Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Transmission of Historical Racial Violence

Research finds that historic racial violence helps predict spatial distributions of contemporary outcomes, including homicide. These findings underscore the continued need to historicize modern race relations, yet intervening processes linking past violence with present events remain unclear. This study examines these intermediary mechanisms by reducing the century-long time-lapse common to legacy of racial violence research. We use mid-century measures of violent opposition to the Civil Rights Movement to bridge the historical gap between lynchings and later homicide, thus clarifying the dynamic and contingent nature of the legacy of racial violence. Structural equation models indicate that incidents of anti-civil rights enforcement and contemporary homicides are more likely to occur in areas with pronounced histories of lynching. Civil rights era assaults mediate the relationship between lynchings and contemporary homicide generally, but not White-on-Black homicide, signaling a need for further research documenting events of mid-century racial violence and clarifying these and other sources of historical transmission. Implications for future research and public policy are considered.
The Structure of Corporate Boards and Private Benefits of Control: Evidence from the Russian Stock Exchange

This paper revisits the role of board size and composition in corporate governance, employing a measure of private benefits of control (PBC) as an indicator of governance problems in firms. We calculate PBC using the voting premium approach for a sample of dual class stock companies traded on the Russian stock exchange between 1998 and 2009. Using fixed-effects regressions, we find a quadratic relationship between PBC and board size, implying the optimality of medium-sized (about 11 directors) supervisory boards. This result is substantially stronger for PBC than traditional measures of corporate performance. There is also some evidence that director ownership helps to mitigate governance problems. Most remarkably, we find that non-executive/independent directors are associated with larger PBC and thus do not seem to help improve corporate governance. In contrast, regressions with accounting performance measures as dependent variables tend to suggest a positive role of these directors in corporate governance.
Clinical and genetic characterization of AP4B1‐associated SPG47

The hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by degeneration of the corticospinal and spinocerebellar tracts leading to progressive spasticity. One subtype, spastic paraplegia type 47 (SPG47 or HSP‐AP4B1), is due to bi‐allelic loss‐of‐function mutations in the AP4B1 gene. AP4B1 is a subunit of the adapter protein complex 4 (AP‐4), a heterotetrameric protein complex that regulates the transport of membrane proteins. Since 2011, 11 individuals from six families with AP4B1 mutations have been reported, nine of whom had homozygous mutations and were from consanguineous families. Here we report eight patients with AP4B1‐associated SPG47, the majority born to non‐consanguineous parents and carrying compound heterozygous mutations. Core clinical features in this cohort and previously published patients include neonatal hypotonia that progresses to spasticity, early onset developmental delay with prominent motor delay and severely impaired or absent speech development, episodes of stereotypic laughter, seizures including frequent febrile seizures, thinning of the corpus callosum, and delayed myelination/white matter loss. Given that some of the features of AP‐4 deficiency overlap with those of cerebral palsy, and the discovery of the disorder in non‐consanguineous populations, we believe that AP‐4 deficiency may be more common than previously appreciated.
HAMI 3379, a CysLT2 Receptor Antagonist, Attenuates Ischemia-Like Neuronal Injury by Inhibiting Microglial Activation

The cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) are inflammatory mediators closely associated with neuronal injury after brain ischemia through the activation of their receptors, CysLT1R and CysLT2R. Here we investigated the involvement of both receptors in oxygen-glucose deprivation/recovery (OGD/R)-induced ischemic neuronal injury and the effect of the novel CysLT2R antagonist HAMI 3379 [3-({[(1S,3S)-3- carboxycyclohexyl]amino}carbonyl)-4-(3-{4-[4-(cyclo-hexyloxy)butoxy]phenyl}propoxy)benzoic acid] in comparison with the CysLT1R antagonist montelukast. In primary neurons, neither the nonselective agonist leukotriene D4 (LTD4) nor the CysLT2R agonist N-methyl-leukotriene C4 (NMLTC4) induced neuronal injury, and HAMI 3379 did not affect OGD/R-induced neuronal injury. However, in addition to OGD/R, LTD4 and NMLTC4 induced cell injury and neuronal loss in mixed cultures of cortical cells, and neuronal loss and necrosis in neuron-microglial cocultures. Moreover, they induced phagocytosis and cytokine release (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α) from primary microglia, and conditioned medium from the treated microglia induced neuronal necrosis. HAMI 3379 inhibited all of these responses, and its effects were the same as those of CysLT2R interference by CysLT2R short hairpin RNA, indicating CysLT2R dependence. In comparison, montelukast moderately inhibited OGD/R-induced primary neuronal injury and most OGD/R- and LTD4-induced (but not NMLTC4-induced) responses in mixed cultures, cocultures, and microglia. The effects of montelukast were both dependent and independent of CysLT1Rs because interference by CysLT1R small interfering RNA had limited effects on neuronal injury in neuron-microglial cocultures and on cytokine release from microglia. Our findings indicated that HAMI 3379 effectively blocked CysLT2R-mediated microglial activation, thereby indirectly attenuating ischemic neuronal injury. Therefore, CysLT2R antagonists may represent a new type of therapeutic agent in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Creatine supplementation--part I: performance, clinical chemistry, and muscle volume.

