Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Agricultural Policies and Structural Change in French Dairy Farms: A Nonstationary Markov Model

The aim of this paper is to gain an understanding into how agricultural policies have affected structural change in the French dairy sector. A nonstationary Markov model is estimated using a Generalized Cross Entropy approach. Results show that while the price of cow's milk encourages farm growth, direct payments and quota restriction favor small farms. The price signal is a key factor of structural change. As a result, higher milk prices may accelerate the trend toward the further growth of dairy farms. Settlement policy and technical change seem not to slow this trend. L'objectif de cet article est de comprendre comment les politiques agricoles ont affecte le changement structurel dans le secteur laitier en France. Un modele de Markov nonstationnaire utilisant l'approche de Cross Entropie Generalisee a ete estimee. Les resultats montrent qu'alors que le prix du lait encourage l'augmentation de la taille des exploitations, les paiements directs et le quota laitier sont plutot en faveur des petites exploitations. Le signal prix est un facteur cle du changement structurel. En consequence, des prix du lait plus eleves pourraient accelerer la tendance vers des exploitations laitieres de plus grande taille. Les aides a l'installation et le changement technique ne semblent pas freiner cette tendance.
Antimicrobial and cytotoxic juglones from the immature exocarps of Juglans mandshurica

Abstract Juglonols A−C (1−3), three new juglone derivatives possessing a hydroxyethyl side chain, were isolated from an organic extract of the immature exocarps of Juglans mandshurica together with five known tetralones (4–8). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and comparison with literature data. The new juglone derivatives exhibited inhibitory activities towards a panel of bacteria and fungi, as well as cancer cell lines. In contrast, the known tetralone homologues (4−8) appeared to be much less efficacy.
Openness, Specialization, and Productivity Growth in Less Developed Countries

Many empirical studies have found a positive relationship between openness and growth in per capita GDP in less developed countries, and economists have produced many explanations for this correlation. However, the existing studies are consistent with all of these theories and thus do not provide direct evidence in support of any one of them. Quah and Rauch [18] show how increased openness to international trade can lead to increased specialization in models of endogenous growth through learning by doing. These models imply that increased specialization accelerates productivity growth by more fully realizing dynamic economies of scale. In order to test the hypothesis that specialization increases productivity growth in LDCs we first define a Herfindahl index of production specialization for the manufacturing sector in 39 countries. We then present a series of dynamic panel regressions controlling for country fixed effects which show that, for the less developed countries, the index of specialization is positively and significantly correlated with manufacturing productivity growth. We test the robustness of this correlation by including different variables that have been associated with growth in the regressions, such as openness, inflation, government spending, and investment.
A Memory Based Model of Bounded Rationality

In order to investigate the impact of limited memory on human behavior, I develop a model of memory grounded in psychological and biological research. I assume that people take their memories as accurate and use them to make inferences. The resulting model predicts both over- and underreaction but provides enough structure to predict when each effect dominates. I then use this framework to study the consumption decision. The results match empirical work on consumption predictability as well as differences in the marginal propensity to consume from different income streams. Most importantly, because it ties the extent of bias to a measurable aspect of the stochastic process being forecasted, the model makes testable empirical predictions.
2012년 양대 선거에서 나타난 계층균열의 가능성과 한계

본 논문은 2012년의 제19대 총선과 제18대 대선에서 유권자의 사회경제적 계층에 기반한 투표선택의 차이가 나타났는지 경험적으로 분석하고 있다. 분석 결과에 따르면 월평균 가구소득이나 직업과 같은 객관적인 지표를 통해 정의된 계층에 의해서는 계층 간 유의미한 정치적 차이가 나타나지 않았지만, 주관적 계층의식에 의해서는 중산층 이상과 중산층 이하 계층 사이에서 유의미한 투표선택의 차이가 확인되었다. 또한 유권자의 주관적 계층의식은 그들의 객관적인 사회경제적 조건을 반영하고 있다는 것이 확인되었다. 결론적으로 본 논문의 분석은 기존의 지역과 세대균열을 넘어서는 계층균열이 한국의 선거에서 본격적으로 등장할 수 있는 가능성을 제기하는 한편 그 한계 역시 보여주고 있다.
Shaping ability and cleaning effectiveness of two single-file systems in severely curved root canals of extracted teeth: Reciproc and WaveOne versus Mtwo and ProTaper.

