS Repositioning was used in 23/200 TAVR procedures (11.5%). Baseline data including sex, diabetes mellitus, and predilation were similar between patients with and without repositioning. Repositioning was associated with a significantly higher number of embolized debris (349 ± 326 vs 509 ± 495; P<.04) and larger debris area in both filters (15.56 ± 22.13 mm² vs 38.9 ± 25.57 mm²; P<.001) when compared with patients with no valve prosthesis repositioning. Periprocedural stroke rate was statistically not different between the two groups (0.0% vs 2.8%; P=.41), with use of CEP in all patients. Renal failure occurred significantly more often with repositioning of the TAVR prosthesis (8.7% vs 1.7% in patients without repositioning; P<.05) due to a significantly higher volume of contrast (139 ± 181 mL in patients with valve repositioning vs 85 ± 35 mL in patients without valve repositioning; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Repositioning of the valve prosthesis during TAVR is associated with a larger number and higher total area of embolized debris captured with the dual-filter CEP device.
Predictors of response to insulin therapy in youth with poorly‐controlled type 2 diabetes in the TODAY trial

To understand the factors associated with glycemic control after starting insulin in youth with type 2 diabetes following glycemic failure (persistent HbA1c ≥8%) with metformin alone, metformin + rosiglitazone or metformin + lifestyle in the TODAY study.
Associations of Hearing Sensitivity, Higher-order Auditory Processing, and Cognition over Time in Middle-aged Adults.

BACKGROUND Age-related hearing loss (impairment in hearing sensitivity and/or higher-order auditory processing) and cognitive decline are common co-occurring impairments in the elderly. Their relation in the process of aging remains insufficiently understood. We aim to assess the temporal relations of decline in hearing sensitivity, higher-order auditory processing, and cognition in middle-aged adults. METHODS This study included 1274 Beaver Dam Offspring Study participants who participated in three examinations (baseline, 5-year, and 10-year follow-up). We assessed hearing sensitivity through pure-tone audiometry (PTA, averaged thresholds of 0.5,1,2,4 kHz of the better ear), higher-order auditory processing as word recognition in competing message (WRCM) using the Northwestern University 6 word list in the better ear, and cognition through trail-making test performance (TMT). Linear mixed-effects models and linear regression models were used to determine associations over time and to what extent these measures influence each other over time. RESULTS The longitudinal decline between all functions was associated with the strongest relations between PTA and WRCM. The effect of baseline PTA on WRCM ten years later (standardized ß=-.30) was almost twice as big as the effect of baseline WRCM on PTA ten years later (standardized ß=-.18). The effect of baseline WRCM on TMT ten years later and vice versa were small (standardized ß=-.05). No directional relationship between PTA and TMT was identified (standardized ß≤.02). CONCLUSIONS While hearing sensitivity might affect higher-order auditory processing, associations between hearing and cognition appear bidirectional and weak in midlife. We need to be cautious before inferring causal effects of hearing on cognition.
Abnormalities detected at pre-purchase examination of National Hunt racehorses presented at sale.

BACKGROUND Few studies are available concerning prevalences of abnormalities in the Thoroughbred horse population. OBJECTIVES Determine the prevalence of commonly observed abnormalities in a National Hunt Thoroughbred population using results of pre-purchase examinations conducted at Thoroughbred sales venues. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS Veterinary pre-purchase examination certificates for 13,603 three- and four-year-old Thoroughbred National Hunt horses from Tattersalls Ireland, Goffs Ireland and Doncaster Bloodstock Sales Ltd. (DBS) Sales were analysed. All conditions noted by the veterinarians were recorded to determine the prevalence of abnormalities. RESULTS Abnormalities were recorded in 73.6% of horses; 12.0% had abnormalities likely to prejudice their use for racing. Metacarpal/metatarsal exostoses and tarsal-plantar desmitis affected 17.1% and 19.4% of the sample, respectively, while 9.9% were found to make abnormal respiratory noises and 5.3% had recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. Age, year of birth and sex significantly affected the prevalence of many abnormalities (P<0.001). The proportions of horses sold differed significantly between horses with and without some abnormalities, with unaffected horses significantly more likely to be sold (e.g. prejudicial findings present vs non-prejudicial/none, 38.1% vs 77.6%, respectively, P<0.001). A range of abnormalities significantly negatively affected the price at sale (P<0.001). Significantly higher proportions of horses in the lower price categories had multiple abnormalities (P<0.001). MAIN LIMITATIONS The study consisted only of horses entered into store horse sales and presented for sale. Horses kept for racing or breeding purposes or horses withdrawn prior to the panel veterinary pre-purchase examination were not included. The upper respiratory tract was only examined endoscopically in horses found to have an abnormal respiratory noise. CONCLUSIONS A large proportion of three- and four-year-old Thoroughbred National Hunt horses intended for sale are affected by abnormalities. The prevalence of many abnormalities increases with age and certain abnormalities are viewed negatively by purchasers, affecting sale of the horse and achieved sale price. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
LIN28‐let‐7 axis regulates genes in immortalized human trophoblast cells by targeting the ARID3B‐complex

