Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mortgage choices during the U . S . housing boom ∗

Borrowers in cities where house prices boomed in the 2000s relied heavily on backloaded interest-only (IO) mortgages that require borrowers only to pay interest initially. We develop a theory that encompasses common explanations for IO use and show that while they can largely account for the regional variation in IOs, they cannot fully explain the concentration of IOs in booming cities. We propose a new explanation. In our model, uncertain price appreciation and no-recourse lending can lead to speculation financed with backloaded mortgages. We find evidence that IO borrowers behaved in ways consistent with such speculation. JEL Classification Numbers: E0, O4, R0
Anthropogenic impact on nitrogen transformation in spruce forests of central European mountains – a review

The review deals with nitrogen transformations in soils of mountain spruce forests of central Europe and how they are affected by anthropogenic acidification and forest management. Special attention is paid to the nitrogen cycle processes in acidified and nitrogen-saturated Norway spruce forests in the Bohemian Forest, Czech Republic. In the first part of the review a general concept of N transformation and N saturation and the importance of the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio in N immobilisation and mineralisation are explained and the role of microbial community composition is discussed. Next, the most important anthropogenic impacts – acid deposition and forest management practices – are related to the general concept of N transformation. Finally, the findings of soil N transformation in the spruce forests of the Šumava National Park are shortly summarised and management suggested.
Behavioural and Electrophysiological Audibility of Speech Sounds in Noise by Normal Hearing Infants

Objective: To investigate the audibility of the speech sounds /m/ and /t/ behaviourally and cortically in noise by normal hearing infants. Method: Eleven normal hearing infants aged 7 to 35 months were assessed behaviourally using visual reinforcement orientation audiometry. Minimum response levels in a background of 55 dB SPL ILTASS noise were obtained for the speech sounds /m/ and /t/. Speech-evoked auditory potentials were then measured using HEARLab TM at 5, 15, and 25 dB SL for each speech sound in the same background noise. A total of 6 conditions were objectively assessed for each subject. Results: The minimum response levels for /m/ and /t/ were 55.5 and 38.6 dB SPL, respectively. Significant relationships were found between sensation levels and P-N amplitude, Cortical Power, and pvalues. CAEP sensitivities revealed that the 50% sensitivity point is around 17.5 dB SPL and there are missing corticals in normal hearing infants in noise. Conclusions: Results largely reflected those of older children and adult as predicted. There is potential for using normally hearing infants in noise to simulate hearing losses, instead of hearing-impaired infants however further investigation is required.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Recent Work Title Ultrahigh thermal conductivity of isotopically enriched silicon Permalink

Most of stable elements (about eighty) have two and more stable (non-radioactive) isotopes. The physical properties of materials composed of such elements depend on the isotopic abundance in some extent. Remarkably strong isotope effect is observed in the phonon thermal conductivity, the principal mechanism of heat conduction in nonmetallic crystals. An isotopic disorder due to random distribution of the isotopes in the crystal lattice sites results in a rather strong phonon scattering and, consequently, in a reduction of thermal conductivity. In this paper we present new results of accurate and precise measurements of thermal conductivity κ(T ) for silicon single crystals having three different isotopic compositions at temperatures T from 2.4 to 420 K. The highly enriched crystal containing 99.995% of 28Si, which is one of the most perfect crystal ever synthesized, demonstrates the thermal conductivity about 450 Wcm−1K−1at 24 K, the highest measured value among bulk dielectrics, which is ten times greater than one for its counterpart natSi with the natural isotopic constitution. For highly enriched crystal 28Si and crystal natSi the measurements were performed for two orientations [001] and [011], a magnitude of the phonon focusing effect on thermal conductivity was determined accurately at low temperatures. The κ(T ) measured in this work gives the most accurate approximation of the intrinsic thermal conductivity of single crystal silicon which is determined solely by the anharmonic phonon processes and diffusive boundary scattering over a wide temperature range. PACS numbers: 66.70. Df, 63.20. kp, 63.20. kg ∗ Inyushkin ̇AV@nrcki.ru † Taldenkov ̇AN@nrcki.ru ‡ jwager@lbl.gov § eehaller@lbl.gov ¶ helge.riemann@ikz-berlin.de ∗∗ nikolay.abrosimov@ikz-berlin.de †† pohl.vitcon@t-online.de ‡‡ peter.becker@ptb.de
Figure One The Antecedent Effects of Various Variables on the Relationship between BP and MP Figure Two Intervening Effects Between BP And MP Via Intervening Factors

