Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Technology Options for Low Stabilization Pathways with MERGE

This paper investigates long-term transitions of the global energy system compatible with realizing low stabilization climate targets, using an enhanced MERGE model. The results indicate that stringent mitigation targets can be met under many technology scenarios, but major technological change is needed, highlighting important roles for R&D and learning-by-doing. The analysis explores the impact of limiting the set of available technology options (to account for technical uncertainties and issues of public acceptance) and identifies important influences on energy system development and economic costs under low stabilization. Biomass availability is seen to have a major influence on the characteristics of the energy system. Carbon capture and storage technologies also prove to be potentially critical for both electricity and fuel synthesis, particularly when combined with biomass to produce net negative emissions. Additionally, the availability of fast breeders provides a competitive zero-emissions option. Energy efficiency and large-scale application of renewables are also critical to realising low stabilization scenarios.
The Substance of Accounting for Public‐Private Partnerships

This article evaluates Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) accounting practice and the related financial accounting and reporting requirements. Governments across the world are seeking to access private finance to improve public infrastructure. Accounting for PPPs has encountered many difficulties, one of which is the practice by which PPPs are not accounted for as fixed assets on the balance sheet of either the public sector client or the private sector operator. Accounting for PPPs has grown in importance at a time of transition from national Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP) to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Under UK GAAP, both client and operator accounting adopt the reasoning – familiar from leasing standards – of the allocation of risks and rewards between the parties to determine the party which should recognize the fixed asset on its balance sheet. The gap in IFRS with regard to operator accounting has been filled by the interpretation IFRIC 12 on service concession agreements: this moves the reasoning from risks and rewards to control, familiar from consolidation standards. The UK Treasury and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) have required/proposed the adoption of the mirror-image treatment of IFRIC 12. In most, but not all, cases, control will be assessed to rest with the client, which will recognize property, plant and equipment, and not with the operator, which will recognize either a financial asset or an intangible asset on the basis of an assessment of which party bears the majority of risks and rewards. Under both UK GAAP and IFRS, accounting policy choices are strongly influenced by, for the client, governmental control frameworks, and for the operator, by the implications for the profile of distributable profits and for taxation. An important public policy issue is that the national accounts, which for European Union member states must comply with European System of Accounts 1995, will remain on a risks and rewards basis. It is these numbers that will be used in assessments of macro-fiscal policy and fiscal risks, notwithstanding that the Eurostat version of risks and rewards is even more open to manipulation than were the national financial reporting standards.
A taxonomic review of the wolf spider genus Agalenocosa Mello-Leitão (Araneae, Lycosidae).

The lycosid genus Agalenocosa Mello-Leitão, 1944 comprises at least eight species from northern and eastern Argentina and neighbouring countries: Agalenocosa velox (Keyserling, 1891) comb. nov. (from southern Brazil and Argentina), transferred here from Pirata Sundevall, 1833, A. tricuspidata (Tullgren, 1905) comb. nov. (from northwestern Argentina), transferred here from Pardosa C.L. Koch, 1847, A. luteonigra (Mello-Leitão, 1945) (from Argentina and Uruguay), A. punctata Mello-Leitão, 1944 (from Buenos Aires and Entre Ríos, Argentina), A. gentilis Mello-Leitão, 1944 (from Buenos Aires, Argentina), and three new species: A. pirity sp. nov., A. gamas sp. nov. (from eastern Argentina), and A. grismadoi sp. nov. (from eastern Argentina and Paraguay). Agalenocosa singularis Mello-Leitão (type species of the genus) is considered a junior synonym of A. velox. Agalenocosa fimbriata Mello-Leitão, 1944 is considered species inquirenda; Agalenocosa bryantae (Roewer, 1951), A. chacoensis (Mello-Leitão, 1942), A. denisi (Caporiacco, 1947), A. kolbei (Dahl, 1908), A. melanotaenia (Mello-Leitão, 1941), A. pickeli (Mello-Leitão, 1937), A. yaucensis (Petrunkevitch, 1929), A. fallax (L. Koch, 1877), A. helvola (C. L. Koch, 1847), A. subinermis (Simon, 1897) are considered misplaced species. The subfamily placement of Agalenocosa is briefly discussed, and it could be placed in either Piratinae Zyuzin, 1993 or Venoniinae Lehtinen & Hippa, 1979.
Chondroitin 4-O-Sulfotransferase Is Indispensable for Sulfation of Chondroitin and Plays an Important Role in Maintaining Normal Life Span and Oxidative Stress Responses in Nematodes*

