Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The importance of the distribution sector for exchange rate pass-through in a small open economy. A large scale macroeconometric modelling approach

The degree of exchange rate pass-through to domestic goods prices has important implications for monetary policy in small open economies with floating exchange rates. Evidence indicates that pass-through is faster to import prices than to consumer prices. Price setting behaviour in the distribution sector is suggested as one important explanation. If distribution costs and trade margins are important price components of imported consumer goods, adjustment of import prices and consumer prices to exchange rate movements may differ. We present evidence on these issues for Norway by estimating a cointegrated VAR model for the pricing behaviour in the distribution sector, paying particular attention to exchange rate channels likely to operate through trade margins. Embedding this model into a large scale macroeconometric model of the Norwegian economy, which inter alia includes the pricing-to-market hypothesis and price-wage and wage-wage spirals between industries, we find exchange rate pass-through to be quite rapid to import prices and fairly slow to consumer prices. We show the importance of the pricing behaviour in the distribution sector in that trade margins act as cushions to exchange rate fluctuations, thereby delaying pass-through significantly to consumer prices. A forecasting exercise demonstrates that exchange rate pass-through to trade margins has not changed in the wake of the financial crises and the switch to inflation targeting. We also find significant inflationary effects of exchange rate changes even in the short run, an insight important for inflation targeting central banks.
Strategy Review for Central and Eastern Europe: Strategic Responses of Foreign Multinational Corporations to the Recent Economic and Financial Crisis

The economies of Central and Eastern Europe were hit particularly badly by the global financial and economic crisis of 2008–2009. This raises the question of whether the severe economic downturn had any effect on the strategic orientation of foreign multinational corporations operating in Central and Eastern Europe. The purpose of the study is to contribute to the discussion of the effects of the recent crisis on strategies of multinational corporations. The crisis brought the successful economic catching-up process of the reforming countries over the previous decade to an abrupt halt, shattering the image of Central and Eastern Europe as a growth region. Multinational firms are now in the process of reviewing their original internationalization strategies for the region. The author argues that the business model that guided the expansion into Central and Eastern Europe still remains valid.
Fluorescence Mapping of the Open Complex of Yeast Mitochondrial RNA Polymerase*

The mitochondrial RNA polymerase (mtRNAP) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, consisting of a complex of Rpo41 and Mtf1, is homologous to the phage single polypeptide T7/T3 RNA polymerases. The yeast mtRNAP recognizes a conserved nonanucleotide sequence to initiate specific transcription. In this work, we have defined the region of the nonanucleotide that is melted by the mtRNAP using 2-aminopurine (2AP) fluorescence that is sensitive to changes in base stacking interactions. We show that mtRNAP spontaneously melts the promoter from –4 to +2 forming a bubble around the transcription start site at +1. The location and size of the DNA bubble in this open complex of the mtRNAP closely resembles that of the T7 RNA polymerase. We show that DNA melting requires the simultaneous presence of Rpo41 and Mtf1. Adding the initiating nucleotide ATP does not expand the size of the initially melted DNA, but the initiating nucleotide differentially affects base stacking interactions at –1 and –2. Thus, the promoter structure upstream of the transcription start site is slightly rearranged during early initiation from its structure in the pre-initiation stage. Unlike on the duplex promoter, Rpo41 alone was able to form a competent open complex on a pre-melted promoter. The results indicate that Rpo41 contains the elements for recognizing the melted promoter through interactions with the template strand. We propose that Mtf1 plays a role in base pair disruption during the early stages of open complex formation.
Why Has World Trade Grown Faster than World Output?

Between 1980 and 2002, world trade has more than tripled while world output has "only" doubled. The rise in trade relative to output is common across countries and regions, although the relative growth in trade and output varies greatly. This article attempts to explain why the ratio of world trade to output has increased over recent decades. It provides a brief review of the key determinants of trade growth and identifies proxies that will enable us to quantify the relative importance of the different channels. We estimate this across a panel of ten developed countries. This will allow us to understand better the path of world trade and thus the demand for UK exports. Furthermore this approach will help us to distinguish between long-run trends in trade growth and cyclical movements around it.
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE HUMAN VARIANTS OF BREAST CANCER RESISTANCE

