Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Market Power and Duration of R&D Investment in a Panel of Italian Firms

Studies about innovation find evidence of a positive relationship between technological advancement and firm performance, in particular when the innovative effort is continuous. This paper aims to further the analysis on the duration of R&D investment at the firm level. The contribution of this study is threefold: first, we extend Manez et al. [2014], Triguero et al. [2014] analysis for Spain to the Italian case: we use a panel of manufacturing and service companies, thus enlarging the view of R&D duration within the European countries. Secondly, from a methodological point of view, we employ both discrete- and continuous-time duration models, in order to test the Proportional Hazards (PH) assumption, i.e. the assumption that the hazard rate is equivalent over time across groups. Last, but not least, we assess whether a firm’s likelihood of continuing investment in R&D depends on the market power of companies. We test alternative measures for market power: the classical price-cost margin and a new proxy for the firm demand elasticity, obtained from a specific survey question. Results are in line with the hypothesis that R&D presents considerable temporal spill overs and strong persistence, even once unobserved heterogeneity is controlled for. Also, we argue that the appropriate proxy for market power is the firm demand elasticity, and we find support for the Schumpeterian hypothesis.
Insertional Achilles Tendinitis and Haglund's Deformity

Background: Haglund's deformity is an enlargement of the posterosuperior prominence of the calcaneus, which is frequently associated with insertional Achilles tendinitis. To our knowledge, no study has been done successfully correlating the characteristics of a Haglund's deformity with insertional Achilles tendinitis. The purpose of our study was to analyze the characteristics of a Haglund's deformity in patients with and without insertional Achilles tendinitis to see if there was a correlation. Methods: The study was a retrospective radiographic review of a single surgeon's patients with insertional Achilles tendinitis from 2005 to 2008. Our study population consisted of 44 patients, 48 heels (22 male, 22 female) with insertional Achilles tendinitis, with a mean age of 52 (range, 23 to 79) years. Our control population consisted of 50 patients (25 males, 25 females) and 50 heels without insertional Achilles tendinitis with a mean age of 55.6 (range, 18 to 89) years. We introduced two new measurements of the Haglund's deformity in this study: the Haglund's deformity height and peak angle. A standing lateral foot or ankle radiograph was analyzed for each patient and the following measurements were made: Haglund deformity height and peak angle; Bohler's angle; Fowler-Philip angle; and parallel pitch sign. We also looked for the presence of calcification in the study group and the length and width of the calcification. Unpaired t-test was used to analyze the measurements between the groups. Ten patients’ radiographs were re-measured and correlation coefficients were obtained to assess the reliability of the measuring techniques. Results: For the insertional Achilles tendinitis group, the mean Haglund's deformity height was 9.6 (range, 5.3 to 15.3) mm and the mean Haglund's deformity peak angle was 105 (range, 87 to 123) degrees. Calcification was present in 35 of 48 or (73%) of patients with a mean length of 13.3 (range, 3.2 to 41.9) mm and mean width of 4.5 (range, 1.0 to 10.4) mm. In the control group, the mean Haglund's deformity height was 9.0 (range, 5.2 to 12.1) mm and the peak angle was 105 (range, 91 to 124) degrees. Bohler's angle and Fowler-Philip angle were also similar between the groups and the positive parallel pitch sign was actually more prevalent in the control group (60% versus 41.7%). None of the differences in measurements between the groups achieved statistical significance. Conclusion: A Haglund's deformity was not indicative of insertional Achilles tendinitis and was present in asymptomatic patients. Also, a majority of the insertional Achilles tendinitis patients had calcification at the tendon insertion. We believe it is possible removing the Haglund's deformity may not be necessary in the operative treatment of insertional Achilles tendinitis. Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective Comparative Study
Preventing Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Burgeoning obesity is increasing the prevalence of type II diabetes mellitus. As a consequence, there will be an even greater burden of cardiovascular disease, end‐stage renal disease, blindness, and lower extremity amputations. If diagnosed, impaired glucose tolerance presents an opportunity for intervention that potentially could delay or prevent the development of diabetes. Recent prospective studies document the effectiveness of exercise and weight reduction in preventing diabetes. Metformin is less effective than intense lifestyle interventions. Acarbose, losartan, orlistat, pravastatin, ramipril, and hormone replacement therapy are associated with lower rates of the development of diabetes. The Diabetes Reduction Assessment with Ramipril and Rosiglitazone Medication (DREAM) trial and the Nateglinide and Valsartan in Impaired Glucose Tolerance Outcomes Research (NAVIGATOR) trial were designed to assess not only the prevention of diabetes but also the impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Schooling Investment in Frictional Labor Markets

