Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STATISTICS AND INTELLIGENCE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A NOTE

Summary The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between intelligence (or human capital) and the statistical capacity of developing countries. The line of inquiry is motivated essentially by the scarce literature on poor statistics in developing countries and an evolving stream of literature on the knowledge economy. A positive association is established between intelligence quotient (IQ) and statistical capacity. The relationship is robust to alternative specifications with varying conditioning information sets and control for outliers. Policy implications are discussed.
Electrogram Signals Recorded from Acute and Chronic Pacemaker Implantation Sites in Pacemaker Patients

Electrogram signals recorded from typical pacemaker implantation sites may be useful for a variety of pacemaker system functions including pacemaker follow‐up, atrial and ventricular sensing (event detection), and triggered electrogram storage. We quantified the electrical characteristics of pacemaker pocket electrograms using a subcutaneous electrode array (SEA) in a population of 48 patients undergoing initial or replacement pacemaker implantation. SEA recorded intrinsic R wave amplitudes measured peak to peak averaged 118 μV and 65 μV for the two recorded SEA electrograms and were significantly different (P < 0.001); paced R wave amplitudes averaged 180 μV and 110 μV. P wave amplitudes averaged 39 μV and 26 μV. No statistically significant difference in amplitudes were observed between acute versus chronic pacemaker pocket or indication for pacing (A V block, sick sinus syndrome). Signal to noise ratios, using R wave amplitude as signal, were lower in the SEA electrogram on average (11 dB) compared to the intracardiac electrogram (27 dB), but sufficient for diagnostic assessment. R wave/P wave ratios for SEA signals were lower than surface and intracardiac values 3.1 and 2.7 compared to a range of 6.2–9.8, indicating a relative enhancement of P waves to R waves in SEA signals. In summary, SEA electrograms are of sufficient amplitude and signal quality (signal to noise ratio) to hold promise for future implantable device features such as electrogram telemetry, enhanced sensing, and diagnostic data storage.
Stock Option Plans in Italy: Accounting Treatment, Financial Crisis, and Other Determinants

Many studies on employee stock option plans state that the favorable accounting treatment, even if not declared, has often been one of the main reasons for this form of compensation. According to that view, professionals and scholars forecasted that recognition required by IFRS 2 would imply a reduction in the granting of stock options as incentive means. On the other side, empirical evidence suggests that their widespread adoption cannot be explained by a single view, since many determinants play a role in their issue.In addition to the accounting change, stock options have recently been the target of growing criticism, especially when the financial crisis started to show its effects. That may have an impact not only on incentive effectiveness, but also on outrage costs limiting their use by listed firms.In such a perspective, the main purpose of the paper is to explore the impact of IFRS 2 and of the recent financial crisis on stock option granting. To achieve that objective, our analysis is focused on these external determinants, which will be tested together with other variables indicated by stock option literature (incentive alignment, financial constraints, and tax benefits). The analysis is carried out on the population of Italian listed companies on a ten-year time horizon (2000-2009). That setting is of particular interest to our research questions, since national GAAPs did not require any valuation in annual reports prior to 2005 and results from previous studies highlight a relevant role of external factors in explaining option granting.Empirical evidence suggests that: the mandatory transition to IFRS 2 did not have a significant effect on stock option granting, the issue of stock options is less likely to occur during the financial crisis, and firms with higher growth opportunities have a higher probability to grant stock options.
The importance of tubulointerstitial injury in the early phase of primary glomerular disease

Hruby Z, Smolska D, Filipowski H, Rabczyn'ski J, Cies'lar E, Kopec' W, Dulawa J. (University of Medicine, Wroczlaw; and Silesian Academy of Medicine, Katowice; Poland). The importance of tubulointerstitial injury in the early phase of primary glomerular disease. J Intern Med 1998; 243: 215–22.
Estimating Penalties for Violating the Minimum Wage and Hiring Illegal Immigrants: The Case of the U.S. Apparel Manufacturing Industry