Chondroitin sulfate (CS)/chondroitin (Chn) chains are indispensable for embryonic cell division and cytokinesis in the early developmental stages in Caenorhabditis elegans and mice, whereas heparan sulfate (HS) is essential for axon guidance during nervous system development. These data indicate that the fundamental functions of CS and HS are conserved from worms to mammals and that the function of CS/Chn differs from that of HS. Although previous studies have shown that C. elegans produces HS and non-sulfated Chn, whether the organism produces CS remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that C. elegans produces a small amount of 4-O-sulfated Chn and report the identification of C41C4.1, an orthologue of the human chondroitin 4-O-sulfotransferase gene. Loss of C41C4.1 in C. elegans resulted in a decline in 4-O-sulfation of CS and an increase in the number of sulfated units in HS. C41C4.1 deletion mutants exhibited reduced survival rates after synchronization with sodium hypochlorite. Collectively, these results show for the first time that CS glycans are present in C. elegans and that the Chn 4-O-sulfotransferase responsible for the sulfation plays an important role in protecting nematodes from oxidative stress.
The Specialization in Knowledge-Intensive Business Services (KIBS) across Europe: Permanent Co-Localization to Debate

Gallego J. and Maroto A. The specialization in knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) across Europe: permanent co-localization to debate, Regional Studies. Knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) have traditionally been said to require the establishment of face-to-face contacts in the transmission of the knowledge-based intermediate inputs they provide, which accordingly influence their localization patterns. However, the search of geographical proximity amongst economics actors implies less and less the need to localize near each other. The study tests this using Eurostat data on regional specialization in KIBS for 230 NUTS-2 regions from eighteen European countries for the period 2000–2007. The findings of the estimated spatial autoregressive (SAR) models suggest how the nodes of transport and communication networks may be relaxing the need of KIBS for permanent co-localization.
Rebalancing China's Economy: What Does Growth Theory Tell Us?

This paper uses the standard one-sector neoclassical growth model to investigate why China's consumption has been low and investment high. It finds that the low cost of capital has been quantitatively an important factor. Theory predicts that the price of capital may have been significantly distorted in the 1990s and 2000s. The distortion could have been caused by nonperforming loans, borrowing constraints, and uncertainty over changes in government guidance in bank lending. If China is to rebalance growth towards relying more on consumption and less on exports and investment, banking sector reforms and financial market development could, therefore, turn out to be key.
Influence of Xenogeneic β2-Microglobulin on Functional Recognition of H-2Kb by the NK Cell Inhibitory Receptor Ly49C1