AIM To compare shaping ability and cleaning effectiveness of two reciprocating single-file systems with Mtwo and ProTaper rotary instruments during the preparation of curved root canals in extracted teeth. METHODOLOGY A total of 80 root canals with curvatures ranging between 25° and 39° were divided into four groups of 20 canals. Based on radiographs taken prior to instrumentation, the groups were balanced with respect to the angle and the radius of canal curvature. Canals were prepared to the following apical sizes: Mtwo: size 35 using the single-length technique; ProTaper: F3, instruments were used in a modified crown-down manner; Reciproc and WaveOne: size 25. Using pre- and post-instrumentation radiographs, straightening of the canal curvatures was determined with a computer image analysis program. Preparation time and instrument failures were also recorded. These data were analysed statistically using anova and Student-Newman-Keuls test. The amounts of debris and smear layer were quantified on the basis of a numerical evaluation scale and were analysed statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS During preparation no file fractured. All instruments maintained the original canal curvature well with no significant differences between the different files (P = 0.382). Instrumentation with Reciproc was significantly faster than with all other instruments (P < 0.05), while WaveOne was significantly faster than Mtwo and ProTaper (P < 0.05). For debris removal, Mtwo and Reciproc instruments achieved significantly better results (P < 0.05) than the other instruments in the apical third of the canals. In the middle and coronal parts, no significant differences were obtained between Mtwo, Reciproc and WaveOne (P > 0.05), while ProTaper showed significantly more residual debris (P < 0.05). The results for remaining smear layer were similar and not significantly different for the different parts of the canals (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Under the conditions of this study, all instruments maintained the original canal curvature well and were safe to use. The use of Mtwo and Reciproc instruments resulted in better canal cleanliness in the apical part compared with ProTaper and WaveOne.
Hematoprotective effect of boron on cyclophosphamide toxicity in rats.

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of boric acid (B) as a boron source on blood cells and indirectly on bone marrow. Intraperitoneally (i.p.) administration of 200 mg / kg of cyclophosphamide (CP) resulted in reductions in the number of erythrocyte (20%), hemoglobin (20%), leukocytes (96%), thrombocytes (41%), and hematocrit (21%). The group given CP alone was killed 3 days after the CP administrated. For the group having CP+B (200 mg/kg i.p) treatment was started 3 days earlier than the CP administration and continued to the finish of the experiment (6 days). On day 4, the animals were weighed again, relative doses of CP were expected, and CP+B was administered together. On day 7, blood samples were collected under anesthesia. The results suggest that B could reduce CP -induced toxicity on blood cells and bone marrow in rats.
Stakeholder Influences and Organization Responses: A Case Study of Corporate Social Responsibility Suspension

ABSTRACT In this study, we use the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR) suspension and provide a case study from China to show how conditions allowed shareholders to seize power and alter a firm's mission. We show that managers reacted to a change in shareholder power by changing their priorities to correlate with shareholder influences. Our dynamic model first highlights the importance of precipitating events that allowed shareholders to seize power. In response, managers rebalanced their priorities, paid more attention to the shareholders who demanded higher profits, and suspended ethical and discretionary responsibilities as a result. We further present evidence that CSR suspension subsequently harms relationships between stakeholders and threatens firm survival. We contribute to stakeholder theory by providing a dynamic model for interpreting stakeholder influences and managers’ subsequent responses. We add to corporate social responsibility studies by providing a more nuanced understanding of CSR suspension.
Co-delivery of doxorubicin and Bcl-2 siRNA by mesoporous silica nanoparticles enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy in multidrug-resistant cancer cells.

