Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does Firm Size Affect Self-Selection and Learning-by-Exporting?

The trade literature has long discussed the existence of some benefits attributed to exporting, among others, the improvement of firm productivity. This paper examines whether firm size plays a role in this supposedly favourable relationship between exporting and total factor productivity (TFP). To examine this, we investigate, separately for large and small firms, whether firms starting to export perform better ex ante (self-selection) than non-exporting firms and, conditional on this fact, if they are also more productive ex post (learning-by-exporting). With this purpose, we use both stochastic dominance and matching techniques. The dataset is a representative sample of Spanish manufacturing firms drawn from the Encuesta sobre Estrategias Empresariales for 1990–2002. Our results shed light on the importance of considering differences in firm size when analysing both self-selection into exporting and post-entry productivity changes. They confirm the existence of a binding process of self-selection into exporting among small firms, but not among large firms. Post-entry productivity growth, although with different time patterns, is significant both for small and large firms.
In-Vitro Characterization of mCerulean3_mRuby3 as a Novel FRET Pair with Favorable Bleed-Through Characteristics

In previous studies, we encountered substantial problems using the CFP_YFP Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) pair to analyze protein proximity in the endoplasmic reticulum of live cells. Bleed-through of the donor emission into the FRET channel and overlap of the FRET emission wavelength with highly variable cellular autofluorescence significantly compromised the sensitivity of our analyses. Here, we propose mCerulean3 and mRuby3 as a new FRET pair to potentially overcome these problems. Fusion of the two partners with a trypsin-cleavable linker allowed the direct comparison of the FRET signal characteristics of the associated partners with those of the completely dissociated partners. We compared our new FRET pair with the canonical CFP_YFP and the more recent mClover3_mRuby3 pairs and found that, despite a lower total FRET signal intensity, the novel pair had a significantly better signal to noise ratio due to lower donor emission bleed-through. This and the fact that the mRuby3 emission spectrum did not overlap with that of common cellular autofluorescence renders the mCerulean3_mRuby3 FRET pair a promising alternative to the common CFP_YFP FRET pair for the interaction analysis of membrane proteins in living cells.
Biometrics of Iberian Dippers Cinclus cinclus: Environmental Sources of Among-Population Variation

Biometry of Iberian Dippers Cinclus cinclus has typically been addressed from a geographic perspective, often considering small local populations. In this work, we explored environmental correlates of among-population phenotypic variation in Dipper morphology throughout Iberia. We tested for effect of river slope, altitude, temperature and precipitation (summarized using Principal Component Analyses, PCA) on absolute and relative (controlling for tarsus length) wing length and tarsus length. We used data of 222 Dippers captured from 35 rivers in eight breeding areas in N and S Iberia. All biometric variables were larger for older birds and males, though tarsus length was not affected by age. Wing length was longer in S Iberia, even when controlling for tarsus length, All biometric variables co-varied negatively with one of the PCA components of abiotic factors, owing to large-scale environment differences between N and S Iberia (zone). The abiotic factors predicted mean tarsus length of birds within zones, with tarsus increasing with increasing river slope and decreasing temperatures and precipitation. Furthermore, Dippers from S Iberia were not larger but had longer absolute and relative wings than those from N Iberia. Altogether, these findings imply that the morphological diversification of Iberian Dippers is affected by the environment and that body size-wing length allometric relationship differs between N and S Iberia.
Quantitative 1H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging Determines Therapeutic Immunization Efficacy in an Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease

Nigrostriatal degeneration, the pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), is mirrored by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) intoxication. MPTP-treated animals show the common behavioral, motor, and pathological features of human disease. We demonstrated previously that adoptive transfer of Copaxone (Cop-1) immune cells protected the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway in MPTP-intoxicated mice. Herein, we evaluated this protection by quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H MRSI). 1H MRSI performed in MPTP-treated mice demonstrated that N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) was significantly diminished in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and striatum, regions most affected in human disease. When the same regions were coregistered with immunohistochemical stains for tyrosine hydroxylase, numbers of neuronal bodies and termini were similarly diminished. MPTP-intoxicated animals that received Cop-1 immune cells showed NAA levels, in the SNpc and striatum, nearly equivalent to PBS-treated animals. Moreover, adoptive transfer of immune cells from ovalbumin-immunized to MPTP-treated mice failed to alter NAA levels or protect dopaminergic neurons and their projections. These results demonstrate that 1H MRSI can evaluate dopaminergic degeneration and its protection by Cop-1 immunization strategies. Most importantly, the results provide a monitoring system to assess therapeutic outcomes for PD.
The Interaction Between Long Non-coding RNA HULC and MicroRNA-622 via Transfer by Extracellular Vesicles Regulates Cell Invasion and Migration in Human Pancreatic Cancer

