Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
My Policies or Yours: Does OECD Support for Agriculture Increase Poverty in Developing Countries?

This paper investigates the impact of rich-country agricultural support on the poor. Using non-parametric analysis we establish that the majority of poor countries are consistently net importers of food products that are heavily supported by OECD governments. Using a cross-country regression framework we measure the overall impact of agricultural support policies in rich countries on poverty and average incomes in poor countries. We find no support in the cross-country analysis for the claim that OECD polices worsen poverty in developing countries. To better understand what might drive these results, we turn to national employment and household consumption and expenditure surveys from Mexico. There are four important findings from the country case study: (1) the majority of the poorest corn farmers in Mexico report that they never sell any corn, (2) Mexico's own policies (signing NAFTA) have dramatically reduced the Mexican producer price of corn, (3) US corn subsidies have had a limited impact on this price and, (4) domestic policies have largely cushioned Mexican corn farmers from the drop in corn prices. Taken together, the evidence suggests that a reduction in rich-country agricultural support that raises world food prices is likely to hurt the poorest countries but may have little impact at all on the poorest farmers within these countries.
Isotopic signals of summer denitrification in a northern hardwood forested catchment

Significance Denitrification is the most poorly understood process in the terrestrial N cycle. As a result, terrestrial N budgets are wildly unbalanced and our ability to address global nitrogen pollution is fundamentally constrained. Denitrification is controlled by multiple factors, often exhibiting extraordinary variation in time and space, especially in terrestrial environments. Temperate forests regularly receive much larger inputs of precipitation N than they export in streamwater. The fate of the rest has been elusive. We present stable isotope measurements revealing extensive evidence of denitrification from temperate-forest shallow groundwater in midsummer, even as concurrent measurements of streamwater show little sign of denitrification. These measurements support the importance of a disputed nitrogen removal process and its occurrence at a previously missed time and location. Despite decades of measurements, the nitrogen balance of temperate forest catchments remains poorly understood. Atmospheric nitrogen deposition often greatly exceeds streamwater nitrogen losses; the fate of the remaining nitrogen is highly uncertain. Gaseous losses of nitrogen to denitrification are especially poorly documented and are often ignored. Here, we provide isotopic evidence (δ15NNO3 and δ18ONO3) from shallow groundwater at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest indicating extensive denitrification during midsummer, when transient, perched patches of saturation developed in hillslopes, with poor hydrological connectivity to the stream, while streamwater showed no isotopic evidence of denitrification. During small rain events, precipitation directly contributed up to 34% of streamwater nitrate, which was otherwise produced by nitrification. Together, these measurements reveal the importance of denitrification in hydrologically disconnected patches of shallow groundwater during midsummer as largely overlooked control points for nitrogen loss from temperate forest catchments.
The NII speech synthesis entry for Blizzard Challenge 2016

This paper decribes the NII speech synthesis entry for Blizzard Challenge 2016, where the task was to build a voice from audiobook data. The synthesis system is built using the NII parametric speech synthesis framework that utilizes Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) for acoustic modeling. For this entry, we first built a voice using a large data set, and then used the audiobook data to adapt the acoustic model to the target speaker. Additionally, the recent fullband glottal vocoder GlottDNN was used in the system with a DNN-based excitation model for generating glottal waveforms. The vocoder estimates the vocal tract in a band-wise manner using Quasi Closed Phase (QCP) inversefiltering at the low-band. At synthesis stage, the excitation model is used to generate voiced excitation from acoustic features, after which a vocal tract filter is applied to generate synthetic speech. The Blizzard Challenge listening test results show that the proposed system achieves comparable quality with the benchmark parametric synthesis systems. Index Terms: Blizzard Challenge, parametric speech synthesis, speaker adaptation, glottal vocoding, LSTM
Morphological, immunophenotypical and electrophysiological properties of resting microglia in vitro

Morphological, immunophenotypical and electrophysiological properties were investigated in isolated cultured murine microglia before and after exposure to astrocyte‐conditioned medium (ACM). Following application of ACM, microglial cells underwent a dramatic shape transformation from an amoeboid appearance to a ramified morphology. In parallel to morphological changes, a downregulation of macrophage surface antigens was observed in microglia exposed to ACM. Staining intensities for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and for the adhesion molecules leukocyte function‐associated antigen‐1 (LFA‐1) and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) were significantly decreased in ramified microglia 5 days after exposure to ACM. In microglial cells treated daily with ACM over a period of 5 days, the smallest staining intensities for all surface antigens as well as the smallest ramification index as a measure for the highest degree of ramification were determined. In addition, upregulation of delayed rectifier K + currents was observed in microglia exposed to ACM for 1 day or treated daily with ACM for 5 days. In contrast, untreated amoeboid microglia or ramified microglia analysed 5 days after exposure to ACM did not express delayed rectifier K + currents. Analyses of the resting membrane potential and expression levels and properties of inward rectifier K + currents did not reveal any differences between untreated and ACM‐treated microglia. It is suggested that electrophysiological properties of microglia do not strongly correlate with the morphology or the immunophenotype of microglial cells.
Cis‐preferential recruitment of duck hepatitis B virus core protein to the RNA/polymerase preassembly complex

