Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Testing the Effects of Real Exchange Rate Pass-Through to Unemployment in Brazil

This paper attempts to test the pass-through of the real exchange rate (RERT) to unemployment in Brazil over the period 1981M1–2015M11 using linear and nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models. The result of the linearity test suggests that the relationship between RERT and unemployment is linear in the short-run and nonlinear in the long-run. Therefore, using the symmetric ARDL model for the short-run analysis, we find that an increase in the RERT decreases the unemployment rate. The result of the nonlinear ARDL for the long-run analysis shows that the unemployment rate reacts to the RERT appreciations and depreciations differently with depreciations having a strong effect. However, the pass-through of the RERT to unemployment is incomplete both in the short- and long-run. These findings have important policy implications for the designing of appropriate monetary policy in response to a rise in unemployment resulting from a change in the real exchange rate.
The University Pages Game: Gamified Use of the Linkedin Student & Alumni Tool to Enhance Student Understanding of the Role of Social Media in Building Social Capital

Like many other academic disciplines, gamified learning environments are increasing in IS education. Creating and using gamified learning experiences contributes to “flipped classrooms” and is widely viewed as a mechanism for increasing course engagement among millennial students. This paper describes the creation and use of a social media module for a MIS course that uses game elements to introduce students to LinkedIn’s Student and Alumni Tool and how it can be used to build social capital. Because LinkedIn Student & Alumni tool is relatively unknown among students, the social media module, which we call the University Pages Game, also provides instructors with a vehicle for illustrating precepts of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT).
Absence of high molecular weight proteins 1 and/or 2 is associated with decreased adherence among non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae clinical isolates.

High molecular weight (Hmw) proteins 1 and 2, type IV pilin protein (PilA), outer-membrane protein P5 (OmpP5), Haemophilus protein D (Hpd) and Haemophilus adhesive protein (Hap) are surface proteins involved in the adherence of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae. One hundred clinical isolates were evaluated for the presence of the genes encoding these proteins by PCR and for their adherence capacity (AC) to Detroit 562 nasopharyngeal cells (D562). The majority of isolates were from blood (77/100); other sites were also represented. Confluent D562 monolayers (1.2×10(5) cells per well) were inoculated with standardized minimal infective doses (m.o.i.) of 10(2), 10(3) or 10(4) c.f. u. per well. The AC was categorized as low (<10 %) or high (≥10 %) depending on the percentage of c.f. u. adhering per well. All the isolates evaluated showed adherence: 69/100 (69 %) demonstrated high adherence, while 31/100 (31 %) showed low adherence. Of all the genes evaluated, hmw1A and/or hmw2A were detected in 69/100 (69 %) of isolates. The presence of hmw1A and/or hmw2A was associated with increased adherence to D562 cells (P≤0.001). Dot immunoblots were performed to detect protein expression using mAbs 3D6, AD6 and 10C5. Among the high-adherence isolates (n = 69), 72 % reacted with 3D6 and 21 % with 10C5. Our data indicate that the absence of Hmw1 and/or Hmw2 was associated with decreased adherence to D562 cells.
CARD15/NOD2 analysis in rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility.

OBJECTIVE To determine if the mutations in the CARD15/NOD2 gene predisposing to Crohn's disease (CD) contribute also to the genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS The frequencies of the three commonest mutations of CARD15/NOD2 predisposing to CD (2104C > T, 2722G>C and 3020insC) were determined in 210 RA patients and 227 controls. RESULTS Allelic frequencies of the CARD15/NOD2 mutations in RA patients (2104C>T, 2.8%; 2722G>C, 0.9%; and 3020insC, 2.4%) did not differ significantly from the controls (2104C>T, 5.3%; 2722G>C, 0.7%; and 3020insC, 1.1%). CONCLUSION There was no evidence of association between the commonest CD CARD15/NOD2 mutations and RA susceptibility.
Optimal Design and Quantitative Evaluation of the Minimum Wage

We study a labor market where firms have private information about their ex-ante heterogeneous productivities and search is random. In this environment, a binding minimum wage can be efficiency-enhancing - we show that setting it using a version of the Vickery-Clarke-Groves mechanism delivers full efficiency. In a dynamic, stochas-tic version of the model calibrated to the Routine Manual labor market in the U.S., our proposed mechanism generates sizeable welfare gains. The resulting minimum wage is procyclical, dampening the response of unemployment to aggregate shocks.
Twitter and politics: Evidence from the US presidential elections 2016

