Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Full-time workers want to work fewer hours, part-time workers want to work longer hours

Since the reunification of Germany, average working times for men and women have followed different trends. There are various reasons for the difference. More and more women are gainfully employed; they engage in part-time and marginal employment, both of which are on the rise. The importance of full-time employment has declined. This accounts for most of the reduction in their average workweek, which decreased by 2.3 hours to 31.9 hours between 1993 and 2007. The full-time employment of men also declined, in both relative and absolute terms-unlike their average workweek, which, according to data provided by the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), totaled 43.3 hours per week in 2007. This is 0.8 hours more than in 1993. Overall, the working time of male and female wage and salary earners in West Germany and of such earners in East Germany have converged, though not the number of working hours preferred by women in the two regions. These numbers remain considerably higher in East Germany than in West Germany. The differences are most pronounced among women who work part-time. In East Germany, the women who this applies to often find that this form of employment provides too low a level of work. Long workweeks exceeding 40 hours are not very popular in either part of Germany-not even among men, at least half of whom work that long, though only 17 percent of them do so by preference.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of the Phototest for cognitive impairment and dementia

The recently developed Phototest is a simple, easy and very brief test for detecting cognitive impairment or dementia. Objective To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Phototest for detecting cognitive impairment or dementia. Methods We used a manually created database to search for studies evaluating the Phototest diagnostic yield and performed an initial meta-analysis to determine sensitivity (Sn) and specificity (Sp) of diagnostic parameters. We also performed a second meta-analysis of individual participant data. Results In total, 6 studies were included in the meta-analysis. For dementia, Sn was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.82-0.88) and Sp 0.87 (95% CI, 0.85-0.99); for cognitive impairment, Sn was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.77-0.92) and Sp 0.88 (95% CI, 0.86-0.90). In the individual data meta-analysis, 1565 subjects were included, where best cut-off points for dementia and for cognitive impairment were 26/27 (Sn=0.89 (95% CI 0.85-0.91), Sp=0.84 (95% CI, 0.82-0.91)) and 28/29 (Sn=0.79 (95% CI, 0.76-0.81), Sp=0.88 (95% CI, 0.86-0.90)), respectively. Conclusion Phototest has good diagnostic accuracy for dementia and cognitive impairment. It is brief, simple and can be used in illiterate persons. This makes it suitable for use in primary care settings and/or in subjects with low educational level.
School Leavers and the Search for Employment

A search theoretic model due to Tony Lancaster and Andrew Chesher (1983) is utilized to provide estimates of the elasticity of young jo b seekers' reservation wages with respect to benefit levels and with respect to the rate of arrival of job offers. The elasticity of the probability of exit from unemployment is also estimated with respect to the same parameters. Evidence is found to suggest that the refusal of job offers is no greater a source unemployment among school leavers than among other groups. The results are, however, sensitive to distributional assumptions. Copyright 1988 by Royal Economic Society.
Smooth sampling trajectories for sparse recovery in MRI

Recent attempts to apply compressed sensing to MRI have resulted in pseudo-random k-space sampling trajectories which, if applied naïvely, may do little to decrease data acquisition time. This paper shows how an important indicator of CS performance guarantees, the Restricted Isometry Property, holds for deterministic sampling trajectories corresponding to radial and spiral sampling patterns in common use. These theoretical results support several empirical studies in the literature on compressed sensing in MRI. A combination of Geršgorin's Disc Theory and Weyl's sums lead to performance bounds on sparse recovery algorithms applied to MRI data collected along short and smooth sampling trajectories.
Dermatologic and immunologic findings in the immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked syndrome.

BACKGROUND The immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome is a rare genodermatosis associated with dermatitis, enteropathy, type 1 diabetes, thyroiditis, hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia. IPEX results from mutations of FOXP3, a gene located on the X chromosome that encodes a DNA-binding protein required for development of regulatory T cells. If untreated, affected males die early in life from malabsorption and other complications. To our knowledge, this syndrome has never been described in the dermatology literature. OBSERVATIONS We studied an 11-year-old boy with IPEX. Mutation analysis revealed a G-->A transition (1150G>A) in exon 11, resulting in a putative substitution of Ala-->Thr at residue 384, within the DNA-binding site. Histopathologic examination of an active skin lesion revealed psoriasiform dermatitis. The lesions improved with clobetasol ointment. The patient also displayed alopecia universalis, which had been present since age 18 months, accompanied by longitudinal ridging of the nails. Lymphocyte challenge tests revealed a profound inability to synthesize interferon gamma (INF-gamma) and dysregulated production of other cytokines. CONCLUSIONS IPEX is an often fatal genodermatosis associated with multiple autoimmune disorders. Cutaneous findings may include dermatitis, bullae, urticaria, alopecia universalis, and trachyonychia. Recognition of this life-threatening disorder is crucial for optimal treatment and genetic counseling.
Monetary policy coordination between the United States and the Euro Area : an application of indirect inference to a two-country DSGE model

