Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Raw Material Equivalents of International Trade

This article aims at estimating the raw material equivalents (RMEs)—the upstream used material flows required along the production chain—of imports and exports for some Latin American countries: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico. Furthermore, the United States is included in the analysis as a reference for a high‐income economy. The RME concept and the empirical evidence are articulated by use of an input−output methodology. Results are set out for the year 2003 for each of the countries and in time series for the years 1977, 1986, 1996, and 2003 in the case of Chile. The findings show not only the physical dimensions behind direct material traded but also how the previous exporter (importer) position of a country (based on standard material flow analysis indicators) deteriorates, alleviates, or changes. Implications for material consumption indicators, such as direct material consumption (DMC) and raw material consumption (RMC), are also drawn. The results suggest basing the discussion of material flows on a broader set of indicators to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the implications of international trade and its impacts on the environment.
Protein-enriched diet increases water absorption via the aquaporin-2 water channels in healthy humans.

BACKGROUND According to animal experiments, a protein-enriched diet increased renal absorption of sodium and water. We wanted to test the hypothesis that a protein-enriched diet would increase the expression of the aquaporin-2 water channels and the epithelial sodium channels in the distal part of the nephron using biomarkers for the activity of the two channels. METHODS We performed a randomized, placebo controlled crossover study in 13 healthy humans to examine the effect of a protein-enriched diet on renal handling of water and sodium during baseline condition and during hypertonic saline infusion. We measured the effect of the protein-enriched diet on urinary excretions of aquaporin-2 (u-AQP2), the beta-fraction of the epithelial sodium channels (u-ENaC(beta)), free water clearance (C(H2O)), fractional excretion of sodium and vasoactive hormones. RESULTS During baseline conditions, u-AQP2 increased, and C(H2O) decreased during the protein-enriched diet, whereas u-ENaC(beta) was unchanged, although the urinary sodium excretion increased. During hypertonic saline infusion, the response in the effect variables did not deviate between protein-enriched and normal diet. Plasma concentrations of angiotensin II and aldosterone increased as well as pulse rate. Vasopressin in plasma was unchanged, and prostaglandin E(2) fell during the protein-enriched diet. CONCLUSIONS The protein-enriched diet increased water absorption via an increased transport via the aquaporin-2 water channels. The increased u-AQP2 might be due to a reduced prostaglandin level. The increase in renal sodium excretion seems to be mediated in another part of the nephron than the epithelial sodium channels.
Cosmological information from quasar-galaxy correlations induced by weak lensing

The magnification bias of large-scale structures, combined with galaxy biasing, leads to a cross-correlation of distant quasars with foreground galaxies on angular scales of the order of arcminutes and larger. The amplitude and angular shape of the cross-correlation function w Q G contain information on cosmological parameters and the galaxy bias factor. While the existence of this cross-correlation has firmly been established, existing data did not allow an accurate measurement of w Q G yet, but wide area surveys like the Sloan Digital Sky Survey now provide an ideal database for measuring it. However, w Q G depends on several cosmological parameters and the galaxy bias factor. We study in detail the sensitivity of w Q G to these parameters and develop a strategy for using the data. We show that the parameter space can be reduced to the bias factor b, Ω 0 and σ 8 , and compute the accuracy with which these parameters can be deduced from SDSS data. Under reasonable assumptions, it should be possible to reach relative accuracies of the order of 5%-15% for b, Ω 0 , and σ 8 . This method is complementary to other weak-lensing analyses based on cosmic shear.
Internal Migration of Immigrants: Do Immigrants Respond to Regional Labour Demand Shocks?