The U.S. apparel manufacturing industry includes many reputable firms, but is also believed to include many sweatshop operations. Sweatshop workers often work under sub-minimum wages, excessively long hours, and abusive management. Sweatshop establishments in the United States typically violate several U.S. labor laws. Two they commonly violate are the minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and the ban on hiring illegal immigrants under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. The purpose of the present research was to estimate minimum penalties that would provide no monetary incentive for the average U.S. apparel manufacturing firm to violate the minimum wage and the ban on hiring illegal immigrants. The minimum per-violation penalties that were estimated to deter violation of the minimum wage are 8 to 28 times the current maximum penalty of $1,000 per violation, and those estimated to deter the hiring of illegal immigrants are 3 to 10 times the current maximum penalty of $10,000 per violation. The estimated penalties are associated with annual probabilities of prosecution ranging from 5% to 15%. The estimated penalties primarily depend on the difference between legal and illegal wage rates. A sensitivity analysis indicated that the estimated penalties are insensitive to the value of the own-price elasticity of production labor demand, which is one of the variables used to calculate the penalties. The results suggest that current federal penalties for violating the minimum wage or the ban on hiring illegal immigrants do not deter infraction of these laws by U.S. apparel manufacturers.
Studies on the alpha-methylglucoside permease of Escherichia coli. A two-step mechanism for the accumulation of alpha-methylglucoside 6-phosphate.

The sequential events which occur in the membrane of Escherichia coli and lead to the antecedent appearance of α-methylglucoside 6-phosphate when cells are exposed to extracellular α-methylglucoside have been analyzed. 1 It has been shown that phosphorylation is the rate limiting step in α-methylglucoside phosphate synthesis in vivo. However, phosphorylation of α-methylglucoside was not found to be the only step occurring in the thickness of membrane. 2 It was shown that a step of transport was necessarily taking place before phosphorylation. In the absence of phosphorylation (due to genetic inactivation of any part of the enzymatic complex devoted to phosphorylation, or to chemical inactivation of one among its components), this step was expressed as a facilitated diffusion of unaltered α-methylglucoside. The demonstration of this facilitated passage rests on the following evidence: equalization of α-methylglucoside concentrations in intracellular and extracellular compartments faster than when due to free passive diffusion alone; requirement of the interaction of α-methylglucoside with a stereospecific site, distinct from EII, with a Km of 20 μM; finally, existence of counterflows suggesting that the passage was ensured by a mobile carrier, mediating both influx and efflux of α-methylglucoside. 3 This step of stransport was shown to be required in intact cells for a normal efficiency of phosphorylation in vivo. However it was not expressed in vivo as a facilitated diffusion but very likely as a facilitated access to the site of phosphorylation of EII. 4 From these findings, and from an analysis of various mutants, it was concluded that a concerted change of conformation occurs when EII was phosphorylating, which renders the step of transport unlimiting. Some consequences of the dissociation of the α-methylglucoside phosphate synthesis into two sequential steps are discussed. Mainly this model provides a simple explanation for the polarity exhibited by EII, the absence of phosphorylation of intracellular α-methylglucoside and its continuous exchange.
Capital regulation and trade in banking services

We set up a two-country, regional model of trade in financial services. Competitive firms in each country manufacture untraded consumer goods in an uncertain productive environment, borrowing funds from a bank in either the home or the foreign market. Duopolistic banks can choose their levels of monitoring of firms and thus the level of risk-taking, where the risk of bank failure is ultimately borne by taxpayers in the bank's home country. Moreover, each bank chooses the share of lending allocated to domestic and to foreign firms, respectively, but the bank's overall loan volume may be fixed by a capital requirement set in its home country. In this setting we consider two types of financial integration. A reduction in the transaction costs of cross-order banking reduces aggregate output and increases risk-taking, thus harming consumers and taxpayers in both countries. In contrast, a reduction in the costs of screening foreign firms is likely to be beneficial for banks, consumers, and taxpayers alike.
Recovery From Neuromuscular Block and Its Assessment

