Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variations on economic convergence: The case of the United States

Abstract This paper tests the hypothesis of conditional β‐convergence in per capita income across the United States by extending the neoclassical growth model to incorporate public capital, government taxation, and human capital, and controlling empirically for technology growth. We expand the period of analysis from the late 1980s when studies using public capital stock have stopped, investigate spatial variation across the United States under various cross‐sectional and panel spatial models, and tackle the issue of nonlinearities. All model variations provide evidence of economic convergence across the United States over the period 1960–2005. Resumen Este articulo evalua las hipotesis de beta‐convergencia condicional en renta per capita en los Estados Unidos, ampliando el modelo de crecimiento neoclasico con la incorporacion de capital publico, tributacion gubernamental y capital humano, y controlando empiricamente el crecimiento tecnologico. Hemos ampliado el periodo de analisis desde finales de los ochenta, momento en que se suspendieron los estudios que utilizaban reservas de capital publico, hemos investigado la variacion espacial para los Estados Unidos de acuerdo con diferentes modelos transversales y espaciales de panel, y hemos abordado el tema de las no linealidades. Todas las variaciones del modelo aportan pruebas de convergencia economica dentro de los Estados Unidos para el periodo 1960‐2005.
Measurement and analysis of the impact of time-interval, temperature and radiation dose on tumour cell survival and its application in thermoradiotherapy plan evaluation

Abstract Purpose: Biological modelling of thermoradiotherapy may further improve patient selection and treatment plan optimisation, but requires a model that describes the biological effect as a function of variables that affect treatment outcome (e.g. temperature, radiation dose). This study aimed to establish such a model and its parameters. Additionally, a clinical example was presented to illustrate the application. Methods: Cell survival assays were performed at various combinations of radiation dose (0–8 Gy), temperature (37–42 °C), time interval (0–4 h) and treatment sequence (radiotherapy before/after hyperthermia) for two cervical cancer cell lines (SiHa and HeLa). An extended linear-quadratic model was fitted to the data using maximum likelihood estimation. As an example application, a thermoradiotherapy plan (23 × 2 Gy + weekly hyperthermia) was compared with a radiotherapy-only plan (23 × 2 Gy) for a cervical cancer patient. The equivalent uniform radiation dose (EUD) in the tumour, including confidence intervals, was estimated using the SiHa parameters. Additionally, the difference in tumour control probability (TCP) was estimated. Results: Our model described the dependency of cell survival on dose, temperature and time interval well for both SiHa and HeLa data (R2=0.90 and R2=0.91, respectively), making it suitable for biological modelling. In the patient example, the thermoradiotherapy plan showed an increase in EUD of 9.8 Gy that was robust (95% CI: 7.7–14.3 Gy) against propagation of the uncertainty in radiobiological parameters. This corresponded to a 20% (95% CI: 15–29%) increase in TCP. Conclusions: This study presents a model that describes the cell survival as a function of radiation dose, temperature and time interval, which is essential for biological modelling of thermoradiotherapy treatments.
Histochemical localisation of a galactose‐containing glycoconjugate expressed by sensory neurones innervating different peripheral tissues in the rat

Abstract The plant lectin Bandeiraea simplicifolia I‐isolectin B4 (BSI‐B4) identifies a galactose‐containing, membrane‐associated glycoconjugate expressed by a discrete subpopulation of unmyelinated primary sensory neurones in the rat. We have previously suggested that BSI‐B4 selectively binds to primary sensory neurones that innervate the skin. However, in that study, the tracer diamidino yellow was applied to the cut ends of peripheral nerves to identify neurones innervating particular target tissues. In this study, we have avoided axotomy by retrogradely labelling primary sensory neurones from peripheral tissues using the carbocyanine dye 1,1′‐dioctadecyl‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethylindocarbacyanine perchlorate (DiI). DiI was injected into the plantar skin, gastrocnemius muscle, and pyloric region of the stomach in rats. Corresponding ganglia were sectioned, incubated in BSI‐B4 conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate, and examined with a fluorescence microscope. DiI‐labelled cells were identified by red fluorescence within the cytoplasm, whereas cells binding BSI‐B4 displayed green fluorescence associated with the plasma membrane and Golgi apparatus. Quantitative analysis revealed that 36.2% of cutaneous neurones, 7.6% of muscle neurones, and 6.8% of visceral neurones expressed the BSI‐B4‐binding site, indicating that a small but significant proportion of small‐diameter primary sensory neurones innervating muscle and viscera also express BSI‐B4‐binding sites.
Beyond the enterprise: trade union representation of freelances in the UK