Development of multidrug resistance in cancer cells and adverse side effects are the major obstacles for effective cancer chemotherapy. [1-3] Therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance and specific tumor targeting with minimal premature drug release should have a great impact on the treatment of cancer. The term multidrug resistance (MDR) is used to define a resistance phenotype where cancer cells become resistant simultaneously to multiple drugs with no obvious structural resemblance and with different molecular targets. [4, 5] The multidrug resistance can be divided into two distinct classes, pump and nonpump resistance. [3] The pump resistance is caused by certain proteins that form membrane-bound ATP-dependent active drug efflux pumps, which significantly decrease the intracellular concentration of the drug and thereby the efficacy of the treatment. Membrane proteins, P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) have been shown to be the main players for pump resistance to a broad range of structurally and functionally distinct cytotoxic agents. [6] The main mechanism of nonpump resistance is an activation of cellular antiapoptotic defense, mainly by Bcl-2 protein. Most of the anticancer drugs trigger apoptosis and simultaneously activate both pump and nonpump cellular defense of multidrug resistance, which prevents cell death. Therefore, to effectively suppress the overall resistance to chemotherapy, it is essential to simultaneously inhibit both pump and nonpump mechanisms of cellular resistance by targeting all the intracellular molecular targets. [3, 7-9]
Family Socioeconomic Status at Birth and Youth Impulsivity at Age 15; Blacks’ Diminished Return

Minorities’ Diminished Return theory suggests that health effects of socioeconomic status (SES) are systemically smaller for racial and ethnic minorities compared to Whites. To test the relevance of Minorities’ Diminished Return theory for youth impulsivity, we investigated Black–White differences in the effects of family SES at birth on subsequent youth impulsivity at age 15. Data came from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), 1998–2016, a 15-year longitudinal study of urban families from the birth of their children to age 15. This analysis included 1931 families who were either White (n = 495) or Black (n = 1436). The independent variables of this study were family income, maternal education, and family structure at birth. Youth impulsivity at age 15 was the dependent variable. Gender was the covariate and race was the focal moderator. We ran linear regressions in the overall sample and specific to each race. In the overall sample, higher household income (b = −0.01, 95% CI = −0.01 to 0.00) and maternal education (b = −0.24, 95% CI = −0.44 to −0.04) at birth were associated with lower youth impulsivity at age 15, independent of race, gender, and family structure. A significant interaction was found between race and household income at birth (b = 0.01, 95% CI = 0.00 to 0.02) on subsequent youth impulsivity, which was indicative of a stronger protective effect for Whites compared to Blacks. Blacks’ diminished return exists for the long-term protective effects of family income at birth against subsequent youth impulsivity. The relative disadvantage of Blacks in comparison to Whites is in line with a growing literature showing that Black families gain less from high SES, which is possibly due to the existing structural racism in the US.
What is urban? Comparing a satellite view with the Demographic and Health Surveys.

Appraisal of urbanization trends is limited by the lack of a globally consistent definition of what is meant by urban. This article seeks to identify and explain differences in the definition of “urbanness” as used in two largely distinct research communities. We compare the Global Rural–Urban Mapping Project (GRUMP) which defines urban areas based primarily on satellite imagery of nighttime lights to the urban classification found in Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) which relies on the urban definitions of individual countries national statistical offices. We analyze the distribution of DHS clusters falling within and outside of GRUMP urban extents and examine select characteristics of these clusters (notably household electrification). Our results show a high degree of agreement between the two data sources on what areas are considered urban; furthermore when used together GRUMP and DHS data reveal urban characteristics that are not evident when one data source is used independently. GRUMP urban extents are overwhelmingly medium and large highly electrified localities. DHS clusters that are classified as non-urban but that fall within GRUMP extents tend to be peri-urban areas.
Predictors of Immunomodulator Use as Early Therapy in Pediatric Crohn's Disease

