Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The price of climate: French consumer preferences reveal spatial and individual inequalities.

We use the hedonic price method to study consumer preferences for climate (temperature, very hot or cold days, and rainfall) in France, a temperate country with varied climates. Data are for (i) individual attributes and prices of houses and workers and (ii) climate attributes interpolated from weather stations. We show that French households value warmer temperatures while very hot days are a nuisance. Such climatic amenities are attributes of consumers' utility function; nevertheless, global warming assessments by economists, such as the Stern Review Report (2006), ignore these climatic preferences. The social welfare assessment is changed when the direct consumption of climate is taken into account: from the estimated hedonic prices, we calculate that GDP rises by about 1% for a 1°C rise in temperature. Moreover, heterogeneity of housing and households is a source of major differences in the individual effects of climatic warming.
The Drive to Precarity: A Political History of Work, Regulation, & Labor Advocacy in San Francisco's Taxi & Uber Economies

This Article examines both the creation of secure work and its ongoing demise through a critical historical and contemporary case study: over a century of chauffeur work in San Francisco, California. Employing a combination of historical archives and sociological research, I show how chauffeur driving became a site of secure work for much of the twentieth century and how this security unraveled over the course of many years. Since their entree on the streets in 1909, chauffeur corporations — from the Taxicab Company to Uber — underwent formative re-organizations to shift the liabilities and responsibilities of business onto workers. Counterintuitively, these changes in corporate form were met with decreased regulation and a contracted business-labor bargain. I contend that the transformation of the corporate form, the shrinking bargain, and the rejoinders of the state triangulated to produce worker risk and weaken the relationship between work and security.
In vitro and in vivo effects of 2,4 diaminoquinazoline inhibitors of the decapping scavenger enzyme DcpS: Context-specific modulation of SMN transcript levels

C5-substituted 2,4-diaminoquinazoline inhibitors of the decapping scavenger enzyme DcpS (DAQ-DcpSi) have been developed for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which is caused by genetic deficiency in the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein. These compounds are claimed to act as SMN2 transcriptional activators but data underlying that claim are equivocal. In addition it is unclear whether the claimed effects on SMN2 are a direct consequence of DcpS inhibitor or might be a consequence of lysosomotropism, which is known to be neuroprotective. DAQ-DcpSi effects were characterized in cells in vitro utilizing DcpS knockdown and 7-methyl analogues as probes for DcpS vs non-DcpS-mediated effects. We also performed analysis of Smn transcript levels, RNA-Seq analysis of the transcriptome and SMN protein in order to identify affected pathways underlying the therapeutic effect, and studied lysosomotropic and non-lysosomotropic DAQ-DCpSi effects in 2B/- SMA mice. Treatment of cells caused modest and transient SMN2 mRNA increases with either no change or a decrease in SMNΔ7 and no change in SMN1 transcripts or SMN protein. RNA-Seq analysis of DAQ-DcpSi-treated N2a cells revealed significant changes in expression (both up and down) of approximately 2,000 genes across a broad range of pathways. Treatment of 2B/- SMA mice with both lysomotropic and non-lysosomotropic DAQ-DcpSi compounds had similar effects on disease phenotype indicating that the therapeutic mechanism of action is not a consequence of lysosomotropism. In striking contrast to the findings in vitro, Smn transcripts were robustly changed in tissues but there was no increase in SMN protein levels in spinal cord. We conclude that DAQ-DcpSi have reproducible benefit in SMA mice and a broad spectrum of biological effects in vitro and in vivo, but these are complex, context specific, and not the result of simple SMN2 transcriptional activation.
Frequency Doubling Illusion: Detection vs. Form Resolution

Purpose. To investigate the difference between detection and form resolution thresholds for the frequency doubling (FD) illusion. Method. The right eyes of 20 normal healthy subjects (10 female; age range, 18 to 30 years; mean age, 24.05 years; SD, 1.39) were examined. Vertically oriented FD stimuli were presented at fixation and 10° nasally using a dual temporal alternate forced choice method of constant stimuli (2AFC MOCS) to estimate the thresholds for detection and form resolution. Additional strategies for threshold estimation (yes/no, modified rapid estimation by binary search) were used to determine the detection threshold. The effect of subject instruction on the FD threshold was also examined. The test-retest characteristics were investigated by determining the coefficient of repeatability. Results. Detection thresholds using 2AFC MOCS were 0.86 ± 0.20 (±1 SE) Michelson contrast percentage (MC%) at fixation and 0.84 ± 0.21 at 10°. Form resolution thresholds using 2AFC MOCS were 1.08 ± 0.23 MC% at fixation and 1.04 ± 0.16 at 10°. These thresholds were found to be significantly different at fixation (p = 0.004) and 10° (p = 0.005). No difference was found between threshold estimation strategies, but subject instruction had a significant effect (fixation: 2.41 ± 0.52 MC%, p < 0.001; 10°: 2.19 ± 0.48 MC%, p < 0.001). Conclusions. Detection thresholds were significantly lower than form resolution thresholds for the FD stimulus. This result is in agreement with classic FD studies and illustrates that the perception of flicker precedes the perception of the FD illusion at threshold.
Major Sports Events: Economic Impact