This paper studies how and to what extent labor market friction affects workers schooling decisions. We use a standard on the job search model with schooling decisions that highlights the roles of employment-to-employment transition rate, job finding rate and separation rate in schooling through two channels: opportunity cost of college education and employment duration. While higher opportunity costs reduce the incentives for schooling, higher employment duration can help agents enjoy higher skill prices for a longer time and lead to more investment in schooling. Consistent with the data, our model economy predicts that higher employment-to-employment transition rates decrease the share of college graduates, while higher job finding and separation rates increase it. Unlike the previous literature, we find that market equilibrium generates over-investment in schooling in the U.S., which can be resolved by enhancing the quality of higher education.
Self-reported health and driving cessation in community-dwelling older drivers.

BACKGROUND Stopping driving has significant negative consequences for older adults, but there is no simple, reliable screening tool to predict driving cessation. We sought to determine if self-rated health (SRH) was an independent predictor of driving cessation among older adults. METHODS Data on SRH (poor, fair, good, very good, or excellent), medical diagnoses, physical performance, visual acuity, driving status, and other relevant covariates were collected from 649 community-dwelling older Alabama drivers during in-home interviews. Using multivariable logistic regression analyses, we estimated the association of SRH with driving cessation 2 years later. RESULTS Participants had a mean age of 74 years; 43% were women, 41% African American, and 48% rural. Overall, 36% reported poor to fair SRH at baseline, and 11% had stopped driving after 2 years. Compared to 8% of drivers with good to excellent SRH, 17% with poor to fair health stopped driving (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-3.41; p=.025). Lower Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores (adjusted OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.78-0.95; p=.001) and older age (adjusted OR, 1.06 per year; 95% CI, 1.01-1.11; p=.010) were also associated with driving cessation. Receiver operating characteristics curves documented similar predictive discrimination (c statistics) for SRH (0.72), the SPPB (0.70), and a count of comorbidities based on the Charlson Comorbidity Index (0.73). CONCLUSIONS Poor to fair SRH predicted incident driving cessation after 2 years in a cohort of older adults. SRH can be easily obtained during clinic visits to identify at-risk drivers.
An Algorithm to Predict the Biomechanical Stiffening Effect in Corneal Cross-linking.

PURPOSE To develop an algorithm to predict the stiffening effect of CXL and to verify the accuracy with results obtained from experimental measurements. METHODS The algorithm considers different variables: the reaction kinetics of riboflavin diffusion and riboflavin photodegradation to determine the effective riboflavin concentration in different stromal layers; the oxygen diffusion and ultraviolet (UV) absorption to determine the amount of reactive oxygen species as a function of time and stromal depth. For the experimental comparison, corneas were deepithelialized, followed by riboflavin instillation for 30 minutes and UV irradiation. Different pulsed and continuous-light conditions were analyzed with irradiances ranging from 3 to 100 mW/cm2 and irradiation times from 8 to 30 minutes. Stress-relaxation measurements were performed in fresh-enucleated porcine (n = 66) and rabbit (n = 2) eyes directly after treatment, using a load of 0.6 MPa. RESULTS A clear linear relationship was observed between the concentration of newly induced cross-links and the experimentally observed stiffening factor (R2 = 0.9432). An additional 1 mol/m3 of cross-links increased the mechanical stress resistance of the cornea by 50.4%. The efficacy of standard CXL in murine, lapine, and porcine corneas was inversely related to corneal thickness. The stiffening effect after CXL decreased by 4.1% per 100 µm (R2 = 0.9961). CONCLUSIONS The proposed model, supported by data in porcine, murine, and lapine corneas, suggests a possibility of also predicting the biomechanical CXL efficacy in human corneas. The biomechanical efficacy of CXL may be increased by prolonged UV irradiation at reduced irradiances or by a higher oxygen pressure in the environment. Pulsed CXL does not accelerate CXL or increase its efficacy when compared to standard CXL of the same irradiation duration. This model might be used to calculate customized irradiation settings for high-risk cases, but also topography-guided CXL treatments. [J Refract Surg. 2017;33(2):128-136. ].
Morphology, development and heterochrony of the carapace of Giant Amazon River Turtle Podocnemis expansa (Testudines, Podocnemidae)1