Over several decades management accounting scholars have been studying the issue of how budgetary participation affects organisational behaviour such as managerial performance. However, the results of these studies have not always been consistent. It can be concluded that no simple relationship exists between budgetary participation and managerial performance. The current study reconciles the reasons for these inconsistencies and identifies a moderating factor that might affect the relationship between budgetary participation and managerial performance. By using the contingency approach, information asymmetry factor has been taken into consideration as a moderator that might affect the relationship. The results explain the relationship in terms of managers possessing more information and participating in the budgeting process were reported to be associated with improved performance. In contrast, participation by managers exhibiting less information flow was associated with diminished performance.
Change Communication and Organizational Trust on Employee’s Commitment to Change

Changes occur in every day including in organizations. Previous studies showed that to succeed the change, individual commitment to change has to be developed. The aims of the research are to know the impact of change communication and organizational trust on a commitment to change and to test which of the two factors that have a more significant impact. The study conducted with 238 employees of banking and non-banking (insurance) companies in Jakarta. Data collected using the questionnaires of commitment to change inventory, change communication questionnaire and organizational trust inventory. The results indicate that both change communication and organizational trust have a positive impact on commitment to change. However, the result of change communication is still debatable. Results also show that between the two factors, organizational trust has a higher impact on the commitment to change compares to change communication. The applications of the study are essential for the organization to pay attention and develop organizational trust to establish a commitment to change.
Assessment of the Potential of Sugarcane Bagasse to Mitigate Clayey Soil Cracks Using Image Processing Technique : Laboratory Experiment

N THE AGRICULTURAL soils, desiccation cracks control the . rate and velocity at which water, solutes, and micro-organisms are transported in the soil profile, and thus significantly affect the growth and yield of crops. Therefore, the effect of bagasse added to clay soil on suppressing desiccation cracks and the influencing factors behind the cracking behavior i.e., volumetric shrinkage and water retention property of clay soil were investigated experimentally under proper laboratory environment. To fulfill this objective, clay soils were amended using bagasse at a rate of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% on the dry weight basis. Various experimental methods were used to determine the variations in volumetric shrinkage and water holding capacity, while crack intensity factor and cracking width were determined using the image processing technique by ImageJ ver. 1.47 software for different bagasse-amended soils. Results showed that fine bagasse had the potential to improve water holding capacity and reduce volumetric shrinkage strain and thus reduce the cracks development at desiccation of the clay soil. Also, results suggested that addition of bagasse to clay soil was an available and simple method to mitigate desiccation cracks, especially when mixed with soil in rates between 1 and 2% on the dry weight basis. Above this percentage reducing the development of desiccation cracks was not significant.
Working de fi nitions , subjective and objective assessments and experimental paradigms in a study exploring social withdrawal in schizophrenia and Alzheimer ’ s disease

Social withdrawal is one of the first and common signs of early social dysfunction in a number of important neuropsychiatric disorders, likely because of the enormous amount and complexity of brain processes required to initiate and maintain social relationships (Adolphs, 2009). The Psychiatric Ratings using Intermediate Stratified Markers (PRISM) project focusses on the shared and unique neurobiological basis of social withdrawal in schizophrenia, Alzheimer and depression. In this paper, we discuss the working definition of social withdrawal for this study and the selection of objective and subjective rating scales to assess social withdrawal chosen or adapted for this project. We also discuss the MRI and EEG paradigms selected to study the systems and neural circuitry thought to underlie social functioning and more particularly to be involved in social withdrawal in humans, such as the social perception and the social affiliation networks. A number of behavioral paradigms were selected to assess complementary aspects of social cognition. Also, a digital phenotyping method (a smartphone application) was chosen to obtain real-life data.
Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on ascites syndrome in the broilers grown at high altitude

Objective. Investigate the effects of L-carnitine as a potential means of reducing the incidence of ascites in broilers and its relationship with physiological and biochemical paramaters. Material and methods. One-day-old 300 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in the trial. The group without L-carnitine supplementation (0) was assigned as control and the groups that received 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/L L-carnitine supplementation in water were assigned as treatment groups. The trial was completed in 35 days. Results. L-carnitine supplementation did not have any significant effect on live weight gain, feed consumption, water consumption and feed conversion ratio. Levels of blood plasma and hemogram parameters HDL, Triglyceride, CK, RBC and MCH were significantly affected by L-carnitine (p<0.05). Blood gas parameter pH value was significantly affected by L-carnitine supplementation in the broilers with ascites. Blood gas pH value significantly increased with 100 mg/L L-carnitine supplementation compared to that of control (p<0.05). While blood pH was 7.21 in the animals with ascites, it was determined as 7.48 in healthy animals. Concentrations of SO2 and ctO2 were higher in healthy animals, while ctCO2P and hemoglobin concentrations were higher in ascitic animals (p<0.05). Conclusions. Ascites mortality rates starting from the control group were calculated respectively as %; 20.00, 18.33, 26.67, 28.33 and 28.33%. 76.71% of total ascites deaths were in the 5th week. It was concluded that low doses of L-carnitine supplementation may have positive effects in the broilers grown at high altitude.
STUDIES OF WINTER PRECIPITATION EVENTS USING 2 D-VIDEO DISDROMETERS AND C-BAND RADAR