Abnormal placental development is one of the main etiological factors for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Here, we show that LIN28A and LIN28B are significantly lower and lethal‐7 (let‐7) microRNAs (miRNAs) significantly higher in term human IUGR vs. normal placentas. We hypothesize that let‐7 miRNAs regulate genes with known importance for human placental development [high‐mobility group AT‐hook 1 (HMGA1), transcriptional regulator Myc‐like (c‐myc), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A), and Wnt family member 1 (WNT1)] by targeting the AT‐rich interacting domain (ARID)‐3B complex. ACH‐3P cells with LIN28A and LIN28B knockout (DKOs) significantly increased let‐7 miRNAs, leading to significantly decreased ARID3A, ARID3B, and lysine demethylase 4C (KDM4C). Similarly, Sw.71 cells overexpressing LIN28A and LIN28B (DKIs) significantly decreased let‐7 miRNAs, leading to significantly increased ARID3A, ARID3B, and KDM4C. In ACH‐3P cells, ARID3A, ARID3B, and KDM4C make a triprotein complex [triprotein complex comprising ARID3A, ARID3B, and KDM4C (ARID3B‐complex)] that binds the promoter regions of HMGA1, c‐MYC, VEGF‐A, and WNT1. ARID3B knockout in ACH‐3P cells disrupted the ARID3B‐complex, leading to a significant decrease in HMGA1, c‐MYC, VEGF‐A, and WNT1. DKOs had a significant reduction, whereas DKIs had a significant increase in HMGA1, c‐MYC, VEGF‐A, and WNT1, potentially due to regulation by the ARID3B‐complex. This is the first study showing regulation of let‐7 targets in immortalized human trophoblast cells by the ARID3B‐complex. —Ali, A. , Anthony, R. V. , Bouma, G. J., Winger, Q. A. LIN28‐let‐7 axis regulates genes in immortalized human trophoblast cells by targeting the ARID3B‐complex. FASEB J. 33, 12348–12363 (2019). www.fasebj. org
Bacterial infections in cirrhotic patients.

A multicenter, prospective, intercontinental study entitled “Epidemiology and Effects of Bacterial Infections in Patients With Cirrhosis Worldwide” by Piano et al assessing the prevalence and outcomes of bacterial and fungal infection in patients with cirrhosis was published in Gastroenterology in 2019. The primary end point of the study was the prevalence of MDR and extensive-drug-resistant (XDR) infections. Secondary end points were in-hospital mortality, 28-day mortality, development of acute-onchronic liver failure, septic shock, transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU), and need for organ support during hospitalization. In this study, demographic, clinical, microbiological, and treatment data of 1302 hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and bacterial or fungal infection at 46 centers (15 in Asia, 15 in Europe, 11 in South America, and 5 in North America) were collected and patients were followed until death, liver transplantation, or discharge.
Ensemble of neural networks for 3D position estimation in monolithic PET detectors

We propose an ensemble of multilayer feedforward neural networks to estimate the 3D position of photoelectric interactions in monolithic detectors. The ensemble is trained with data generated from optical Monte Carlo simulations only. The originality of our approach is to exploit simulations to obtain reference data, in combination with a variability reduction that the network ensembles offer, thus, removing the need of extensive per-detector calibration measurements. This procedure delivers an ensemble valid for any detector of the same design. We show the capability of the ensemble to solve the 3D positioning problem through testing four different detector designs with Monte Carlo data, measurements from physical detectors and reconstructed images from the MindView scanner. Network ensembles allow the detector to achieve a 2–2.4 mm FWHM, depending on its design, and the associated reconstructed images present improved SNR, CNR and SSIM when compared to those based on the MindView built-in positioning algorithm.
Photothermal CO detection in a hollow-core negative curvature fiber.