The recent economic boom in the Canadian province of Alberta provides an ideal "natural experiment" to examine immigrants' responses to a strong labour demand outside major metropolitan centres. The key finding of our study, which is based on a unique dataset that combines administrative and immigrant records, is that not only did immigrants respond to the recent economic boom in Alberta, but they responded generally more strongly than non-immigrants. We find, however, a great deal of heterogeneity in the magnitude of the response across different regions and for different categories of immigrants.
Wing pointedness associated with migratory distance in common‐garden and comparative studies of stonechats (Saxicola torquata)

Migration promotes utilization of seasonal resources, and the distance flown is associated with specific morphologies, yet these relationships can be confounded by environmental factors and phylogeny. Understanding adaptations associated with migration is important: although migration patterns change rapidly, it is unclear whether migratory traits track behavioural shifts. We studied morphometrics of four stonechat populations representing a migratory gradient and raised under common‐garden conditions. With multivariate analyses, we identified wing traits that differed clearly from general size trends, and used phylogenetic comparative methods to test the prediction that these traits correlated with migratory distance in captive and wild populations. Pointedness differed among populations, changed independently from overall body size, and was correlated with migration distance. Migration in stonechats may lead to deviations from allometric size changes, suggesting that birds may adapt morphologically to selection pressures created by their own behaviour in response to changing environmental conditions.
Best practices for student success in an alternative middle school setting from a student's perspective

Attrition among students costs individuals, institutions, and communities. As a result, alternative schools are growing rapidly. In 2010, over half a million students were enrolled in public alternative schools in the nation (Carver, Lewis, & Tice, 2010). Alternative programs offered at secondary, middle, and elementary schools exhibiting a variety of practices, structures, and philosophies combat this epidemic of attrition. This mixed study investigates best practices in an alternative middle school setting from a student’s perspective. Uncovered exemplars could allow administrators to implement strategies best suited to meet alternative middle school students’ needs. Qualitative data consisted of two rounds of interviews with 10 participants. Quantifiable data collected included Idaho Standard Achievement Test scores (ISAT), grade point averages (GPAs), and attendance records prior to attending Span Academy and after completion of the program. Results from the ISAT scores revealed eight to 13 points of growth, equivalent to two to three years of growth. GPAs on a 4-point scale improved 1.5 points in language and 1.3 points in math. Students who achieved Level 5 and transitioned had 26 fewer absences while attending Span Academy than their previous year in school. In accordance to research protocol, two questions were rephrased to eliminate ambiguity and retain the integrity of student responses. Finally, it also became apparent that students attending alternative programs carry a stigma. This understanding provided an awareness that resulted in changed practices and procedures at Span Academy. Additionally, this research revealed that alternative middle schools, like Span Academy, contrary to the original design as a transition school, are better served as a 2-year intervention program, where the research revealed few students transitioned as of 2009 to
Least-change secant update methods for undetermined systems

Least-change secant updates for nonsquare matrices have been addressed recently in (6). Here the use of these updates in iterative procedures for the numerical solution of underde- retrained systems is considered. The model method is the normal flow algorithm used in homotopy or continuation methods for determining points on an implicitly defined curve. A Kantorovich-type local convergence analysis is given which supports the use of least-change secant updates in this al- gorithm. This analysis also provides a Kantorovich-type local convergence analysis for least-change secant update methods in the usual case of an equal number of equations and unknowns. This in turn gives a local convergence analysis for augmented Jacobian algorithms which use least-change secant updates. In conclusion, the results of some numerical experiments are given.
Consequences and limitations of recent fiscal policy in Côte d'Ivoire

This paper is structured as follows : First, we outline the problem of fiscal policy and growth in Cote d'Ivoire. Second, we describe the critical economic and fiscal sequence of events in the country from 1970 to 1989. This lets us build up a comprehensive model that allows a discussion of the current fiscal policy of Cote d'Ivoire in connection with growth.
Olfactory receptors in non-chemosensory tissues

