Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Strömgren Sphere, the Environment, and the Reionization in the Local Universe of the Highest Redshift QSOs

In this paper we investigate the environment and reionization process around the highest redshift QSOs having Gunn-Peterson troughs (z > 6.1). Starting with the cosmic density perturbation and structure formation theory and the fact that the highest redshift QSOs are located in rare overdense regions, we show that the halo formation, gas distribution, and star formation around QSOs are biased from those of the cosmic average. We argue that a significant fraction of hydrogen in the Strömgren sphere around QSOs is ionized by photons from stars and that only about several percent to at most 10%-20% of the total hydrogen is left (e.g., in minihalos, halos, or high-density subregions) to be ionized by QSO photons. The cosmic average neutral hydrogen fraction at z ~ 6.2-6.4 should also be smaller than the upper limit of 10%-20% and may be only a few percent. We analyze the clumping property of the hydrogen ionized by QSOs and study the evolution of the Strömgren sphere. We find that the expected Strömgren radii from our models are consistent with observations if the lifetime of the highest redshift QSOs is about or longer than a few × 107 yr (as is the lifetime of the main population of QSOs, with comoving number density peaked at z ~ 2-3). With such a QSO lifetime, the ages of most of the observed QSOs are long enough that the QSO photon emission is balanced by the recombination of the hydrogen ionized by QSO photons in their Strömgren spheres, and the expected Strömgren radii from the balance are independent of the detailed values of the QSO ages. We also point out a statistical method involving a larger sample of QSOs having Gunn-Peterson troughs in future observations, which may potentially check or rule out the possibility that the highest redshift QSOs have a shorter lifetime (e.g., <107 yr), even without an accurate estimate of the hydrogen clumping property.
Regulation of Neurite Outgrowth by Integrin Activation

During late-embryonic development, retinal neurons lose the ability to attach and extend neurites on the extracellular matrix molecule laminin-1 (LN-1), despite the fact that they retain expression of integrin receptors for LN-1. Here we show that the developmental loss of responsiveness to LN-1 can be reversed by treatments that increase the activation state of integrins. Both extracellular application of Mn2+ (at micromolar concentrations) and viral-mediated neuronal expression of a constitutively active form of the ras-related GTPase R-ras (R-ras38V) potently promoted late-embryonic retinal neurite outgrowth on LN-1 substrata. In both cases, outgrowth was mediated by integrin α6β1 and not α3β1, even though these neurons express α3β1 and use it for outgrowth on other laminin isoforms, as well as on LN-1 that has been proteolytically or conformationally activated (Ivins et al., 1998). Mn2+—and to a much lesser extent R-ras38V—also reversed the developmental loss of retinal neuron responsiveness to type IV collagen, by promoting the function of integrin α1β1. Interestingly, the responses of other late-embryonic CNS neurons to LN-1 were also enhanced by treatments that activate integrin function, but those of peripheral nervous system neurons (dorsal root ganglion neurons) were either not enhanced (embryonic neurons) or only modestly improved (adult neurons). These results suggest that a developmental decline occurs in the activation state of neuronal integrins, particularly among CNS neurons. Such a decline may underlie some of the intrinsic loss of regenerative ability sustained by CNS neurons during development and may be a valid target for therapeutic intervention.
Parenting Classes, Parenting Behavior, and Child Cognitive Development in Early Head Start: A Longitudinal Model.