R esidual neuromuscular block is common after the use of neuromuscular blocking drugs during anesthesia administration (1–5, 7, 8). Although this has been well recognized for more than 20 years, its clinical importance has only been quantified recently (9). In addition, very small degrees of neuromuscular block may modify the respiratory response to hypoxia (10) and result in uncoordinated esophageal activity (11) that may predispose to gastric regurgitation and tracheal aspiration. Despite this, there is still some reluctance by anesthesiologists to use neuromuscular monitoring during anesthesia, in part because the clinical recognition of residual block is difficult. Residual neuromuscular block is more frequent after the use of long-acting muscle relaxants, such as pancuronium and d-tubocurarine, than after the intermediate acting drugs, atracurium and vecuronium (5). A new neuromuscular blocking drug, rapacuronium, has been introduced. In addition to a rapid onset, it has a shorter duration of action so that administration of reversal drugs, such as neostigmine, leads to prompt recovery of neuromuscular function (12). The purpose of this article is to review the frequency and means of recognition of residual neuromuscular block, to describe the use of reversal agents in avoiding the syndrome, and to compare the recovery and reversal of rapacuronium neuromuscular block with that of other contemporary agents.
Pulmonary regurgitation after percutaneous balloon valvoplasty for isolated pulmonary valvar stenosis in childhood.

OBJECTIVES A retrospective study was undertaken to determine the degree of pulmonary regurgitation following percutaneous balloon valvoplasty for isolated pulmonary valvar stenosis. BACKGROUND Percutaneous balloon valvoplasty is the recognised treatment of choice in pulmonary valvar stenosis with effective relief of gradient. Few studies have reviewed the degree of pulmonary regurgitation after the balloon valvoplasty. METHODS We reviewed all patients with isolated pulmonary valvar stenosis undergoing percutaneous balloon valvoplasty at a tertiary centre between December 1984 and August 1996. Those with an associated haemodynamically insignificant atrial septal defect or patent oval foramen were also included. Their medical records, echocardiograms and angiograms were studied. Colour flow Doppler was used as a semi-quantitative way of assessing the pulmonary incompetence. RESULTS Over the period of review, 57 procedures had been performed in 49 patients. The median age at the time of the procedure was 1.08 years, with a range from 0.01 to 13.3 years. The median period of follow-up was 5.64 years, with a range from 3.00 to 14.26 years. Immediately following the dilation of the pulmonary valve, the peak-to-peak instantaneous systolic pressure gradient was significantly reduced. Seven patients required a second dilation of the valve. Their median age at the first valvoplasty, at 0.49 year, was significantly lower than those who required only one procedure, at a median of 1.50 years. Following the valvoplasty, mild pulmonary incompetence was noted in 26 out of 42 patients the day after the procedure, but only 7% had moderate incompetence. On follow-up, there was an increase in the number of patients with moderate to severe pulmonary incompetence, from 7% to 29%. Those patients in whom the procedure was performed at a younger age had more significant pulmonary incompetence. Neither the initial gradient across the pulmonary valve, nor the size of the balloon used, were related with statistical significance to the subsequent development of pulmonary incompetence. CONCLUSIONS The majority of the patients with congenital isolated pulmonary valvar stenosis had only a mild increase in the degree of pulmonary incompetence following a single pulmonary valvoplasty. Patients who required the procedure early in life were more likely to develop significant pulmonary incompetence. The ratio of the size of the balloon to the diameter of the valve did not significantly affect the outcome. We suggest that those patients who had more severe stenosis because of a more abnormal pulmonary valve, and hence required early intervention, were more likely to develop greater pulmonary incompetence after the valvoplasty.
The prevalence and distribution of major depression in a national community sample: the National Comorbidity Survey.