Calls for monetary policy coordination has increased as the intensifed macro- economic interdependence cultivates the conflict of interests between economics, especially following the current crisis. Yet the literature has not reached a con- sensus on whether monetary policy coordination is welfare-improving. This thesis, taking from another perspective, assesses the real-world existence and extent of monetary policy coordination associated with economic interdepen- dence between the United States (US) and the Euro Area (EA), and investigates the changes of international transmission in the presence of coordination. Monetary policy coordination is represented by direct responses of monetary policy instruments to contemporaneous and lagged values of the real exchange rate. By using the method of indirect inference, this research also incorporates historical data into in-sample evaluation and estimation of the 'Dynamic Sto- chastic General Equilibrium'(DSGE) model. Beginning with indirect inference evaluations of a two-country DSGE model of the US and EA, it is found that models with coordination generally outperform their non-coordination counterpartindicating the existence of coordination. The real exchange rate is the essence of such improvement in the model's efficacy; and it is shown that coordination models have an excellent ability to replicate real exchange rate dynamics and volatility relative to a non-coordination model, even though it still remains a source of relatively poor performance of model. By applying an extensive indirect inference estimation, the existence of mon- etary coordination is ascertained since a partial-coordination model outstrips the non-coordination model remarkably. Both the US and EA economies exhibit moderate to high levels of monetary coordination. Such features improve the model's performance; particularly in terms of dynamics of US time series, volatil- ity of EA time series and both dynamics and volatility of the real exchange rate. Impulse responses and variance decomposition reveal substantial cross-country spillovers in contrast to the non-coordination model case. ii
Fiscal Policy, Interest Rates and Risk Premia in Open Economy

This paper reconsiders the effects of fiscal policy on long-term interest rates and sovereign spreads employing a Factor Augmented Panel (FAP) to control for the presence of common unobservable factors. We construct a real-time dataset of macroeconomic and fiscal variables for a panel of OECD countries for the period 1989-2009. We find that two global factors - the global monetary and fiscal policy stances - explain more than 60% of the variance in the long-term interest rates. The same two global factors play a relevant role also in explaining the variance of sovereign spreads, which in addition respond to global risk aversion. With respect to standard estimation techniques the use of the FAP reduces the importance of domestic fiscal variables in explaining long- term interest rates, while it emphasizes their importance in explaining sovereign spreads. Using the FAP framework we also analyse the cross-country differences in the propagation of a shock to global fiscal stance and global risk aversion. We find the effects of the former to be modest in large economies and strong in economies characterized by low financial integration and current account deficits. Changes in global risk aversion, instead, lead to higher spreads in countries with a high stock of public debt and weaker political institutions.
Rapid loss of genetically based resistance to metals after the cleanup of a Superfund site

Over the period 1953–1979, a battery factory on the Hudson River in New York released ≈53 tons of cadmium (Cd) and nickel hydride wastes into Foundry Cove. The most common aquatic benthic species, the oligochaete Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, rapidly evolved resistance to Cd. The capacity for detoxification and internal storage of Cd resulted in a strong potential for trophic transfer of Cd through the aquatic food web. As a result of United States Superfund legislation, a major remediation effort in 1994–1995 removed the majority of the Cd, thereby removing the selective force for resistance. The cleanup of this cove resulted in the maintenance of resistant forms but then there ensued a rapid loss of resistance in ≈9–18 generations, showing the potential for ecological restoration to rapidly reduce the potential for trophic transfer of Cd through the ecosystem. This study demonstrates a genetic approach to the study of ecological restoration and connects a genetic indicator of restoration to transfer of toxic metals through ecosystems.
The PDZ-GEF Dizzy regulates cell shape of migrating macrophages via Rap1 and integrins in the Drosophila embryo

In Drosophila embryos, macrophages originate from the cephalic mesoderm and perform a complex migration throughout the entire embryo. The molecular mechanisms regulating this cell migration remain largely unknown. We identified the Drosophila PDZ G-nucleotide exchange factor (PDZ-GEF) Dizzy as a component essential for normal macrophage migration. In mutants lacking Dizzy, macrophages have smaller cellular protrusions, and their migration is slowed down significantly. This phenotype appears to be cell-autonomous, as it is also observed in embryos with a dsRNA-induced reduction of dizzy function in macrophages. In a complementary fashion, macrophages overexpressing Dizzy are vastly extended and form very long protrusions. These cell shape changes depend on the function of the small GTPase Rap1: in rap1 mutants, Dizzy is unable to induce the large protrusions. Furthermore, forced expression of a dominant-active form of Rap1, but not of the wild-type form, induces similar cell shape changes as Dizzy does overexpression. These findings suggest that Dizzy acts through Rap1. We propose that integrin-dependent adhesion is a Rap1-mediated target of Dizzy activity: in integrin mutants, neither Dizzy nor Rap1 can induce cell shape changes in macrophages. These data provide the first link between a PDZ-GEF, the corresponding small GTPase and integrin-dependent cell adhesion during cell migration in embryonic development.
PINCH-1 Is an Obligate Partner of Integrin-linked Kinase (ILK) Functioning in Cell Shape Modulation, Motility, and Survival*

