Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Body image mediates negative family climate and deteriorating glycemic control for single adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION Glycemic control declines during adolescence, as youth with diabetes struggle with pubertal changes and a changing social world. The present study tests whether body image mediates longitudinal links between family climate and changes in adolescent glycemic control. Mediation was hypothesized for nondating adolescents but not for dating adolescents, because the former are thought to remain more family oriented than the latter. METHOD Participants were German adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (51 girls, 58 boys; M = 15.84 years, SD = 1.44). Participants reported body image and family climate. Physicians assayed blood HbA1c levels (M = 8.22%, SD = 1.80%) to measure glycemic control. RESULTS For nondating adolescents, body image mediated associations between family climate and longitudinal changes in glycemic control. Poorer family climate was associated with poorer body image, which predicted deteriorating glycemic control. For dating adolescents, family climate was unassociated with changes in glycemic control. DISCUSSION Nondating adolescents may look to parents for feedback on body image, which affects how they manage the challenges of diabetes. Parents and practitioners alike should be alert to the fact that family climate continues to be an important determinant of adolescent adjustment, particularly for those who have not moved into romantic relationships. We know that body image matters to adolescents, but for some youth, body image may be the difference between health and serious physical problems. (PsycINFO Database Record
Implementing Individual Producer Responsibility for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment through Improved Financing

Under the European Union (EU) Waste Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) Directive, producers are responsible for financing the recycling of their products at end of life. A key intention of such extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation is to provide economic incentives for producers to develop products that are easier to treat and recycle at end of life. Recent research has shown, however, that the implementation of EPR for WEEE has so far failed in this respect.
ACTN3: More than Just a Gene for Speed

Over the last couple of decades, research has focused on attempting to understand the genetic influence on sports performance. This has led to the identification of a number of candidate genes which may help differentiate between elite and non-elite athletes. One of the most promising genes in that regard is ACTN3, which has commonly been referred to as “a gene for speed”. Recent research has examined the influence of this gene on other performance phenotypes, including exercise adaptation, exercise recovery, and sporting injury risk. In this review, we identified 19 studies exploring these phenotypes. Whilst there was large variation in the results of these studies, as well as extremely heterogeneous cohorts, there is overall a tentative consensus that ACTN3 genotype can impact the phenotypes of interest. In particular, the R allele of a common polymorphism (R577X) is associated with enhanced improvements in strength, protection from eccentric training-induced muscle damage, and sports injury. This illustrates that ACTN3 is more than just a gene for speed, with potentially wide-ranging influence on muscle function, knowledge of which may aid in the future personalization of exercise training programmes.
Labour Reallocation, Relative Prices and Productivity

This paper documents the rate at which labour flows between industries and between firms within industries using the most recent data available. It examines the determinants of these flows and their relationship with the productivity growth. It is found that the dispersion of industry employment growth rates has been elevated since 2005, and that this increase is not likely to be related to the business cycle. It is also found that changes in real exchange rates and commodity prices can account for a significant part of the employment dispersion across industries, especially since 2005. However, shifts of employment labour between industries have generally not contributed positively to aggregate labour productivity growth. With respect to movements of labour between firms within industries, it is found that the job reallocation rates have fallen steadily over the past decade and a half. Finally, unlike labour flows between industries, excess job reallocation rates within industries are found to be strongly related to multifactor productivity and labour productivity growth at the industry level.
Uso y aplicación de la técnica de análisis estadístico multivariante de cluster sobre la capacidad de innovación tecnológica en Latinoamérica y España

El presente trabajo lleva a cabo un analisis sobre la capacidad de innovacion tecnologica en Latinoamerica y Espana. Con apoyo en la literatura sobre capacidad nacional de innovacion y economia del cambio tecnologico, se realizo un estudio empirico utilizando la tecnica de analisis estadistico multivariante de cluster y los indicadores de innovacion tecnologica publicados en el Global Competitiveness Report 2002-2003 y 2009-2010 (WEF, 2002; WEF, 2009), para explorar la existencia de grupos de paises caracterizados por diferentes niveles de innovacion tecnologica, profundizando en sus caracteristicas y en la distancia que les separa, asi como en su evolucion a lo largo del periodo 2002-2009. Los resultados muestran la existencia de cuatro grupos de paises que se definen por una distinta capacidad de innovacion tecnologica, tanto en lo referente a politica tecnologica gubernamental y empresarial como en lo relativo a infraestructuras tecnologicas y capital humano. Los grupos tambien difieren en su evolucion en relacion con estos factores en el periodo considerado.
Organism named entity recognition on an enhanced CRF-based model and normalization for BioCreative VI bioentity normalization task