Olfactory receptors (ORs) detect volatile chemicals that lead to the initial perception of smell in the brain. The olfactory receptor (OR) is the first protein that recognizes odorants in the olfactory signal pathway and it is present in over 1,000 genes in mice. It is also the largest member of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Most ORs are extensively expressed in the nasal olfactory epithelium where they perform the appropriate physiological functions that fit their location. However, recent whole-genome sequencing shows that ORs have been found outside of the olfactory system, suggesting that ORs may play an important role in the ectopic expression of non-chemosensory tissues. The ectopic expressions of ORs and their physiological functions have attracted more attention recently since MOR23 and testicular hOR17-4 have been found to be involved in skeletal muscle development, regeneration, and human sperm chemotaxis, respectively. When identifying additional expression profiles and functions of ORs in non-olfactory tissues, there are limitations posed by the small number of antibodies available for similar OR genes. This review presents the results of a research series that identifies ectopic expressions and functions of ORs in non-chemosensory tissues to provide insight into future research directions. [BMB Reports 2012; 45(11): 612-622]
A Chandra X-Ray Study of the Dense Globular Cluster Terzan 5

We report a Chandra ACIS-I observation of the dense globular cluster Terzan 5. The previously known transient low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB) EXO 1745-248 in the cluster entered a rare high state during our 2000 August observation, complicating the analysis. Nevertheless, nine additional sources clearly associated with the cluster are also detected, ranging from LX(0.5-2.5 keV) = 5.6 × 1032 down to 8.6 × 1031 ergs s-1. Their X-ray colors, luminosities, and spectral fitting indicate that five of them are probably cataclysmic variables and four are likely quiescent LMXBs containing neutron stars. We estimate the total number of sources between LX(0.5-2.5 keV) = 1032 and 1033 ergs s-1 as 11.4 by the use of artificial point source tests and note that the numbers of X-ray sources are similar to those detected in NGC 6440. The improved X-ray position allowed us to identify a plausible infrared counterpart to EXO 1745-248 on our 1998 Hubble Space Telescope NICMOS images. This blue star (F110W = 18.48, F187W = 17.30) lies within 0. ″2 of the boresighted LMXB position. Simultaneous Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer spectra, combined with the Chandra spectrum, indicate that EXO 1745-248 is an ultracompact binary system and show a strong broad 6.55 keV iron line and an 8 keV smeared reflection edge.
How Foreign Participation Impact Companies Performance : Evidence from Romania

With a shy debut at the start of transition, Romania has experienced progressively more promising performances in terms of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), especially in recent years (see Figure 1). In 2007, FDI stock amounted approximately 61 billions USD of which almost 50 billions USD was attracted only in the last five years. Developments in attracting FDI are explained by national and international economic trend, to a great extent by policies adopted during the transition and last but not least by changes in reporting methodology.
Gold Nanoparticles Inhibit VEGF165-Induced Migration and Tube Formation of Endothelial Cells via the Akt Pathway

The early stages of angiogenesis can be divided into three steps: endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is considered the most important proangiogenic factor; in particular, VEGF165 plays a critical role in angiogenesis. Here, we evaluated whether gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) could inhibit the VEGF165-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration and tube formation. AuNPs and VEGF165 were coincubated overnight at 4°C, after which the effects on cell migration and tube formation were assessed. Cell migration was assessed using a modified wound-healing assay and a transwell chamber assay; tube formation was assessed using a capillary-like tube formation assay and a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. We additionally detected the cell surface morphology and ultrastructure using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Furthermore, Akt phosphorylation downstream of VEGFR-2/PI3K in HUVECs was determined in a Western blot analysis. Our study demonstrated that AuNPs significantly inhibited VEGF165-induced HUVEC migration and tube formation by affecting the cell surface ultrastructure, cytoskeleton and might have inhibited angiogenesis via the Akt pathway.
Surface Seal Influence On Surge Flow Furrow Infiltration

