Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pay structure implications for turnover in the CEO's top team

We extend our theoretical understanding of the effect of pay structure on turnover within the CEO’s top team. Our findings indicate that pay dispersion and pay disparity have unique and opposite effects on turnover within the CEO’s top team. Further, we find that pay dispersion and pay disparity interact both with each other as well as with the overall pay level in comparison to the market to predict top team member turnover. These findings result from a multi-industry sample of pay structure over a 14-year period. Our results challenge existing arguments that pay dispersion and pay disparity have either similar or context specific effects on executive actions. Rather, we find that elements of executive pay structure have both independent and contrasting effects while also interacting to influence the actions of members of the CEO’s top team.
Development of Agricultural Field DEM Using Repeated GPS Measurements from Field Operations: Effects of Sampling Intensity and Pattern

Widespread used of GPS systems in agricultural vehicle allows farmers to collect elevation data repeatedly to develop field-level DEM. Accuracy of these DEMs can be improved by understanding how errors are introduced from sampling procedures. In this research, a 120 m by120 m test field was modeled using a 10-m-grid USGS DEM of Winneshiek County, Iowa. Multiple sets of vehicle-based GPS elevation measurements from four filed operations (tillage, planting, spraying and harvesting) with different swath width and speed level were simulated using inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation from the test field. GPS errors were modeled using Gauss-Markov process and added to the simulated measurements. Then DEMs were created using a method proposed by Aziz et al. (2005). Results show that RMSE gradually decreased as the number of measurement sets used increased and leveled out after approximately 12 measurement sets unless an increase in input resolution of the elevation data were introduced to improve the RMSE of the resulted DEM. For the widest swath width, as the speed level (distance between data points along a track) decreased, the RMSE decreased from 0.23 m to 0.16 m. Track patterns on the other hand, had significant effects on the topographic maps if very small grid size is used to generate the DEM.
RNase H-mediated degradation of toxic RNA in myotonic dystrophy type 1

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an RNA-dominant disease caused by abnormal transcripts containing expanded CUG repeats. The CUG transcripts aggregate in the nucleus to form RNA foci and lead to nuclear depletion of Muscleblind-like 1 (MBNL1) and stabilized expression of CUGBP Elav like family 1 (CELF1), both of which are splicing regulatory proteins. The imbalance of these proteins results in misregulation of alternative splicing and neuromuscular abnormalities. Here, we report the use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) as a therapeutic approach to target the pathogenic RNA in DM1. We designed chimeric ASOs, termed gapmers, containing modified nucleic acid residues to induce RNase H-mediated degradation of CUG-repeat transcripts. The gapmers selectively knockdown expanded CUG transcripts and are sufficient to disrupt RNA foci both in cell culture and mouse models for DM1. Furthermore, combination of gapmers with morpholino ASOs that help release binding of MBNL1 to the toxic RNA can potentially enhance the knockdown effect. Additional optimization will be required for systemic delivery; however, our study provides an alternative strategy for the use of ASOs in DM1 therapy.
Use of partially covered and uncovered metallic prosthesis for endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy: Results of a retrospective monocentric study

Background and Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) represents an option to treat obstructive jaundice when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) fails. The success rate of this procedure has been shown to be very high. Up to now, plastic and self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) have been employed, each of them presenting some limitations. The aims of this study were to evaluate the technical and functional success rates of EUS-HGS using a dedicated biliary SEMS with a half-covered part (Giobor® stent). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of patients, who underwent EUS-HGS at our center, with at least 6 months of follow-up. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted from the patient's charts and electronic records. Technical success rate was defined as the successful passage of the Giobor stent across the stomach, along with the flow of contrast medium and/or bile through the stent. Functional success rate was considered achieved when the decrease of bilirubin value of at least 25% within the 1st week was obtained. The rate of early and late complications was assessed. Results: A total of 41 patients were included (21F/20M, [mean age 66, range 45–85]). Technical success rate was obtained in 37 (90.2%) of patients. Functional success rate, analyzable in 29 patients, occurred in 65%. Between the 37 patients in whom HGS was technically feasible, 13 patients (31.7%) presented an early complication, mostly infective. At 6-month follow-up, 10/37 patients (27.0%) required a new biliary drainage (BD) and 11/37 (29.7%) died because of their disease. Conclusions: EUS-HGS using Giobor® stent is technically feasible, clinical effective, safe, and may be an alternative to percutaneous transhepatic BD in case of ERCP failure for biliary decompression.
Substance P: ionic basis for depolarizing responses of mouse spinal cord neurons in cell culture