Previous studies have shown that the V12M and Q141K variants of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) can affect expression and function of the transporter. In this study, the effects of the I206L, N590Y, and D620N variants on protein expression, plasma membrane localization, and transport activity of BCRP were investigated. Wild-type BCRP and the three variants were stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Confocal microscopy analysis showed that the three variants were predominantly routed to the plasma membrane of HEK cells. The expression level of I206L in the plasma membrane was approximately 45% of that of wild-type protein, whereas the N590Y and D620N levels were increased approximately 3.6-fold and 2.4-fold, respectively, as determined by immunoblotting. All three variants transported mitoxantrone, pheophorbide a, and BODIPY FL-prazosin. After normalization for differences in BCRP expression, I206L, N590Y, and D620N exhibited approximately 2-fold, 0.3-fold, and 0.5-fold wild-type efflux activities, respectively. The variants also conferred resistance to mitoxantrone and topotecan. Mitoxantrone and topotecan resistance by I206L and N590Y was approximately 2-fold and 0.3-fold of the wild-type BCRP resistance levels, respectively. Although D620N conferred a topotecan resistance similar to that of the wild-type protein, its level of mitoxantrone resistance was decreased by 50%. After normalization to BCRP expression levels, ATPase activities of I206L were not significantly different from those of wild-type protein, whereas N590Y and D620N exhibited approximately 30% and 50% of wild-type ATPase activities, respectively. These results suggest that I206L has the lowest protein expression and the highest activity, whereas N590Y and D620N display higher expression and lower activity, relative to
An Ustilago maydis Septin Is Required for Filamentous Growth in Culture and for Full Symptom Development on Maize

ABSTRACT During maize infection, the fungal pathogen Ustilago maydis undergoes a dimorphic transition from budding, yeast-like cells to a filamentous dikaryon that proliferates in the host. This transition is regulated by mating and environmental signals. Septation is likely to be important in the growth of the infectious dikaryon because of the need to maintain specific cellular compartments during dikaryotic growth. Recently, we found that the transcript level for a septin gene was influenced by the conserved cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A signaling pathway that participates in regulating dimorphism in U. maydis. In this study, we describe the detailed analysis of the function of this septin gene, designated sep3, in the growth, development, and pathogenesis of U. maydis. We show that sep3 is required for normal cellular morphology and the division of budding haploid cells. The gene is also required for lipid-induced filamentous growth in culture but not during the formation of mating filaments on agar medium or in planta. Strains with a deletion in sep3 have a reduction in symptom development in maize, with filamentous cells in planta displaying morphological defects. In addition, sep3 influences the differentiation of hyphae into teliospores and the germination of these teliospores to produce the meiotic haploid progeny that complete the disease life cycle. Finally, the deletion of sep3 was found to influence the multiple budding phenotype of a mutant with a defect in the regulatory subunit of protein kinase A. This result is consistent with a link between sep3 and the control of morphogenesis by cAMP signaling. Overall, this study highlights the importance of regulating septation and changes in morphology during phytopathogenesis.
Electroconvulsive therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE Surgical therapies for treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), such as deep brain stimulation or psychosurgery, remain unattainable for many patients. Despite the long-held view that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an ineffective treatment for OCD, there is no systematic review to support or refute this claim, which is the basis of the current review. DATA SOURCES A systematic search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS databases was conducted on December 22, 2013, using the terms obsessive-compulsive disorder and electroconvulsive therapy. Reference lists, specific journals, and clinical trial registries were also scrutinized. No date or language limitation was imposed on the search. STUDY SELECTION After irrelevant and redundant records from the 500 identified titles were excluded, the 50 articles reporting the acute treatment effects of ECT in OCD and related constructs (involving a total of 279 patients) were analyzed for this study. DATA EXTRACTION The relevant sociodemographic, clinical, and outcome data of individual cases were extracted. Data from individual cases were used to compare the characteristics of responders versus nonresponders to ECT. RESULTS Most selected records were case reports/series; there were no randomized controlled trials. A positive response was reported in 60.4% of the 265 cases in which individual responses to ECT were available. ECT responders exhibited a significantly later onset of OCD symptoms (P = .003), were more frequently nondepressed (P = .009), more commonly reported being treated with ECT for severe OCD (P = .01), and received a fewer number of ECT sessions (P = .03). ECT responders were also less frequently previously treated with adequate trials of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (P = .05) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (P = .005). CONCLUSIONS Although 60% of the reported cases reviewed exhibited some form of a positive response to ECT, it cannot be stated that this provides evidence that ECT is indeed effective for OCD.
The Performance of the Albanian Banking System, an Econometric Analysis