Although non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in disease pathogenesis, their contributions to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain unclear. Recently, the interrelationship between two classes of ncRNA, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), has been reported to contribute to the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in several diseases including cancers. Moreover, some ncRNAs can be transferred by extracellular vesicles (EVs) from their donor cells to recipient cells. We previously verified that lncRNA HULC is up-regulated in PDAC cells and the intercellular transfer of HULC by EVs can promote PDAC cell invasion and migration through the induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Therefore, we identified the miRNA that could target HULC and investigated the functional contributions of the miRNA–HULC interaction and EV transfer of miRNA to the EMT pathway in PDAC. Microarray analysis revealed 187 miRNAs that were decreased to <0.87-fold in Panc-1 cells treated with TGF-β compared with the control. Of these, miR-622 was predicted to target HULC directly by bioinformatics analysis. Expression of miR-622 was significantly down-regulated by TGF-β in a panel of PDAC cells. miR-622 overexpression by a miRNA mimic significantly decreased HULC expression, increased E-cadherin expression, and decreased expression of Snail, N-cadherin, and vimentin. Moreover, overexpression of miR-622 significantly reduced cell invasion and migration whereas inhibition of miR-622 increased HULC expression and promoted EMT signaling, invasion, and migration of PDAC cells. Furthermore, incubation with miR-622-overexpressing EVs could transfer miR-622, which significantly elevated miR-622 expression and decreased cell invasion and migration via inhibition of the EMT pathway in recipient PDAC cells. These results provide mechanistic insights into the development of PDAC by demonstrating that miR-622, as a miRNA downregulated by TGF-β, could target HULC and suppress invasion and migration by inhibiting EMT signaling via EV transfer. These observations may identify EV-encapsulated miRNA as a novel therapeutic target for human PDAC.
Cortical Bone Derived Stem Cells Modulate Cardiac Fibroblast Response via miR-18a in the Heart After Injury

The adult heart following injury such as a myocardial infarction forms a fibrotic scar associated with transformation of resident cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblast, accelerating cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. Cell therapies provide a novel direction for the enhancement of cardiac structure and function but remain poorly described in terms of the effect on resident cardiac fibroblasts. We have shown cortical bone derived stem cells (CBSCs) exhibit an ability to repair the heart after myocardial injury together with reduced scar formation. Nevertheless, whether CBSCs possess ability to modulate resident fibroblast response after myocardial injury remains untested. Objective To determine the effect of secreted factors from CSBCs to attenuate myofibroblast formation in the heart after injury. Methods and Results CBSCs were injected in mice after myocardial infarction which demonstrated reduced fibrosis as determined by Masson’s trichrome and Picro-Sirius red staining. In parallel, decreased expression of myofibroblast markers such as Acta2 was observed compared to PBS injected mice. To determine the effect of CBSCs on cardiac fibrosis, adult mouse cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from C57BL/6 mice, primed with CBSC pre-conditioned media for 12 h, and treated with 10ng TGF-β for 48 h to mimic cardiac injury. Decreased expression of Acta2, periostin and CTGF was observed in adult cardiac fibroblasts cultured in CBSC medium compared to control cells. Additionally, analysis of myofibroblast markers such as vimentin and pSMAD/SMAD was also decreased compared to control cells. To determine the mechanism, we looked for enriched miRNA in CBSCs that can mediate anti fibrotic response after injury. Results showed significantly increased expression of miR-18a in CBSCs. The upregulation of miR-18a was also validated in adult fibroblasts treated with CBSCs compared to control cells. Adult fibroblasts treated with mimic for miR-18a followed by TGF-β showed significant decrease in myofibroblast formation while miR-18a inhibitor completely inhibited the effect of CBSC medium. Conclusion CBSCs reduce fibroblast to myofibroblast transition and differentiation in adult cardiac fibroblasts via miR-18a-5p. This finding reveals a new avenue for cell therapies to target myocardial scar modulation and provides a resolution for the cardiac repair response after injury in the adult myocardium.
Impact and Opportunities of Agroecological Intensification Strategies on Farm Performance: A Case Study of Banana-Based Systems in Central and South-Western Uganda