Bioconcept curation is important to improve research on bio-literatures. Among bioconcepts, organism named entity recognition has been studied for a long time but without much success. According to this, we decided to develop a system for curating organisms and normalizing the entities of figure captions. In this work, we split the system in two parts, one is named entity recognition, and the other is entity normalization. In the first part, we leverage conditional random fields (CRFs) with several linguistic features that assist recognition, and in the second part, we utilize some heuristic ways to enhance the ability to identify the taxonomy ID for each entity. At the bioentity normalization task of BioCreative VI Bio-ID task, our system obtained 0.81 precision in the recognition stage and 0.61 precision in the normalization stage. Keywords—conditional random fields; taxonomy named entity recognition and normalization; Biomedical text mining
A Reexamination of the Federal-Private Wage Differential in the United States

The federal-private wage differential is reexamined with recent data. Using specifications similar to those used in three previous studies, I find that the federal-private wage differential has narrowed since the 1974-79 period analyzed in those studies. In addition, I discover that wage differentials based on specifications used in the literature are biased upward because the previous studies did not control for detailed occupational and locational characteristics of workers. Corrected point estimates of the wage gap are much smaller than previous estimates in the literature. Differences in the gap across demographic groups, occupations, and locations are also discussed.
Randomized trial comparing epirubicin, cisplatin, and fluorouracil versus fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and methotrexate in advanced esophagogastric cancer.

PURPOSE We report the results of a prospectively randomized study that compared the combination of epirubicin, cisplatin, and protracted venous infusion fluorouracil (5-FU) (ECF regimen) with the standard combination of 5-FU, doxorubicin, and methotrexate (FAMTX) in previously untreated patients with advanced esophagogastric cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Two hundred seventy-four patients with adenocarcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma were randomized and analyzed for survival, tumor response, toxicity, and quality of life (QL). RESULTS The overall response rate was 45% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36% to 54%) with ECF and 21% (95% CI, 13% to 29%) with FAMTX (P = .0002). Toxicity was tolerable and there were only three toxic deaths. The FAMTX regimen caused more hematologic toxicity and serious infections, but ECF caused more emesis and alopecia. The median survival duration was 8.9 months with ECF and 5.7 months with FAMTX (P = .0009); at 1 year, 36% (95% CI, 27% to 45%) of ECF and 21% (95% CI, 14% to 29%) of FAMTX patients were alive. The median failure-free survival duration was 7.4 months with ECF and 3.4 months with FAMTX (P = .00006). The global QL scores were better for ECF at 24 weeks, but the remaining QL data showed no differences between either arm of the study. Hospital-based cost analysis on a subset of patients was similar for each arm and translated into an increment cost of $975 per life-year gained. CONCLUSION The ECF regimen results in a survival and response advantage, tolerable toxicity, better QL and cost-effectiveness compared with FAMTX chemotherapy. This regimen should now be considered the standard treatment for advanced esophagogastric cancer.
Trade Policy and Economic Integration in a Cournot Duopoly Model

This paper investigates the policy and welfare implications of forming an economic region in the context of a Cournot duopoly model. Some theoretical results are obtained. First, the economic region lowers the external tariff (against non-partner countries) less than its pre-integration level when a sufficiently large subsidy on the imports from the partner is carried out. Second, economic integration reduces the non-partner country’s welfare. Third, although the region still gains from integration even under some partial trade liberalisation regimes, complete trade liberalisation within the region leads to higher regional welfare. Finally, trade liberalisation within the region improves the welfare of the world as a whole.
Earnings management behaviour of Shariah-compliant firms and non-Shariah-compliant firms

Purpose – This paper aims to answer the following questions by using the data from the MENA region (Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain): Do Shariah-compliant firms differ from other firms in the quality of information disclosure? and Can investors consider information disclosed by Shariah-compliant firms more truthful than information disclosed by other firms? Design/methodology/approach – Using regression analysis, this paper examines the relationship between earnings management and Shariah compliance during the period between 2005 and 2009. Findings – Results show that Shariah-compliant firms engage in lower earnings management than non-Shariah-compliant firms. This paper argues that financial characteristics of Shariah-compliant firms (i.e. low leverage, low account receivables and low cash) provide lower chances to managers to misreport earnings. It is also shown that external conditions can minimize the difference in earnings management between the two grou.
Acidic Mammalian Chitinase in Asthmatic Th2 Inflammation and IL-13 Pathway Activation

Chitin is a surface component of parasites and insects, and chitinases are induced in lower life forms during infections with these agents. Although chitin itself does not exist in humans, chitinases are present in the human genome. We show here that acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) is induced via a T helper-2 (Th2)–specific, interleukin-13 (IL-13)–mediated pathway in epithelial cells and macrophages in an aeroallergen asthma model and expressed in exaggerated quantities in human asthma. AMCase neutralization ameliorated Th2 inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, in part by inhibiting IL-13 pathway activation and chemokine induction. AMCase may thus be an important mediator of IL-13–induced responses in Th2-dominated disorders such as asthma.
Regulation of Catecholamine Synthesis by Leptin