Hepadnaviral replication requires the concerted action of the polymerase and core proteins to ensure selective packaging of the RNA pregenome into nucleocapsids. Virus assembly is initiated by cis‐preferential binding of polymerase to the encapsidation signal ϵ, present on pregenomic RNA. Using the duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) model, we analyzed how core protein is recruited to the RNA/polymerase preassembly complex. Two sets of trans‐complementation assays were performed in cotransfected hepatoma cells. First, a replication‐competent DHBV construct was tested for its ability to rescue replication of genomes bearing mutations within the core region. Self‐packaging of wild‐type pregenomes was more efficient than cross‐packaging of core‐deficient pregenomes, and this bias was strongly enhanced if mutant pregenomes coded for self‐assembly–competent, but packaging‐deficient, core proteins. Second, the site of wild‐type core protein translation, i.e., pregenomic RNA (cis) or separate messenger RNA (trans), was analyzed for its effect on the phenotype of a previously described dominant‐negative (DN) DHBV core protein mutant. This mutant forms chimeric nucleocapsids with wild‐type core proteins and blocks reverse transcription within most, but not all, mixed particles. Strikingly, suppression of viral DNA synthesis by the mutant increased 100‐fold when wild‐type core protein was provided in trans. Our results suggest that recruitment of core protein to the DHBV preassembly complex occurs in a cis‐preferential manner. This mechanism may account for the leakiness of DN DHBV core protein mutants targeting reverse transcription.
Effects of growth hormone on cardiac remodeling and soleus muscle in rats with aortic stenosis-induced heart failure

Background Skeletal muscle wasting is often observed in heart failure (HF). The growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis is impaired in HF. In this study, we evaluated the effects of GH on soleus muscle and cardiac remodeling in rats with aortic stenosis (AS)-induced HF. Methods AS was created by placing a stainless-steel clip on the ascending aorta. After clinically detecting HF, GH (2 mg/kg/day) was subcutaneously injected for 14 days (AS-GH group). Results were compared with those from Sham and non-treated AS groups. Transthoracic echocardiogram was performed before and after treatment. Protein expression was evaluated by Western blot and satellite cells activation by immunofluorescence. Statistical analyzes: ANOVA and Tukey or Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls. Results Before treatment both AS groups presented a similar degree of cardiac injury. GH prevented body weight loss and attenuated systolic dysfunction. Soleus cross-sectional fiber areas were lower in both AS groups than Sham (Sham 3,556±447; AS 2,882±422; AS-GH 2,868±591 μm2; p=0.016). GH increased IGF-1 serum concentration (Sham 938±83; AS 866±116; AS-GH 1167±166 ng/mL; p<0.0001) and IGF-1 muscle protein expression and activated PI3K protein. Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) immunofluorescence was increased in both AS groups. Catabolism-related intracellular pathways did not differ between groups. Conclusion Short-term growth hormone attenuates left ventricular systolic dysfunction in rats with aortic stenosis-induced HF. Despite preserving body weight, increasing serum and muscular IGF-1 levels, and stimulating PI3K muscle expression, GH does not modulate soleus muscle trophism, satellite cells activation or intracellular pathways associated with muscle catabolism.
Cell Type-specific Post-translational Modifications of Mouse Osteopontin Are Associated with Different Adhesive Properties*

Osteopontin (OPN) is a highly modified integrin-binding protein found in all body fluids. Expression of OPN is strongly correlated with poor prognosis in many different human cancers, suggesting an important but poorly understood role for this protein in tumorigenesis and metastasis. The protein exists in a number of different isoforms differing in the degree of post-translational modifications that are likely to exhibit different functional properties. This study examines for the first time the post-translational modifications of OPN from transformed cells and the effects of these modifications on cell biology. We have characterized the complete phosphorylation and glycosylation patterns of OPN expressed by murine ras-transformed fibroblasts (FbOPN) and differentiating osteoblasts (ObOPN) by a combination of mass spectrometric analyses and Edman degradation. Mass spectrometric analysis showed masses of 34.9 and 35.9 kDa for FbOPN and ObOPN, respectively. Enzymatic dephosphorylation, sequence, and mass analyses demonstrated that FbOPN contains approximately four phosphate groups distributed over 16 potential phosphorylation sites, whereas ObOPN contains ∼21 phosphate groups distributed over 27 sites. Five residues are O-glycosylated in both isoforms. These residues are fully modified in FbOPN, whereas one site is partially glycosylated in ObOPN. Although both forms of OPN mediated robust integrin-mediated adhesion of mouse ras-transformed fibroblasts, the less phosphorylated FbOPN mediated binding of MDA-MD-435 human tumor cells almost 6-fold more than the heavy phosphorylated ObOPN. These results strongly support the hypothesis that the degree of phosphorylation of OPN produced by different cell types can regulate its function.
Adoption of Improved Seeds and Land Allocation , Evidence from DRC