Interest has grown in the methods that trade unions can use to organise and represent the substantial proportion of the workforce engaged in ‘contingent work’. This article examines trade union representation of self-employed freelances in the UK. Empirical material is presented from case studies of the media and entertainment unions, with their long history of representing freelances, and more recently established unions representing freelance tour guides, interpreters and translators. The analysis indicates that there is a distinctive form of freelance unionism in the UK which is distinguished by its emphasis on organising and representing workers in the external labour market where they seek work and develop a mobile career. This orientation ‘beyond the enterprise’ distinguishes freelance unionism from the dominant form of unionism in Britain.
Virtual Instrument Systems in Reality (VISIR) for Remote Wiring and Measurement of Electronic Circuits on Breadboard

This paper reports on a state-of-the-art remote laboratory project called Virtual Instrument Systems in Reality (VISIR). VISIR allows wiring and measuring of electronic circuits remotely on a virtual workbench that replicates physical circuit breadboards. The wiring mechanism is developed by means of a relay switching matrix connected to a PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI) instrumentation platform. The entire equipment is controlled by LabVIEW server software, in addition to a measurement server software that protects the equipment from hazard connections by verifying input circuit designs, sent by students, before being executed. This paper addresses other approaches such as remote labs based on Data Acquisition Cards (DAQs), NetLab, and RemotElectLab, comparing them with VISIR in order to emphasize its singularity. Topics discussed are as follows: the technical description, software, operation cycle, features, and provided services. In addition, the feedback received by students at several universities and the encountered drawbacks along with the proposed solutions are highlighted. The paper finally addresses the ongoing and future challenges within the VISIR community including its integration with Learning Management Systems (LMSs) and iLab Shared Architecture (ISA), its new hardware version release that is based on LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation (LXI), and its new open platform version that supports federated access.
Bone Formation in the Context of Growth Retardation Induced by hIGFBP-1 Overexpression in Transgenic Mice

In humans, intrauterine growth retardation (hIUGR) is correlated with an overexpression of insulin-like growthfactor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1). The affected children also present a delay in bone mineralization. In this study, transgenic 12-day-old mutant mice overexpressing human IGFBP-1 hepatospecifically showed a severe growth retardation. Alcian blue and alizarin red S staining of the skeleton revealed mineralization defects at the posterior level of the skull (delayed suture closure) and in appendicular and axial skeleton. Furthermore, microradiographic analysis showed a reduced bone density in the same areas. Thus, overexpressing of hIGFBP-1 demonstrates early postnatal life growth retardation and a delay in mineralization in transgenic mutant mice. These data show the involvement of the IGF/IGFBP system and more particularly IGFBP-1 in the biomineralization process.
Private, Common, and Open Access Property Rights in Land : An Investigation of Economic Principles and Legislation

Abstract. According to standard economic theory, private property rights in land are considered superior to alternative institutional choices, such as common property or open access. This article investigates the existence of differing property rights regimes in the field of Swedish real property law. The economic implications of the different institutional arrangements are examined, and support is found for varying property rights regimes, depending on physical and technical aspects of the land uses in question. In particular, when a certain land use presents economies of scale, common property rights can serve to reduce transaction costs.
Reproductive consequences of female size in haematophagous ectoparasites

ABSTRACT To test relationships between maternal size, egg size and size of new offspring, we studied (a) the effect of maternal size on egg size and number, and maternal survival after oviposition and (b) the effect of egg size on the duration of development and new imago size in three flea species (Xenopsylla ramesis, Synosternus cleopatrae, Parapulex chephrenis) with varying host and habitat specificity. In general, the number and size of eggs as well as total egg volume appeared to be independent of maternal body size. There was no trade-off between egg number and size. However, female body size was related to post-oviposition survival, with larger females surviving longer after oviposition than smaller females. In addition, females that produced more eggs died faster after oviposition in X. ramesis but not in the two other species. There were no significant size differences between eggs that developed into new imagoes and eggs that did not survive. Survivorship of male and female eggs did not differ; however, new adult females were significantly larger than new adult males. Female, but not male, new imagoes exhibited a significant positive relationship between egg size and duration of preimaginal development in all three species, with larger eggs developing faster than smaller eggs. In X. ramesis and S. cleopatrae, faster developing eggs also developed into larger new imagoes. We conclude that these patterns were largely consistent among the three flea species, suggesting that they result from the same mechanisms and are weakly affected by the ecological specialization of a given species. Summary: Maternal size does not affect the number and size of eggs and new imagoes in fleas.
Sustainability of The Current Account In Bangladesh: An Intertemporal and Cointegration Analysis