Agroecological intensification (AEI) practices relying on on-farm diversity tend to close nutrient cycles and reduce dependency on external inputs in agricultural systems. These practices improve the productivity of banana-based systems in Uganda, but their extent of implementation differs between and within regions. However, the impact of AEI practices on a broader range of objectives including environmental and nutritional objectives, is hardly quantified. Additionally, recommendations to improve the farm performance, given these options, are lacking. We, therefore, analyzed the current farm performance for these broad range of objectives and explored optimal farm reconfigurations in two Ugandan districts, one in Central Uganda and one in Southwestern (SW) Uganda. Given the heterogeneity of smallholder farms, a farm typology based on the applied AEI practices was developed. It classified the subsistence farms in Central Uganda into two extreme groups with an average of 11.0 and 16.4 AEI practices applied per farm. Farms in SW Uganda were moderately intensified (i.e., 13.0 practices). The FarmDESIGN model revealed a higher species diversity, relatively higher profitability (2,039 – 3,270 $/ha/year) and nutritional yield on farms in Central Uganda. However, relatively high soil erosion levels (0.243 – 0.240) and negative nitrogen (N) balances (−72 to −50 kg N/ha/year) were indicative of unsustainable practices. In contrast, farms in SW Uganda were less diverse and more market oriented. Their commercial orientation allowed investments in soil fertility management, resulting in more sustainable [low soil erosion level (0.172) and positive N balance (5 kg/ha/year)], but less profitable (506 $/ha/year) systems. To improve farm performance, bananas and other perennials played a key role. Explorations with Calliandra calothyrsus (Calliandra) hedgerow or Mucuna pruriens (Mucuna) cover crop increased on-farm mulch production, improved sustainability indicators and profitability. We conclude that AEI practices can improve farm performance, and a more intensive use would be beneficial. In addition, the FarmDESIGN model provides a useful tool for redesigning these farms, proposing different redesigns depending on farmers' objectives (profitability, productivity or sustainability), and for evaluating ex ante the impact of new agricultural measures on farm performance.
Pre-clinical evaluation of new dibucaine formulations for preventive analgesia

Abstract We have previously developed ammonium sulphate gradient loaded liposomes to encapsulate dibucaine. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the pre-clinical safety and effectiveness of this novel ionic liposomal formulation of dibucaine (DBC), as described in previous work. Effectiveness was evaluated in vivo on Wistar rats (n = 8) that received plain DBC or liposomal DBC (DBCLUV). Control empty liposomes (without DBC) or saline were also used as control. Sciatic nerve block was performed using the formulations or controls (0.4 mL). A hindpaw incision-based postoperative pain model was used to evaluate mechanical hypersensitivity with von Frey filaments. To verify antiinflamatory activity protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, substance P and CGRP were measured by ELISA in the hindpaw tissue after 1 and 6 hours of the incision. To corroborate drug safety, sciatic nerve Schwann cell cultures were treated with the aforementioned formulations and assessed for cell viability (MTT assay) and death (flow cytometry assay). Histopathology of the tissues surrounding the sciatic nerve region was also assessed 2 and 7 days after treatment. All animals presented post incisional hypersensitivity and DBCLUV showed longer analgesic effect (p < 0.001). DBCLUV reduced TNF-α and CGRP levels (p < 0.05). Histopathological evaluation showed greater inflammatory reaction after the administration of control liposomes when compared to DBC (p < 0.05). There was no difference in Schwann cell viability and death between plain and encapsulated DBC. DBCLUV was safe and enhanced anaesthesia duration due to slow release of dibucaine from ammonium sulphate gradient loaded liposomes.
Therapeutically‐rational exchange (T‐REX) of Gerbich‐negative red blood cells can be evaluated in Papua New Guinea as “a rescue adjunct” for patients with Plasmodium falciparum malaria

“Conventional exchange transfusion”—that delivers nondescript “standard issue” units of red blood cells (RBCs)—is used worldwide to rescue dying Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria patients. Recently, exchanging special malaria‐resistant RBCs (T‐REX) has been recommended to prevent random delivery of malaria‐susceptible RBCs that promote Pf infection. Fortunately, Papua New Guinea (PNG) is well positioned to help optimize exchange as “a rescue adjunct” because (a) Gerbich‐negative (GN) RBCs that resist Pf invasion are prevalent in PNG; (b) with international support, PNG has conducted outstanding malaria research; (c) PNG's scientists feel studies of GN RBCs can advance malaria therapeutics; and (d) with blood‐bank support, evaluating exchange of GN RBCs is feasible in PNG. An exchange‐transfusion study of GN RBCs might attract international sponsorship given the threat of expanding drug‐resistance as well as growing recognition that advancing transfusion medicine and expanding blood donation could especially help Pf‐infected children—immediately.
Brain White Matter Correlates of Creativity in Schizophrenia: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study