This study analyzed Early Head Start Research and Evaluation (EHSRE) study data, examining the effect of parenting classes on parenting behaviors and children’s cognitive outcomes. The study analyzed three sets of dependent variables: parental language and cognitive stimulation, parent-child interactive activities, and the Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI) of children. The analysis results, using Longitudinal Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) and multivariate analyses, revealed that parents who attended parenting classes stimulated their children’s language and cognitive development and provided educational activities more than did parents who did not participate in parenting classes. The cognitive outcomes (the Bayley MDI scores) of the children whose parents attended parenting classes were significantly higher than those of the children of parents who had never attended these classes.
The productivity paradox and mismeasurement of economic activity

It is often pointed out that the changing nature of output – that is, the increased proportion of knowledgeand information-intensive components in economic value – might have affected the accuracy of statistical measures in capturing the reality of economic growth. This paper reviews the discussion of the productivity paradox from the viewpoint of possible mismeasurement in official statistics.
Implicit stereotyping and prejudice and the primed Stroop task

In the present study, automatic stereotype activation related to racial categories was examined utilizing a primed Stroop task. The speed of participants' ink-color naming of stereotypic and nonstereotypic target words following Black and White category primes were compared: slower naming times are presumed to reflect interference from automatic activation. The results provide support for automatic activation of implicit prejudice and stereotypes. With respect to prejudice, naming latencies tended to be slower for positive words following White than Black primes and slower for negative words following Black than White primes. With regard to stereotypes, participants demonstrated slower naming latencies for Black stereotypes, primarily those that were negatively valenced, following Black than White category primes. These findings provide further evidence of the automatic activation of stereotypes and prejudice that occurs without intention.
Transforming growth factor-beta-induced alpha-smooth muscle cell actin expression in renal proximal tubular cells is regulated by p38beta mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase1,2 and the Smad signalling during epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation.

BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta)-induced epithelial-myofibroblast transdifferentiation is a central mechanism contributing to the pathogenesis of progressive tubulo-interstitial fibrosis. We wanted to dissect the role of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1,2), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and the receptor-regulated Smad proteins in the regulation of alpha-smooth muscle cell actin (alphaSMA) expression, a hallmark of myofibroblast formation, induced by TGFbeta in renal proximal tubular cells. METHODS Activation of signalling molecules was assessed by western blotting using phospho-specific antibodies. To specifically interfere with signalling cascades, porcine proximal tubular cells (LLC-PK/AT1) were infected with recombinant replication-deficient adenoviruses. In other experiments, specific kinase inhibitors were used. The alphaSMA synthesis was assessed by western blotting or immunofluorescent staining of cellular alphaSMA. To assess the regulation of the alphaSMA promoter, tubular cells were transiently transfected with a 785 bp alphaSMA promoter-luciferase reporter construct and vectors interfering with the Smad pathway. RESULTS Blocking ERK1,2 activation with PD98059 or p38 MAPK with SB 203580 potently inhibited the TGFbeta-induced alphaSMA synthesis in renal tubular cells. Adenoviral expression of dominant negative (DN) p38beta but not of p38alpha potently inhibited alphaSMA expression. Furthermore, adenoviral expression of DN MKK6b but not of DN MKK3b caused a substantial inhibition of the TGFbeta effect, confirming the role of p38beta in the regulation of TGFbeta-induced alphaSMA expression. Finally, inhibiting the Smad pathway with adenovirally delivered Smad7 and DN Smad3 also blocked TGFbeta-induced alphaSMA synthesis. CONCLUSION TGFbeta-induced alphaSMA expression is regulated by the coordinated activation of a complex system of parallel MAPK and Smad signalling pathways in renal proximal tubular cells during epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation.
Linagliptin plus metformin: a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation

Introduction: The first-choice drug therapy in the management of type 2 diabetes is metformin. However, most patients require a combined therapy to reach and/or maintain targets of glucose control. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, commonly referred to as gliptins, offer new options for combined therapy with metformin. Linagliptin is the most recently launched gliptin, with a unique pharmacokinetic (PK) profile characterized by negligible renal excretion and is now also available as a fixed-dose combination (FDC) with metformin. Areas covered: An extensive literature search was performed to analyze the potential PK and pharmacodynamic interactions between linagliptin and metformin. Linagliptin and metformin may be administered together, either separately or as FDC supported by bioequivalence studies. Linagliptin and metformin are not prone to PK drug–drug interactions. Their coadministration improves blood glucose control more potently than either compound separately, without hypoglycemia and without increasing metformin-related gastrointestinal side effects. Expert opinion: The combination linaglitpin plus metformin, if not contraindicated (renal failure), may be used as first-line or second-line therapy in the management of type 2 diabetes. That being said, the durability of the glucose-lowering effect of this combination needs to be further explored in long-term controlled trials.
The Optical-Ultraviolet Continuum of Seyfert 2 Galaxies