Vieira L.G. , Santos A.L. Q. , Moura L.R. , Orpinelli S.R. T. , Pereira K.F. & Lima F.C. 2016. Morphology, development and heterochrony of the carapace of Giant Amazon River Turtle, Podocnemis expansa (Testudines, Podocnemidae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 36(5):436-446. Laboratório de Ensino e Pesquisa em Animais Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas 2245, Jardim Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG 38405-302, Brazil. E-mail: luceliabio@yahoo.com. br With aim to report the ontogeny of the osseous elements of the carapace in Peurodiras, 62 embryos and 43 nestlings of Podocnemis expansa were collected and submitted to the clearing and staining technique of bones and cartilages and study of serial histological slices. The carapace has mixed osseous structure of endo and exoskeleton, formed by 8 pairs of costal bones associated with ribs, 7 neural bones associated with neural arches, 11 pairs of peripheral bones, 1 nuchal, 1 pygal and 1 suprapygal. This structure begins its formation in the beginning of stage 16 with the ossification of the periosteal collar of the ribs. With exception of the peripheral bones, the other ones begin their ossification during the embrionary period. In histologic investigation it was found that the costal bones and neural bones have a close relation to the endoskeleton components, originating themselves as intramembranous expansions of the periosteal collar of the ribs and neural arches, respectively. The condensation of the mesenchyme adjacent to the periosteal collar induces the formation of spikes that grow in trabeculae permeated by fibroblasts below the dermis. The nuchal bone also ossifies in an intramembranous way, but does not show direct relation to the endoskeleton. Such information confirms those related to the other Pleurodira, mainly with Podocnemis unifilis, sometimes with conspicuous variations in the chronology of the ossification events. The formation of dermal plates in the carapace of Pleurodira and Criptodira follow the same pattern.
Inter-relation of apoptosis and DNA double-strand breaks in patients with multiple primary cancers

Since the development of multiple primary cancers in an individual is considered an unlikely event, it is suspected that a defect in DNA repair or apoptosis is the underlying cause for some of these patients. Therefore, this study was based on the hypothesis that such patients have increased remaining DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and reduced levels of apoptosis after in vitro irradiation. To investigate these mechanisms in cancer patients, 19 with multiple primary cancers were selected out of 25 121 cancer patients. For inclusion in this study, patients had to present with first malignancy at an early age, have a positive family history of cancer and no risk factors. The exclusion criteria were recurrence of cancer or metastasis, haematological tumours and tumours possibly connected to a patient risk factor such as smoking or drinking. Their peripheral blood lymphocytes were tested for proper repair of DNA DSBs and apoptosis after in vitro irradiation. DSBs were measured using constant field gel electrophoresis at 0, 8 and 24 h after irradiation. Apoptotic rates were determined at 24, 48 and 72 h after irradiation using the TUNEL assay. We found that patients' lymphocytes had significantly more initial DNA DSBs compared with controls, but there was no difference in the number of remaining DNA DSBs. Apoptotic rates of lymphocytes were only slightly lower in patients than in controls. These findings show that there are limited differences between patients with multiple cancers and healthy individuals. However, we found a trend towards an inverse correlation between remaining DNA DSBs and apoptotic rates in patients' lymphocytes. This is indicative of DNA DSBs persisting in patients' cells, presumably leading to a higher level of stable chromosomal aberrations that may contribute to tumour formation.
Sfrp1, Sfrp2, and Sfrp5 regulate the Wnt/β‐catenin and the planar cell polarity pathways during early trunk formation in mouse