Economic impact has developed into one of the most cited and used arguments to bid for major events. Ex ante studies on the economic impact, which analyze regional income and employment impacts, are usually required by local chamberlains or regional financing authorities and occasionally are a basis for votes in the relevant assemblies, parliaments or public referenda. Occasionally, economic impact studies are required by law as proof of the efficient allocation of public resources.
Pathogenicity of rotavirus in rabbits

The role of rotavirus in diarrheal disease of rabbits was investigated, and a model for human rotavirus infection was established. Orogastric inoculation of 8- and 12-week-old New Zealand White rabbits with a rabbit strain of rotavirus (L:ALA:84) resulted in fecal shedding of virus for 6 to 8 days from 2 to 5 days after inoculation. Most rabbits exhibited diarrhea, coincident with the onset of viral shedding, which persisted for 2 to 4 days. Diarrhea was characterized by soft or fluid stools and fecal staining of the perineum. Inoculation of 3-week-old rabbits resulted in a briefer period of viral shedding and diarrhea of a milder nature. Histopathologic examination during the period of viral shedding revealed a mild, nonsuppurative enteritis. Inoculated rabbits exhibited antibodies in serum to rotavirus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sham-inoculated or uninoculated rabbits maintained in the same cage or the same room with inoculated rabbits acquired rotavirus infection. The mild diarrheal disease which resulted with a rotavirus isolate from severe field cases suggests that cofactors were involved.
The personal use of Facebook by public health professionals in Canada: Implications for public health practice

ABSTRACT Objective: We explored attitudes, beliefs, and experiences of Canadian public health professionals (PHPs) and their personal use of Facebook to assess views of online professionalism and blurring between their professional and personal lives. Methods: Ten public health organizations assisted in distributing an online questionnaire to their members. The questionnaire explored Facebook use, personality factors, and beliefs about online etiquette. Results: Among 621 respondents, 77% had a personal Facebook profile. Participants were unlikely to disclose personal information on Facebook. Generally, participants felt posting workday information online was inappropriate; however, 15 and 26% thought it acceptable to vent about the general public, and post comments about people or beliefs that oppose accepted public health views, respectively. Approximately one in four participants (26%) believed that the personal use of Facebook has an impact on one's role as a public health practitioner. One in eight participants (12%) was likely to search for members of the public with whom they had previous professional contact. The need for popularity and awareness of consequences were key predictors of participants' disclosure on Facebook. Conclusions: Overlap between the private and public lives of Canadian PHPs exists on Facebook, and highlights the potential for damage to public health credibility. Future research should evaluate any real-world impact of comments and venting (via personal Facebook profiles) on public health credibility, especially as public health continues to embrace social media for health interventions where online contact between individual employees of public health organizations and members of the general public is increased.
Glutamatergic Preoptic Area Neurons That Express Leptin Receptors Drive Temperature-Dependent Body Weight Homeostasis

The preoptic area (POA) regulates body temperature, but is not considered a site for body weight control. A subpopulation of POA neurons express leptin receptors (LepRbPOA neurons) and modulate reproductive function. However, LepRbPOA neurons project to sympathetic premotor neurons that control brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis, suggesting an additional role in energy homeostasis and body weight regulation. We determined the role of LepRbPOA neurons in energy homeostasis using cre-dependent viral vectors to selectively activate these neurons and analyzed functional outcomes in mice. We show that LepRbPOA neurons mediate homeostatic adaptations to ambient temperature changes, and their pharmacogenetic activation drives robust suppression of energy expenditure and food intake, which lowers body temperature and body weight. Surprisingly, our data show that hypothermia-inducing LepRbPOA neurons are glutamatergic, while GABAergic POA neurons, originally thought to mediate warm-induced inhibition of sympathetic premotor neurons, have no effect on energy expenditure. Our data suggest a new view into the neurochemical and functional properties of BAT-related POA circuits and highlight their additional role in modulating food intake and body weight. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Brown adipose tissue (BAT)-induced thermogenesis is a promising therapeutic target to treat obesity and metabolic diseases. The preoptic area (POA) controls body temperature by modulating BAT activity, but its role in body weight homeostasis has not been addressed. LepRbPOA neurons are BAT-related neurons and we show that they are sufficient to inhibit energy expenditure. We further show that LepRbPOA neurons modulate food intake and body weight, which is mediated by temperature-dependent homeostatic responses. We further found that LepRbPOA neurons are stimulatory glutamatergic neurons, contrary to prevalent models, providing a new view on thermoregulatory neural circuits. In summary, our study significantly expands our current understanding of central circuits and mechanisms that modulate energy homeostasis.
An enhanced Greitzer compressor model with pipeline dynamics included