The relationship between creativity and psychopathology has been a controversial research topic for decades. Specifically, it has been shown that people with schizophrenia have an impairment in creative performance. However, little is known about the brain correlates underlying this impairment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze whole brain white matter (WM) correlates of several creativity dimensions in people with schizophrenia. Fifty-five patients with schizophrenia underwent diffusion-weighted imaging on a 3T magnetic resonance imaging machine as well as a clinical and a creativity assessment, including verbal and figural creativity measures. Tract-based spatial statistic, implemented in FMRIB Software Library (FSL), was used to assess whole brain WM correlates with different creativity dimensions, controlling for sex, age, premorbid IQ, and medication. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) in frontal, temporal, subcortical, brain stem, and interhemispheric regions correlated positively with figural originality. The most significant clusters included the right corticospinal tract (cerebral peduncle part) and the right body of the corpus callosum. Verbal creativity did not show any significant correlation. As a whole, these findings suggest that widespread WM integrity is involved in creative performance of patients with schizophrenia. Many of these areas have also been related to creativity in healthy people. In addition, some of these regions have shown to be particularly impaired in schizophrenia, suggesting that these WM alterations could be underlying the worse creative performance found in this pathology.
Sexual size and shape dimorphism in the Moorish gecko (Tarentola mauritanica, Gekkota, Phyllodactylidae)

Two main adaptive hypotheses are invoked for the evolution of SD: sexual selection and natural selection. In snakes SD is generally interpreted as the adaptation of the two sexes to different ecological niches, whereas in lizards sexual and ecological causes may work simultaneously, with different outcomes according to taxonomic group. Surprisingly, geckos have been almost ignored in the general debate over the evolution of SD, despite their being an extremely diversified taxon with over 1300 species showing a wide range of variability in SD. The Moorish gecko is one of those species whose dimorphism is poorly studied. We took an integrated approach using a linear (biometrical) analysis on head and body size of 157 geckos and a relatively new analytical approach (geometric morphometry) to assess head size of 38 geckos from central Italy. Males were, on average, larger and heavier than females, and body size relationships differed between age classes showing a significant SD between sexes. When controlling for snout to vent length, sexes differed only in body mass and eye diameter (larger in males). Head shape, on the contrary, showed differences according to age classes, with deep differences in hatchlings compared to adults and, among adults, between sexes. However, the growth trajectories did not differ among sexes, and SD of head shape is probably due to a more prolonged growth of the males with respect to the females. The male-biased pattern of SD in this species is most parsimoniously interpreted as the result of sexual selection, whereby larger head and body size probably confer a greater advantage to males during combats and courtship, rather than conferring independent adaptations to different ecological pressures to each sex.
Hidden connections

In The Hidden Connections. A Science for Sustainable Living, Capra set out a conceptual framework integrating the biological, cognitive and social dimensions of life. He argued that it is necessary to take an integrated approach to address the challenges of our time and made specific reference to the rise of global capitalism and the creation of sustainable communities, both of which are indelibly underpinned by networks. The former, by networks of financial and information flows with the aim of maximising the wealth and power of elites and the latter by networks of energy and material flows which seek to optimise and sustain the web of life. Over a decade ago Capra argued that these two scenarios were on a collision course because the fundamental principle of global capitalism, that ‘money-making should take precedence over human rights, democracy, environmental protection or any other value’, was by definition unsustainable. Advocates of global capitalism argue the ideals of capitalism are to create a better world. Norberg (2003), for example, proposes that globalisation creates opportunities and brings freedom to the world’s poor. Nevertheless, there is strong evidence supporting Capra’s concerns. For example, in terms of economic inequality (alone) the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported in 2011 that the gap between rich and poor widened continuously over three decades to 2008 (OECD, 2011), and it continues to rise (OECD, 2013). These universal tensions, the challenges to global capitalism in recent years and the struggle to sustain vested interests, arguably define our current predicament and context. Unfettered global capitalism appears to be colliding with efforts to develop and sustain universal healthcare systems. Globally, health systems are funded through a range of public and private finance mechanisms (see, for example an international analysis of 14 countries’ healthcare systems by Thomson et al. (2013)). The World Health Organisation (WHO) calls for ‘universal coverage’ where everyone has access to healthcare irrespective of their income or their ability to pay, where the healthcare they
Evaluating abundance and trends in a Hawaiian avian community using state-space analysis

Summary Estimating population abundances and patterns of change over time are important in both ecology and conservation. Trend assessment typically entails fitting a regression to a time series of abundances to estimate population trajectory. However, changes in abundance estimates from year-to-year across time are due to both true variation in population size (process variation) and variation due to imperfect sampling and model fit. State-space models are a relatively new method that can be used to partition the error components and quantify trends based only on process variation. We compare a state-space modelling approach with a more traditional linear regression approach to assess trends in uncorrected raw counts and detection-corrected abundance estimates of forest birds at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawai‘i. Most species demonstrated similar trends using either method. In general, evidence for trends using state-space models was less strong than for linear regression, as measured by estimates of precision. However, while the state-space models may sacrifice precision, the expectation is that these estimates provide a better representation of the real world biological processes of interest because they are partitioning process variation (environmental and demographic variation) and observation variation (sampling and model variation). The state-space approach also provides annual estimates of abundance which can be used by managers to set conservation strategies, and can be linked to factors that vary by year, such as climate, to better understand processes that drive population trends.