Sfrp is a secreted Wnt antagonist that directly interacts with Wnt ligand. We show here that inactivation of Sfrp1, Sfrp2, and Sfrp5 leads to fused somites formation in early‐somite mouse embryos, simultaneously resulting in defective convergent extension (CE), which causes severe shortening of the anteroposterior axis. These observations indicate the redundant roles of Sfrp1, Sfrp2, and Sfrp5 in early trunk formation. The roles of the Sfrps were genetically distinguished in terms of the regulation of Wnt pathways. Genetic analysis combining Sfrps mutants and Loop‐tail mice revealed the involvement of Sfrps in CE through the regulation of the planar cell polarity pathway. Furthermore, Dkk1‐deficient embryos carrying Sfrp1 homozygous and Sfrp2 heterozygous mutations display irregular somites and indistinct intersomitic boundaries, which indicates that Sfrps‐mediated inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway is necessary for somitogenesis. Our results suggest that Sfrps regulation of the canonical and noncanonical pathways is essential for proper trunk formation. genesis 46:92–103, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adding collective actors to collective outcomes: Labor and recent democratization in South America and southern Europe

The study of late twentieth century democratic transitions has become a major topic in comparative politics, and one particular analytic framework, which gives primacy to elite strategic choice, has become virtually hegemonic. ' Despite a number of critiques, this approach continues to shape scholarly understandings of the recent process of democratization. Yet a single framework can not possibly embrace the whole panoply of issues raised by these transitions. An alternative line of analysis not easily accommodated within the dominant account is the role of collective actors. Contra the dominant paradigm, the present study explores the role of one particular collective actor, the organized labor movement, in recent democratic transitions in South America and southern Europe. Focusing on collective action undertaken by unions and labor-affiliated parties, we argue that the labor movement often played an important role in recent transitions. Labor was not limited to an "indirect" role, in which protest around workplace demands was answered through cooptive inclusion in the electoral arena. Rather, the labor movement was one of the major actors in the political opposition, explicitly demanding a democratic regime. In some cases union-led protest for democracy contributed to a climate of ungovernability and delegitimation that led directly to a general destabilization of authoritarian regimes. Moreover, continual protest, rather than creating an authoritarian backlash, kept the transition moving forward. Finally, while the protest of other groups also put the regime on the defensive, labor-based organizations went further in two ways: they often won a place in the negotiations, and they expanded the scope of contestation in the successor regime. The dominant paradigm has built upon the founding essay by O'Donnell and Schmitter, which emphasizes the role of leadership and elite interaction. While that essay suggests that "the greatest challenge to the transitional regime is likely to come from . the collective action of the working class," it also emphasizes the ephemeral nature of the "popular upsurge" and the subsequent "decline of the people. "2 Other comparative analyses and theoretical accounts, focusing more exclusively on elite interaction, have not picked up on this theme. This article argues that union-led protest was much more central to the democratization process
Chronic cocaine administration and withdrawal of cocaine modify neurotensin binding in rat brain