The modeling of a centrifugal compressor system with exhaust piping acoustics is presented in this paper. For a centrifugal compressor test rig with modular inlet and exhaust piping, a mathematical model is derived based on the Greitzer compression system model. In order to include the dynamics of the piping acoustics, a transmission line model is added to the original compressor equations, and different compressor piping configurations are tested. The simulation of the resulting mathematical models of the compression system are compared to the measured response. Employing active magnetic bearings to perturb the axial impeller tip clearance of the compressor, the compression system is excited over a wide frequency range and the input-output response from the impeller disturbance to the plenum pressure rise is analyzed. A good agreement is observed between the experimental and theoretical Bode plots.
Grisel syndrome after velopharyngoplasty

We describe two patients with Grisel syndrome (atlantoaxial dislocation) after velopharyngoplasty. One required open fixation, while the other was treated with closed reduction and skull traction. Both patients recovered well after long‐term follow‐up. Early detection and appropiate treatment improve the prognosis.
Recent advances in pathogenesis and management of hypereosinophilic syndromes

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome is a largely heterogeneous disorder defined until now as persistent marked hypereosinophilia of unknown origin generally complicated by end‐organ damage. Recent studies clearly indicate that many patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of this syndrome can now be classified as presenting one of two major disease variants: the myeloproliferative or the lymphocytic variant. Research in cellular and molecular biology has provided firm evidence for the existence of discrete hematological disorders underlying these variants, questioning the pertinence of continued reference to ‘idiopathic’ hypereosinophilic syndrome in such patients. Furthermore, identification of these variants has a number of prognostic and therapeutic implications that must be taken into consideration for adequate management of these patients.
Personality and mortality risk across the life span: the importance of conscientiousness as a biopsychosocial attribute.

OBJECTIVE This study addressed whether personality in childhood and personality in adulthood are independent predictors of mortality risk and the extent to which behavioral and other psychosocial factors can explain observed relationships between personality and mortality risk. DESIGN This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study of 1,253 male and female Californians over 7 decades (1930-2000). Proportional hazards regressions were the principal analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mortality risk (in the form of relative hazards) was the primary outcome. Additional tests of mediators and moderators ascertained whether associations between personality and mortality risk remained significant when psychosocial and behavioral variables were statistically controlled. RESULTS The findings, including a new 14-year additional follow-up in old age, revealed that conscientiousness, measured independently in childhood and adulthood, predicted mortality risk across the full life span. The link from childhood remained robust when adult conscientiousness and certain behavioral variables were controlled. Psychosocial and behavioral variables partly explained the adult conscientiousness-longevity association. CONCLUSION The findings demonstrate the utility and complexity of modern personality concepts in understanding health and point to conscientiousness as a key underexplored area for future biopsychosocial studies.
House Prices, Geographical Mobility, and Unemployment

Geographical mobility correlates positively with house prices and negatively with unemployment over the U.S. business cycle. I present a DSGE model in which declining house prices and tight credit conditions impede the mobility of indebted workers. This reduces the workers' cross-area competition for jobs, causing wages and unemployment to rise. A Bayesian estimation shows that this channel more than quadruples the response of unemployment to adverse housing market shocks. The estimation also shows that adverse housing market shocks caused the decline in mobility during the Great Recession. Absent this decline, the unemployment rate would have been 0.5 p.p. lower.
Comparison of protein kinase C activity and isoform expression in cisplatin‐sensitive and ‐resistant ovarian carcinoma cells

Cellular sensitivity to cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cDDP) can be regulated by protein kinase C (PKC) signal transduction pathway. Activators of PKC were shown to en‐ hance the sensitivity of human ovarian carcinoma 2008 cells to cDDP. We have examined whether or not the PKC signal transduction pathway is affected during‐development of resistance by tumor cells to cDDP. A 2‐fold decrease in PKC activity was observed in cDDP‐resistant ovarian carcinoma 2008 J. C13*5.25 cells compared with the drug‐sensitive 2008 cells. Subceflular distribution studies revealed a reduction in both cytosolic and paniculate PKC activities in 2008/C13*5.25 cells. The pattern of PKC isoform expression was compared in cDDP‐sensitive and ‐resistant cell lines by Western blot analysis with isoform‐specific antibodies to PKC. The parental cells expressed PKCα, ‐ε, and ‐ζ isoforms. The abundance of PKCα decreased significantly in 2008/C 13*5.25 cells, whereas the amount of PKCe increased moderately in the resistant variant, with no alteration in PKCε content. Therefore, a reduction in PKCa and/or an increase in PKCε expression may be associated with the drug‐resistant phenotype. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
I Evade Taxes, and So What? A New Database and Evidence from Colombia