OBJECTIVE Major depression is a frequent and disabling psychiatric disorder in the United States. This report examines the prevalence and risk factor profile of both pure and comorbid major depression according to data from the National Comorbidity Survey. METHOD To estimate the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in the United States, a national sample of 8,098 persons 15-54 years of age from the 48 conterminous states was surveyed with a modified version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. RESULTS From the survey data the prevalence of current (30-day) major depression was estimated to be 4.9%, with a relatively higher prevalence in females, young adults, and persons with less than a college education. The prevalence estimate for lifetime major depression was 17.1%, with a similar demographic distribution. Both 30-day and lifetime prevalence estimates were higher than estimates from the earlier Epidemiologic Catchment Area study. When pure major depression was compared with major depression co-occurring with other psychiatric disorders, the risk factor profiles exhibited clear differences. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest a greater burden of major depression in community-dwelling persons than has been estimated from previous community samples. The risk factor profile showed significant differences between persons with pure and combined major depression.
Changes in Institutional Ownership: Liquidity, Activism, and Firm Performance

We document a negative (positive) relationship between firm performance and changes in the ownership of large (small) institutional investors. Small investors "exit'' while blockholders increase their holdings following poor performance. We find evidence that large investors increase ownership following poor performance to protect the value of initial holdings and to benefit from undertaking value-enhancing interventions. We observe that poorly performing firms in which blockholders increase their ownership experience more aggressive restructuring policies than firms in which blockholders reduce their ownership. Finally, we find that firms with passive investors recover faster than firms with active investors following poor performance.
Effect of gentamicin on pharmacokinetics of lysozyme in rats: interaction between megalin substrates in the kidney

To investigate the pharmacokinetic interaction between substrates of megalin, a 600‐kDa endocytic receptor abundantly expressed in the renal proximal tubules, we examined the effect of gentamicin infusion on the pharmacokinetics of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐lysozyme in rats. Infusion of gentamicin did not affect the plasma concentration‐time profile of FITC‐lysozyme. On the other hand, gentamicin significantly decreased the accumulation of FITC‐lysozyme in the renal cortex and medulla, whereas the accumulation in the renal papilla, liver, brain and lung was not changed. Urinary excretion of FITC‐lysozyme was increased by gentamicin, whereas there was no change in the biliary excretion of FITC‐lysozyme or its degradation products. Gentamicin infusion had little influence on the ATP content in the renal cortex and urinary excretion of glucose, indicating that nephrotoxicity is not induced by short‐term infusion of gentamicin. These findings suggest that lysozyme and gentamicin interact with each other in their reabsorption processes in the renal proximal tubules, probably by competing for their binding to megalin expressed in the apical membrane of the renal proximal tubules.
The Influence of Hand Location and Force Direction on Shoulder Muscular Activity in Females During Nonsagittal Multidirectional Overhead Exertions

Objective: We examined interactions of overhead work location and direction of force application on shoulder muscular activity. Background: Overhead work tasks are common occupational stressors. Previous research has quantified influences of overhead work spatial placement and different force application directions but typically separately or exclusively for tasks done in the median plane. Method: Twenty female participants exerted 40 N of force in six directions (forward/backward, upward/downward, left/right) 150 cm off the floor while seated. An asymmetric pattern of 14 work locations spaced 15 cm centered directly overhead were evaluated. Results: Force direction and work location strongly influenced mean muscle activity (F = 559, p < .01). Interaction effects existed between force direction and hand location in the transverse plane (F = 21, p < .01), with increases as high as 49% in normalized mean muscle activity. Conclusion: Backward exertions produced the highest mean overall muscle activity across hand force directions, exceeding 30% maximum voluntary isometric exertion (MVE) across work locations, with higher activation of anterior deltoid, biceps, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, and upper and lower trapezius. Downward exertions had the lowest mean overall activity, with <10% MVE across work locations. Altered (up to 47%) muscular activity occurred as exertions moved laterally from the origin, and increasingly forward hand positions generally yielded decreased mean overall activity for most force directions. Application: This study provides previously unavailable submaximal shoulder muscular activity data for a wide range of overhead tasks. As such, it enables novel work design considerations that include modifying existing overhead elements to reduce or redistribute associated muscular demands.
EVALUATING CUSTOMER-PERCEIVED SERVICE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN THE NIGERIAN BANKING INDUSTRY