The aim of this paper is to analyze the influence of some internal banking factors in the performance of the Albanian banking system. From the literature review is noticed that the banks’ performance is influenced by both macroeconomic and banking factors. We use ROA as a dependent variable and capital adequacy ratio, exchange rate euro/ALL, total loans, NPL ratio and interest rate spread as independent variables. The relation between the performance of the banking system and the banking factors will be tested by using a regression model like the ordinary least squares (OLS). The Albanian banking system was affected by the global financial crises of the 2007 especially in terms of performance measured by ROE and NPL. For example ROE decreased very much in the first trimester of 2009 while the NPL ratio had a rapid increase especially in the fourth trimester of 2008. Despite the measures taken from the Bank of Albania the NPL ratio is still a concerning problem because is about 24% in March 2014 while the ROA and ROE seem to be stabilized respectively by 0.64% and 6.70%. The regression results find out that the performance of the Albanian banking system is positively related to capital adequacy ratio and negatively related exchange rate euro/ALL, total loans and NPL ratio while the interest rate spread seems to be not significant to explain the banks’ performance. JEL: G2, G21. Keywords: Albanian banking system, internal banking factors, total loans, interest rate, capital adequacy ratio.
Empirical antibiotics targeting Gram-positive bacteria for the treatment of febrile neutropenic patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND The pattern of infections among neutropenic cancer patients has shifted in the last decades to a predominance of Gram-positive infections. Some of these Gram-positive bacteria are increasingly resistant to beta-lactams and necessitate specific antibiotic treatment. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of empirical antiGram-positive (antiGP) antibiotic treatment for febrile neutropenic cancer patients in terms of mortality and treatment failure. To assess the rate of resistance development, further infections and adverse events associated with additional antiGP treatment. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2013, Issue 7), MEDLINE (1966 to 2013), EMBASE (1982 to 2013), LILACS (1982 to 2013), conference proceedings, and the references of the included studies. First authors of all included and potentially relevant trials were contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing one antibiotic regimen to the same regimen with the addition of an antiGP antibiotic for the treatment of febrile neutropenic cancer patients. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted all data. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. A random-effects model was used for all comparisons showing substantial heterogeneity (I(2) > 50%). Outcomes were extracted by intention to treat and the analysis was patient-based whenever possible. MAIN RESULTS Thirteen trials and 2392 patients or episodes were included. Empirical antiGP antibiotics were tested at the onset of treatment in 11 studies, and for persistent fever in two studies. The antiGP treatment was a glycopeptide in nine trials. Seven studies were assessed in the overall mortality comparison and no significant difference was seen between the comparator arms, RR of 0.82 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.20, 852 patients). Ten trials assessed failure, including modifications as failures, while six assessed overall failure disregarding treatment modifications. Failure with modifications was significantly reduced, RR of 0.76 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.85, 1779 patients) while overall failure was the same, RR of 1.00 (95% CI 0.79 to 1.27, 943 patients). Sensitivity analysis for allocation concealment and incomplete outcome data did not change the results. Both mortality and failure did not differ significantly among patients with Gram-positive infections, but the number of studies in the comparisons was small. Data regarding other patient subgroups likely to benefit from antiGP treatment were not available. Glycopeptides did not increase fungal superinfection rates and were associated with a reduction in documented Gram-positive superinfections. Resistant colonisation was not documented in the studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Current evidence shows that the empirical routine addition of antiGP treatment, namely glycopeptides, does not improve the outcomes of febrile neutropenic patients with cancer.
Can Central Banks Successfully Lean against Global Headwinds

Despite expansionary central bank action, inflation remains low in the euro area. How much can we expect from the additional stimulus in face of anaemic global growth and declining oil prices? More generally, have central banks lost the ability to steer inflation in a globalised world where external factors have powerful effects on domestic inflation? This roundup summarises the evidence in the literature and concludes that central banks retain influence on domestic inflation.
Evidence on the Possible Underweighting of Earnings-Related Information

This study proposes and tests hypotheses related to three issues. (1) Do analysts underestimate the persistence (permanent component) of earnings forecast errors? (2) Do investors use analysts' earnings forecast revisions to reassess the persistence of previous forecast errors? (3) Do investors systematically underestimate the persistence of previous forecast errors signaled by forecast revisions? In their investigations of post-earnings-announcement drift, Rendleman, Jones, and Latan6 [1987], Bernard and Thomas [1989; 1990], and Freeman and Tse [1989] present evidence suggesting that investors systematically underestimate the persistence of earnings forecast errors. I use analysts' expectations (their forecasts) to test the hypothesis that market participants underestimate persistence (issue (1)). Freeman and Tse also show that investors reevaluate the persistence of earnings innovations in the light of subsequent earnings announcements. I investigate whether investors similarly reassess persistence in the light of subsequent analyst earnings forecast revisions (issue (2)). Finally, if investors both underestimate the persistence of forecast errors at earnings announcements and reevaluate persistence when forecasts are revised, then they may underestimate the persistence of earnings forecast errors signaled by forecast revisions. That is, investors may
Temporal dynamics of online petitions