There is a resurgent interest in agricultural input subsidies as instruments to increase adoption of yield increasing technologies in developing countries. But what is the impact of such technologies on agricultural expansion in Africa, where land is insecure and considered relatively abundant? Using unique experimental data from the Equateur province in DRC, characterized by a large heterogeneity in access to land and home to the second largest tropical forest, we study the implications of such interventions for households agricultural decisions related to land use. We show that high subsidy levels lead to high adoption of improved seeds, especially when the transport constraint is relieved, but also lead to more land conversions in the forest and in the savanna.
The Effects of Smoking in Young Adulthood on Smoking and Health Later in Life: Evidence Based on the Vietnam Era Draft Lottery

An important, unresolved question for health policymakers and consumers is whether cigarette smoking in young adulthood has significant lasting effects into later adulthood. The Vietnam era draft lottery offers an opportunity to address this question, because it randomly assigned young men to be more likely to experience conditions favoring cigarette consumption, including highly subsidized prices. Using this natural experiment, we find that military service increased the probability of smoking by 35 percentage points as of 1978-80, when men in the relevant cohorts were aged 25-30, but later in adulthood this effect was substantially attenuated and did not lead to large negative health effects.
Resilient communities: sustainabilities in transition

In this brief commentary, we focus on the notion of resilient communities in developed nations through the lens of social, economic and individual “transitions”. In so doing, we aim to chart the trajectory of the shifts between “thinking global and acting local” and the new emphasis is being placed on reactions to ecological and economic threats in particular localities. We do this initially by outlining three changes that have occurred in many communities in the last 20 years that mark shifts in the conceptual, pragmatic and political responses to sustainability before considering the ways in which resilience, as a conceptual device, has been deployed in a particular niche alongside other reactions to global change, such as vulnerability, mitigation and adaptation. The commentary will then examine the ways in which pathways to resilience are being shaped through the evolving discourse of transition, which is rapidly becoming the vehicle for accelerating a sense of community resilience in Western nations. Through an exploration of transition, we will provide some reflections on the potential opportunities and challenges for creating resilient and sustainable communities in an age of climate change and “Peak Oil”.
Writing What's Relevant: Workplace Incivility in Public Administration-A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Questions surrounding the relevance of what is written about for Public Administration (PA), what should be written, who reads it and what response there might be, are vital. I argue that much of the writing in the PA field ignores many questions of crucial relevance to individuals, groups and organizations, having been overtaken with the vast swathes of management rhetoric that PA scholars and practitioners believe they need. Articles abound about the importance of leadership, change management, teamwork, globalization, and efficiency and effectiveness, while much less is said about the stuff of organizational life that directly affects the lives of both those who work in PA and the people they serve. This article commences with an example of workplace incivility witnessed in a public hospital. I examine, as an example of what should be written about and is not, the problem of workplace incivility in PA (and the wolf it disguises, bullying, aggression and workplace violence). Workplace incivility is an increasing and troubling phenomenon in PA organizations, and one which has the capacity to disguise or trigger more sinister acts.
Benefits of Fish Oil Consumption over Other Sources of Lipids on Metabolic Parameters in Obese Rats