This paper aims to assess the sustainability of the current account of Bangladesh over the period of 1982–2012 using the intertemporal solvency model of Hakkio and Rush (1991) and Husted (1992). This approach examines the relationship between exports and imports plus unilateral transfer payments. We apply Johansen cointegration test and Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) to evaluate the sustainability. Cointegration between inflows and outflows of current account implies that the intertemporal budget constraint is satisfied. Results of the Johansen cointegration test imply that there is a cointegrating relationship between exports and imports plus unilateral transfer payments. This indicates that Bangladesh’s current account is sustainable but result of DOLS estimation reveals that it is weakly sustainable.
Gingival crevicular fluid: As a diagnostic marker in HIV positive patients

Objective: To determine the utility of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) for the detection of anti-HIV antibodies in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with respect to their CD4 counts. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out between 37 seropositive (37GCF, 10 saliva) and 37 seronegative (GCF) individuals for a period of 7-8 months in GDC Nagpur. Thirty-seven GCF and 10 whole saliva samples were collected from the same patient. GCF samples were collected from gingival crevice with the help of Kimble disposable microcapillary. Saliva was collected by asking the patient to bend forward. The drooling saliva was collected in a sterile bottle and stored at Minus 20°C (-20°C). After the clinical observations the data were collected and tabulated for statistical analysis. Results: When compared with serum, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of GCF were 100% respectively. Conclusion: All the above findings are suggestive of GCF being a better diagnostic medium than saliva.
Neuropathy associated with experimental Chagas' disease

Mice were acutely and chronically infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and then examined histologically for the presence of lesions in the peripheral nervous system. In acutely infected animals, small lymphocytic and macrophagic infiltrates were found in the nerves in association with intracellular parasites. Little or no nerve damage was present at this stage. In chronically infected animals, large perivascular granulomatous infiltrates were found in association with multifocal, predominantly demyelinative lesions of neighboring nerve fibers. Similar inflammatory infiltrates were present in muscles and were frequently associated with vasculitis and destruction of muscle fibers. Our pathological findings and the negative results produced by intraneural injections of sera from chronically infected animals and the positive results following injections of small numbers of live trypanosomes suggest that the demyelination is not due to circulating serum factors such as antibodies cross‐reacting with peripheral myelin. Delayed‐type hypersensitivity may be induced by the presence of the parasites, a notion supported by the development of granulomas in naive mice injected intravenously with helper T cells from chronically infected animals.
Informality and social protection: Preliminary results from pilot surveys in Bulgaria and Colombia ∗

There is a wide agreement on the fact that a large informal economy leaves many individuals without social protection and reduces government's tax revenue and social security contributions. However, it remains an open question what really drives informality, namely whether workers are simply trapped out of the formal sector or, at least some of them, choose it because it offers better alternatives than a formal job. The policy implications are clearly different in the two cases. In order to shed light on this important issue, the authors propose a household survey instrument to assess the links between informality and social protection. It can be implemented either through a stand-alone survey or by adding a specific module to an existing general survey such as the World Bank's Living Standards Measurement Study. After describing the main survey instrument, the study presents the results of two pilot surveys, carried out in Bulgaria and Colombia, to test the effectiveness of the questionnaire and improve its design. After the introduction is presented, the remainder of the paper is organized as follows. Section 2 discusses the design of the basic questionnaire on the informal sector. Since the instrument can be used also as a stand-alone survey, some questions are quite standard both in their content and format: in what follows, the study will focus on the parts that are not. Section 3 describes in detail the pilot surveys and the adaptation of the questionnaire to country-specific issues. Section 4 asks how representative is the sample of the two pilots. Section 5 presents some descriptive results emerging from the two pilots, and Section 6 examines how results differ according to informality status of respondents. Finally, Section 7 offers concluding remarks.
A Review of the Literature of Mirtazapine in Co-Occurring Depression and an Alcohol Use Disorder.

BACKGROUND Prior medication studies involving individuals with major depression in combination with an alcohol use disorder (MDD/AUD) have mainly focused on SSRI and tricyclic antidepressants, with generally ineffective results. Consequently, effective treatments for that common comorbid condition remain elusive. Mirtazapine is an antidepressant medicine with a unique pharmacological profile, whose effectiveness for treating non-comorbid depression reportedly may exceed that of SSRIs. OBJECTIVE/METHODS We now review the published literature regarding the tolerability and efficacy of mirtazapine for the treatment of the depression and the pathological alcohol ingestion of individuals with co-occurring MDD/AUD, including a review of four of our own small studies and two studies conducted outside the United States. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS The findings of these studies suggest that mirtazapine is well tolerated among persons with comorbid MDD/AUD. Results also provide some evidence of efficacy for mirtazapine for decreasing the level of depression of persons with co-occurring MDD/AUD, and suggest that decreases in depression may occur relatively quickly after starting treatment, but provide no evidence of effectiveness for decreasing the level of alcohol ingestion. Large-scale double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are warranted to further clarify the tolerability and efficacy of mirtazapine among individuals with MDD/AUD.
Behaviour and emotional problems in toddlers with pervasive developmental disorders and developmental delay: associations with parental mental health and family functioning.