NK cells maintain self-tolerance through expression of inhibitory receptors that bind MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules. MHC-I can exist on the cell surface in several different forms, including “peptide-receptive” or PR-MHC-I that can bind exogenous peptide. PR-MHC-I molecules are short lived and, for H-2Kb, comprise ∼10% of total MHC-I. In the present study, we confirm that signaling through the mouse NK inhibitory receptor Ly49C requires the presence of PR-Kb and that this signaling is prevented when PR-Kb is ablated by pulsing with a peptide that can bind to it with high affinity. Although crystallographic data indicate that Ly49C can engage H-2Kb loaded with high-affinity peptide, our data suggest that this interaction does not generate an inhibitory signal. We also show that no signaling occurs when the PR-Kb complex has mouse β2-microglobulin (β2m) replaced with human β2m, although replacement with bovine β2m has no effect. Furthermore, we show that β2m exchange occurs preferentially in the PR-Kb component of total H-2Kb. These conclusions were reached in studies modulating the sensitivity to lysis of both NK-resistant syngeneic lymphoblasts and NK-sensitive RMA-S tumor cells. We also show, using an in vivo model of lymphocyte recirculation, that engrafted lymphocytes are unable to survive NK attack when otherwise syngeneic lymphocytes express human β2m. These findings suggest a qualitative extension of the “missing self” hypothesis to include NK inhibitory receptors that are restricted to the recognition of unstable forms of MHC-I, thus enabling NK cells to respond more quickly to events that decrease MHC-I synthesis.
Uncoupling of the ATPase activity from the branch migration activity of RuvAB protein complexes containing both wild‐type and ATPase‐defective RuvB proteins

Background: Escherichia coli RuvAB promotes branch migration of Holliday junctions during recombination repair and homologous recombination. RuvB forms a hexameric ring through which duplex DNA passes and is translocated in an ATP‐dependent manner. ATPase‐deficient RuvB mutant K68A has a mutation in the Walker A motif and exerts a dominant‐negative effect on in vivo repair of UV‐induced DNA damage. In this study, we examined RuvAB‐dependent branch migration in the presence of a mutant RuvB, K68A.
Reversal of hyperglycemia in diabetic mouse models using induced-pluripotent stem (iPS)-derived pancreatic β-like cells

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by either the inability to produce insulin (type 1 diabetes) or as insensitivity to insulin secreted by the body (type 2 diabetes). In either case, the body is unable to move blood glucose efficiently across cell membranes to be used. This leads to a variety of local and systemic detrimental effects. Current treatments for diabetes focus on exogenous insulin administration and dietary control. Here, we describe a potential cure for diabetes using a cellular therapy to ameliorate symptoms associated with both reduced insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. Using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, we were able to derive β-like cells similar to the endogenous insulin-secreting cells in mice. These β-like cells secreted insulin in response to glucose and corrected a hyperglycemic phenotype in two mouse models of type 1 and 2 diabetes via an iPS cell transplant. Long-term correction of hyperglycemia was achieved, as determined by blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels. These data provide an initial proof of principle for potential clinical applications of reprogrammed somatic cells in the treatment of diabetes type 1 or 2.
A SUMMARY OF DISTANCE EDUCATION IN UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS

Distance education has become commonplace on many university campuses throughout the United States. Anecdotal evidence would suggest that distance education has also become commonplace in a few agricultural education departments. However, little is empirically known about the use of distance education within agricultural education departments. The purpose of this study was to obtain baseline data for distance education activities in agricultural education departments and programs at higher education institutions. A census of the department chairs or programs leaders was used to gather data using a bimodal data collection method. An 82% response rate was achieved. Results indicated that over two-thirds of the agricultural education departments offered distance education courses. Course management software was the technology used most to deliver courses, closely followed by the Internet. The most frequent academic level of distance education courses offered was graduate courses. The average department had just over three faculty members who taught distance education courses. From an administrative perspective, the biggest motivating factor for agricultural education faculty to teach distance education courses was to provide better service to their clientele. Also from an administrative perspective, the overwhelming barrier to distance education in agricultural education departments was time constraints of faculty members.
Phragmoplastin Polymerizes into Spiral Coiled Structures via Intermolecular Interaction of Two Self-assembly Domains*

