Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transportation and the Decentralization of Chinese Cities

This version: May 4th, 2012 Abstract: It is widely believed that transportation infrastructure has important impacts on the development of cities. Specifically, we expect that improvements to urban infrastructure generate welfare benefits by reducing commuting and shipping costs, that they affect driving behavior, that they affect the physical layout of cities and that they affect the organization of activities within cities. Until recently, however, there has been little systematic evidence with which to evaluate claims about the effects of transportation infrastructure on the development of cities and regions. In this paper, we describe the evolution of Chinese transportation infrastructure and how it relates to the evolution of location patterns of population and production in Chinese cities and surrounding regions. Using empirical evidence from our work with Loren Brandt, Vernon Henderson and Qinghua Zhang on the causal effects of various types of transportation infrastructure on the decentralization of Chinese cities, we evaluate the efficacy of various urban transport infrastructure policies for China. Finally, we put our results in context of the existing literature on the effects of infrastructure on productivity and the allocation of resources across locations.
Paleoecología de los Bonapartherioidea (Marsupialia, Polydolopimorphia, Bonapartheriiformes)

Abstract. PALEOECOLOGY OF BONAPARTHERIOIDEA (MARSUPIALIA, POLYDOLOPIMORPHIA, BONAPARTHERIIFORMES). The wear pattern, occlusal movement, body mass, and diversity of Bonapartherioidea families are analyzed. Hypothesis for the dietary habits and possible extinction causes are developed. Bonaparteroids are divided into three groups according to the development of Phase II in the chewing cycle. Grinding facet 5 is not developed in Prepidolopidae, is slightly developed in Rosendolopidae, and is broadly developed in Bonapartheriidae and Gashterniidae. Lateral movements characterize the occlusion of Prepidolopidae and Rosendolopidae, while oblique movements are typical of Bonapartheriidae and Gashterniidae. During the Peligran age—Vacan subage, species of Bonaparteroids occupied frugivorous, insectivorous, and folivorous niches. From the Barrancan age to La Cantera fauna, they mostly occupied the granivorous and insectivorous niches. Bonaparteroids became extinct during the Eocene/ Oligocene boundary, probably associated with an abrupt fall in temperature and precipitations.
Basin evolution in western Newfoundland: New insights from hydrocarbon exploration

The Humber zone is the most external zone of the Appalachian orogen in western Newfoundland. It records multiphase deformation of the Cambrian-Ordovician passive margin and of the Ordovician to Devonian foreland basins by the Taconian, Salinian, and Acadian orogenic events. The recent phase of exploration drilling has provided new evidence for structural, stratigraphic, reservoir, and source rock maturation models of western Newfoundland. The first well, Port au Port 1, supported the hypothesis that the Round Head thrust had an earlier extensional history prior to the Acadian compressional inversion that created the present-day structural high of the Port au Port Peninsula. The well tested a small anticline formed in a footwall shortcut fault of the Round Head thrust. The second well, Long Point M-16, was drilled at the northern tip of Long Point to test a triangle zone identified by previous workers. This well demonstrates that the frontal monocline at the western edge of the triangle zone is elevated by a stack of imbricate thrusts composed of rocks of the Taconian allochthon and compressional basement-involved faults that have uplifted the Cambrian-Ordovician carbonate platform. The structural model developed in the Port au Port area with the aid of these wells has been extended throughout the Humber zone in western Newfoundland. Changes in structural style illustrated by regional cross sections suggest that prospective trap geometries are only developed in the southern and central parts of the region. The reservoir model proposed invokes exposure and karsting of the footwalls of extensional faults formed as the carbonate platform collapsed during a Middle Ordovician hiatus, the St. George unconformity. Structural relief became more pronounced as extensional collapse continued through the Middle Ordovician. (Begin page 394) These structurally high fault footwalls became the foci for dolomitizing and mineralizing fluids that used major faults as fluid conduits during the Devonian. Fluids deposited sulphide ores and created zebra and sparry dolomite and some sucrosic hydrothermal dolomites in the St. George Group and the Table Point Formation. The reservoir model, maturity and source rock data, and the structural models have been combined with seismic and onshore surface geology. This enables the prospectivity of the western Newfoundland Cambrian-Ordovician play trend to be evaluated for further exploration.
Dupilumab Treatment Efficacy and Impact on Clinical Scores, Serum Biomarkers, and Itch in Adult Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Analysis