PURPOSE Our purpose was to study the effects and side effects of creatine (Cr) supplementation on high-intensity, short-term muscle work, on biochemical parameters related to Cr metabolism in blood and urine, and on muscle volume of the lower limb muscles. METHODS A cycling ergometer was used in a double-blind, cross-over study on 10 well-trained male physical education students to measure physical performance with 10 repetitive ergometer sprints (6-s duration, 30-s rest) before and after supplementation (5 d, 20 g x d(-1), washout period 61 +/- 8 d, mean +/- SEM, minimum 28 d) with Cr or placebo. Before and after supplementation, blood and urine were taken and the muscle volume of the lower limb was determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS A significant (P << 0.05) increase in performance (+7%) at the end [4-6 s] of the later sprints (4-7 and 8-10) was observed combined with a lower production of blood lactate (-1 mmol x L(-1)) with Cr supplementation. The concentration of Cr was increased significantly in urine (P < 0.001) and serum (P = 0.005), whereas creatinine (Crn) was increased in serum (P < 0.001). Crn in urine and Crn clearance did not change significantly with Cr intake. There were no significant changes in the analyzed blood enzyme activities. A significant gain of body weight (pre-Cr 76.5 +/- 1.7 kg to 77.9 +/- 1.7 kg post-Cr) with Cr supplementation was measured, but no accompanying increase of muscle mass in a limited volume of the lower limb was observed by MRI. CONCLUSION Cr supplementation is effective in improving short-term performance, and the methods used show no detrimental side effects with this supplementation protocol.
The Human Sigma approach to business improvement in tourism SMEs

Purpose – Human Sigma is an emerging topic among many academics and practitioners. At present, limited studies have been reported about the successful applications of Human Sigma in small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper therefore is to provide an analysis of contemporary business improvement tool implementation in UK tourism SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents an exploratory study of the Human Sigma approach to business improvement. Particularly, the research offers an overview of approaches to business improvement, whilst also presenting a framework for the implementation of Human Sigma. Adopting a case study of tourism SMEs, the paper examines attitudes to service quality management in terms of the implementation of business improvement tools. Findings – The results of the study reveal that many of the SMEs are not aware of the Human Sigma approach to business improvement and while there is a range of tools, techniques and approaches available, they per.
Fibrin Glue is Useful in Preventing Early Dialysate Leakage in Children on Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis

Objective To assess if application of fibrin glue sealant to the peritoneal cuff suture is useful in the prevention of early dialysate leakage in children with end-stage renal disease on chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD). Design Single-center, open-label, prospective randomized study. Setting University Pediatric Hospital. Methods 52 catheters were implanted in 45 children (mean age 6.2 ± 4.5 years). Catheters were randomly assigned to either the control group or the sealant group. In the latter group, 1 mL of fibrin glue sealant was applied to the peritoneal cuff suture. 18 catheters were used for the first time within 5 days after implantation (early-used catheters). Leakage, exit-site or tunnel infection, peritonitis, and adverse secondary effects were evaluated during the initial 60 days after implantation. Results No adverse secondary effects were seen after the application of the fibrin glue sealant. The incidence of exit/tunnel infection and peritonitis was similar in the two groups. The incidence of leakage was significantly lower in the sealant group (p < 0.02). In the early-used catheters, leakage was detected in 9% of the catheters in the sealant group and in 57% of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions The application of 1 mL of fibrin glue to the peritoneal cuff suture prevented early dialysate leakage without secondary adverse effects in children on CPD.
Air Pollution and the Risk of Birth Defects in Anqing City, China

Objective: This study aimed to explore evidence for the influence of air pollution on the risk of birth defects in China and contribute to establish prevention strategies. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Anqing city, Eastern China, from 2010 to 2012. Binary logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) per 10 &mgr;g/m3 change for SO2, NO2, and PM10. Results: For continuous exposure to SO2 (10 &mgr;g/m3 increase), the adjusted OR for birth defects is 1.20 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.09 to 1.29] in the preconception. A 10 &mgr;g/m3 increase in SO2 (adjusted OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.36) during the second trimester is strongly associated with birth defects. No associations have been observed for NO2 and PM10. Conclusion: The results suggested that exposure to ambient SO2 during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects.
Novel drugs to ameliorate gastrointestinal normal tissue radiation toxicity in clinical practice: what is emerging from the laboratory?