This paper aims to understand the continuum of Seyfert 2 galaxies. By fitting the single galaxies in the sample of Heckman et al. with composite models (shock + photoionization), we show that five main components characterize the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the continuum. Emission in the radio range can be recognized as bremsstrahlung from relatively cold gas or synchrotron radiation due to Fermi mechanism at the shock front. The bump in the IR is due to reradiation of the central radiation by dust and to mutual heating and cooling between dust and gas. In the optical-UV range, the main component is due to bremsstrahlung from gas heated and ionized by the primary flux (the flux from the active center [AC] and/or the radiation from young stars), by diffuse radiation emitted by the hot slabs of gas, and by collisional ionization. Shocks play an important role since they produce a high-temperature zone where soft X-rays are emitted. Finally, the harder X-ray radiation from the AC, seen through the clouds, is easily recognizable in the spectrum. Assuming that the narrow-line region (NLR) is powered by a power-law central ionizing radiation and by shocks, we discuss the optical-UV featureless continuum of Seyfert 2. We show that in this wavelength range the slope of the NLR emission reproduces the observed values and may be the main component of the featureless continuum. However, the presence of star-forming regions cannot be excluded in the circumnuclear region of various Seyfert galaxies. Their photoionizing radiation may prevail in the outskirts of the galaxy where the power-law radiation from the AC is diluted. An attempt is made to find their fingerprints in the observed active galactic nucleus spectra. Finally, it is demonstrated that multicloud models are necessary to interpret the spectra of single objects, even in the global investigation of a sample of galaxies.
CMOS digitally controlled current follower and its application

A realization of the CMOS digitally controlled current follower (DC-CF) suitable for low-voltage high-frequency application is proposed. To achieve very low input resistance, it is realized using a modification of a low-input resistance stage as an input stage. To achieve the precise digital control of the current gain, the current division technique is used. The proposed DC-CF can operate with low voltage supplies of ±1.5 V, and is designed with 0.5-µm CMOS SCN05H process. As an application, the digitally programmable current-mode universal filter using the proposed DC-CF is given. Simulation results are also included.
Three Essays on Structural Credit Risk Modelling

2 Preamble I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who were helping and supporting me during the doctoral programme " Quantitative Economics and Finance " at the University of Konstanz. Without them, this dissertation would not have been completed. I am very grateful to my supervisor Professor Jens Jackwerth for numerous discussions, constructive guidance, and invaluable advice. I would like to thank also Professor Günter Franke for useful comments and suggestions. I thank also Monika Fischer for her help with all administrative aspects of the academic work.
Did Robert Bork Understate the Competitive Impact of Mergers? Evidence from Consummated Mergers

In The Antitrust Paradox, Robert Bork viewed most mergers as either competitively neutral or efficiency enhancing. In his view, only mergers creating a dominant firm or monopoly were likely to harm consumers. Bork was especially skeptical of oligopoly concerns resulting from mergers. In this paper, we provide a critique of Bork’s views on merger policy from The Antitrust Paradox. Many of Bork’s recommendations have been implemented over time and have improved merger analysis. Bork’s proposed horizontal merger policy, however, was too permissive. In particular, the empirical record shows that mergers in oligopolistic markets can raise consumer prices.
How Important Is Innovation for Venture Capitalists' (VCs') Market Reputation?

I find empirical evidence that venture capitalists’ (VCs’) principals reward unanticipated or unexpected improvements in VCs’ ability to deliver relatively innovative ventures to market with market reputation. I also find the combination of a focus on innovation and exits via third party acquisitions yields the best risk-return trade-offs, and is associated with the highest estimates of idiosyncratic ability within the cross-section of the venture capital market. These findings provide evidence that a focus on innovation is associated with ability and rewarded with market reputation within the venture capital market. Given I find IPO exit rates are not measures of unanticipated improvements in VCs’ ability to deliver relatively innovative ventures to market, the market reputation channel in this study differs from but is complementary to the IPO channel motivated in Nahata (2009).
Hereditary retinal degeneration in Drosophila melanogaster. A mutant defect associated with the phototransduction process

Two genes in Drosophila, rdgA and rdgB, which when defective cause retinal degeneration, were discovered by Hotta and Benzer (Hotta, Y., and S. Benzer. 1970. Proc. Natl, Acad. Sci. U. S, A. 67:1156-1163). These mutants have photoreceptor cells that are histologically normal upon eclosion but subsequently degenerate. The defects in the rdgA and rdgB mutants were localized by the study of genetic mosaics to the photoreceptor cells. In rdgB mutants retinal degeneration is light induced. It can be prevented by rearing the flies in the dark or by blocking the receptor potential with a no-receptor-potential mutation, norpA. Vitamin A deprivation and genetic elimination of the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase alsoprotect the photoreceptors of rdgB flies against light-induced damage. The photopigment kinetics of dark-reared rdgB flies appear normal in vitro by spectrophotometric measurements, and in vivo by measurements of the M potential. In normal Drosophila, a 1-s exposure to intense 470-nm light produces a prolonged depolarizing afterpotential (PDA) which can last for several hours. In dark-reared rdgB mutants the PDA lasts less than 2 min;; it appears to initiate the degeneration process, since the photoreceptors become permanently unresponsive after a single such exposure. Another mutant was isolated which prevents degeneration in rdgB flies but which has a normal receptor potential. This suppressor of degeneration is an allele of norpA. It is proposed that the normal norpA gene codes for a product which, when activated, leads to the receptor potential, and which is inactivated by the product of the normal rdgB gene.
Industry wage differentials and the gender wage gap in seven EU countries

Preliminary version * This paper is produced as part of a TSER programme on Pay Inequalities and Economic Performance financed by the European Commission (Contract nr. HPSE-CT-1999-00040). We are most grateful to Christophe Demunter for his assistance in getting access to the Belgian Structure of Earnings Survey. The usual disclaimer applies.
Risky Choice and the Relative Size of Stakes

We examine framing effects by analyzing how risky choice depends on the absolute and relative size of the amounts at stake, using an extensive sample of choices from ten different editions of the large-stake TV game show Deal or No Deal. Our analyses within and across the samples suggest that risky choice is highly sensitive to the context, as defined by the initial set of prizes in the game. In each sample, contestants respond in a similar way to the stakes relative to their initial level, even though the initial level differs widely across the various editions. Amounts therefore appear to be primarily evaluated relative to a subjective frame of reference rather than in terms of their absolute monetary value.
Models of the non-thermal emission from early-type binaries

The powerful wind-wind collision in massive star binaries creates a region of high temperature plasma and accelerates particles to relativistic energies. I briefly summarize the hydrodynamics of the wind-wind interaction and the observational evidence, including recent $\gamma$-ray detections, of non-thermal emission from such systems. I then discuss existing models of the non-thermal emission and their application to date, before concluding with some future prospects.
Financial Crisis: A Blessing for Equity Investors?

This paper empirically investigates international equity investors’ foreign portfolios before and during the financial crisis by estimating a gravity model for 22 source and 42 destination countries. The results show that international stock market diversification provides large gains during the financial crisis. This is remarkable because of large stock market correlations. During the financial crisis investors have larger positions in foreign stock markets which are relatively less correlated with the domestic market. However, this relationship is not present before the crisis. Results at the country level show that aggregate portfolio volatility is lower and returns are higher for investors from low home biased source countries during the financial crisis. This result implies that global equity diversification has an important positive effect on stabilizing a country’s aggregate equity wealth, especially during periods of stock market stress. JEL Classification: F41, G11, G15
Melanoma: From Melanocyte to Genetic Alterations and Clinical Options

Metastatic melanoma remained for decades without any effective treatment and was thus considered as a paradigm of cancer resistance. Recent progress with understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying melanoma initiation and progression revealed that melanomas are genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous tumors. This recent progress has allowed for the development of treatment able to improve for the first time the overall disease-free survival of metastatic melanoma patients. However, clinical responses are still either too transient or limited to restricted patient subsets. The complete cure of metastatic melanoma therefore remains a challenge in the clinic. This review aims to present the recent knowledge and discoveries of the molecular mechanisms involved in melanoma pathogenesis and their exploitation into clinic that have recently facilitated bench to bedside advances.
Systemic Crisis, Systemic Fear: An Exchange

An exchange between Andrew Kliman and Shimshon Bichler and Jonathan Nitzan. 1. Andrew Kliman: 'Value and Crisis: Bichler and Nitzan versus Marx' EDITORS' NOTE: In the first article, Andrew Kliman responds to Bichler and Nitzan's recent paper on 'Systemic Fear, Modern Finance and the Future of Capitalism' (2010). He then goes on to raise a series of issues concerning the critique of Marxian value theory which these authors put forward in their book Capital as Power (Nitzan and Bichler, 2009). It is followed by a rejoinder from Bichler and Nitzan. 2. Shimshon Bichler and Jonathan Nitzan: 'Kliman on Systemic Fear: A Rejoinder' EDITORS' NOTE: Andrew Kliman's paper in this issue, 'Value and Crisis: Bichler and Nitzan versus Marx', consists of two sections. The first section deals with Bichler and Nitzan's recent paper on 'Systemic Fear, Modern Finance and the Future of Capitalism' (2010). The second section takes issue with their earlier critique of Marx’s labour theory of value (Nitzan and Bichler, 2009), and offers an explanation of the global economic crisis. In the following rejoinder, Bichler and Nitzan address the points raised in the first of these sections.
Modeling the Pan-Spectral Energy Distribution of Starburst Galaxies. IV. The Controlling Parameters of the Starburst SED

We combine the stellar spectral synthesis code Starburst99, the nebular modeling code MAPPINGS III and a one-dimensional dynamical evolution model of H II regions around massive clusters of young stars to generate improved models of the spectral energy distribution (SED) of starburst galaxies. We introduce a compactness parameter, 𝒞, which characterizes the specific intensity of the radiation field at ionization fronts in H II regions and which controls the shape of the far-infrared (IR) dust reemission, often referred to loosely as the dust “temperature. ” We also investigate the effect of metallicity on the overall SED and in particular, on the strength of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) features. We provide templates for the mean emission produced by the young compact H II regions, the older (10-100 Myr) stars and for the wavelength-dependent attenuation produced by a foreground screen of the dust used in our model. We demonstrate that these components may be combined to produce a excellent fit to the observed SEDs of star formation-dominated galaxies which are often used as templates (Arp 220 and NGC 6240). This fit extends from the Lyman limit to wavelengths of about 1 mm. The methods presented in both this paper and in the previous papers of this series allow the extraction of the physical parameters of the starburst region (star formation rates, star formation rate history, mean cluster mass, metallicity, dust attenuation, and pressure) from the analysis of the pan-spectral SED.
Challenges of monetary policy – a global perspective and the Hungarian situation

In his speech held at the 46th Economic Conference organized by the Hungarian Economic Association Ferenc Karvalits, Deputy Governor of Magyar Nemzeti Bank discussed the challenges of monetary policy, global financial turbulence and the issue of global price increases. He emphasised that the MNB cannot and does not wish to restrain the change in the relative prices of raw materials and food. It can and does, however, wish to influence the inflationary environment in which these changes take place.