Purpose Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the signaling pathways of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Dupilumab has been reported to attenuate itch and reduce several serum markers, including blood lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood eosinophil count, and serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE). Patients and Methods The present study investigated retrospectively changes in clinical scores and serum biomarker from 175 adults with moderate-to-severe AD treated with dupilumab. Clinical manifestations were assessed using eczema area and severity index (EASI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for itch at baseline and subsequently at 16-week intervals up to a duration of 48 weeks. Total IgE, LDH and blood eosinophil count were also collected. Results The dupilumab treatment significantly improved EASI and VAS scores and decreased serum levels of IgE, LDH, and total eosinophil count. The EASI scores were positively correlated with VAS for itch at all recorded time points, whereas serum biomarkers did not exhibit a strong correlation with EASI scores. Conclusion These findings highlight the close relationship between the extent and severity of eczema and the intensity of itch experienced by patients and suggest that factors beyond the measured serum biomarkers play a significant role in the clinical manifestations of AD, emphasizing the complex nature of the disease.
Leadership and the more-important-than-average effect: Overestimation of group goals and the justification of unethical behavior

This research investigates the empirical assumptions behind the claim that leaders exaggerate the importance of their group’s goals more so than non-leaders and that they may use these beliefs to justify deviating from generally accepted moral requirements when doing so is necessary for goal achievement. We tested these biased thought processes across three studies. The results from these three studies established the more-important-than-average effect, both for real and illusory groups. Participants claimed that their group goals are more important than the goals of others, and this effect was stronger for leaders than for non-leading group members. In Study 3, we demonstrated the justification bias and connected this bias to beliefs about the importance of group goals. Participants indicated that they would be more justified than others in engaging in unethical behaviors to attain their group’s goals; leaders reported being more justified in such deviations than non-leaders; and the more highly leaders evaluated their group’s goals, the greater justification bias they reported.
The Development of Dermatonotus muelleri ( Anura : Microhylidae : Gastrophryninae )

—The monophyly of Microhylidae is supported by an overwhelming accumulation of synapomorphic larval features. Despite the distinctiveness of the microhylid tadpole, few studies have focused on larval development. Microhylid larval morphology is usually described and based on standard tables that imply that developmental events at equivalent stages of overall tadpole development are independent from species-specific patterns of developmental timing. Herein, we present additional developmental data based on external morphology and field data on larval growth for the gastrophrynine microhylidDermatonotus muelleri. We describe internal morphological variation (e.g., skeletal and soft systems) during larval development. The results indicate that the onset of some metamorphic changes occur earlier than those implied in current anuran developmental tables. This study provides baseline information for microhylid species that will allow comparisons of ontogenetic trajectories, heterochronic patterns influencing larval body plan, and the role of larval morphology on the adult microhylid body
Multi-method monitoring of Glacier d’Argentière dynamics

Abstract The flow of Glacier d’Argentière, French Alps, has been extensively studied by glaciologists for >100 years, but high-temporal- and high-spatial-resolution monitoring of its dynamics has rarely been carried out. In this paper, the terminal part of the main glacier was selected to undertake such a survey. The 2 month experiment (September–November 2013) included remote sensing to map the velocity field of the whole area, and a network of in situ measurements to record the ice velocity at the surface as well as at the base of the glacier with high precision and at high temporal resolution. These monitoring methods are combined to produce a comprehensive and reliable picture of the ice flow. Basal and surface in situ measurements are used to precisely monitor the temporal variability of the ice flow at a section of the glacier where crevassed areas and non-cracked ice coexist. The achieved results are an innovative and efficient tool to investigate the acceleration/deceleration pattern heterogeneities in ice flow that occur after heavy rainfall.
Global equatorial plasma bubble occurrence during the 2015 St. Patrick's Day storm