ABSTRACT Social media’s influence in the 2016 US presidential election has been stronger than it has ever been before and has led to a loss of ‘dominance’ of traditional media on public opinion. Candidates tweeted to express their positions, to attack each other, to retweet endorsements, to encourage people to vote, to give news previews, and a lot more. As a result, Twitter has become the most important communication channel for both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. The more candidates used Twitter to broadcast their thoughts, the more people retweeted them spreading their messages and journalists mentioned tweets in their election coverage creating a virtuous circle that brought more and more attention to the micro-blogging platform. This article analyzes the tweets of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in order to understand the communication strategies performed through this media.
Effects of Major Spore-Specific DNA Binding Proteins on Bacillus subtilis Sporulation and Spore Properties

ABSTRACT Sporulation of a Bacillus subtilis strain (termed α− β−) lacking the majority of the α/β-type small, acid-soluble spore proteins (SASP) that are synthesized in the developing forespore and saturate spore DNA exhibited a number of differences from that of the wild-type strain, including delayed forespore accumulation of dipicolinic acid, overexpression of forespore-specific genes, and delayed expression of at least one mother cell-specific gene turned on late in sporulation, although genes turned on earlier in the mother cell were expressed normally in α− β− strains. The sporulation defects in α− β− strains were corrected by synthesis of chromosome-saturating levels of either of two wild-type, α/β-type SASP but not by a mutant SASP that binds DNA poorly. Spores from α− β− strains also exhibited less glutaraldehyde resistance and slower outgrowth than did wild-type spores, but at least some of these defects in α− β− spores were abolished by the synthesis of normal levels of α/β-type SASP. These results indicate that α/β-type SASP may well have global effects on gene expression during sporulation and spore outgrowth.
Prevalence of Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth Diagnosed by Quantitative Culture of Intestinal Aspirate in Celiac Disease

Background and Aim A recent study using lactulose hydrogen-breath testing suggests that small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common cause of nonresponsive celiac disease (CD). The prevalence of SIBO in CD diagnosed by quantitative culture of intestinal aspirate is unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and significance of SIBO in CD based on the results of quantitative culture of intestinal aspirate. Methods We studied patients with CD in whom culture of intestinal aspirate was evaluated for the presence of anaerobes and aerobes. Bacterial overgrowth was diagnosed if culture demonstrated >105 colony forming units/mL. The causes of nonresponsive CD were investigated. Results We included 149 biopsy-confirmed CD patients. The intestinal aspirate was collected in 79 (53%) patients with nonresponsive CD, 47 (32%) as initial work-up for malabsorption, and in 23 (15%) asymptomatic treated CD. SIBO was diagnosed in 14 (9.3%). Nine (11%) with nonresponsive CD, 5 (11%) at initial work-up for malabsorption, and 0 in asymptomatic treated CD. Patients with a positive culture had evidence of worse malabsorption. A coexistent disorder was found in 67% of patients with both nonresponsive CD and bacterial overgrowth. Conclusions The prevalence of SIBO diagnosed by quantitative culture of intestinal aspirate was 9.3% in patients with CD. Patients with symptomatic treated or untreated CD were affected. SIBO may coexist with other disorders associated with nonresponsive CD.
Oxidative Stress Inhibits Apoptosis in Human Lymphoma Cells*

Apoptosis and necrosis are two forms of cell death that are induced under different conditions and that differ in morphological and biochemical features. In this report, we show that, in the presence of oxidative stress, human B lymphoma cells are unable to undergo apoptosis and die instead by a form of necrosis. This was established using the chemotherapy drug VP-16 or the calcium ionophore A23187 to induce apoptosis in Burkitt’s lymphoma cell lines and by measuring classical markers of apoptotic death, including cell morphology, annexin V binding, DNA ladder formation, and caspase activation. In the presence of relatively low levels of H2O2 (75–100 μm), VP-16 and A23187 were unable to induce apoptosis in these cells. Instead, the cells underwent non-apoptotic cell death with mild cytoplasmic swelling and nuclear shrinkage, similar to the death observed when they were treated with H2O2 alone. We found that H2O2 inhibits apoptosis by depleting the cells of ATP. The effects of H2O2 can be overcome by inhibitors of poly(ADP)-ribosylation, which also preserve cellular ATP levels, and can be mimicked by agents such as oligomycin, which inhibit ATP synthesis. The results show that oxidants can manipulate cell death pathways, diverting the cell away from apoptosis. The potential physiological ramifications of this finding will be discussed.
A consumer tracking estimator for vehicles in GPS-free environments