Abstract: Obesity is often associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders such as hypertension and hyperglycemia. Leptin, a protein product of the obese gene, regulates satiety and energy expenditure through its receptors in the hypothalamus. Recent studies have shown that leptin has extrahypothalamic and peripheral actions. The presence of leptin receptors has been reported in the adrenal medulla. In the present study, we examined the effects of leptin on catecholamine synthesis in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. Leptin (3‐30 nM) caused a significant increase in 14C‐catecholamine synthesis from [14C] tyrosine, but not from [14C] DOPA. Incubation of cells with leptin resulted in an activation and phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase. Leptin caused a transient activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs). U0126, an inhibitor of MAPK kinase, abolished the effect of leptin on 14C‐catecholamine synthesis. High concentrations of leptin (10‐100 nM) produced an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which was blocked by Cd2+, an inhibitor of voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels. Concurrent treatment of cells with leptin (10 nM) and acetylcholine (0.3 mM) potently enhanced the stimulatory effect of acetylcholine on 14C‐catecholamine synthesis. Leptin, however, failed to enhance the stimulatory effect of acetylcholine on the phosphorylation and activity of tyrosine hydroxylase. Acetylcholine (0.3 mM) decreased the intracellular pH (pHi). Leptin (10 nM) affected neither the basal pHi nor the acetylcholine‐induced fall in pHi. These findings suggest that leptin phosphorylates and activates tyrosine hydroxylase and subsequently stimulates catecholamine synthesis through MAPK and probably Ca2+ pathways in the adrenal medulla.
The Impact of the Durbin Amendment on Merchants: A Survey Study

The Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act introduced a regulation on debit card interchange fees, which went into effect in October 2011. Based on a merchant survey conducted two years after the regulation, we investigate the impact of the regulation on merchants' costs of accepting debit cards. We also examine merchants' reactions to the regulation in terms of changing prices and debit card restrictions.
Labour agency and union positionalities in global production networks

The development of a global production networks (GPN) perspective in economic geography has brought valuable insights into the social and political relations between regional, state and corporate actors in understanding processes of value capture in the production of commodities. However, to date, little has been said about labour as an active constituent of the global economy, rather than the passive victim of restructuring processes. In this article, we seek to rectify this situation by, first, theorizing the agency of labour in GPNs and the continuing role of class struggle in shaping the global economy, and second, exploring the positionality of unions within this framework. Through a case study of ICEM (the International Chemical, Energy, Mining and General Workers Federation), we show how union strategies evolve through contested socio–spatial relations both within unions themselves and with other social actors. Promoting transnational labour rights and improved employment conditions at the global scale is an aspiration of most union actors, but this is inevitably compromised by different subject positions in relation to broader processes of capital accumulation.
A Novel Solution Methodology for Transit Route Network Design Problem

: Transit Route Network Design Problem (TrNDP) is the most important component in Transit planning, in which the overall cost of the public transportation system highly depends on it. The main purpose of this study is to develop a novel solution methodology for the TrNDP, which goes beyond pervious traditional sophisticated approaches. The novelty of the solution methodology, adopted in this paper, stands on the deterministic operators which are tackled to construct bus routes. The deterministic manner of the TrNDP solution relies on using linear and integer mathematical formulations that can be solved exactly with their standard solvers. The solution methodology has been tested through Mandl’s benchmark network problem. The test results showed that the methodology developed in this research is able to improve the given network solution in terms of number of constructed routes, direct transit service coverage, transfer directness and solution reliability. Although the set of routes resulted from the methodology would stand alone as a final efficient solution for TrNDP, it could be used as an initial solution for meta-heuristic procedures to approach global optimal. Based on the presented methodology, a more robust network optimization tool would be produced for public transportation planning purposes.
Parenting Styles and Value Creation: A Management Control Approach

At then end of the 1980's, Goold & Campbell (1987) helped to generate new interest in the subject of management's ability to create value. According to Goold et al (1994) this ability is manifested in different so-called parenting styles in which the corporate strategic planning and follow-up processes play an important part. While strategic planning and follow-up are emphasized, other parts of the corporate management control system are treated in less detail. Nor do Goold et al discuss in any detail how management needs, in regard to the systems of control, may be different at the business-unit level than at the corporate level. These divergent requirements can make co-ordinated planning and follow-up more difficult for the corporate group as a whole and thus limit the chances of establishing a distinct parenting style. To improve our knowledge and understanding of the relationships between parenting style, the design and use of management control systems and value creation, four Swedish corporate groups have been studied. These case studies show that a successful parenting style is characterized by established principles for balancing corporate management's need for co-ordinated control systems against the needs of the business units for situation-specific control systems. The study shows that these principles vary with the type of parenting style. Key Words: Business strategy; Corporate strategy; Management control systems; Strategic control systems; Parenting style; Value creation
Los informes contables externos y la legitimidad organizacional con el entorno: estudio de un caso en Colombia