Tax evasion lies at the core of the relationship between citizens and the state: it reflects the level of trust in the state and compliance with society's implicit `social contract'. However, empirically analyzing it is challenging, with few direct and reliable measures. This has hampered the advancement of the theoretical and empirical literature, which is especially underdeveloped in the case of indirect tax evasion. We conduct list experiments on a large sample of households to estimate the incidence of value added tax (VAT) evasion, as well as the extent of social desirability bias in respondent answers. Around 20% of respondents engage in evasion and, surprisingly, they are not ashamed to recognize this openly. Evasion is more prevalent in places with more informality and less physical presence of the state, as well as among poorer, less educated individuals, and those who disregard the rule of law.
The dental safety net in Connecticut.

BACKGROUND Many poor, medically disabled and geographically isolated populations have difficulty accessing private-sector dental care and are considered underserved. To address this problem, public- and voluntary-sector organizations have established clinics and provide care to the underserved. Collectively, these clinics are known as "the dental safety net. " The authors describe the dental safety net in Connecticut and examine the capacity and efficiency of this system to provide care to the noninstitutionalized underserved population of the state. METHODS The authors describe Connecticut's dental safety net in terms of dentists, allied health staff members, operatories, patient visits and patients treated per dentist per year. The authors compare the productivity of safety-net dentists with that of private practitioners. They also estimate the capacity of the safety net to treat people enrolled in Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program. RESULTS The safety net is made up of dental clinics in community health centers, hospitals, the dental school and public schools. One hundred eleven dentists, 38 hygienists and 95 dental assistants staff the clinics. Safety-net dentists have fewer patient visits and patients than do private practitioners. The Connecticut safety-net system has the capacity to treat about 28.2 percent of publicly insured patients. CONCLUSIONS The dental safety net is an important community resource, and greater use of allied dental personnel could substantially improve the capacity of the system to care for the poor and other underserved populations.
Surface energy and surface proton order of the ice Ih basal and prism surfaces

Density-functional theory (DFT) is used to examine the basal and prism surfaces of ice Ih. Similar surface energies are obtained for the two surfaces; however, in each case a strong dependence of the surface energy on surface proton order is identified. This dependence, which can be as much as 50% of the absolute surface energy, is significantly larger than the bulk dependence (<1%) on proton order, suggesting that the thermodynamic ground state of the ice surface will remain proton ordered well above the bulk order–disorder temperature of about 72 K. On the basal surface this suggestion is supported by Monte Carlo simulations with an empirical potential and solution of a 2D Ising model with nearest neighbor interactions taken from DFT. Order parameters that define the surface energy of each surface in terms of nearest neighbor interactions between dangling OH bonds (those which point out of the surface into vacuum) have been identified and are discussed. Overall, these results suggest that proton order–disorder effects have a profound impact on the stability of ice surfaces and will most likely have an effect on ice surface reactivity as well as ice crystal growth and morphology.
Do older adults become more depressed with age in Taiwan? The role of social position and birth cohort

Background: Depression is one of the most commonly encountered mental health problems during older adulthood. This study examines differences in depressive symptom trajectories among older Taiwanese adults across two birth cohorts (1920–1924 and 1925–1929), and explores the relationships between socioeconomic position (SEP) variables and symptom trajectories. Methods: Data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (TLSA) collected between 1989 and 2003 were analysed. The nationally representative sample is composed of community-living adults (n = 2458) in Taiwan aged 60 years and above. Two distinct domains of depressive symptomatology, negative affect and lack of positive affect, assessed by the short form of the Center of Epidemiological Studies–Depression (CES-D) scale were used for all the analyses. Growth curve models were employed to assess the trajectories of depressive symptoms over time. Results: The relationship between ageing and depressive symptoms appeared linear with a minor curvilinear effect. The depressive symptoms in negative affect increased with age (mean linear growth rate = 0.26, p<0.001) but levelled off (mean quadric growth rate = −0.01, p<0.001), while the symptoms in lack of positive affect displayed an opposite trend. The effects of SEP variables also differed by cohort and outcome domain. Conclusions: Remaining active, living with family and having a high level of education are associated with positive affect later in life, while financial strain and poor health are strongly related to negative affect. These results underline the continued role that SEP plays in psychological adjustment over the course of one’s life, independently of ageing.