The global positioning system (GPS) is a crucial component in navigation systems. Therefore, navigation systems usually malfunction in the outage cases of GPS signals. This paper proposes a consumer tracking estimator for vehicles in GPS-free environments. The proposed estimator exploits low-cost inertial measurement unit (IMU) and on-board diagnostics II (OBD-II) of the vehicle in order to achieve navigation data without any aid of GPS. The presented estimator is based on extended Kalman filter and linear Kalman filter for vehicle attitude and 3-D velocity estimations, respectively. For accurate estimations in GPS-free situations, the extended and linear Kalman filters achieve the inertial data and the vehicle speed from the IMU and the OBD-II, respectively. The proposed estimator tracks the vehicle trajectory velocity in GPS-free environments. Experiment results verify that the presented tracking estimator accurately tracks the vehicle trajectory without GPS. The results also exhibit that the proposed tracking estimator is superior to the conventional GPS-based estimators in the tracking performance.
Preliminary characterization of the external proton beam from a PET cyclotron for use in neutron and proton radiobiology and other dosimetric studies

Different cyclotron models capable of accelerating protons up to 20MeV have been worldwide installed. Although their purpose is mainly positron emission tomography (PET) radioisotope production, they are equipped with several beam lines suitable for scientific research. Each beam line may typically deliver proton currents up to 150 μA (1×1015 particles/s). Radiobiological and dosimetric studies can be performed using these beam lines, which may contribute to further improve ion therapy and material radiation hardness results, among other applications. We report experimental results aiming at characterizing the proton beam achievable outside a PET cyclotron. In addition, we simulate this experimental setup by using Geant4. We show that simulation is consistent with previous published experimental data and with our first-measured results. These point to a beam angular spreading which may be utilized to establish an irradiation setup within the bunker. We estimate that the dose achievable with such setup may span 4-orders-of-magnitude, useful in radiobiology, ranging from 10mGy to 100 Gy. Finally, we show by simulation that neutron and γ-ray dose on a realistic, in-bunker target is negligible down to at most the 1% level. Further quantification for lower levels is ongoing.
Exploring the Relationship between Allotment and Commitment Contracts and the Performance of Hotels and Tour Operators in Egypt

Hospitality and travel compose the world's largest industry and contribute greatly to global economic development. Tour operators and hotels are playing the most important and critical role in the tourism sector. Their social and economic performance contribute this role and show the importance of understanding the technical and financial relationship between tour operators and hotels, which help to develop and solve problems of tourism industry. The aim of this study is to explore the relationships between two types of hotels/tour operators’ contracts (allotment and commitment) and performance. Survey data using self-administrated questionnaire have been collected from 300 general managers of luxury hotels and class A tour operators in Egypt. Exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were conducted to achieve the research objectives. The results indicate that commitment contract gives tour operators a very high technical and operational power inside hotel, but it put high financial pressures on tour operators, and make them work on risks especially during unstable economic and political periods. The findings of the current study can be used by academics, hotel managers, and tour operator'smanagers to completely understand the nature of the impacts of the two types of contracts (allotment and commitment) on the company performance.
Dynamic changes after murine digit amputation: The MRL mouse digit shows waves of tissue remodeling, growth, and apoptosis

Digit regrowth following amputation injury proximal to the first phalangeal joint is not a property of mammalian wound healing. However, the regenerative potential observed in the MRL mouse invites a reexamination of this rule. In this study, healing was assessed in three mouse strains after amputation midway through the second phalangeal bone. Three distinct outcomes were observed though evidence for regrowth was observed only in the MRL mouse. Here, a blastema‐like structure was seen along with apparent chondrogenesis, consistent with a histological profile of a regenerative response to injury. Analysis of trichrome staining and basement membrane changes, proliferation and apoptosis indicated that these processes contributed to the formation of new digit tissue. On the other hand, SW and B6 digits did not show evidence of growth with little mesenchymal BrdU incorporation or phosphorylation of H3.
Effects of electroacupuncture combined with clean intermittent catheterization on urinary retention after spinal cord injury: a single blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) on spinal cord injury (SCI) induced urinary retention. METHODS A total of 107 patients with SCI induced urinary retention were randomly divided into 3 groups, including group 1 (CIC treatment), group 2 (EA combined with CIC treatment), and group 3 (sham acupuncture combined with CIC treatment). After different treatments, the residual urine volume, voided volume (each time), number of bladder balance patients, and frequency of CIC were recorded and compared. RESULTS There were no significant differences between group 1 and 3 in number of bladder balance patients and voided volume (ml) at the 1(st) month. The rate of patients reaching bladder balance was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1 and 3 (P<0.05). The frequency of CIC was significantly less in group 2 than the other groups (P<0.001). The voided volume at the 1(st) and the 3(rd) month after surgery was significantly higher in group 2 than that in group 1 and 3 (P<0.001). Meanwhile, after 1 month and 3 months of treatment, residual urine volume was significantly reduced in group 2 compared with that in group 1 and 3 (P<0.001). CONCLUSION The therapeutic effects of EA were effective for SCI induced urinary retention by reducing residual urine volume and the frequency of CIC, increasing voided volume, and promoting the balance of vesical function.
Estimation of factors conditioning the acquisition of academic skills in Latin America in the presence of endogeneity

