Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of intergovernmental transfers on local revenue generation in Africa Evidence from Tanzania

Do intergovernmental transfers reduce revenues collected by local government authorities (LGAs)? There is already a well-established body of literature in public finance, which argues that intergovernmental grants â€˜crowd outâ€™ local revenues. Most existing studies, however, explore the fiscal implications of intergovernmental transfers in high-income countries where sound fiscal systems are taken for granted. In this paper, I explore the impact of intergovernmental transfers on local revenues in sub-Saharan Africa, a region where local fiscal capacity is limited and endogenously determined by financial support from international donors and the central government. I argue that in places where the existing capacity of LGAs to administer tax collection is weak and political costs of enforcing taxation are lowâ€”which are perennial features of many rural districts in Africaâ€”intergovernmental transfers facilitate local revenue generation instead of undermining it. Analysing newly available quarterly fiscal data on local revenues in Tanzania, I show that intergovernmental grants improve the mobilization of local revenues, and also that the positive effect of fiscal transfers on local revenue collection is particularly pronounced in rural districts.
Carbohydrate Utilization in Lactobacillus sake

The ability of Lactobacillus sake to use various carbon sources was investigated. For this purpose we developed a chemically defined medium allowing growth of L. sake and some related lactobacilli. This medium was used to determine growth rates on various carbohydrates and some nutritional requirements of L. sake. Mutants resistant to 2-deoxy-d-glucose (a nonmetabolizable glucose analog) were isolated. One mutant unable to grow on mannose and one mutant deficient in growth on mannose, fructose, and sucrose were studied by determining growth characteristics and carbohydrate uptake and phosphorylation rates. We show here that sucrose, fructose, mannose, N-acetylglucosamine, and glucose are transported and phosphorylated by the phosphoenolpyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS). The PTS permease specific for mannose, enzyme II(supMan), was shown to be responsible for mannose, glucose, and N-acetylglucosamine transport. A second, non-PTS system, which was responsible for glucose transport, was demonstrated. Subsequent glucose metabolism involved an ATP-dependent phosphorylation. Ribose and gluconate were transported by PTS-independent permeases.
Intra-individual change over time in DNA methylation with familial clustering.

CONTEXT Changes over time in epigenetic marks, which are modifications of DNA such as by DNA methylation, may help explain the late onset of common human diseases. However, changes in methylation or other epigenetic marks over time in a given individual have not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVES To determine whether there are longitudinal changes in global DNA methylation in individuals and to evaluate whether methylation maintenance demonstrates familial clustering. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We measured global DNA methylation by luminometric methylation assay, a quantitative measurement of genome-wide DNA methylation, on DNA sampled at 2 visits on average 11 years apart in 111 individuals from an Icelandic cohort (1991 and 2002-2005) and on average 16 years apart in 126 individuals from a Utah sample (1982-1985 and 1997-2005). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Global methylation changes over time. RESULTS Twenty-nine percent of Icelandic individuals showed greater than 10% methylation change over time (P < .001). The family-based Utah sample also showed intra-individual changes over time, and further demonstrated familial clustering of methylation change (P = .003). The family showing the greatest global methylation loss also demonstrated the greatest loss of gene-specific methylation by a separate methylation assay. CONCLUSION These data indicate that methylation changes over time and suggest that methylation maintenance may be under genetic control.
Specific Modulation of Na+ Channels in Hippocampal Neurons by Protein Kinase Cϵ

Acetylcholine binding to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors activates G-proteins, phospholipase C, and protein kinase C (PKC), which phosphorylates brain Na+ channels and reduces peak Na+ current in hippocampal neurons. Because multiple PKC isozymes with different regulatory properties are expressed in hippocampal neurons, we investigated which ones are responsible for mediating this effect. The diacylglycerol analog oleoylacetylglycerol (OAG) reduced the amplitude of Na+ current in dissociated mouse hippocampal neurons by 28.5 ± 5.3% (p < 0.01). The reduction of peak Na+ current was similar with Ca2+-free internal solution and in 92 nm internal Ca2+, suggesting that calcium-dependent, conventional PKC isozymes were unlikely to mediate this response. Gö6976, which inhibits conventional PKC isozymes, reduced the effect of PKC activators only slightly, whereas rottlerin, which inhibits PKCδ preferentially at 5 μm, had no effect. Ro-31-8425 (20 nm), which inhibits conventional PKC isozymes, did not reduce the response to OAG. However, higher concentrations of Ro-31-8425 (100 nm or 1 μm) that inhibit novel PKC isozymes effectively blocked OAG inhibition of Na+ current. Inclusion of a selective PKCϵ-anchoring inhibitor peptide (PKCϵ-I) in the recording pipette prevented the reduction of peak Na+ current by OAG, whereas an anchoring inhibitor peptide specific for PKCβ and an inactive scrambled PKCϵ-I peptide had no effect. In addition, OAG had no effect on Na+ current in hippocampal neurons from PKCϵ null mice. Overall, our data from four experimental approaches indicate that anchored PKCϵ is the isozyme responsible for PKC-mediated reduction of peak Na+ currents in mouse hippocampal neurons.
Suitability of some selected maize hybrids from Serbia for the production of bioethanol and dried distillers' grains with solubles.