An analysis of the occurrence of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) around the world during the 2015 St. Patrick's Day geomagnetic storm is presented. A network of 12 Global Positioning System receivers spanning from South America to Southeast Asia was used, in addition to colocated VHF receivers at three stations and four nearby ionosondes. The suppression of postsunset EPBs was observed across most longitudes over 2 days. The EPB observations were compared to calculations of the linear Rayleigh‐Taylor growth rate using coupled thermosphere‐ionosphere modeling, which successfully modeled the transition of favorable EPB growth from postsunset to postmidnight hours during the storm. The mechanisms behind the growth of postmidnight EPBs during this storm were investigated. While the latter stages of postmidnight EPB growth were found to be dominated by disturbance dynamo effects, the initial stages of postmidnight EPB growth close to local midnight were found to be controlled by the higher altitudes of the plasma (i.e., the gravity term). Modeling and observations revealed that during the storm the ionospheric plasma was redistributed to higher altitudes in the low‐latitude region, which made the plasma more susceptible to Rayleigh‐Taylor growth prior to the dominance of the disturbance dynamo in the eventual generation of postmidnight EPBs.
Cumulative Impacts of Wetlands on

The total effect of cumulative impacts on the water quality functions of wetlands cannot be predicied from the sum of the effects each individual impact would have by itself. The wetland is not a simple filter; it embodies chemical, physical, and biotic processes that can detain, transform, re- loadings. It may be more likely if an impact alters the biota or hydrology of a wetland and thereby changes the underlying water quality mechanisms. Traditional, intuitive notions of wetlands as filters are not adequate to assess the behavior of wetland water quality functions. We therefore begin this dis- cussion of cumulative impact with an overview of wet- land biogeochemical processes. We later consider sev- eral of the more common wetland alterations (im- pacts), the processes they are likely to affect, and the likelihood that cumulative impact is involved. The final section considers tools available to the wetland manager to assess the state of a wetland's water quality functions, and to help determine the fikelihood that a cumulative impact situation exists. While no formal, generic, chemically appropriate assessment methodol- ogies are available, several specific suggestions are made regarding the development of case-by-case wet- land assessments and future research.
Impact of Fc receptors and host characteristics on myeloid phagocytic response to rituximab-treated 3D-cultured B-cell lymphoma

Summary Antibody-based immunotherapy is successful in treating cancer, but its effectiveness varies among patients. Therefore, understanding myeloid phagocytic responses to therapeutic antibodies is critical. Immunoglobulin Fc receptors and host characteristics were evaluated in phagocytosis of 3D-cultured CD20+ B-cell lymphoma (spheroids) treated with different anti-CD20 rituximab (RTX) monoclonal antibody isotypes. Monocytes from healthy donors of different ages and sexes were isolated, and their Fc receptors for IgG (FcγRI, FcγRIIa, FcγRIIIa) and IgA (FcαRI) were determined, as well as Fc receptor gene polymorphisms. Antibody-dependent phagocytosis was assessed using flow cytometry, confocal imaging, and Fc receptor blocking. RTX isotypes showed varying efficacy in stimulating the phagocytosis of spheroids. RTX-IgG3 proved to be the most efficient, followed by RTX-IgG1. Monocytes infiltrated RTX-treated spheroids at the periphery but migrated also into the core when stimulated with RTX-IgG3. Blocking FcγRI or FcγRIIa, but not FcγRIIIa, with antibodies inhibited RTX-IgG1 and RTX-IgG3-mediated phagocytosis. Monocytes from younger women demonstrated higher FcγRI and FcγRIIa levels compared to older women, while older men displayed increasing FcγRI and FcγRIIIa levels compared to younger men. Monocytes from younger women displayed greater phagocytic activity compared to older women, while older men had better IgG-mediated phagocytosis than younger men. Single Fc receptor levels, or FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa genetic variants, had a low correlation with phagocytic intensity, likely as a result of multiple engagements of Fcreceptors for IgG-mediated phagocytosis. In conclusion, antibody isotype, Fc receptors, age, and sex influence tumor phagocytosis. This study exposes the relationship between host traits and the efficacy of therapeutic antibodies, providing insights into cancer immunotherapy treatment.
Nitrification rates and associated nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soils – a synopsis