Este documento es una aproximacion academica a la contabilidad y a los informes contables externos. Su preocupacion es la caracterizacion y comprension del papel de la contabilidad en las organizaciones y en la sociedad. Por ello sintetiza la vision economica dominante y algunas de las perspectivas sociales e institucionales sobre el rol de la contabilidad y la informacion contable financiera. Parte de la pregunta: ? Aporta la contabilidad al proposito de legitimidad organizacional con el entorno? Asi, el objetivo del trabajo es realizar una sintesis de las visiones que explican el papel de los informes contables externos, los estados financieros particularmente, desde la vision dominante y desde una perspectiva neoinstitucional en contabilidad. Para ello el documento recoge un primer estudio de caso, que pretende aportar a la necesaria contrastacion empirica para la comprension del rol de la contabilidad en Colombia. Adoptamos la vision segun la cual, ante todo, la informacion contable desempena un rol institucional, como mecanismo de legitimacion de la organizacion con su entorno.
Radio resource management of D2D communication

Device-to-Device (D2D) is considered as a promising technique to improve resource utilization and provide new application in future wireless networks. This paper addresses the problem of radio resource allocation for D2D communication. Basically, resource allocation can be carried out in centralized or distributed manner. In this paper we discuss the mechanisms of distributed resource allocation and propose a new medium access mechanism to reduce collision probability. The collision probability is shown to be lower than that of the widely adopted CSMA/CA mechanism both analytically and numerically.
Iraq in Fragments: The Occupation and its Legacy

When the US led the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, it expected to be able to establish a prosperous liberal democracy with an open economy that would serve as a key ally in the region. It sought to engage Iraqi society in ways that would defeat any challenge to that state-building project and US guidance of it. Herring and Rangwala argue that state building in Iraq has been crippled less by pre-existing weaknesses in the Iraqi state, Iraqi sectarian divisions or US policy mistakes than by the fact that the US has attempted - with only limited success - to control the parameters and outcome of that process. They explain that the very nature of US state building in Iraq has created incentives for unregulated local power struggles and patron-client relations. Corruption, smuggling and violence have resulted. The main legacy of the US-led occupation, the authors contend, is that Iraq has become a fragmented state - that is, one in which actors dispute where overall political authority lies and in which there are no agreed procedures for resolving such disputes. As long as this is the case, the authority of the state will remain limited. Technocratic mechanisms such as training schemes for officials, political fixes such as elections and the coercive tools of repression will not be able to overcome this situation. Placing the occupation within the context of regional, global and US politics, Herring and Rangwala demonstrate how the politics of co-option, coercion and economic change have transformed the lives and allegiances of the Iraqi population. As uncertainty about the future of Iraq persists, this volume provides a much-needed analysis of the deeper forces which give meaning to the daily events in Iraq.
Regulation of Hepatitis C Virus Replication by Interferon Regulatory Factor 1

ABSTRACT Cellular antiviral responses are mediated partly by the expression of interferon-stimulated genes, triggered by viral genomes, their transcripts and replicative intermediates. Persistent replication of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicon suggests that the replicon does not elicit cellular innate antiviral responses. In the present study, we investigated regulatory factors of the interferon-mediated antiviral system in cells expressing an HCV replicon. Luciferase reporter assays revealed that the baseline activity of the interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) was significantly lower in cells harboring the replicon than in naive cells. Among the proteins involved in the IFN/Jak/STAT pathway and in ISRE activity, the expression level of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) was found to be significantly lower in cells harboring the replicon. Transfection of an IRF-1 expression construct into cells harboring the replicon caused an increase of ISRE activity, accompanied by suppression of expression of the HCV replicon. Moreover, in cured Huh7 cells from which the HCV replicon had been eliminated, the expression levels of IRF-1 and ISRE activity also were suppressed, demonstrating that the decrease of IRF-1 is attributable, not to active suppression by the viral proteins, but to adaptation of cells that enables replication of the HCV subgenome. The high permissiveness of the cured cells for the replicon was abolished by transgenic supplementation of IRF-1 expression. Taken together, IRF-1 is one of the key host factors that regulate intracellular HCV replication through modulation of interferon-stimulated-gene-mediated antiviral responses.