BACKGROUND Bioethanol is mostly produced from starchy parts of the corn grain kernel leaving significant amounts of valuable by-products such as dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) which can be used as a substitute for traditional feedstuff. The suitability of six maize hybrids from Serbia was investigated for bioethanol and DDGS production. The correlation between physical and chemical characteristics of the grain, bioethanol yield and quality of the corresponding DDGS was assessed. RESULTS All hybrids had very different chemical composition and physical characteristics which could allow various applications. The highest bioethanol yield (94.5% of theoretical) and volumetric productivity (2.01 g l(-1) h(-1)) were obtained with hybrid ZP 434 and the lowest with ZP 611k. Regarding chemical composition, all DDGS samples manifested good properties as feed components. Their protein content was higher compared to the kernel. In addition, the samples showed high digestibility and high mineral content, especially of calcium and phosphorus. CONCLUSION A hybrid ZP 434 was selected as the most promising bioethanol producer. This property is attributed to the highest level of soft endosperm which is more susceptible to starch-hydrolysing enzymes. A high yield potential per hectare makes it the best candidate for commercial bioethanol production.
Labor and Domination: Worker Control in a Chinese Factory

China’s export-led manufacturing model has been built on extensive exploitation of its migrant workforce under a despotic labor regime, but the methods of control have shifted considerably during the past decade and a half. This article examines new modes of domination over Chinese factory workers, based on fieldwork conducted while the author was living with workers at a foreign-invested garment factory in southern China. The article shows how mechanisms to control the workers are embedded today not only in directly coercive practices but also in a new shop floor culture with affective personal ties and implicit bargaining in wage systems. Against the scholarly literature of management controls that emphasizes rupture and discontinuity between labor regimes, this article argues that China’s emerging labor regime, here referred to as “conciliatory despotism,” inherits despotic features of the labor regime exercised in the 1990s but adds new normative measures of soft control that seek to conciliate worker resentments. This hybrid form of management control represents a stage in China’s evolving labor-management relations in which workers possess more implicit power and can push management into greater concessions than previously.
On the dust content of galaxy clusters

We present a study to estimate the dust content in galaxy clusters by using one the most complete existing catalogues of galaxy clusters based on SDSS data and following two methods: the first one compares the colours of samples of galaxies in the background of clusters with those of galaxies in the field. Using this method, we have explored clustercentric distances up to 6 Mpc. The galaxies used in this first method were selected from the SDSS-DR9, among those having reliable photometry and accurate estimation of photometric redshifts. The results are largely independent of the galactic cut applied. At |b|>20 deg. , the sample contains 56,985 clusters in the redshift range 0.05<z<0.68 (the mean redshift is 0.30) and ~5.3x10^6 galaxies. The second method computes the contribution of dust in clusters of galaxies to the far infrared sky. That is estimated indirectly by measuring the effect of clusters in the E(B-V) extinction map. Using the first method, we did not find any dependence with clustercentric distance in the colours of background galaxies. This allows us to constrain the mass of dust in the intracluster media, M_dust<8.4x10^9 M_sun (95% C.L.) within a cluster radius of 3 Mpc. With the second method, which averages the extinction of all clusters, we find a surface integral of the excess of colour g-i of 3.4+/-0.1 millimag Mpc^2. This is equivalent to ~60 times the far infrared luminosity of a Milky Way-like galaxy. By assumming similar properties for the dust, we can estimate a total dust mass per cluster of ~2x10^9 M_sun, which is compatible with the hypothesis that the dust is within the spiral galaxies of a cluster. Separating the clusters in 5x5 bins in redshift and richness, we confirm previous findings of a clear increase in luminosity with a redshift that agrees with the trend expected from current models.
Experimental Physiology - Symposium Reports Quantifying sympathetic nerve activity: problems, pitfalls and the need for standardization

Since the first recording of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) early last century, numerous methods for presentation of the resulting data have developed. In this paper, we discuss the common ways of describing SNA and their application to chronic recordings. Suggestions on assessing the quality of SNA are made, including the use of arterial pressure wave-triggered averages and nasopharyngeal stimuli. Calculation of the zero level of the SNA signal from recordings during ganglionic blockade, the average level between bursts and the minimum of arterial pressure wave-triggered averages are compared and shown to be equivalent. The use of normalization between zero and maximal SNA levels to allow comparison between groups is discussed. We recommend that measured microvolt levels of integrated SNA be presented (with the zero/noise level subtracted), along with burst amplitude and frequency information whenever possible. We propose that standardization of the quantifying/reporting of SNA will allow better comparison between disease models and between research groups and ultimately allow data to be more reflective of the human situation.
Practices of Self-Directed Professional Development of Teachers in South African Public Schools