Intracellular recording methods were used to investigate the ionic basis for the postsynaptic actions of substance P (SP) on mouse spinal cord neurons grown in primary dissociated cell culture. SP and an analog, eledoisin-related peptide (ERP), were applied to single neurons by pressure ejection of peptide-containing solutions from blunt (2- to 10-micrometers) glass micropipettes. SP and ERP had similar excitatory actions, increasing spontaneous activity and depolarizing neurons by decreasing membrane conductance. Depolarizing responses were not inverted by intracellular injection of chloride ions, suggesting that SP responses did not result from decreased chloride conductance. SP and ERP responses were not abolished by extracellular tetraethylammonium ions (TEA+) but were reduced or eliminated by intracellular TEA+, suggesting that SP reduced a potassium conductance (gK). Finally, SP and ERP responses were larger when neurons were depolarized and smaller when the cells were hyperpolarized, and extrapolated reversal potentials for the peptide responses were 10 to 30 mV more negative than resting membrane potential. Thus, it was concluded that SP depolarized spinal cord neurons by decreasing a membrane potassium conductance. However, SP and ERP response polarity was not clearly reversed even at membrane potentials more negative than the expected potassium equilibrium potential. Moreover, extrapolated reversal potentials (RPeS) of SP responses varied linearly with the logarithm of extracellular potassium concentration ([K+]o) as predicted by the Nernst equation for potassium in [K+]o concentrations of 10, 15, 20, and 40 mM but were more depolarized than predicted for [K+]o concentrations of 1 and 5 mM. Since reduction of extracellular sodium by choline substitution did not alter the deviation from the Nernst equation for potassium, it was concluded that SP decreased a voltage- dependent potassium conductance which was absent at very negative potentials, present at resting membrane potential, and activated by membrane depolarization. Thus, SP decreases a conductance which appears similar to the muscarine-sensitive potassium conductance in sympathetic ganglion neurons (Brown, D. A., and P. R. Adams (1980) Nature 283: 673–676).
The role of TWIST, SERPINB5, and SERPIN1 genes in uterine leiomyomas.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is investigate the role of the Twist homolog 1 (TWIST), serine peptidase inhibitor (SERPINB5), and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (SERPIN1) genes in uterine leiomyoma etiopathogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve patients, aged between 39 and 58, and had a hysterectomy, were included in the study. The size of the leiomyomas was between 20 and 130 mm based on gross pathology after hysterectomy. Tissue samples were obtained from normal myometrium and leiomyoma (1 cm(3)) tissue of the uterus of the patients and stored at -86°C. Samples were divided to two groups after histopathological evaluation of the uterus: normal myometrial tissues as control group (Group 1) and leiomyoma tissue as the study group (Group 2). The TWIST, SERPINB5, and SERPIN1 genes were studied for uterine leiomyoma etiopathogenesis. RESULTS TWIST gene expression was significantly higher in the uterine leiomyoma tissue (p<0.001). SERPINB5 and SERPIN1 gene expression was decreased in the uterine leiomyoma tissue, but the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION TWIST gene activity is significantly increased in leiomyoma tissue when compared to normal myometrium. In spite of the fact that the development of uterine leiomyomas is estrogen- and progesterone-dependent, myometrial cells could be triggered by the TWIST gene for uterine leiomyoma development.
The measurement of international inventory systems

An instrument has been developed to empirically measure the factors (constructs) influencing inventory systems and their effectiveness in international environments. The relevant literature was examined and eight constructs were identified to be included in the scale: the level of infrastructure, government policy, product characteristics, productions environments, supply base, degree of uncertainty, information level and effectiveness of the inventory system. The instrument was tested through structured interviews in operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. These scales provide an essential building block for empirical researchers and managers to document the state of international operations. As an example of using this scale a comparison of US, European and Latin American inventory systems is provided.
A framework for understanding consumptive delay: rebate proneness and redemption

Purpose – In this paper the authors seek to develop a measure that can identify those customers who might best be described as rebate prone, and to link rebate proneness to behavioral usage of rebate offers, intentions to use rebate offers in the future, attitudes towards using rebates as a way to try new products, and finally, the tendency to complete the rebate transaction.Design/methodology – In study 1, college students enrolled in marketing classes at two large state universities were asked to complete a brief online survey regarding their attitudes towards rebates as a promotional tool as well as shopping behaviors and attitudes towards shopping. Study 2 replicated study 1 using a mall intercept approach.Findings – Confirmatory factor analyses of the measure of rebate proneness demonstrated substantial psychometric validity and yielded acceptable levels of internal consistency. In both studies, rebate proneness was significantly and positively related to behavioral, intentional and attitudinal appro.
A soft-biometrics dataset for person tracking and re-identification