Online petitions are an important avenue for direct political action, yet the dynamics that determine when a petition will be successful are not well understood. Here we analyze the temporal characteristics of online-petition signing behavior in order to identify systematic differences between popular petitions, which receive a high volume of signatures, and unpopular ones. We find that, in line with other temporal characterizations of human activity, the signing process is typically non-Poissonian and non-homogeneous in time. However, this process exhibits anomalously high memory for human activity, possibly indicating that synchronized external influence or contagion play and important role. More interestingly, we find clear differences in the characteristics of the inter-event time distributions depending on the total number of signatures that petitions receive, independently of the total duration of the petitions. Specifically, popular petitions that attract a large volume of signatures exhibit more variance in the distribution of inter-event times than unpopular petitions with only a few signatures, which could be considered an indication that the former are more bursty. However, petitions with large signature volume are less bursty according to measures that consider the time ordering of inter-event times. Our results, therefore, emphasize the importance of accounting for time ordering to characterize human activity.
Metabarcoding soil microarthropods for soil quality assessment: importance of integrated taxonomy, phylogenetic marker selection and sampling design

Soil microarthropods are ubiquitous and ecologically significant in terrestrial environments. Collembola and Oribatida are the two most abundant and diverse representatives of microarthropods and are commonly targeted biological indicators of soil quality. Traditional methods for studying these groups have provided taxonomic and functional data for individuals but are inefficient for large scale biomonitoring applications. The adoption of molecular methods like metabarcoding is predicted to improve the efficiency of biomonitoring microarthropods but can be limited by the availability of reference specimens in sequence databases, and the importance of barcode selection and sampling design for this approach in plot-level experiments has not been explored. Demonstrated here, the inclusion of locally derived specimen barcodes to reference libraries significantly improved the quality of metabarcoding data. Also, targeting two barcodes (18S and COI) improved microarthropod richness estimates, and 10 samples with >10 m separation between each is recommend to increase the proportion of diversity detected.
Tidal energy conversion in a global hot spot: On the 3-D dynamics of baroclinic tides at the Celtic Sea shelf break

Globally, the Celtic Sea shelf break is ranked highest as an energetic “hot spot” of tidal energy conversion, therefore making it the most significant contributor to global internal tidal energy flux. In this paper, the three-dimensional dynamics of baroclinic tides in the shelf-slope area of the Celtic Sea was investigated numerically and using observational data collected on the 376th cruise of the RV “RRS Discovery” in June 2012. The time series recorded at a shelf break mooring showed that semidiurnal internal waves were accompanied by packets of internal solitary waves with maximum amplitudes up to 105 m, the largest internal waves ever recorded in the Celtic Sea, and ranking among the largest observed in the global ocean. The observed baroclinic wavefields were replicated numerically using the Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model. A fine-resolution grid with 115 m horizontal and 10 m vertical steps allowed the identification of two classes of short-scale internal waves. The first classification was generated over headlands and resembles spiral-type internal waves that are typical for isolated underwater banks. The second classification, generated within an area of several canyons, revealed properties of quasi-planar internal wave packets. The observed in situ intensification of tidal bottom currents at the shelf break mooring is explained in terms of a tidal beam that was formed over supercritical bottom topography at the mooring location.
Medical Student Preference in Teaching Methods and Educational Support

Abstract Student learning styles and preferences have been a vogue of educational research. This brief communication reports the findings of a questionnaire that formed part of an investigation into supporting medical students with learning difficulties. There were 325 responses from students at medical schools in California (USA) and New Zealand. Responses confirmed theories that are known to underpin elements of education. Interestingly, there were conflicting views regarding the use of slides and handouts to support educational activities. Such conflicts highlight the complexity of reconciling pressures from special educational needs policy with institutional traditions and managerialist priorities.
Optimal Monetary Policy and Bounded Rationality

It is widely recognised that the market and the monetary authorities face a high degree of uncertainty about the appropriate models to use for policy decisions and forecasting. This paper reviews the main theoretical results of the literature on bounded rationality and discusses the implications for the design of optimal policy rules. In the final section, we propose an original method to evaluate policy rules that are 'robust' to uncertainty about the expectation formation process.
Tax Reforms in EU Member States

U vrijeme izuzetno izražene potrebe za konsolidacijom hrvatskih javnih financija i rasprava o promjenama hrvatskog poreznog sustava, na temelju Izvjesca Europske komisije, u tekstu se analiziraju porezne promjene kojima su u 2011. i prvoj polovici 2012. clanice Europske unije (EU) pokusale konsolidirati svoje javne financije.