 Abstract — This research study is an exploration of the self-directed professional development of teachers who teach in public schools in an era of democracy and educational change in South Africa. Amidst an ever-changing educational system, the teachers in this study position themselves as self-directed teacher-learners where they adopt particular learning practices which enable change within the broader discourses of public schooling. Life-story interviews were used to enter into the private and public spaces of five teachers which offer glimpses of how particular systems shaped their identities, and how the meanings of self-directed teacher-learner shaped their learning practices. Through the Multidimensional Framework of Analysis and Interpretation the teachers’ stories were analysed through three lenses: restorying the field texts - the self through story; the teacher-learner in relation to social contexts, and practices of self-directed learning. This study shows that as teacher-learners learn for change through self-directed learning practices, they develop their agency as transformative intellectuals, which is necessary for the reworking of South African public
The Impact of Supreme Court Precedent in a Judicial Hierarchy

My dissertation explores three core questions. First, how is information regarding the preferences of judicial actors communicated within the American federal judiciary? Second, can U.S. Supreme Court justices meaningfully signal their policy preferences, vis-á-vis their decisions, to judges on the U.S. Courts of Appeals? Finally, what impact do such signals have on the propensity of lower courts judges to follow the precedents of the Supreme Court? The primary objective of this project is to identify the conditions that either increase or decrease the likelihood that judges on the courts of appeals comply with the precedents of the Supreme Court. I develop a theory in which information regarding the preferences of judicial actors flows dynamically within the courts. Specifically, I theorize that key Supreme Court signals and circuitlevel influences, together, drive circuit court attentiveness to precedents. Lower court application of the Supreme Court’s decisions, in turn, communicate information up the judicial ladder of the policy position of precedents. My findings demonstrate that not only is the Supreme Court capable of communicating information, but that such cues substantially influence lower federal court decision making and their interpretations of precedent. My results notably depart from earlier findings in that they demonstrate that ideological preferences has a more nuanced impact on the adoption of the Court’s precedents. This study contributes to our understanding of learning within the judicial hierarchy by identifying new mechanisms through judicial decision makers are able to communicate their legal and policy preferences. The implications of my analysis offer new insights on the influence of stare decisis and decision-making behavior within the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Courts of Appeals.
Dynamical Models of Lead-Acid Batteries: Implementation Issues

This paper explains how the lead-acid models described previous paper can be utilized in practice. That paper does not supply detailed information on how to identify the several parameters of the proposed models, and it defines a whole family of models, but does not discuss which model of the family is adequate for a given purpose. These two issues are tackled in this paper. For the first, more complex issue, two options are proposed and discussed: a complete identification procedure involving extensive lab tests and a simplified one that combines information from lab tests and data supplied by the manufacturer. Further simplifications applicable in case of batteries belonging to the same family are presented.
Identification of N10-Substituted Phenoxazines as Potent and Specific Inhibitors of Akt Signaling*

A series of 30 N10-substituted phenoxazines were synthesized and screened as potential inhibitors of Akt. In cellular assays at 5 μm, 17 compounds inhibited insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I)-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt (Ser-473) by at least 50% but did not inhibit IGF-I-stimulated phosphorylation of Erk-1/2 (Thr-202/Tyr-204). Substitutions at the 2-position (Cl or CF3) did not alter inhibitory activity, whereas N10-substitutions with derivatives having acetyl (20B) or morpholino (12B) side chain lost activity compared with propyl or butyl substituents (7B and 14B). Inhibition of Akt phosphorylation was associated with the inhibition of IGF-I stimulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation (Ser-2448 and Ser-2481), phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase (Thr-389), and ribosomal protein S6 (Ser-235/236) in Rh1, Rh18, and Rh30 cell lines. The two most potent compounds 10-[4′-(N-diethylamino)butyl]-2-chlorophenoxazine (10B) and 10-[4′-[(β-hydroxyethyl)piperazino]butyl]-2-chlorophenoxazine (15B) (in vitro, IC50 ∼1-2 μm) were studied further. Inhibition of Akt phosphorylation correlated with inhibition of its kinase activity as determined in vitro after immunoprecipitation. Akt inhibitory phenoxazines did not inhibit the activity of recombinant phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase, PDK1, or SGK1 but potently inhibited the kinase activity of recombinant Akt and AktΔPH, a mutant lacking the pleckstrin homology domain. Akt inhibitory phenoxazines blocked IGF-I-stimulated nuclear translocation of Akt in Rh1 cells and suppressed growth of Rh1, Rh18, and Rh30 cells (IC50 2-5 μm), whereas “inactive” derivatives were ≥10-fold less potent inhibitors of cell growth. In contrast to rapamycin analogs, Akt inhibitory phenoxazines induced significant levels of apoptosis under serum-containing culture conditions at concentrations of agent consistent with Akt inhibition. Thus, the cellular responses to phenoxazine inhibitors of Akt appear qualitatively different from the rapamycin analogs. Modeling studies suggest inhibitory phenoxazines may bind in the ATP-binding site, although ATP competition studies were unable to distinguish between competitive and noncompetitive inhibition.
On the Reliability of a Credit Default Swap Contract during the EMU Debt Crisis