ABSTRACT The interactive influence of furrow surface seal formation and surge irrigation (intermittent flow) on furrow infiltration into a Portneuf silt loam soil was measured with a recirculating infiltrometer. When the formation of a surface seal was prevented by a layer of cheesecloth laid on the furrow perimeter, flow interruption increased furrow bed bulk density by 100 kg/m^ and decreased infiltration by 25% compared to constant flow. However, on this highly erodible soil, the surface seal which formed on an unprotected perimeter during irrigation reduced infiltration rates by over 50% compared to furrows with a cheesecloth layer. Flow interruption did not increase soil consolidation or decrease infiltration when the normal seal was allowed to form. On the tested soil, surface sealing overshadows the effects of flow interruption on infiltration.
Torsion and Antero-Posterior Bending in the In Vivo Human Tibia Loading Regimes during Walking and Running

Bending, in addition to compression, is recognized to be a common loading pattern in long bones in animals. However, due to the technical difficulty of measuring bone deformation in humans, our current understanding of bone loading patterns in humans is very limited. In the present study, we hypothesized that bending and torsion are important loading regimes in the human tibia. In vivo tibia segment deformation in humans was assessed during walking and running utilizing a novel optical approach. Results suggest that the proximal tibia primarily bends to the posterior (bending angle: 0.15°–1.30°) and medial aspect (bending angle: 0.38°–0.90°) and that it twists externally (torsion angle: 0.67°–1.66°) in relation to the distal tibia during the stance phase of overground walking at a speed between 2.5 and 6.1 km/h. Peak posterior bending and peak torsion occurred during the first and second half of stance phase, respectively. The peak-to-peak antero-posterior (AP) bending angles increased linearly with vertical ground reaction force and speed. Similarly, peak-to-peak torsion angles increased with the vertical free moment in four of the five test subjects and with the speed in three of the test subjects. There was no correlation between peak-to-peak medio-lateral (ML) bending angles and ground reaction force or speed. On the treadmill, peak-to-peak AP bending angles increased with walking and running speed, but peak-to-peak torsion angles and peak-to-peak ML bending angles remained constant during walking. Peak-to-peak AP bending angle during treadmill running was speed-dependent and larger than that observed during walking. In contrast, peak-to-peak tibia torsion angle was smaller during treadmill running than during walking. To conclude, bending and torsion of substantial magnitude were observed in the human tibia during walking and running. A systematic distribution of peak amplitude was found during the first and second parts of the stance phase.
Tobramycin Inhalation Powder in Cystic Fibrosis Patients: Response by Age Group

BACKGROUND: Tobramycin powder for inhalation (TIP) is a drug-device combination designed to reduce treatment time and improve ease of use compared with tobramycin inhalation solution (TIS) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. However, the ability of patients to use dry powder inhalers, and the efficacy of the treatments, may vary by age. METHODS: The “Establish a New Gold Standard for Efficacy and Safety With Tobramycin in Cystic Fibrosis” (EAGER) trial was a randomized, 24-week, multicenter, open-label, parallel-group study designed to evaluate the safety of TIP versus TIS in 553 subjects, ages ≥ 6 years, with CF and P. aeruginosa infection. The main efficacy end point was percent-of-predicted FEV1 at week 20 (end of third cycle of treatment). A post hoc analysis was undertaken in 517 subjects who took ≥ 1 dose of study medication, to evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of TIP and TIS by age group: ≥ 6 to < 13 y (children, n = 46); ≥ 13 to < 20 y (adolescents, n = 114); and ≥ 20 y (adults, n = 357). RESULTS: Improvements in percent-of-predicted FEV1 from baseline to end of cycle 3 were greatest in the children for both TIP and TIS. The treatment differences (TIP − TIS) were 4.7% (85% CI −1.2 to 10.6), 3.7% (85% CI −0.1 to 7.5), and −0.8% (85% CI −3.1 to 1.5) in children, adolescents, and adults, respectively. Sputum P. aeruginosa density decreased from baseline with both treatments, with comparable treatment differences across the age groups after 3 cycles: children −0.93 (85% CI −2.4 to 0.5), adolescents −0.17 (85% CI −1.2 to 0.8), and adults −0.89 (85% CI −1.3 to −0.4). Overall, subject satisfaction scores were greater in all subjects with TIP, irrespective of age group. With the exception of cough and dysphonia, the safety profile of TIP was comparable to TIS, irrespective of age. CONCLUSIONS: TIP is comparable to TIS in efficacy outcomes and safety profile but had greater patient satisfaction in all the age groups.
A multicentre, prospective, randomised, blinded clinical trial to compare some perioperative effects of buprenorphine or butorphanol premedication before equine elective general anaesthesia and surgery