BACKGROUND Behavioural and emotional problems occur at a high rate in children and adolescents with intellectual disability, often from a young age. Some studies have indicated that children and adolescents with autism present with even higher rates. Less is known about the presentation, development and family impact of these difficulties in young children with autism. This study aimed to explore these issues in toddlers with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), those with delay without a PDD, and their families. METHODS Participants were 123 children aged 20-51 months, referred to a developmental assessment clinic. Parents completed a checklist on child behavioural and emotional problems, and individual questionnaires on family functioning, their own mental health, and stress in relation to parenting their child. The child's language and cognitive skills, adaptive functioning and behaviour were assessed by standardized measures. Measures were repeated 1 year postdiagnosis. Behavioural and emotional problems in young children with a PDD were compared with those in children with developmental delay without a PDD, and their impact on parental outcomes explored over time. RESULTS Initial and follow-up measures of child behaviour and emotional problems, parent mental health problems, parent stress and family functioning were significantly correlated, providing some evidence of stability over time. Child emotional and behavioural problems contributed significantly more to mother stress, parent mental health problems, and perceived family dysfunction than child diagnosis (PDD/non-PDD), delay or gender. Compared with mothers, all fathers reported significantly less stress in relation to parenting their child. CONCLUSION Results highlighted the importance of addressing emotional and behavioural problems in very young children with autism and/or developmental delay. The need for early support and intervention for mothers, fathers and families in this context was also evidenced. As research has shown that behavioural and emotional problems persist into adolescence and young adulthood, understanding of these issues in very young children and their parents has important implications for intervention and long-term outcomes.
Recursive Utility and the Equity Premium Puzzle: A Discrete-Time Approach

We study the recursive model of Epstein and Zin. We use directional derivatives to derive the model, and calibrate to the data of Mehra and Prescott (1985). By assuming that we can view income streams as dividends of some shadow asset, the model is valid if the market portfolio is expanded to include the new asset. Since the latter is not traded, the return to the wealth portfolio is not readily observable or estimable from available data. We demonstrate that we can get a good impression of how the model fares, by calibrating under various assumptions. As the return on the wealth portfolio decreases, the estimated impatience rate decreases to reasonable values, while the risk aversion and the EIS parameter estimates are both plausible. The results are promising for the recursive model.
Demographics and Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship requires energy and creativity as well as business acumen. Some factors that contribute to entrepreneurship decline with age, but business skills increase with experience in high-level positions. Having too many older workers in society slows entrepreneurship. When older workers occupy key positions, they block younger workers from acquiring skills. A theory is formulated and tested using the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data. A one standard deviation decrease in a country’s median age increases new business formation by 2.5 percentage points, which is about 40 percent of the mean rate. Furthermore, older societies have lower rates of entrepreneurship at every age.
In vitro action of antiparasitic drugs, especially artesunate, against Toxoplasma gondii.

INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis is usually a benign infection, except in the event of ocular, central nervous system (CNS), or congenital disease and particularly when the patient is immunocompromised. Treatment consists of drugs that frequently cause adverse effects; thus, newer, more effective drugs are needed. In this study, the possible activity of artesunate, a drug successfully being used for the treatment of malaria, on Toxoplasma gondii growth in cell culture is evaluated and compared with the action of drugs that are already being used against this parasite. METHODS LLC-MK2 cells were cultivated in RPMI medium, kept in disposable plastic bottles, and incubated at 36ºC with 5% CO2. Tachyzoites of the RH strain were used. The following drugs were tested: artesunate, cotrimoxazole, pentamidine, pyrimethamine, quinine, and trimethoprim. The effects of these drugs on tachyzoites and LLC-MK2 cells were analyzed using nonlinear regression analysis with Prism 3.0 software. RESULTS Artesunate showed a mean tachyzoite inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0. 075µM and an LLC MK2 toxicity of 2. 003µM. Pyrimethamine was effective at an IC50 of 0. 482µM and a toxicity of 11. 178µM. Trimethoprim alone was effective against the in vitro parasite. Cotrimoxazole also was effective against the parasite but at higher concentrations than those observed for artesunate and pyrimethamine. Pentamidine and quinine had no inhibitory effect over tachyzoites. CONCLUSIONS Artesunate is proven in vitro to be a useful alternative for the treatment of toxoplasmosis, implying a subsequent in vivo effect and suggesting the mechanism of this drug against the parasite.