PINCH-1 is a widely expressed focal adhesion protein that forms a ternary complex with integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and CH-ILKBP/actopaxin/α-parvin (abbreviated as α-parvin herein). We have used RNA interference, a powerful approach of reverse genetics, to investigate the functions of PINCH-1 and ILK in human cells. We report here the following. First, PINCH-1 and ILK, but not α-parvin, are essential for prompt cell spreading and motility. Second, PINCH-1 and ILK, like α-parvin, are crucial for cell survival. Third, PINCH-1 and ILK are required for optimal activating phosphorylation of PKB/Akt, an important signaling intermediate of the survival pathway. Whereas depletion of ILK reduced Ser473 phosphorylation but not Thr308 phosphorylation of PKB/Akt, depletion of PINCH-1 reduced both the Ser473 and Thr308 phosphorylation of PKB/Akt. Fourth, PINCH-1 and ILK function in the survival pathway not only upstream but also downstream (or in parallel) of protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt. Fifth, PINCH-1, ILK and to a less extent α-parvin are mutually dependent in maintenance of their protein, but not mRNA, levels. The coordinated down-regulation of PINCH-1, ILK, and α-parvin proteins is mediated at least in part by proteasomes. Finally, increased expression of PINCH-2, an ILK-binding protein that is structurally related to PINCH-1, prevented the down-regulation of ILK and α-parvin induced by the loss of PINCH-1 but failed to restore the survival signaling or cell shape modulation. These results provide new insights into the functions of PINCH proteins in regulation of ILK and α-parvin and control of cell behavior.
Assessment of ER Stress and Autophagy Induced by Ionizing Radiation in Both Radiotherapy Patients and Ex Vivo Irradiated Samples

Acute radiation leads to several toxic clinical states and triggers some molecular pathways. To shed light on molecular mechanisms triggered by ionizing radiation (IR), we examined the expression profiles of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy‐related genes in individuals who were exposed to IR. Blood samples were collected from 50 cancer patients before radiotherapy and on the 5th, 15th, and 25th days of the treatment. Peripheral blood samples from 10 healthy volunteers were also obtained for ex vivo irradiation, divided into five and irradiated at a rate of 373 kGy/h to 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 3Gy γ‐rays using a constant gamma source. GRP78, ATG5, LC3, ATF4, XBP1, and GADD153 genes were analyzed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (QRT‐PCR) using beta 2 microglobulin (B2M) and glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as references. In both groups, expressions of the selected genes have increased. It can be concluded that IR induces ER stress and related authophagy pathway in the peripheral lymphocyte cells proportionally by dose.
The cost of capital: perspectives for managers

Describes the conceptual meaning of the cost of capital (COC) and relates its use of COC in decisions that add value to a company. Illustrations provide the basis for an intuitive feel of the crucial role of COC in the pursuit of generating value. Explains the meaning of true economic value added (TEVA) and relates TEVA to COC and economic returns. Relates COC to the value generating cycle of a firm. Supplements the conceptual and intuitive notions of COC with pragmatic guidelines useful to the practising manager. Capital and the employment of capital have an especially crucial role in emerging and transition economies. Outlines the vital nature of COC in these economies and in decision making. Addresses issues at a level appropriate for professional managers regardless of their area of expertise and functional assignment.
Trust in Authorities and Power to Enforce Tax Compliance: An Empirical Analysis of the 'Slippery Slope Framework'

Tax payments are enhanced by taxpayers' trust in authorities or by authorities' power leading to voluntary or enforced tax compliance, respectively. A laboratory experiment and an online experiment examined these assumptions, manipulating trust in and power of authorities. In Experiment 1, participants paid taxes in twenty periods. Results showed that trust and power positively influence tax payments. Trust increases and power decreases voluntary compliance, whereas power increases and trust decreases enforced compliance. Experiment 2 analyzed the impact of trust and power with self-employed taxpayers' intentions to pay taxes. The overall pattern of the findings of Experiment 1 were replicated and expanded with strategic behavior; strategic behavior was higher in the case of low trust and high power when compared to that of high trust and high power.
Seasonality in Nineteenth Century Labor Markets