This study evaluated the effect of the consumption of different levels and sources of lipids on metabolic parameters of Wistar rats. Animals were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) containing 20% of lard for 12 weeks to cause metabolic obesity. Subsequently, the animals were divided into six groups and were fed diets with lipid concentrations of 5% or 20% of lard (LD), soybean oil (SO) or fish oil (FO), for 4 weeks. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (two-way) followed by Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05). The groups that consumed FO showed less weight gain and lower serum levels of triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol and fractions, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, atherogenic index, less amount of fat in the carcass, decreased Lee index and lower total leukocyte counting (p < 0.05). These same parameters were higher in LD treatment (p < 0.05). In the concentration of 20%, carcass fat content, blood glucose levels, as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) decreased in FO groups (p < 0.05). The SO group had intermediate results regarding the other two treatments (FO and LD). We concluded that fish oil intake was able to modulate positively the metabolic changes resulting from HFD.
Probiotics in The Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may be diagnosed on the presence of symptoms, according to Rome II criteria and some studies have shown that abnormal colonic fermentation may be an important factor in the development of symptoms in some patients with IBS. Since the fermentations of substrates by the intestinal flora may play a key role in the use of probiotics in the treatment of IBS, fifty patients (24 males,26 females), mean age 40 years (range = 26–64 years) with IBS, according to Rome II criteria, were enrolled into the study after informed consensus. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either the active preparation containing Lactobacillus Plantarum LP0 1 and Bifidocterium Breve BR0 both at a concentration of 5 × 109 CFU/ml, or placebo powder containing starch identical to the study product, for 4 weeks. To evaluate treatment efficacy two different scores were considered: Pain score in different abdominal locations after treatment decreased in probiotics group of 38% versus 18% (P < 0.05) of placebo group after 14 days and of 52% versus 11% (P < 0.001) after 28 days. The severity score of characteristic IBD symptoms significantly decreased in probiotic group versus placebo group after 14 days 49.6% versus 9.9% (P < 0.001) and these data were confirmed after 28 days (44.4% versus 8.5%, P < 0.001). In conclusion, short-term therapy with Lactobacillus PlantarumLP0 1 and Bifidocterium Breve BR0 may be considered a promising approach to the therapy for IBS.
History and persistence of an idea and an ideal

Public service has several meanings. First, ‘the public service’ refers to people employed by governments to carry out the administrative functions of the state; second, a public service refers to a service authorized and funded by government. Third, a public service can also refer to any service provided to the public. Finally, public service can refer to the motivation of people who feel a sense of duty or responsibility for contributing to the welfare of others and to the common good of the community or society.
Domain Generalization via Conditional Invariant Representations

Domain generalization aims to apply knowledge gained from multiple labeled source domains to unseen target domains. The main difficulty comes from the dataset bias: training data and test data have different distributions, and the training set contains heterogeneous samples from different distributions. Let X denote the features, and Y be the class labels. Existing domain generalization methods address the dataset bias problem by learning a domain-invariant representation h(X) that has the same marginal distribution P(h(X)) across multiple source domains. The functional relationship encoded in P(Y|X) is usually assumed to be stable across domains such that P(Y|h(X)) is also invariant. However, it is unclear whether this assumption holds in practical problems. In this paper, we consider the general situation where both P(X) and P(Y|X) can change across all domains. We propose to learn a feature representation which has domain-invariant class conditional distributions P(h(X)|Y). With the conditional invariant representation, the invariance of the joint distribution P(h(X),Y) can be guaranteed if the class prior P(Y) does not change across training and test domains. Extensive experiments on both synthetic and real data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A phenotype intermediate between Desbuquois dysplasia and diastrophic dysplasia secondary to mutations in DTDST

We describe a child whose original clinical and radiologic manifestations led to a diagnosis of Desbuquois dysplasia. Subsequent development of features including cervical kyphosis and cystic ears caused us to reconsider the original diagnosis. The new complement of features in this patient fell in a range between Desbuquois dysplasia and diastrophic dysplasia. Molecular testing showed that she is a compound heterozygote for mutations in the diastrophic dysplasia sulfate transporter gene (DTDST). This finding confirms that there is locus heterogeneity in apparent Desbuquois dysplasia. It also expands the phenotypic spectrum of disorders caused by mutations in DTDST. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of Global Shocks and Volatility on Herd Behavior in an Emerging Market: Evidence from Borsa Istanbul

In this article, we examine the dynamic relationship between global factors and herd behavior in an emerging market. Utilizing a time-varying transition probability Markov-switching model, we examine the role of global risk factors on investor behavior in Borsa Istanbul, which is dominated largely by foreign investors. Our tests yield three distinct market regimes (low, high, and extreme volatility) and evidence consistent with herd behavior during both the high- and extreme-volatility regimes. U.S. market–related factors are found to dominate regime transitions and thus significantly contribute to herd behavior in all market sectors with the exception of industrials, suggesting that industrials are relatively immune to global shocks. Multivariate synchronization tests further suggest that herding regimes are perfectly synchronized across all market sectors.
Managing People to Promote Innovation

There is growing evidence available to suggest that Human Resource Management (HRM) practice is an important predictor of organizational performance. Drawing upon organizational learning perspectives, we argue that HRM systems also have the potential to promote organizational innovation. We present longitudinal data from thirty-five UK manufacturing organizations to suggest that effective HRM systems – incorporating sophisticated approaches to recruitment and selection, induction, appraisal and training – predict organizational innovation in products and production technology. We further show that organizational innovation is enhanced where there is a supportive learning climate, and inhibited (for innovation in production processes) where there is a link between appraisal and remuneration.