The reliability of the credit default swap market was questioned repeatedly during the EMU debt crisis. This article examines whether this development influenced sovereign EMU CDS prices in general. We regress the CDS market price on a model risk neutral CDS price obtained from an adopted reduced form valuation model in the 2009–2013 period. We look for a breakpoint in the single-equation and multi-equation econometric models in order to show the changes in relationships between the CDS market and model prices. Our results differ according to the risk profile of a country. We find that in the case of riskier countries, the relationship between the market and model price changed when market participants started to question the ability of CDS contracts to protect their buyers. Specifically, it weakened after the change. In the case of less risky countries, the change happened earlier and the effect of a weakened relationship is not observed.
Work environments and workers’ grievances: Accounting for variation in wildcat strikes in the US coal mining industry, 1970–1977

This article examines the role of work environments and workers’ grievances as factors generating wildcat strikes in the US coal mining industry from 1970 to 1977, a period of intense worker–management conflict. Drawing on historical and empirical evidence, it argues that the classical wage-bargaining model of authorized strike activity fails to account for variation in the incidence of wildcat strikes in general, and those in the coal mines in particular. The analysis employs a unique data set on wildcat strikes in the coal industry during the period. This article brings the analysis of the causes of wildcat strikes into closer dialogue with social and labor movement theory.
Mastoid Obliteration with Hydroxyapatite Cement: The Ipswich Experience

Objective This article reports the outcomes of a series of patients who underwent obliteration of the mastoid cavity using hydroxyapatite cement. A comparison is made with a group of patients who underwent similar surgery in the same period using hydroxyapatite granules. Study Design Nonrandomized observational analysis. Setting Tertiary otology unit. Patients and Interventions All patients requiring mastoid surgery and primary obliteration or revision mastoid surgery and obliteration. Main Outcome Measures Dry cavity with full epithelialization and good tolerance to swimming at 1 year postoperatively. Results In four of eight patients who had obliteration using hydroxyapatite cement, there was infection of the obliteration site, requiring revision. All of the patients who had obliteration with hydroxyapatite granules had dry and well-epithelialized mastoid cavities at 1-year follow-up, with ears that tolerated swimming. Conclusion The use of hydroxyapatite cement is not recommended in mastoid obliteration surgery.
Retinopathy of prematurity

Purpose of review This review highlights recent advances in basic science and clinical research on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Recent findings The modern concept of ROP pathophysiology is discussed, as are studies investigating anti-angiogenic agents for treatment. Results of the largest clinical trials are summarized. Current screening criteria, potential modifications to them, and telephotoscreening are discussed. Summary ROP is a challenging and involving area of pediatric ophthalmology.
Prospects for delaying the rising tide of worldwide, late-life dementias

ABSTRACT Worldwide, lifespan is lengthening. Concomitantly, late-life dementias are increasingly common, challenging both personal and public health internationally. After age 65, rates of dementia tend to double every five years in developed countries and every seven in developing ones. The late-life dementias, particularly Alzheimer's disease, have profound effects on aging individuals and their caregivers. Multidisciplinary research has explored the potential for various approaches to prevent or delay the onset of late-life dementias. Outlining that research, including our team's Adult Changes in Thought and Kame studies, this review concludes that delaying the onset of these dementias appears feasible, although absolute prevention may not be. Today, the most promising methods appear to include controlling vascular risk factors like hypertension and engaging in physical exercise – and possibly mental exercise. If people can delay the onset of dementias, they can lead more fulfilling lives for longer, spending less time suffering from dementia and letting their families spend less time coping with the disease. It is possible that trends toward more knowledge-based societies, where cognitive health is so vital, may increasingly exert evolutionary pressure favoring larger and healthier brains – and a “compression of cognitive morbidity” – well into old age. Public health's great triumph, increased lifespan, should give more of the world's people the reward of many years of dementia-free life. Rather than the personal difficulties and public health burdens of many years of functional impairment, dependency, and suffering with dementia, some interventions may delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.