Winter precipitation can consist of a large variety of particle types including pristine crystals, aggregates of crystals (or snow), rimed snow, and graupel to name a few. Of interest to remote sensing by radar or radiometers are the particle “size” distributions (PSD), the density versus “size” relationship and particle models used to compute the scattering and extinction crosssections at various frequencies. Note that “size” is in quotes here as there is no commonly accepted definition of “size” (also referred to as characteristic length). Once the aforementioned attributes are known one can compute relevant parameters of practical importance such as liquid equivalent snow rate (LESR or simply SR), or the liquid equivalent snow accumulation: LESA or simply SA), or the equivalent radar reflectivity factor (Ze) from which the ubiquitous power laws of the form Ze=a(SR) b can be estimated. In a previous article by Huang et al. (2010), a methodology was developed to use data from a 2D-video disdrometer (2DVD) and C-band radar to arrive at Ze-SR relations for 7 winter precipitation events.
UNWORKED BONE FROM THE VILJANDI CASTLE OF THE LIVONIAN ORDER ( 13 TH – 16 TH CENTURIES )

The castle of Teutonic Order in Viljandi (hereafter: Viljandi castle) is one of the most powerful in the territory of present-day Estonia. The main castle, located on a lakeside plateau, is surrounded by three outer baileys, two of which are separated from the main castle by deep moats. Thus, the ruins visible on hilltop have resulted in a relatively early scientific interest in the site. Viljandi castle has been a subject of archaeological research already since 1878 (see Haak 2006 for historiography). The reasons leading to the investigations, and the problems addressed thereby have been manifold, but these strongly influence the methods used and the areas chosen for investigation. In this regard, it should not be surprising that the amount and composition of the find material is of remarkable variability, which is also true of the bone artefacts, working debris and faunal remains found so far. One of the aims of the current article is to review the information available, look at the context of the bone finds and compare information about faunal remains with that obtained from determining bone objects and working refuse. While it is impossible with materials from the earliest excavations, as such information was not recorded at that time, special attention is paid to the investigaWORKED AND UNWORKED BONE FROM THE VILJANDI CASTLE OF THE LIVONIAN ORDER (13TH–16TH CENTURIES)
THERMIONIC VACUUM ARC DISCHARGES IN OBTAINING FERROMAGNETIC THIN FILMS

High quality granular ferromagnetic thin films on glass and silicon wafer substrates were obtained using the original thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) method developed at National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics. We report obtaining of 77-200 nm thick Cu/Ni/Fe structures. An experimental set-up, with three simultaneously discharges, was made to obtain the desired thin film composition and thickness. The structural and morphological properties of the prepared nanostructured films were analyzed by AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy), XRD (X-ray Diffraction) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect studies were made in order to infer the changes in polarization of an optical radiation due to the magnetic field influence. In order to obtain concluding electrical measurements results, cooper electrodes were deposited using the same method before and after the actual three material thin structures. In this way significant changes in the electrical resistance behavior were noticed and were correlated with TVA plasma parameters used for film preparation.
The Effects of Different Levels of Ginger and Turmeric Rhizomes Powder on Productive Performance Characteristics of Laying Hens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of using different levels of Ginger rhizome powder (GRP) and Turmeric rhizome powder (TRP) on production performance in laying hens. Ninety 103-week old laying hens were divided into 5 treatments in a completely randomized design with 3 replicates and 6 birds in each cage. The birds were fed a corn-soybean meal based diet containing different concentrations of GRP (1 and 3%) and TRP (1 and 3%) and control (0 %). During 9 weeks of experimental period, the data of production parameters were collected. The results indicated that the inclusion of GRP into the diets increased egg production percent, egg mass, feed intake. As a result of this study, supplementation with ginger (GRP1%) might have some positive effects on production performance of laying Hens.
Digit ratio (2D : 4D) and prosocial behaviour in economic games: no direct correlation with generosity, bargaining or trust-related behaviours

Prenatal exposure to sex hormones exerts organizational effects on the brain which have observable behavioural correlates in adult life. There are reasons to expect that social behaviours—fundamental for the evolutionary success of humans—might be related to biological factors such as prenatal sex hormone exposure. Nevertheless, the existing literature is inconclusive as to whether and how prenatal exposure to testosterone and oestrogen, proxied by the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D : 4D), may predict non-selfish behaviour. Here, we investigate this question using economic experiments with real monetary stakes and analyse five different dimensions of social behaviour in a comparatively large sample of Caucasian participants (n = 560). For both males and females, our results show no robust association between right- or left-hand 2D : 4D and generosity, bargaining or trust-related behaviours. Moreover, no differences in behaviour were found according to sex. We conclude that there is no direct correlation between 2D : 4D and these social behaviours.
From synaptic input to muscle contraction: arm muscle cells of Octopus vulgaris show unique neuromuscular junction and excitation–contraction coupling properties