In this work we present a new dataset for the tasks person detection, tracking, re-identification, and soft-biometric attribute detection in surveillance data. The dataset was recorded over three days and consists of more than 30 individuals moving through a network of seven cameras. Person tracks are labeled with consistent IDs as well as soft-biometric attributes, such as a description of the clothing, gender, or height. Persons in the video data alter their appearance by changing clothes or wearing accessories. A second, clothing specific ID of each track allows for the evaluation of re-identification with or without the presence of clothing changes. In addition to video and camera calibration data, we provide evaluation protocols, tools and baseline results for each of the four tasks.
Pituitary tumours are multiclonal from the outset: evidence from a case with dural metastases

In 1992 a 54‐year‐old man underwent transsphenoidal adenomectomy to remove a clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma during which there was a transient cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. He received radiotherapy to a small residual remnant. Follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan in 1997 showed an increase in the tumour in the pituitary stalk region and an additional intradural lesion at C1 level. In the absence of neurological symptoms and signs, an observational policy was followed. By 1999 the cervical dural lesion had enlarged and laminectomy was performed, during which three intradural lesions were removed. Histology and immunohistochemistry of the metastases were identical to those of the initial pituitary adenoma. Follow‐up MRI scan showed extension of the pituitary remnant above the chiasma, requiring transfrontal surgery. Operation was complicated by secondary brain haemorrhage from which the patient died. Autopsy revealed a small amount of residual tumour at the top of the stalk and several small intradural tumour nodules at the level of the foramen magnum. Genetic analysis of the initial pituitary tumour identified significant allelic losses in keeping with its invasive nature, while that of the metastases indicated a separate clone as shown by retention of alleles lost in the primary tumour. The regrown pituitary tumour also appeared to be of a different clone to the initial tumour and the same as two of three of the first metastases (C1 level). The foramen magnum metastasis showed the same loss of heterozygosity (LOH) pattern as one of the original C1 metastases and the pituitary tumour tissue obtained at autopsy. We speculate that at the initial pituitary surgery, cells seeded into the CSF and grew in the dura. These cells were from a different clone, implying that the original pituitary tumour contained at least two clones, possibly three, providing evidence for the contemporaneous oligoclonality of the original pituitary tumour.
Gangliosides rescue neuronal cells from death after trophic factor deprivation

Serum-free cultures of PC 12 cells have been used as a model system for studying neuronal death occurring after neurotrophic factor deprivation. In this system, NGF rescues cells from death and prevents apoptotic DNA fragmentation. We report here that GM1 also promotes long- term survival of naive and NGF-pretreated PC 12 cells in serum-free medium and prevents internucleosomal cleavage of PC 12 cell DNA. In contrast to NGF, GM1 does not promote neurite outgrowth or somatic hypertrophy. The survival effects of GM1 are concentration dependent, with maximal activity at 30–50 microM. Optimal promotion of survival is obtained with multiple additions of GM1. Asialo-GM1 and sialic acid do not mimic these actions, indicating a requirement for the intact GM1 molecule. Prevention of serum-free PC 12 cell death is also obtained with di-, tri-, and tetrasialogangliosides. The ganglioside effects on survival and DNA fragmentation appear to be independent of macromolecular synthesis. GM1 is also effective under conditions in which cellular protein kinase C activity is downregulated by preexposure to high concentration of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13- acetate. Furthermore, GM1 promotes long-term survival of cultured rat sympathetic neurons after withdrawal of NGF. These findings complement prior observations that gangliosides protect cerebellar granule neurons from neurotoxicity caused by exposure to excitatory amino acids and extend the actions of gangliosides to rescue of neuronal cells deprived of neurotrophic factor support.
Laparoscopic Button Cholecystostomy for Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis in Two Children

Abstract Background Untreated, progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) results in fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. It has been shown that partial external biliary diversion (PEBD) may prevent from liver transplantation in patients without cirrhosis. The aim of this study is to present a new laparoscopic technique using a button instead of a bowel conduit for PEBD. Patients and Methods Two boys with PFIC (patient 1, 17 months; patient 2, 12 years) underwent laparoscopic button cholecystostomy using a 3-trocar technique by insertion of a 14 French MIC KEY button (Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc, Draper, Utah, United States) at the gallbladder fundus secured with two absorbable purse-string sutures. Beside the suitability of the procedure, end points included course of serum bile acids, total bilirubin, liver enzymes, and pruritus at a follow-up of 6 months. Results No complications related to the operation occurred. Relieve of pruritus was achieved in both the children, due to adequate bile drainage during a follow-up period of 6 months. In patient 2, a 10-mm gallstone was removed simultaneously. In patient 1, serum bile acids decreased from 12.3 to 6.6 µmol/L and in patient 2, serum bile acids decreased from 106.3 to 2.9 µmol/L. Total bilirubin, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase are kept in normal ranges during follow-up. Patient's and parent's acceptance with the button was excellent. Conclusion Laparoscopic button cholecystostomy is a simple, safe, and sufficient technique for PEBD in patients with PFIC. It achieves an adequate bile flow with consecutive relief of pruritus and avoids an enteric anastomosis.
The Managerial and Technological Innovation in Health System