Phragmoplastin, a high molecular weight GTPase belonging to the dynamin superfamily of proteins, becomes associated with the cell plate during cytokinesis in plants. Growth of the cell plate requires continuous fusion of vesicles, and phragmoplastin appears to play a role in the formation of vesicle-tubule-vesicle structures at the cell plate. In this study, we have demonstrated that two self-assembly domains (SA1 and SA2) are involved in polymerization of phragmoplastin. SA1 is about 42 amino acids long and is located near the N terminus overlapping with the GTP-binding region. SA2, containing at least 24 amino acids, is located in the middle of the molecule outside the GTP-binding domain. Peptides containing either SA1 or SA2 interact efficiently with the full-length phragmoplastin. The SA1 domain of one phragmoplastin molecule also binds to SA2 of another as confirmed in vitro by using radiolabeled peptides. This interaction leads to the formation of polymers with a staggered contoured spiral structure. Electron microscopy studies revealed that helical arrays of phragmoplastin can be induced by reducing salt concentration. Our results suggest that phragmoplastin may assemble into helical arrays that wrap around and squeeze vesicles into vesicle-tubule-vesicle structures observed on the forming cell plate.
Bt-cotton and secondary pests

Bt-cotton seed has been effective to control the damage of bollworm in Chinese cotton production since 1999, reducing the need for pesticides and increasing incomes of Chinese farmers. Field data collected in 2004 indicates that these benefits have been eroded by increasing the use of pesticides aimed to control secondary pests. The combination of Bt-cotton seed and other forms of biological pest control may help farmers regain the economic and environmental benefits of previous years. Failure to find a solution, may lead to the discontinuation of the use of Bt-cotton seed in China and elsewhere.
Vision driven organizations: measurement techniques for group classification

This exploratory study examined the qualitative and quantitative financial measures that best describe the patterns, predictors, or degree of success for vision driven organizations. A framework was developed within the methodology to qualitatively partition and link the financial contributions of the organizational and strategic factors within visionary organizations. The qualitative measures were identified utilizing content analysis within the literature stream. Five financial indicators were chosen to represent the respective quantitative measures from 57 visionary organizations over a 16‐year period. The inferential test results from two multiple discriminant analyses and verifying MANOVA tests show the accuracy for predicting the level of a visionary organization at 84 percent. The results of this research suggest that group membership, either visionary or average visionary, can be predicted reliably from a set of financial indicators. This research further suggests that organizations can enhance their opportunities for sustained competitive advantage and supernormal profits by focusing on the alignment of ten core elements of vision driven strategies identified from within the research stream.
The Social Enterprise: A Literature Review

The transformations occurring in the last years in the international area have strongly affected the European administrative space. The national administrations are facing multiple problems concerning the financial, human, technological, etc. resources, and in this context, the public services must continue applying the principles of continuity and adaptability to meet the needs of citizens. Concepts such as social entrepreneurship, social business, social enterprise, public -private partnership become increasingly more important, models of good practice being more visible in Western Europe comparing with Central-Eastern Europe or South-Eastern Europe. The aim of this paper is to offer a literature perspective on the concept of social enterprise, which will lead to a comprehensive approach on the topic. The study will use an exploratory research method and data collection, reflecting the differences between Western, Central-Eastern, South-Eastern Europe literature, based on documentation in international data base and journal article reviews. Finally, the study will be able to underline the key points of social enterprise theories, thus proving the applicability of the concept in practice and the role of social enterprise in the development of European administrative space, with special focus on the Balkan area.
Low Risk and High Return – Affective Attitudes and Stock Market Expectations

This experimental study investigates the impact of affective attitudes on risk and return estimates of stocks. Participants rate well-known blue-chip firms on an affective scale and forecast risk and return of the firms' stock. We find that positive affective attitudes lead to a prediction of high return and low risk, while negative attitudes lead to a prediction of low return and high risk. This bias increases with participants' confidence in their ratings and decreases with financial literacy. Firm characteristics such as a firm's marketing expenditures and the strength of its brand have a positive impact on its affective rating.
Multifractality and efficiency: Evidence from Malaysian sectoral indices