Goals: The goals of this study were to identify markers in a patient's presentation and disease progression that predict the need for the use of immunomodulators in a pediatric population. Background: Although immunomodulator safety and efficacy have been documented in Crohn's disease, models for predicting outcome and the need for immunomodulators (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or methotrexate) early in the disease course have not been investigated in children or adults. Methods: Data on newly diagnosed Crohn's disease patients were prospectively collected within 3 weeks of diagnosis, 6 months after diagnosis, and 1 year after diagnosis. Information collected at each visit included medication use and disease activity assessment. Results: A total of 57 patients who were followed for ≥6 months were evaluated. Overall, 34 of 57 (59.6%) were started on immunomodulators within 1 year of diagnosis. Mean serum albumin (3.35 g/dL vs. 3.7 g/dL, P = 0.013) and hematocrit (33.3% vs. 35.9%, P = 0.023) at diagnosis were lower, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (32 vs. 12, P = 0.011) at diagnosis was higher in patients who required immunomodulators. The total Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index score as well as the physical examination score and patient recall score within the PCDAI at diagnosis were not different among those who received immunomodulators and those that did not. Conclusions: Immunomodulators are frequently used within 1 year of diagnosis in pediatric Crohn's disease. Lower serum albumin levels and hematocrit, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate at diagnosis may predict the need for immunomodulators earlier in the disease course.
Selection and Training for Integrated Manufacturing: The Moderating Effects of Job Characteristics

This study examined the conditions under which aspects of integrated manufacturing (e.g. advanced manufacturing technology, total quality management, just-in-time inventory control) lead to selection and/or training for technical and problem-solving skills of employees. Results from our study of 74 plants showed main effects of advanced manufacturing technology and total quality management on training for technical and problem-solving skills, but no main effects on selection. In addition, employee job characteristics were studied to examine the degree to which they might moderate the effects of integrated manufacturing. Several interaction effects were found as they related to staffing and training practices. In general, staffing was used less in response to integrated manufacturing when employees’ jobs involved high levels of task uncertainty and interdependence. In contrast, the effects on training remained steady or increased under conditions of task uncertainty. Based on this, we conclude that staffing and training are emphasized under different circumstances and, therefore, should not be simply viewed as substitutes for one another in responding to the demands of integrated manufacturing. Our results are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications.
Adolescent impulsivity as a sex‐dependent and subtype‐dependent predictor of impulsivity, alcohol drinking and dopamine D2 receptor expression in adult rats

Impulsivity is a personality trait associated with a heightened risk for drug use and other psychiatric conditions. Because impulsivity‐related disorders typically emerge during adolescence, there has been interest in exploring methods for identifying adolescents that will be at risk to develop substance use disorders in adulthood. Here, we used a rodent model to assess inhibitory control (impulsive action) and impulsive decision making (impulsive choice) during adolescence (43–50 days old) or adulthood (93–100 days old) and then examined the impact of development on these impulsivity traits by re‐testing rats 50 days later. Impulsive action was not stable from adolescence to adulthood in male rats and was lowest in adult male rats, relative to adolescents and female rats. Impulsive choice was stable across development and unaffected by age or sex. Next, we examined the connection between our model of impulsivity and two measures relevant to substance abuse research: the initiation of voluntary alcohol drinking and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) expression in the prelimbic prefrontal cortex. Consumption of saccharin‐sweetened ethanol during 30‐minute sessions in adulthood was associated with adolescent, but not adult, impulsive action, particularly in male rats. Prelimbic D2R expression was reduced in individuals with high levels of impulsive choice, and this relationship appeared to be strongest among female rats. The results of this study demonstrate that impulsive choice, along with its connection to D2R expression, is relatively unchanged by the process of development. For impulsive action, however, individual levels of impulsivity during adolescence predict drinking in adulthood despite changes in the measure during development.
Time to Optimize Supplementation: Modifying Factors Influencing the Individual Responses to Extracellular Buffering Agents