Purpose of reviewTo give an overview of promising novel agents under development for the prevention and reduction of gastrointestinal radiation injury. Recent findingsCurrently, several novel agents are being tested as drugs to prevent or reduce gastrointestinal radiation injury. These drugs may not only prevent injury, but also mitigate toxicity, that is, reduce injury after radiation exposure has occurred. Promising novel agents include the somatostatin analogue SOM230, growth factors, agents acting on the toll-like receptor 5 pathway, endothelial protectants, and the vitamin E analogue &ggr;-tocotrienol. SummaryGastrointestinal radiation injury is the most important dose-limiting factor during radiotherapy of the abdomen or pelvis. It may severely affect the quality of life both during radiotherapy treatment and in cancer survivors. To date, there are no agents that can prevent or reduce intestinal radiation injury. Hence, there is an urgent need for the development of novel drugs to ameliorate intestinal toxicity during and after radiotherapy. This review summarizes the several agents that have been shown to reduce intestinal radiation injury in animals. Further research is needed to investigate their safety and efficacy in patients receiving radiotherapy for abdominal or pelvic tumours.
Bypassing Equity? Transit Investment and Regional Transportation Planning

Regional planning may require a better understanding of multijurisdictional planning and equity within intergovernmental context. This research explores how intergovernmental context and metropolitan planning organization (MPO) activities impact rail proposals for low-income and minority communities. In two case studies, Boston and Miami, other government agencies determined the projects within MPO plans. In Boston, however, advocates leveraged agreements and federal rules to secure rail, and the MPO has developed extensive equity analyses. The cases exemplify the fiscal paradox that MPOs face—they have fiscally constrained plans but control little funding. Findings indicate the need to better relate multijurisdictional planning ambitions to intergovernmental context.
Voices for the darkness: online survey on public perceptions on light pollution as an environmental problem

Light pollution is increasingly affecting ecosystems and human health. We present results from an online survey aimed to chart what aspects of lighting are considered harmful and how light pollution is perceived by the public. We focus on affluent societies by using Finland as an example of a northern industrialised country. The survey generated 2053 responses, particularly from well-educated urban persons living in residential areas and interested in astronomy or environmental issues. The results show that the lighting of residential areas and lighting serving traffic are considered the most common sources of light pollution while commercial lighting is perceived as the most annoying form of light use. Respondents commonly considered light pollution as a disturbance for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The results suggest that the ecological and health effects of light pollution emphasised by the research are poorly known by the people emphasising the aesthetic aspects. The results indicate relatively wide but passive acceptance for policy measures aimed at reducing light pollution.
Consumer house price judgements: new evidence of anchoring and arbitrary coherence

Individuals are prone to significant errors when making value judgements through the use of heuristics (cognitive short cuts) to simplify decision making. This paper uses an economic experiment to investigate the strength of arbitrary anchors in judgements over house prices among a student group, which shares similarities with first-time buyers. The study represents an extension of existing property research literature on valuation because it focuses on consumers, not professionals, and uses experiments which are incentivised. Additionally it investigates the evolution of price estimates over multiple sequential property viewings. The results indicate that even in the presence of significant, binary incentives for accurate judgement, individuals rely, to a significant degree, on an arbitrarily established anchor value. Such anchors remain powerful enough for transitions to subsequent valuations to remain influenced by this initial value. This is interpreted as a confirmation – and extension – of the arbitrary coherence reported in other studies of consumer judgement.
Topical and intermittent application of parathyroid hormone recovers alveolar bone loss in rat experimental periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Periodontitis is characterized by periodontal tissue inflammation and alveolar bone loss. The intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH), a major regulator of bone remodeling, has been demonstrated to stimulate osteoblastic activity. Although the systemic administration of PTH has been reported to protect against periodontitis-associated bone loss, the effect of the topical administration of PTH is unclear. In this study, the effect of intermittent administration of PTH on osteoblastic differentiation was examined in cultured calvaria cells and then the effect of topical and intermittent administration of PTH was determined by measuring the recovery of alveolar bone loss after inducing experimental periodontitis in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Alkaline phosphatase activity and bone nodule formation were measured in fetal rat calvaria cells. Experimental periodontitis was induced by placing nylon ligature around rat maxillary molars for 20 d. After ligature removal (day 0), PTH was topically injected into buccal gingiva three times a week for 10 wk. Micro-computed tomography analysis and histological examination were performed on days 35 and 70. RESULTS Intermittent exposure of PTH in calvaria cells increased alkaline phosphatase activity and bone nodule formation by 1.4- and 2.4-fold, respectively. Ligature procedures induced marked alveolar bone loss around the molars on day 0 and greater bone recovery was observed in the PTH-treated rats on day 70. An increase in osteoid formation on the surface of alveolar bone was detected in the PTH-treated rats. CONCLUSION Intermittent treatment with PTH stimulated osteoblastic differentiation in fetal rat calvaria cell cultures, and topical and intermittent administration of PTH recovered alveolar bone loss in rat experimental periodontitis.
Regulation of Relationships between Heterogeneous Farmers and an Aquifer Accounting for Lag Effects