This article identifies the main determinants of skill acquisition in Latin America. Not having repeated a grade, sex, the number of books in the home and the mother’s education are defined as individual and family characteristics. In the case of school characteristics, the results are more heterogeneous between countries. The key factors seem to be attending a private school, the number of students per classroom, the quality of the educational materials available, and larger school size and autonomy. The characteristics of the schools explain most of the variability of the results, followed by family characteristics and then individual ones. School-based factors play a particularly crucial role in Argentina, Brazil and Costa Rica; family characteristics are very important in Chile, Colombia and Peru; and individual ones are important in Colombia and Mexico.
Post-discharge survival following pre-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest due to cardiac aetiology: temporal trends and impact of changes in clinical management.

AIMS To determine whether survival after discharge following pre-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest has improved. METHODS AND RESULTS The Heartstart Register was used to identify all 1659 patients discharged alive from Scottish hospitals during 1991-01 following pre-hospital arrest due to cardiac aetiology. The cohort was split into tertiles using year of arrest. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine risk of death relative to 1991-93. Patients who survived cardiopulmonary arrest in 1997-01 were less likely to die from any cause (unadjusted HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.48-0.75, P<0.001) or cardiac disease (unadjusted HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.38-0.65, P<0.001). After adjustment for case-mix, there remained significant declines in all-cause (adjusted HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.50-0.78, P<0.001) and cardiac death (adjusted HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.39-0.68, P<0.001). Clinical management had improved, with increased use of thrombolysis (47-63%, chi2 trend, P<0.001), beta-blockers (28-53%, chi2 trend, P<0.001), ACE-inhibitors (48-69%, chi2 trend, P<0.001), and anti-thrombotics (79-88%, chi2 trend, P<001). Adjustment for recorded changes in management attenuated the decline in all-cause death (adjusted HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.60-0.98, P=0.03). CONCLUSION Survival following cardiopulmonary arrest has improved after adjusting for changes in case-mix. Better clinical management has contributed to this improvement.
Proteomic Analysis of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury upon Human Liver Transplantation Reveals the Protective Role of IQGAP1*S

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) represents a major determinant of liver transplantation. IRI-induced graft dysfunction is related to biliary damage, partly due to a loss of bile canaliculi (BC) integrity associated with a dramatic remodeling of actin cytoskeleton. However, the molecular mechanisms associated with these events remain poorly characterized. Using liver biopsies collected during the early phases of organ procurement (ischemia) and transplantation (reperfusion), we characterized the global patterns of expression and phosphorylation of cytoskeleton-related proteins during hepatic IRI. This targeted functional proteomic approach, which combined protein expression pattern profiling and phosphoprotein enrichment followed by mass spectrometry analysis, allowed us to identify IQGAP1, a Cdc42/Rac1 effector, as a potential regulator of actin cytoskeleton remodeling and maintenance of BC integrity. Cell fractionation and immunohistochemistry revealed that IQGAP1 expression and localization were affected upon IRI and related to actin reorganization. Furthermore using an IRI model in human hepatoma cells, we demonstrated that IQGAP1 silencing decreased the basal level of actin polymerization at BC periphery, reflecting a defect in BC structure coincident with reduced cellular resistance to IRI. In summary, this study uncovered new mechanistic insights into the global regulation of IRI-induced cytoskeleton remodeling and led to the identification of IQGAP1 as a regulator of BC structure. IQGAP1 therefore represents a potential target for the design of new organ preservation strategies to improve transplantation outcome.
Midbrain volume increase in patients with panic disorder

Aim: Although recent studies suggest abnormalities of the cerebral cortex, limbic structures, and brain stem regions in panic disorder (PD), the extent to which the midbrain is associated with PD pathophysiology is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate structural abnormalities of the midbrain using magnetic resonance imaging and to determine if there is a clinical correlation between midbrain volume and clinical measurements in patients with PD.
Media representation of climate change : frames and claims-makers in the New York Times and the Washington Post

This study examined climate change-related news coverage in two elite U.S. newspapers, the New York Times and the Washington Post, during the second George W. Bush presidential administration from January 2005 to January 2009. Framing theory, using four functional frames, laid the groundwork for the investigation. A quantitative content analysis was conducted to determine the story frames and claims-makers portrayed in the news coverage; an interpretation of the narrative content was then performed to further explore the quantitative findings. Results revealed that scientists were more likely represented in story frames diagnosing causes and defining problems, whereas politicians were more likely represented in story frames making judgments and suggesting solutions. In addition, industry interests were more likely represented in story frames suggesting solutions.