Summary Reasons for performing study Buprenorphine, a μ‐agonist opioid, has recently been licensed for equine use, but butorphanol, a κ‐agonist opioid, is more commonly used in horses. The effect of the 2 opioids has not previously been compared in a large clinical study. Objectives To compare post operative analgesia and physiological variables in horses undergoing elective surgery following premedication with either buprenorphine or butorphanol in a conventional clinical setting. Study design Multicentre, prospective, randomised, blinded clinical investigation. Methods Eighty‐nine healthy horses admitted for elective surgery to one of 6 UK equine veterinary clinics were premedicated with acepromazine, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, and romifidine followed by intravenous (i.v.) buprenorphine or butorphanol. Anaesthesia was induced with diazepam/ketamine and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. A range of surgical procedures were performed and supplementary anaesthetic agents given as required. Physiological variables were monitored during anaesthesia and pain, ataxia, sedation and vital function were assessed post operatively. Data were analysed using t‐tests, ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U‐test and Chi‐squared test as appropriate and P<0.05 was regarded as significant, except for multiple comparisons, when P<0.01 was used. Results Surgery was carried out successfully in all cases and no mortality or serious morbidity occurred. Physiological variables remained within normal limits and all horses recovered successfully, most standing within 1 h of ceasing anaesthesia. There were no significant differences between groups in any variable except post operative pain when scores (simple descriptive scale) between 3 and 6 h were significantly lower after buprenorphine than after butorphanol. Conclusions Horses experienced less post operative pain after buprenorphine than after butorphanol premedication. Compared with butorphanol, buprenorphine did not cause any different effects on vital function.
Intermittency and scaling laws for wall bounded turbulence

Well defined scaling laws clearly appear in wall bounded turbulence, very close to the wall, where a distinct violation of the refined Kolmogorov similarity hypothesis (RKSH) occurs together with the simultaneous persistence of scaling laws. A new form of RKSH for the wall region is here proposed in terms of the structure functions of order two which, in physical terms, confirms the prevailing role of the momentum transfer towards the wall in the near wall dynamics.
Do Firms Have Target Leverage Ratios? Evidence from Historical Market-to-Book and Past Returns

Several recent empirical studies in the capital structure literature challenge the traditional trade-off theory. Specifically, these studies document that historical market-to-book and past returns can explain cross-sectional leverage. These findings seem to be inconsistent with the existence of a target leverage ratio. In this paper, I show that the historical variables obtain their explanatory power from time-varying target leverage ratios and adjustment costs. The results are more consistent with a dynamic trade-off theory with adjustment costs.
Determinants and consequences of non‐audit service fees: Preliminary evidence from Bangladesh

Purpose – This paper aims to provide preliminary evidence on the determinants of non‐audit service provision and whether the provision of such services impairs auditors' independence in the context of Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approach – Both univariate and multivariate regression methodologies are used to test the hypotheses. Signaling theory is used to test whether auditors from a non‐litigious environment are concerned about signaling their quality to the market by constraining clients' earnings management behavior.Findings – Results show that larger firms, firms with more liquidity, firms having an audit firm with an international link as their auditor and multinational subsidiaries purchase more non‐audit services, while highly‐leveraged firms purchase less. With respect to non‐audit fees (NAF) causing auditors to sacrifice their independence, this study fails to find any relationship between NAF and discretionary accruals (DACCR) after controlling for factors that are expected to drive DACCR beh.