type="main" xml:id="ajar12102-abs-0001"> Many environmental problems are due to damage caused by pollutants that accumulate with a time lag following their emission. In this study, we focus on nitrates used in agriculture, which can pollute groundwater many years after their initial application. A dynamic optimal control problem with heterogeneous farmers is proposed. The usual structural parameters such as the discount rate, the natural clearing rate and the lagged time interval between the occurrence of soil-level pollution and the impact on groundwater are taken into account. We also examine pollution as caused by a continuous set of farms characterised by their individual performance index and by their individual marginal contribution to the pollution. The issue is further investigated by taking account of change in the information context, successively related to perfect information and to asymmetric information. As a result, when the delay between the spreading of N-fertilizer and the impact on the aquifer increases, that is, the longer the lag, the steady-state pollution stock and the steady-state shadow price of the stock both increase. Moreover, we show that the optimal regulation may require a decreasing amount of fertilizer over time, even in the case of initial underpollution.
Work environment quality: the role of workplace participation and democracy

The article explores how employee participation influences the quality of the work environment and workers’ well-being at 11 Danish workplaces from within six different industries. Both direct participation and representative forms of participation at the workplace level were studied. Statistical as well as qualitative comparative analyses reveal that work environment quality and high levels of participation go hand in hand. Within a typology of participation models the highest level of participation, including strong elements of collective participation, and also the best work environment, measured as ‘psychosocial well-being’, were found at workplaces managed in accordance with democratic principles.
Further international evidence on durable consumption growth and long-run consumption risk

New perspectives on consumption-based asset pricing models have recently been argued to provide powerful insights for explaining the cross-sectional variation of expected returns. In this paper, we employ both Spanish and U.S. capital markets data to present further evidence on these new approaches. Relative to previous papers, we are able to compare among alternative model specifications considering the same time period and testing assets. We discuss different versions of the consumption asset pricing model, including preferences with non-separable durable and non-durable consumption, and different frequencies in data, considering the moment at which consumption is measured and including ultimate consumption risk. The results show the relevance of both durable and non-durable long-run consumption risk factors in explaining the Spanish stock market returns. The importance of long-run risk factors is also confirmed with U.S. data.
Succession Planning as Planned Behavior: Some Empirical Results

This paper uses the theory of planned behavior to hypothesize the influence of the incumbent's desire to keep the business in the family, the family's commitment to the business, and the propensity of a trusted successor to take over on the extent to which family firms engage in succession planning activities. We test these hypotheses using data collected from presidents in 118 family firms. The results show that the propensity of a trusted successor to take over significantly affects the incidence of all succession-planning-related activities. Succession planning may, then, be the result of push by the successor more than of pull by the incumbent. Such a view has negative implications for the succession process that the family firms in our sample follow.
Onset of multiple sclerosis before adulthood leads to failure of age-expected brain growth

Objective: To determine the impact of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) on age-expected brain growth. Methods: Whole brain and regional volumes of 36 patients with relapsing-remitting MS onset prior to 18 years of age were segmented in 185 longitudinal MRI scans (2–11 scans per participant, 3-month to 2-year scan intervals). MRI scans of 25 age- and sex-matched healthy normal controls (NC) were also acquired at baseline and 2 years later on the same scanner as the MS group. A total of 874 scans from 339 participants from the NIH-funded MRI study of normal brain development acquired at 2-year intervals were used as an age-expected healthy growth reference. All data were analyzed with an automatic image processing pipeline to estimate the volume of brain and brain substructures. Mixed-effect models were built using age, sex, and group as fixed effects. Results: Significant group and age interactions were found with the adjusted models fitting brain volumes and normalized thalamus volumes (p < 10−4). These findings indicate a failure of age-normative brain growth for the MS group, and an even greater failure of thalamic growth. In patients with MS, T2 lesion volume correlated with a greater reduction in age-expected thalamic volume. To exclude any scanner-related influence on our data, we confirmed no significant interaction of group in the adjusted models between the NC and NIH MRI Study of Normal Brain Development groups. Conclusions: Our results provide evidence that the onset of MS during childhood and adolescence limits age-expected primary brain growth and leads to subsequent brain atrophy, implicating an early onset of the neurodegenerative aspect of MS.