This study examines the weak-form efficiency of Malaysian sectoral indices using multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis. The study also uses the rolling window approach to scrutinize the dynamics of weak-form efficiency of Malaysian sectoral stock market. The overall empirical findings revealed that the Malaysian sectoral indices possess multifractality as a result of both fat-tailed probability distribution and long-range correlations. The dynamics of the local Hurst exponents acquired via rolling window approach showed that the Malaysian sectoral efficiency is adversely affected by both Asian and global financial crises, and also negatively impacted by the capital control implemented by the Malaysian government during the Asian financial crisis. The findings suggest that forecasting models that incorporate multifractality might be more appropriate for Malaysian sectoral volatility and crash predictions. Malaysian experience also demonstrates that policy makers should carefully decide on the proper monetary regime as the policy also holds important role in improving the stock market efficiency. A ranking of the sectoral indices according to their relative weak-form efficiency is also presented in this study .
Development of an rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probe specific for the genus Acinetobacter and its application for in situ monitoring in activated sludge

Enhanced biological phosphate removal in an anaerobic-aerobic activated sludge system has generally been ascribed to members of the genus Acinetobacter. A genus-specific 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probe was developed to investigate the role of Acinetobacter spp. in situ. Nonisotopic dot blot hybridization to 66 reference strains, including the seven described Acinetobacter spp. , demonstrated the expected probe specificity. Fluorescent derivatives were used for in situ monitoring of Acinetobacter spp. in the anaerobic and aerobic compartments of a sewage treatment plant with enhanced biological phosphate removal. Microbial community structures were further analyzed with oligonucleotide probes specific for the alpha, beta, or gamma subclasses of the class Proteobacteria, for the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium cluster, for gram-positive bacteria with a high G + C DNA content, and for all bacteria. Total cell counts were determined by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining. In both the anaerobic and the aerobic basins, the activated sludge samples were dominated by members of the class Proteobacteria belonging to the beta subclass and by gram-positive bacteria with a high G + C DNA content. Acinetobacter spp. constituted less than 10% of all bacteria. For both basins, the microbial community structures determined with molecular techniques were compared with the compositions of the heterotrophic saprophytic microbiota determined with agar plating techniques. Isolates on nutrient-rich medium were classified by whole-cell hybridization with rRNA-targeted probes and fatty acid analysis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
How fish benefit from floodplain restoration along the lower River Rhine

The objectives of this study were to test the beneficial value of newly created secondary channels and reconnected oxbow lakes along the lower River Rhine for fish and to give advice on position, shape and character of future water bodies. These water bodies should contribute to the rebuilding of the population of rheophilic cyprinids that are endangered due to embankment and normalization of the Rhine. The functions these water bodies fulfil during the life cycle of distinct fish species, were inferred from the description of patterns of presence of fish in time and space in 25 floodplain water bodies (secondary channels, oxbows, lakes). In all water bodies, depth, flow velocity and the presence of vegetation determine the fish community present. Secondary channels and reconnected oxbow lakes do have a beneficial value for the riverine fish community. They function as nursery areas for all rheophilic cyprinids (e.g. Barbus barbus , Leuciscus idus and Gobio gobio ). Secondary channels probably also function as spawning areas for L. idus and G. gobio but not for lithophilic species ( B. barbus , Leuciscus leuciscus ) since suitable substrate lacks. Eurytopic species ( Abramis brama , Rutilus rutilus and Stizostedion lucioperca ) use all types of floodplain water body to reproduce. For A. brama , isolated turbid clay-pits form important source areas from which juveniles recruit to the main channel during floods. The dominance of eurytopic species in the lower Rhine is caused by the large area of suitable spawning and nursery areas for these species relative to those of rheophilic species. For limnophilic species ( Tinca tinca , Rutilus erythrophthalmus ) suitable habitat (vegetated lakes) is also scarce and should be preserved. Within plans on flood protection, floodplain management should focus on increasing the number of secondary channels and on restoring the natural interaction between the river and its floodplains.