In nineteenth century America, most employment, particularly that in agriculture, was highly seasonal. Thus the movement of labor from outdoor to indoor must have increased labor hours and days per year, thereby resulting in higher national income and greater economic growth. We provide the means to understand two additional dimensions to the decrease in seasonal employment. The first is the reduction in seasonality within each of the sectors. The second is the possibility that employment in the two sectors dovetailed, and that peak-load demands in agriculture were met by the release of labor from manufacturing enterprises. We find an increase to the 1880's and a subsequent decrease in the number of farm laborer per farm and in the harvest premium paid to farm laborers, suggesting that, within agriculture, peak-load employment was reduced. We also find distinct seasonal pattern to manufacturing employment in 1900, with decreases in both summer and winter, hinting that industrial workers may have found summer employment in nearby farming communities. But we conclude, for various reasons, that dovetailing of agricultural and industrial employment in the nineteenth century was slight. Seasonality was reduced during the nineteenth century largely because sectoral shifts transferred laborers from agriculture to manufacturing and because the influence of climate was reduced within each sector.
The Significance of Capital Flows into the Australian Commercial Property Markets

Abstract Capital flows to Australian commercial property have been US$67 billion over the 2007-2011 period. This places Australia as the sixth most active property market globally. Using the extensive Real Capital Analytics database, this paper examines these Australian property capital flows in a local, Asia-Pacific and global context. The dynamics of these property capital flows are also assessed by major cities, property type and investor type. Overall, Australia is found to be an important commercial property investment market at both a local, Asia-Pacific and global level, with strong investor support from both domestic and international property investors as part of their property investment strategies.
The Europeanization of social inclusion: an examination of the EU’s Impact on Irish politics, policy and polity

v Declaration vi Acknowledgements vii List of Figures viii List of Tables ix/x List of Appendices xi List of Abbreviations xii/xiii/xiv Definitions xv/xvi Chapter 1: Introduction: Assessing the Europeanization of Irish Politics, Policy and Polity in the Policy Subsystem of Social Inclusion 1 1.
The 1988 reform of the European Structural Funds: entitlement or empowerment?

With the reform of the Structural Funds, regions have gained a key role in the design and implementation of regional policy. Yet some of the weakest regions were not equipped with appropriate institutional structures and have struggled to benefit. In evaluating the reform, we revisit concepts such as justice and equity. While the reform may have given regions an entitlement to participate, we argue that some have lacked the capacity to do so effectively. In this context, enlargement raises questions over the future of the Funds, and how far a commitment to cohesion and convergence can be maintained.
The Effect of Military Service on Educational, Occupational, and Income Attainment

We examine the relationship between military service and educational, occupational and income attainment in three cohorts of young men spanning the period from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. This is a period covering the war in Vietnam, the end of the draft and the beginning of the All-volunteer Force. We consider the effect of military service separately for African-American men and white men and take into account the potential confounding influence of unmeasured self selection into the military. Our results indicate that there is a relationship between military service and subsequent attainment, but it varies according to race and is dependent on historical context.
Temperature distribution measurement and control of extrusion process by tomography

Polymer extrusion molding is an important process in the polymer manufacturing industry. It is crucial to measure and control the temperature of polymer melt. Although different techniques, such as thermocouple, infrared and ultrasonic, have been attempted to measure the temperature, there is no suitable means so far to measure the internal temperature in a cross section of a polymer extrusion process, and hence the process is operated by trail-and-error. Electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is a non-intrusive and non-invasive technique to obtain permittivity distribution of a cross section. Because the permittivity is a function of temperature for a certain material, if the extrusion chamber is fully occupied by polymer, the temperature distribution can be derived from the permittivity distribution, which can be obtained by ECT. This paper reviews the existing methods to measure the temperature of polymer melt first. The approach and the key issues to measure the temperature distribution based on ECT will be discussed in detail.
Evaluation of Atrial Thrombus Formation and Atrial Appendage Function in Patients with Pacemaker by Transesophageal Echocardiography

Background: Physiologic pacing is claimed to be superior to ventricular pacing in as much as it entails lower risk of atrial fibrillation, stroke, and atrial remodeling. There are few data on the relation between atrioventricular (AV) synchrony and atrial clot formation. Utilizing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), this study sought to evaluate the effect of AV synchrony loss on left atrial physiology, atrial stasis, and clot formation.
Optimal Weak Static Hedging of Equity and Credit Risk Using Derivatives

Abstract We develop a generic method for constructing a weak static minimum variance hedge for a wide range of derivatives that may involve optimal exercise features or contingent cash flow streams to provide a hedge along a sequence of future hedging dates. The optimal hedge is constructed using a portfolio of pre-selected hedge instruments, which could be derivatives with different maturities. The hedge portfolio is weakly static in that it is initiated at time zero, does not involve intermediate re-balancing, but hedges may be gradually unwound over time. We study the static hedging of a convertible bond to demonstrate the method by an example that involves equity and credit risk. We investigate the robustness of the hedge performance with respect to parameter and model risk by numerical experiments.