We demonstrate the first, to the best of our knowledge, photothermal carbon monoxide (CO) sensor using a hollow-core negative curvature fiber. The hollow-core fiber features a typical structure of one ring cladding containing eight nontouching capillaries to form a negative curvature core-surround. The photothermal effect in a 40-μm hollow core is induced by CO absorption at 2327 nm and detected by a Mach-Zehnder interferometer operating at 1533 nm. By using wavelength modulation spectroscopy, we achieve a normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient of 4.4×10-8 cm-1 WHz-1/2. As CO has a very slow vibrational-translational relaxation process, we enhance the photothermal signal by enhancing the relaxation with the water vapor additive.
Pregnancy outcome in foetuses with increased nuchal translucency – 10-years’ experience in a prenatal medical practice

Abstract This retrospective study describes pregnancy outcome for foetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT) in relation to the degree of increase in a local specialised medical practice. Data from 7352 first trimester pregnancies examined by a single observer between 10/07 and 07/17 were screened. Three hundred and ninety-three foetuses (5.3%) that had an increased NT ≥ 95th percentile and available pregnancy outcome were identified. For this population, the frequencies of chromosomal abnormality, foetal malformation, intrauterine death (IUD) and termination of pregnancy (TOP) were determined in relation to the degree of NT thickness. Favourable pregnancy outcome decreased from 77.8% (lowest NT group, 95th percentile–3.5 mm) to 5% (highest NT ≥ 6.5 mm), whereas chromosomal abnormalities rose from 18.1% to 70%. An abnormal karyotype occurred in 39.2% of foetuses with increased NT. In euploid foetuses, cardiac defects were the most common structural abnormalities. The data largely matches with earlier studies conducted in large hospital-based settings. However, a rather high proportion of foetuses with abnormal karyotype was observed. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Increased NT is associated with chromosomal abnormalities as well as an adverse perinatal outcome also in foetuses with a normal karyotype. The prevalence of an adverse outcome increases with NT thickness. These studies were conducted more than 10 years ago mainly in academic settings. What do the results of this study add? This study describes pregnancy outcome of a population of foetuses with increased NT that were examined in a medical practice by a single observer over a period of 10 years with state of the art ultrasound equipment. We observed a relatively large proportion of foetuses with abnormal karyotype. In euploid foetuses, increased NT was associated with a wide range of foetal malformations and genetic syndromes. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Even mildly increased NT thickness is associated with an adverse pregnancy outcome, underlining the importance of thorough ultrasound examinations. Specialised prenatal medical practices can provide state-of the art technology and provide improve parental counselling.
Coverage and Determinants of Full Immunization: Vaccination Coverage among Senegalese Children

Background and Objectives: In line with the global success of immunization, Senegal achieved impressive progress in childhood immunization program. However, immunization coverage is often below the national and international targets and even not equally distributed across the country. The objective of this study is to estimate the full immunization coverage across the geographic regions and identify the potential factors of full immunization coverage among the Senegalese children. Materials and Methods: Nationally representative dataset extracted from the latest Continuous Senegal Demographic and Health Survey 2017 was used for this analysis. Descriptive statistics such as the frequency with percentage and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed and results were presented in terms of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Overall, 70.96% of Senegalese children aged between 12 to 36 months were fully immunized and the coverage was higher in urban areas (76.51%), west ecological zone (80.0%), and among serer ethnic groups (77.24%). Full immunization coverage rate was almost the same between male and female children, and slightly higher among the children who were born at any health care facility (74.01%). Children who lived in the western zone of Senegal were 1.66 times (CI: 1.25–2.21; p = 0.001) and the children of Serer ethnic groups were 1.43 times (CI: 1.09–1.88; p = 0.011) more likely to be fully immunized than the children living in the southern zone and from the Poular ethnic group. In addition, children who were born at health facilities were more likely to be fully immunized than those who were born at home (AOR = 1.47; CI: 1.20–1.80; p < 0.001), and mothers with recommended antenatal care (ANC) (4 and more) visits during pregnancy were more likely to have their children fully immunized than those mother with no ANC visits (AOR: 2.06 CI: 1.19–3.57; p = 0.010). Conclusions: Immunization coverage was found suboptimal by type of vaccines and across ethnic groups and regions of Senegal. Immunization program should be designed targeting low performing areas and emphasize on promoting equal access to education, decision-making, encouraging institutional deliveries, and scaling up the use of antenatal and postnatal care which may significantly improve the rate full immunization coverage in Senegal.