Keeping in view the significance of customer perceived quality in todays competitive banking environment, the study was designed to evaluate customer-perceived service quality and customer satisfaction in the Nigerian banking industry. This research focused on the measurement of customer satisfaction through delivery of service quality in the banking sector in Nigeria. A quantitative research was used to study the relationship between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction. Findings from the study show that, assurance; empathy and responsiveness have positive relationships, but have no significant effects on customer satisfaction. Reliability has negative relationship but has no significant effect on customer satisfaction. Tangibles have positive relationship and have significant impact on customer satisfaction. Conclusively a business that caters for their customers needs will inevitably gain the loyalty of their customers, thus resulting in repeat business as well as potential referrals. We therefore recommend that rather than paying much attention to the products and services, banks should focus more on their customers.
Applying brand management to higher education through the use of the Brand Flux Model™ – the case of Arcadia University

Within an increasingly more competitive landscape, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are becoming more marketized and promotionalized. Brand building is becoming a strategic administrative goal, yet clear brand management models are lacking. This paper utilizes the Brand Flux Model™ to assist in tracking the fluxing nature or historical patterns of branding practices, and provides a graphic representation for following changes in branding or changes in position that result in either Reinforcing an existing brand, or Revitalizing, Refocusing, Renaming, or Retiring a brand. Through a case analysis of an HEI that eventually underwent a radical renaming, the various phases of the Brand Flux Model™ are explored and the critical aspect of ongoing brand management efforts is reinforced. The paper also highlights why periodic brand audits are necessary to ascertain that what the institution believes it is promoting and projecting is consistent with the actual brand image held by stakeholders, and suggests that benchmarking brand management efforts and correlating them with the stage and actions of the Brand Flux Model™ can assist in understanding branding as a growth platform for service organizations. For practitioners, this study provides a model to assist in brand management and renaming scenarios, and offers insight into channels for optimal corporate strategy. It demonstrates that making changes in branding or changes in position in order to Revitalize, Refocus (rebrand and reposition) or even Rename a brand, and then Reinforce those decisions, is critical to maintaining brand health.
Targeting KIR Blockade in Multiple Myeloma: Trouble in Checkpoint Paradise?

Findings within the current issue indicate that treatment with IPH2101 when used as a monotherapy in smoldering multiple myeloma, meant to enhance natural killer (NK) cell function through inhibitory KIR blockade, results in a surprising reduction of NK-cell function mediated through monocyte trogocytosis. The significance of these findings is discussed. Clin Cancer Res; 22(21); 5161–3. ©2016 AACR. See related article by Carlsten et al., p. 5211
Complex encounters: nanoparticles in whole blood and their uptake into different types of white blood cells.

AIM A whole blood assay for evaluating the uptake of nanoparticles into white blood cells in order to close the gap between basic studies in cell culture and pharmacokinetic studies in animals was developed. MATERIALS & METHODS After drawing peripheral blood into standard blood collection vials with different anticoagulants, amino- and carboxy-functionalized polymeric styrene nanoparticles were added and uptake was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS By counterstaining surface markers of leukocytes (e.g., monocytes, neutrophil granulocytes, B or T lymphocytes), investigations of different cell types can be conducted in a single run by flow cytometry. The authors demonstrated that anticoagulation should be done with heparin, and not EDTA, in order to prevent hampering of uptake mechanisms. CONCLUSION By using heparinized whole blood, the authors demonstrated differences and usefulness of this assay for screening cellular uptake as it should occur in the bloodstream. Nevertheless, animal studies are warranted for final assessment of the nanoparticles.