Neurotensin (NT) is a peptide colocalized with dopamine (DA) within some mesocorticolimbic DA neurons that are affected by cocaine. We assessed whether chronic treatment with cocaine and withdrawal from cocaine would alter NT binding within these and other areas in the brain. Rats were given infusions repeatedly of isotonic saline or cocaine (1 mg/kg i.v. every 12 min for 2 hr over 10 days) and then were killed within 15 min of the last treatment session (“cocaine” or “saline”) or 10 days later (“withdrawal”). Brains were processed for NT receptor autoradiography. Cocaine affected NT binding in the mesocortical regions differently from other areas. Within the mesocorticolimbic system, NT binding in the parabrachial pigmented nucleus of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) was 67% lower in cocaine‐treated rats killed immediately after or 10 days after their final infusion than in rats given saline. In contrast to the perikaryal region, significantly more NT binding occurred postsynaptically in the terminal areas of the VTA (prefrontal cortex [PFC] and substantia nigra, pars compacta) 10 days after withdrawal of cocaine than in the saline controls. NT binding in the nucleus accumbens was unaffected by cocaine or its withdrawal. Cocaine also decreased NT binding in non‐mesocorticolimbic areas, including the dorsal hypothalamic area and the zona incerta, but binding returned toward control levels 10 days after withdrawal from cocaine. These data suggest that in central areas poor in DA uptake sites such as the PFC, NT may be a critical element in the inactivation of DA. Chronic cocaine treatment and its withdrawal appear to uncouple the normal NT‐DA interaction at both the cell bodies and terminals. This may increase dopaminergic neurotransmission, a process that may be important to the development of behavioral sensitization.
The Biology of Psychosis in Older People

The nosology, classification, and biological basis of psychosis in the elderly have been much debated. Psychotic features are seen in schizophrenia, affective illness, and dementia in the elderly. This article reviews evidence for the biological basis of psychosis in older people. In schizophrenia, there is evidence of gender differences in brain volume loss and dopamine receptor numbers, possibly linked to estrogen loss in women. Neuroimaging evidence of ventricular brain changes and more dopamine receptors have also been documented. In Alzheimer’s disease, genetic factors such as PS1 and ApoE4 have been associated with psychotic symptoms, and histopathological studies have revealed differences in neuronal pathology. Radiological studies have shown right and left hemisphere differences in size, blood flow, and glucose metabolism between psychotic and nonpsychotic patients. In affective illnesses, there is evidence of structural brain changes in psychotic depression. Ample evidence suggests that biological substrates underlie many psychotic symptoms. More research will identify causal links between brain changes, symptom appearance, and the effects of psychosocial factors in their genesis.
Acute Bilateral Basal Ganglia Lesions in Patients With Diabetic Uremia: An FDG-PET Study

Purpose: Head CT and MRI show characteristic changes in the syndrome of acute bilateral basal ganglia lesions in patients with diabetic uremia. However, they do not provide further insight into the underlying pathophysiology. To further clarify the biologic mechanism of the syndrome, F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) was used in 2 patients. Methods: PET studies were performed in 2 diabetic uremic patients with acute movement disorders. The cerebral glucose metabolic rates in these 2 patients were compared with 11 normal age-matched controls. The images were further analyzed with statistical parametric mapping to identify regions of significant metabolic abnormality. Results: The cases showed markedly reduced glucose metabolism in the bilateral basal ganglia, especially in the bilateral putamens, where the glucose uptake was nearly absent. Conclusions: FDG-PET correlates better with the clinical conditions and provides more pathophysiological information than head CT or MRI scans in bilateral basal ganglia lesions in patients with diabetic uremia. We propose that acute exacerbation of a long-term glucose utilization failure in the basal ganglia cells produced these lesions.
Invasive Solidago canadensis L. as a resource of valuable biological compounds

The phytochemical characteristics of alien species have not yet been fully studied. Meanwhile, the reserves of their raw materials in the secondary distribution range are very large and can be used as new sources of functional ingredients for food, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and medicines. Particular attention is attracted by species which have closely related native plants that are included in the official pharmacopeia. Solidago canadensis L. in Slovakia has already formed powerful thickets, and a similar species Solidago virgaurea L. is used as a medicinal plant. The goal of our study is to examine biologically active compounds from leaves and inflorescences of Solidago canadensis collected in some invasive populations along the Nitra river and Gron river. Leaves and inflorescences of 3 populations have been taken for analysis. In addition, we tested herbal tea was made by a traditional procedure using 2 types of fermentation. The following parameters have been understudying: total dry matter, ash and protein content, total lipid, saccharides, vitamin C content, total carotenoid content, amino acids content, elemental analysis, and antioxidant activity. Mean values and variations of these parameters are given in the article. The results demonstrated that S. canadensis can be a valuable raw material resource for many sectors of the economy with the possibility of its wider application in the future.