The invention is the first incidence of an impression for a new creation, service and process, whereas the innovation signifies placing somewhat into practice, a new way of doing things, a new value and a new application of an old concept. To be able to turn invention into innovation organizations normally need to combine several different types of knowledge, capabilities, skills and resources. For example, the introduction of a fresh technology will have need of new equipment, new skills and knowledge through learning, training and improvement along with an entire system approach to make sure a joined-up service. Innovation is the thoughtful overview and application within the products or procedures, processes, planned to benefit the individual, new to the related adoption of role, the group, society and organization. Public sector innovation correspond creativity, novelty and the intention of affecting improvement in something, for example through new or improved services and processes.
Corporate Governance and Antitrust Behavior

Theoretical research shows that not only potential profits from price fixing but also management incentives problems may be related to a firm’s decision to participate in a cartel. Consequently, certain corporate governance mechanisms may facilitate or prevent collusive agreements. In this paper, we use a sample of 1,612 observations on 225 U.S. cartelist firms from 1986 to 2010 to empirically investigate the relation between the probability of participating in a cartel and various corporate governance and other firm and market characteristics. Our results show that large, mature, low-growth firms in concentrated industries are most likely to participate in a cartel. Although a few corporate governance mechanisms are significantly related to the probability of participating in a cartel, we do not find an overall positive or negative relation between corporate governance and cartelistic behavior. We find the growth rates of cartel firms to be significantly higher in terms of market value, sales, employees, and PPE compared to a set of matched control firms. Hence, cartelists seem to match their higher growth rates in sales and market value by higher investments to cover up that their growth stems from price fixing agreements. Finally, we find that during the period of collusive behavior CEOs and top executives exercise a significantly higher fraction of their exercisable options than CEOs and executives in comparable firms.
Genomic Analysis of Diverse Members of the Fungal Genus Monosporascus Reveals Novel Lineages, Unique Genome Content and a Potential Bacterial Associate

The genus Monosporascus represents an enigmatic group of fungi important in agriculture and widely distributed in natural arid ecosystems. Of the nine described species, two (M. cannonballus and M. eutypoides) are important pathogens on the roots of members of Cucurbitaceae in agricultural settings. The remaining seven species are capable of colonizing roots from a diverse host range without causing obvious disease symptoms. Recent molecular and culture studies have shown that members of the genus are nearly ubiquitous as root endophytes in arid environments of the Southwestern United States. Isolates have been obtained from apparently healthy roots of grasses, shrubs and herbaceous plants located in central New Mexico and other regions of the Southwest. Phylogenetic and genomic analyses reveal substantial diversity in these isolates. The New Mexico isolates include close relatives of M. cannonballus and M. ibericus, as well as isolates that represent previously unrecognized lineages. To explore evolutionary relationships within the genus and gain insights into potential ecological functions, we sequenced and assembled the genomes of three M. cannonballus isolates, one M. ibericus isolate, and six diverse New Mexico isolates. The assembled genomes were significantly larger than what is typical for the Sordariomycetes despite having predicted gene numbers similar to other members of the class. Differences in predicted genome content and organization were observed between endophytic and pathogenic lineages of Monosporascus. Several Monosporascus isolates appear to form associations with members of the bacterial genus Ralstonia (Burkholdariaceae).
Dynamic label-free imaging of lipid nanodomains

Significance Cell membranes are thought to partition into small (10–100 nm) and transient (<100 ms) lipid platforms or “rafts” to control signaling and trafficking across the membrane. The difficulty in observing such species has made “lipid rafts” a contentious topic. Indirect evidence for their existence has been available for decades, but it has not been possible to reveal their dynamics directly. By exploiting the differences in light scattering from different lipid phases, we achieve dynamic imaging of lipid nanodomains. We observe nanodomain formation, destruction, and coalescence—behaviors previously hypothesized but never observed, yet are critical to their proposed function. Lipid rafts are submicron proteolipid domains thought to be responsible for membrane trafficking and signaling. Their small size and transient nature put an understanding of their dynamics beyond the reach of existing techniques, leading to much contention as to their exact role. Here, we exploit the differences in light scattering from lipid bilayer phases to achieve dynamic imaging of nanoscopic lipid domains without any labels. Using phase-separated droplet interface bilayers we resolve the diffusion of domains as small as 50 nm in radius and observe nanodomain formation, destruction, and dynamic coalescence with a domain lifetime of 220 ± 60 ms. Domain dynamics on this timescale suggests an important role in modulating membrane protein function.