The muscular-hydrostat configuration of octopus arms allows high manoeuvrability together with the efficient motor performance necessary for its multitasking abilities. To control this flexible and hyper-redundant system the octopus has evolved unique strategies at the various levels of its brain-to-body organization. We focus here on the arm neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and excitation–contraction (E-C) properties of the arm muscle cells. We show that muscle cells are cholinergically innervated at single eye-shaped locations where acetylcholine receptors (AChR) are concentrated, resembling the vertebrate neuromuscular endplates. Na+ and K+ contribute nearly equally to the ACh-activated synaptic current mediating membrane depolarization, thereby activating voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels. We show that cell contraction can be mediated directly by the inward Ca2+ current and also indirectly by calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) from internal stores. Indeed, caffeine-induced cell contraction and immunohistochemical staining revealed the presence and close association of dihydropyridine (DHPR) and ryanodine (RyR) receptor complexes, which probably mediate the CICR. We suggest that the dynamics of octopus arm contraction can be controlled in two ways; motoneurons with large synaptic inputs activate vigorous contraction via activation of the two routs of Ca2+ induced contraction, while motoneurons with lower-amplitude inputs may regulate a graded contraction through frequency-dependent summation of EPSP trains that recruit the CICR. Our results thus suggest that these motoneuronal pools are likely to be involved in the activation of different E-C coupling modes, thus enabling a dynamics of muscles activation appropriate for various tasks such as stiffening versus motion generation.
Terminal fall velocity: the legacy of Stokes from the perspective of fluvial hydraulics

This review article, dedicated to the bicentenary celebration of Sir George Gabriel Stokes' birthday, presents the state-of-the-science of terminal fall velocity, highlighting his rich legacy from the perspective of fluvial hydraulics. It summarizes the fluid drag on a particle and the current status of the drag coefficient from both the theoretical and empirical formulations, highlighting the three major realms—Stokesian, transitional and Newtonian realms. The force system that drives the particle motion falling through a fluid is described. The response of terminal fall velocity to key factors, which include particle shape, hindered settling and turbulence (nonlinear drag, vortex trapping, fast tracking and effects of loitering), is delineated. The article puts into focus the impact of terminal fall velocity on fluvial hydraulics, discussing the salient role that the terminal fall velocity plays in governing the hydrodynamics of the sediment threshold, bedload transport and suspended load transport. Finally, an innovative perspective is presented on the subject's future research track, emphasizing open questions.
Second-Generation Antiandrogens: From Discovery to Standard of Care in Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer affecting men in the United States. The prostate is a hormone-dependent gland in which androgen hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone bind to and activate the androgen receptor, initiating nuclear translocation of androgen receptor and a subsequent signaling cascade. Due to the androgen dependency of the prostate, androgen deprivation therapies have emerged as first line treatment for aggressive prostate cancer. Such therapies are effective until the point at which prostate cancer, through a variety of mechanisms including but not limited to generation of ligand-independent androgen receptor splice variants, or intratumoral androgen production, overcome hormone deprivation. These cancers are androgen ablation resistant, clinically termed castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and remain incurable. First-generation antiandrogens established androgen receptor blockade as a therapeutic strategy, but these therapies do not completely block androgen receptor activity. Efficacy and potency have been improved by the development of second-generation antiandrogen therapies, which remain the standard of care for patients with CRPC. Four second-generation anti-androgens are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide, and recently approved apalutamide and darolutamide. This review is intended to provide a thorough overview of FDA approved second-generation antiandrogen discovery, treatment application, strategies for combination therapy to overcome resistance, and an insight for the potential future approaches for therapeutic inhibition of androgen receptor.
The Role of Insulin Glargine and Human Insulin in the Regulation of Thyroid Proliferation Through Mitogenic Signaling

Our aim was to investigate whether human insulin (HI) or insulin glargine treatment could promote the proliferation of thyroid cells and determine the association between type 2 diabetes and thyroid disease. Rats were treated with different doses of HI and insulin glargine. Plasma glucose and the phosphorylation levels of the insulin receptor (IR), insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), protein kinase B (Akt), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) were measured. A total of 105 rats were randomly assigned to three groups as follows: control group, HI group, and glargine group. Both drugs promoted the phosphorylation of IR, Akt, and ERK1/2 in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05), and the effect of glargine persisted for longer period. Treatment with ultra-therapeutic doses of HI or glargine (p < 0.05) increased the expression of Ki-67 in thyroid cells. The results demonstrated that therapeutic doses of glargine have a longer-lasting hypoglycemic control than HI. Based on the results, HI or glargine did not stimulate thyroid cell proliferation at therapeutic doses, but high doses did.