Blood alkalosis, as indicated by an increased blood bicarbonate concentration and pH, has been shown to be beneficial for exercise performance. Sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, and sodium or calcium lactate, can all result in increased circulating bicarbonate and have all independently been shown to improve exercise capacity and performance under various circumstances. Although there is considerable evidence demonstrating the efficacy of these supplements in several sports-specific situations, it is commonly acknowledged that their efficacy is equivocal, due to contrasting evidence. Herein, we discuss the physiological and environmental factors that may modify the effectiveness of these supplements including, (i) absolute changes in circulating bicarbonate; (ii) supplement timing, (iii) the exercise task performed, (iv) monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) activity; (v) training status, and (vi) associated side-effects. The aim of this narrative review is to highlight the factors which may modify the response to these supplements, so that individuals can use this information to attempt to optimize supplementation and allow the greatest possibility of an ergogenic effect.
The Hedgehog and the Fox: From DSGE to Macro‐Pru

type="main"> Prior to the financial crisis of 2008/9, DSGE models-without-money set a new standard in applied macroeconomics; and they were widely adopted by Central Banks to help achieve their inflation targets. Controlling inflation did not deliver financial stability, however: far from it. The appeal of macro-models based on ‘efficient financial markets’ surely contributed to over-confidence before the crisis. But what about externalities? We examine, in particular, how steps to mitigate microeconomic principal/agent problems can create macroeconomic externalities—‘financial accelerators’ that affect balance sheets in pro-cyclical fashion. Now is the time, we argue, to embrace such a wider perspective.
Treatment with Saccharomyces boulardii reduces the inflammation and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract in 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis in mice

Intestinal mucositis is an important toxic side effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment. Saccharomyces boulardii is known to protect from intestinal injury via an effect on the gastrointestinal microbiota. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of S. boulardii on intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU in a murine model. Mice were divided into saline, saline (control)+5-FU or 5-FU+S. boulardii (16 × 109 colony-forming units/kg) treatment groups, and the jejunum and ileum were removed after killing of mice for the evaluation of histopathology, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and non-protein sulfhydryl group (mainly reduced glutathione; GSH), nitrite and cytokine concentrations. To determine gastric emptying, phenol red was administered orally, mice were killed 20 min after administration, and the absorbance of samples collected from the mice was measured by spectrophotometry. Intestinal permeability was measured by the urinary excretion rate of lactulose and mannitol following oral administration. S. boulardii significantly reversed the histopathological changes in intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU and reduced the inflammatory parameters: neutrophil infiltration (control 1·73 (sem 0·37) ultrastructural MPO (UMPO)/mg, 5-FU 7·37 (sem 1·77) UMPO/mg and 5-FU+S. boulardii 4·15 (sem 0·73) UMPO/mg); nitrite concentration (control 37·00 (sem 2·39) μm, 5-FU 59·04 (sem 11·41) μm and 5-FU+S. boulardii 37·90 (sem 5·78) μm); GSH concentration (control 477·60 (sem 25·25) μg/mg, 5-FU 270·90 (sem 38·50) μg/mg and 5-FU+S. boulardii 514·00 (sem 38·64) μg/mg). Treatment with S. Boulardii significantly reduced the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β by 48·92 and 32·21 % in the jejunum and 38·92 and 61·79 % in the ileum. In addition, S. boulardii decreased the concentrations of chemokine (C–X–C motif) ligand 1 by 5-fold in the jejunum and 3-fold in the ileum. Interestingly, S. boulardii reduced the delay in gastric emptying (control 25·21 (sem 2·55) %, 5-FU 54·91 (sem 3·43) % and 5-FU+S. boulardii 31·38 (sem 2·80) %) and induced the recovery of intestinal permeability (lactulose:mannitol ratio: control 0·52 (sem 0·03), 5-FU 1·38 (sem 0·24) and 5-FU+S. boulardii 0·62 (sem 0·03)). In conclusion, S. boulardii reduces the inflammation and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract in intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU.