Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring whether municipal climate networks make a difference: the case of utility-scale solar PV investment in large global cities

ABSTRACT With cities being responsible for up to 70% of energy-related carbon emissions, municipal governments worldwide are becoming increasingly aware of their responsibility to act. Many large cities have committed to mitigation by becoming member of a municipal climate network, such as the C40 or the Compact of Mayors. However, there is no consistent assessment of whether membership of such networks translates into measurable outcomes. To fill this gap, we propose the use of novel outcome variables, combining financial data with geospatial information. As a starting point, this paper compares utility-scale investment in photovoltaics (PV) within the administrative boundaries of large global cities, combining the Bloomberg New Energy Finance database with information from Google Maps. We analyse 512 global cities with a population of above 1 million, and consider the impact of 5 networks and 2 reporting platforms. The results suggest that membership of the C40 network has a positive effect on utility-scale solar PV investment, while no such evidence is found for any of the other networks or reporting platforms under study. Based on our findings, we recommend that municipal climate networks increase their efforts to trigger city regulation that is conducive to solar PV investment. More generally, measuring early indicators, such as low-carbon investment, can help municipal climate networks in their role as ‘commitment brokers’ for climate action on the ever-more important city level. Key policy insights Cities have considerable policy space to foster utility-scale solar PV investment within their administrative boundaries. While some large global cities exhibited significant growth in utility-scale solar PV, many others with good solar potential did not have a single project by the end of 2016. Outside of China (where city boundaries often include rural areas), Tokyo tops the list with utility-scale solar PV projects by far, followed by San Diego and Rome. Membership of the C40 network appears to make a positive difference to PV investment, unlike other networks or reporting platforms. Outcome measures like low-carbon investment can be used more generally to assess the climate action performance of cities.
Effect of antibiotic-impregnated shunt catheters in decreasing the incidence of shunt infection in the treatment of hydrocephalus.

OBJECT The majority of shunt infections occur within 6 months of shunt placement and chiefly result from perioperative colonization of shunt components by skin flora. Antibiotic-impregnated shunt (AIS) systems have been designed to prevent such colonization. In this study, the authors evaluate the incidence of shunt infection after introduction of an AIS system in a population of children with hydrocephalus. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed all pediatric patients who had undergone cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion at their institution over a 3-year period between April 2001 and March 2004. During the 18 months prior to October 2002, all CSF shunts included standard, nonimpregnated catheters. During the 18 months after October 2002, all CSF shunts included antibiotic-impregnated catheters. All patients were followed up for 6 months after shunt surgery, and all shunt-related complications, including shunt infection, were evaluated. The independent association of AIS catheter use with subsequent shunt infection was assessed via multivariate proportional hazards regression analysis. A total of 211 pediatric patients underwent 353 shunt placement procedures. In the 18 months prior to October 2002, 208 (59%) shunts were placed with nonimpregnated catheters; 145 (41%) shunts were placed with AIS catheters in the 18 months after October 2002. Of patients with nonimpregnated catheters, 25 (12%) experienced shunt infection, whereas only two patients (1.4%) with antibiotic-impregnated catheters experienced shunt infection within the 6-month follow-up period (p < 0.01). Adjusting for intercohort differences via multivariate analysis, AIS catheters were independently associated with a 2.4-fold decreased likelihood of shunt infection. CONCLUSIONS The AIS catheter significantly reduced incidence of CSF shunt infection in children with hydrocephalus during the early postoperative period (< 6 months). The AIS system used is an effective instrument to prevent perioperative colonization of CSF shunt components.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship of cefquinome against Pasteurella multocida in a tissue-cage model in yellow cattle.

The cephalosporin antimicrobial drug cefquinome was administered to yellow cattle intravenously (i.v.) and intramuscularly (i.m.) at a dose of 1 mg/kg of body weight in a two-period crossover study. The pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of cefquinome in serum, inflamed tissue-cage fluid (exudate), and noninflamed tissue-cage fluid (transudate) were studied using a tissue-cage model. The in vitro and ex vivo activities of cefquinome in serum, exudate, and transudate against a pathogenic strain of Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) were determined. A concentration-independent antimicrobial activity of cefquinome was confirmed for levels lower than 4 × MIC. Integration of in vivo pharmacokinetic data with the in vitro MIC provided mean values for the time that drug levels remain above the MIC (T > MIC) in serum was 14.10 h after intravenous and 14.46 h after intramuscular dosing, indicating a likely high level of effectiveness in clinical infections caused by P. multocida of MIC 0.04 μg/mL or less. These data may be used as a rational basis for setting dosing schedules, which optimize clinical efficacy and minimize the opportunities for emergence of resistant organisms.
Apoptin Induces Tumor-specific Apoptosis as a Globular Multimer*

The chicken anemia virus-derived Apoptin protein induces tumor-specific apoptosis. Here, we show that recombinant Apoptin protein spontaneously forms non-covalent globular aggregates comprising 30 to 40 subunits in vitro. This multimerization is robust and virtually irreversible, and the globular aggregates are also stable in cell extracts, suggesting that they remain intact within the cell. Furthermore, studies of Apoptin expressed in living cells confirm that Apoptin indeed exists in large complexes in vivo. We map the structural motifs responsible for multimerization in vitro and aggregation in vivo to the N-terminal half of the protein. Moreover, we show that covalently fixing the Apoptin monomers within the recombinant protein multimer by internal cross-linking does not affect the biological activity of Apoptin, as these fixed aggregates exhibit similar tumor-specific localization and apoptosis-inducing properties as non-cross-linked Apoptin. Taken together, our results imply that recombinant Apoptin protein is a multimer when inducing apoptosis, and we propose that this multimeric state is an essential feature of its ability to do so. Finally, we determine that Apoptin adopts little, if any, regular secondary structure within the aggregates. This surprising result would classify Apoptin as the first protein for which, rather than the formation of a well defined tertiary and quaternary structure, semi-random aggregation is sufficient for activity.
A 4.1-mW 10-MHz Fourth-Order Source-Follower-Based Continuous-Time Filter With 79-dB DR

In this paper, a "composite" source-follower is presented. Using a positive-feedback, the structure synthesizes complex poles with a single branch. This allows to realize a single-branch biquadratic cell. Moreover, due to the intrinsic feedback present in any source-follower, the proposed cell performs larger linearity for smaller Vov(=VGS-VTH). This is the opposite of other active filters and allows saving the power otherwise used to increase linearity. A fourth-order prototype satisfy typical WLAN 802.11. a/b/g baseband filter specifications has been realized in a 0.18 mum CMOS at 1.8-V supply. It achieves a 17.5-dBm IIP3 and a -40 dB HD3 for a 600-mVpp_diff input signal amplitude. A 24-muVrms noise gives a DR=79 dB, with 2.25-mA current consumption
Assessment of Pradosia huberi effects on the reproductive system of male rats

Pradosia huberi is a species found in the Amazon region and used as an antiulcerogenic and gastroprotective agent; however, phytochemical analysis has revealed the presence of compounds with potential toxic effects on the reproductive system. For the evaluation of the toxicity of P. huberi on male fertility, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: one control (distilled water p.o.) and three treated (hydroalcoholic extract of the stem bark of P. Huberi (PH-HAE) at doses of 1.22, 6.1, and 30.5 mg/kg p.o. ) once daily, for 63 days. In the last week of treatment (from the 57th to the 63rd day), the rats were mated with untreated virgin females (n = 30/group) and were killed on day 64. To investigate the toxic potential of PH-HAE on the reproductive system of rats the following parameters were evaluated: sperm production, genotoxicity, and general development. The production of gametes and their morphology did not differ between control and treated groups. Treatment with PH-HAE did not result in fewer vaginal plugs formed, indicating that the ability to mate was not impaired, but caused an increase of 14.3 and 10.8% in the preimplantation loss index, a reduction of 14.3 and 10.8% in the implantation index, and a reduction of 5.6 and 8.2% in the postimplantation loss index of female rats mated with rats treated with 6.1 and 30.5 mg/kg, respectively, indicating a possible toxic action of PH-HAE on the reproductive system of rats.
Synaptic Mechanisms of Tight Spike Synchrony at Gamma Frequency in Cerebral Cortex

During the generation of higher-frequency (e.g., gamma) oscillations, cortical neurons can exhibit pairwise tight (<10 ms) spike synchrony. To understand how synaptic currents contribute to rhythmic activity and spike synchrony, we performed dual whole-cell recordings in mouse entorhinal cortical slices generating periodic activity (the slow oscillation). This preparation exhibited a significant amount of gamma-coherent spike synchrony during the active phase of the slow oscillation (Up state), particularly among fast-spiking inhibitory interneurons. IPSCs arriving in pairs of either pyramidal or fast-spiking neurons during the Up state were highly synchronized and exhibited significant coherence at frequencies from 10 to 100 Hz, peaking at ∼40 Hz, suggesting both synchronous discharge of, and synaptic divergence from, nearby inhibitory neurons. By inferring synaptic currents related to spike generation in simultaneously recorded pyramidal or fast-spiking neurons, we detected a decay of inhibition ∼20 ms before spiking. In fast-spiking interneurons, this was followed by an even larger excitatory input immediately before spike generation. Consistent with an important role for phasic excitation in driving spiking, we found that the correlation of excitatory inputs was highly predictive of spike synchrony in pairs of fast-spiking interneurons. Interestingly, spike synchrony in fast-spiking interneurons was not related to the strength of gap junctional coupling, and was still prevalent in connexin 36 knock-out animals. Our results support the pyramidal-interneuron gamma model of fast rhythmic oscillation in the cerebral cortex and suggest that spike synchrony and phase preference arises from the precise interaction of excitatory–inhibitory postsynaptic currents. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We dissected the cellular and synaptic basis of spike synchrony occurring at gamma frequency (30–80 Hz). We used simultaneous targeted whole-cell recordings in an active slice preparation and analyzed the relationships between synaptic inputs and spike generation. We found that both pyramidal and fast-spiking neurons receive large, coherent inhibitory synaptic inputs at gamma frequency. In addition, we found that fast-spiking interneurons receive large, phasic excitatory synaptic inputs immediately before spike generation followed shortly by synaptic inhibition. These data support the principal-interneuron gamma generation model, and reveal how the synaptic connectivity between excitatory and inhibitory neurons supports the generation of gamma oscillations and spike synchrony.
The Inflation-Distribution Nexus: A Theoretical and Empirical Approach

ABSTRACT There are two unconnected strands of the inflation-distribution literature, one that studies the impact of inflation on income distribution and the other the impact of distribution on inflation. This paper is an attempt to fill a gap in this literature, by taking into account the simultaneous determination between inflation and income distribution. We set forth a Post-Keynesian model in which inflation and income distribution are jointly determined in a dynamical system of difference equations. Then, we conducted an empirical investigation of the relationship between inflation and distribution using a Panel Vector Autoregressive (PVAR) model since this econometric technique is robust to reverse causality. Our findings corroborate our theoretical model by showing that increases in the wage share tend to exert a downward pressure in future inflation.
A Polarized Light and Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of Human Fissure and Lingual Enamel of Unerupted Mandibular Third Molars

Using histological and ultrastructural techniques the aims of this study were to investigate whether the mineralization pattern and surface microanatomy of the caries–susceptible fissure enamel were different from those on the caries–inactive lingual surface. The material consisted of 31 unerupted third mandibular molars. The specimens were initially grouped into four categories: (1) without, (2) with initial, (3) with almost completed and (4) with completed root formation. One ground section with fissure–like morphology was selected from each tooth. Using water as a medium the observed birefringence was negative along the lingual and fissure transverses in specimens with almost completed and with completed root formation, while the observed birefringence was positive at different distances in the enamel in sections representing less maturation stages. Qualitative imbibition studies revealed hypomineralized enamel in the lower part of the fissures in specimens representing almost and completed root formation. Imbibed in quinoline, parts of the hypomineralized enamel behaved like a molecular sieve due to the presence of micropores, indicating that the structural arrangement is different from that in the enamel adjacent to this areas. After division of the sections into a lingual and a buccal part, SEM features were described from lower and upper parts of the buccal fissure wall and on lingual enamel in the area corresponding to the bottom part of the fissure. The surface microanatomy varied greatly. Negative developmental irregularities such as fissures and holes were associated with the immature enamel, while matured enamel – particularly fissures – housed many positive developmental irregularities such as enamel caps and protrusions. The crystal size in the mature specimens appeared smaller and more uniform than the crystals from the immature specimens. Apart from the occurrence of hypomineralized enamel in fissures and numerous positive developmental irregularities on the fissure surface, no major differences between fissure and lingual enamel were noticed, neither with respect to mineralization pattern during final stages of tooth development nor to the degree of surface porosity prior to tooth emergence.
Treatment of school refusal: one-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE To conduct a 1-year follow-up of anxious-depressed school-refusing adolescents who participated in an 8-week study of imipramine versus placebo, each in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy. METHOD Sixty-five percent (41 of 63) of the randomly assigned subjects returned for follow-up evaluation, which consisted of diagnostic interviews, clinician rating scales for anxiety and depression, family functioning measure, and a questionnaire regarding interim treatments and school programs. RESULTS From the adolescent and/or parent perspective, 64.1% met criteria for an anxiety disorder and 33.3% met criteria for a depressive disorder. Remission rates and acquisition rates for specific anxiety and depressive disorders were determined. In the follow-up period, 67.5% received at least one psychotropic medication trial and 77.5% had outpatient therapy. Higher level of somatic complaints on the Anxiety Rating for Children-Revised Physiological subscale at baseline predicted more severe depression on the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised at follow-up (p = .029). CONCLUSIONS In this naturalistic follow-up study, there was high utilization of mental health interventions. In addition, a substantial number of subjects met criteria for anxiety and/or depressive disorders 1 year after treatment. Investigation of duration of acute treatments and evaluation of maintenance treatments for school refusal is needed.
A Modification of the Hybrid Projection Method for Electrodynamical Analysis of Inhomogeneous Dielectric Cylinder with Arbitrary Cross Section

The 2D problem of E-polarized plane electromagnetic wave scattering by an inhomogeneous dielectric cylinder with arbitrary cross section is considered. A modification of the hybrid projection method is developed for its solution on the basis of projection matching of the fields on the boundaries of circular cylindrical regions introduced in the consideration, projection of the Helmholtz equation for inhomogeneous region on the Fourier harmonics, and application of the one-dimensional method of finite elements in projection form to the derived ordinary differential equations for reduction of the latter to an algebraic system with block-banded matrix. Some results obtained for a homogeneous cylinder of elliptical cross section are compared to appropriate results obtained using the method of auxiliary sources, and the results obtained for a homogeneous cylinder of square cross section are compared to appropriate results available in the literature. Performance of a half-cylindrical Maxwell fish-eye lens is also calculated and discussed.
Atypical Hypersensitivity to Mosquito Bites without Natural Killer Cell Proliferative Disease in an Adult Patient

Hypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB) is a rare disorder that occurs in the first 2 decades of life and is considered to be associated with chronic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and natural killer (NK) cell leukemia/lymphoma. EBV-encoded small nuclear RNA (EBER)-positive NK cells infiltrate the skin lesion at the site of the mosquito bite. In this report, we present the case of an adult patient with mantle cell lymphoma complicated by atypical HMB. The anti-EBV antibody titer of the patient indicated reactivation of chronic infection with this virus, and EBV DNA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells was detected after chemotherapy by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. However, an in situ hybridization analysis did not detect EBER-positive cells in the skin lesion at the bite site or in the lymph node. Peripheral NK cell lymphocytosis and EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disease did not develop. These findings suggest that some patients with chronic EBV infection may develop HMB without NK cell proliferative disease.
The Transitivity-Passivization Interface in Two Online Newspapers about The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Mass media are often biased in reporting certain news. There will always be reason on why they report certain news besides the commercial benefit they will get. This phenomenon requires readers to be more aware and critical when getting information from the media. By using critical discourse analysis, this study attempts to draw comparison between two different newspapers to find how newspapers convey meaning through the news reporting. There are two tools of critical discourse analysis that will be used to conduct this analysis. They are the transitivity analysis on participants and processes, and passivization technique that is used by the newspapers. The news articles are the online edition taken from the Antara News, an Indonesian newspaper and the New York Post, an American newspaper. Both newspapers report the conflict of Israeli and Palestinian in the Third Gaza War in 2014. The result is interesting in that both newspapers emphasize different points about the conflict even though the event of the news is the same. How the newspapers use the choice of verbs, the sources to support information, and the words construction in reporting the events implicitly tell how newspapers position themselves in the issue.
Subsyndromal depression in old age: clinical significance and impact in a multi-ethnic community sample of elderly Singaporeans

ABSTRACT Objective: This cross-sectional study examined the clinical significance and impact of subsyndromal depression in a sample of elderly people living in the community in Singapore. Method: Data were analyzed from a population survey (the Singapore National Mental Health Survey of the Elderly). A total of 1092 respondents from a nationally representative multi-ethnic (Chinese, Malay and Indian) stratified random sample of older adults aged 60 and above were examined for depression using the Geriatric Mental State Examination (GMS). Diagnostic confidence levels of 3–5 indicated a DSM-IV diagnosis of syndromal depression, and 1–2 indicated subsyndromal depression. Other variables included sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric and medical comorbidities, MMSE, health awareness, health and functional status. Results: Subjects with subsyndromal depression were more likely to have poor socioeconomic status, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and measures of poor mental, physical and functional status compared with non-depressed subjects, and were similar to or worse than syndromal cases. In multivariate analyses that controlled for age, gender, ethnicity, education and several other sociodemographic factors, both subsyndromal and syndromal depression were significantly associated with higher numbers of medical comorbidities, diagnoses of comorbid dementia and anxiety, lower MMSE scores, self-reported mental health problem, functional disability and poor health status. Conclusion: In this Asian population, subsydromal depression had the same clinical significance and health impact as syndromal depression, similar to findings in the West.