Laboratory incubations were performed to estimate nitrification rates and the associated nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions under aerobic conditions on a range of soils from National Agricultural Nitrous Oxide Research Program field sites. Significant site-to-site variability in nitrification rates and associated N2O emissions was observed under standardised conditions, indicating the need for site-specific model parameterisation. Generally, nitrification rates and N2O emissions increased with higher water content, ammonium concentration and temperature, although there were exceptions. It is recommended that site-specific model parameterisation be informed by such data. Importantly, the ratio of N2O emitted to net nitrified N under aerobic conditions was small (<0.2% for the majority of measurements) but did vary from 0.03% to 1%. Some models now include variation in the proportion of nitrified N emitted as N2O as a function of water content; however, strong support for this was not found across all of our experiments, and the results demonstrate a potential role of pH and ammonium availability. Further research into fluctuating oxygen availability and the coupling of biotic and abiotic processes will be required to progress the process understanding of N2O emissions from nitrification.
Infrared emissivity of lunar surface features: 2. Interpretation

Thermal emission spectra of six different areas on the lunar surface are discussed in the light of laboratory studies of the spectral emissivity of rocks and minerals. It is shown that the emission maxima characteristics of lunar spectra are similar to emission maxima found in the spectra of particulate rock samples. Such emission maxima are shown to be diagnostic of general rock type, within limits that are defined. Differences in emission maxima of their respective spectra indicate a significant difference in bulk composition between the material ejected by the craters Copernicus and Theophilus and the surface material of the two circular maria, Imbrium and Serenitatis. Barring some unknown measurement error in the spectra, or some unanticipated effect of the lunar environment on surface spectral behavior, we can conclude that the crater materials display an emissivity maximum characteristic of silica-poor basic rocks, while the circular maria display a maximum characteristic of silica-rich ultrabasic rocks. If this preliminary result is confirmed by future research, it has profound implications for the origin and evolution of the lunar crust.
Investigating the replacement of carboxylates with carboxamides to modulate the safety and efficacy of platinum(II) thioether cyanide scavengers

Abstract Cyanide represents a persistent threat for accidental or malicious misuse due to easy conversion into a toxic gas and access to large quantities through several industries. The high safety index of hydroxocobalamin is a cornerstone quality as a cyanide scavenger. Unfortunately, intravenous infusion of hydroxocobalamin limits the utility in a mass casualty setting. We previously reported platinum(II) [Pt(II)] complexes with trans-directing sulfur ligands as an efficacious alternative to hydroxocobalamin when delivered by a bolus intramuscular (IM) injection in mice and rabbits. Thus, to enable Pt(II) as an alternative to hydroxocobalamin, a high safety factor is needed. The objective is to maintain efficacy and mitigate the risk of nephrotoxicity. Platinum amino acid complexes with the ability to form 5- or 6-membered rings and possessing either carboxylates or carboxamides are evaluated in vitro for cyanide scavenging. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in the zebrafish and mice cyanide exposure models. In addition, Pt(II) complex toxicity and pharmacokinetics were evaluated in a cyanide naive Sprague Dawley model. Doses for toxicity are escalated to 5× from the efficacious dose in mice using a body surface area adjustment. The results show the carboxamide ligands display a time and pH dependence on cyanide scavenging in vitro and efficacy in vivo. Additionally, exchanging the carboxylate for carboxamide showed reduced indications of renal injury. A pharmacokinetic analysis of the larger bidentate complexes displayed rapid absorption by IM administration and having similar plasma exposure. These findings point to the importance of pH and ligand structures for methionine carboxamide complexes with Pt(II).
Review of research in fluvial geomorphology 2010–2011

This progress report on the discipline of fluvial geomorphology for the calendar years 2010–2011 extends the analysis carried out by Stott (2010, 2011) of papers published in Earth Surface Processes and Landforms (ESPL) during the calendar years 2006–2007 and 2008–2009 to include the period of 2010–2011. A total of 327 papers were published in the 30 issues of ESPL during the review period, up from 284 during 2006–2007 and 300 in 2008–2009. Of these papers, 175 (54%) were within the subject area of fluvial geomorphology, compared to 125 out of 284 (44%) in the 2006–2007 period, and 113 out of 297 (38%) in the 2008–2009 period. In comparing the three two-year periods covering 2006–2011, the numbers of papers in each of 10 subdisciplines within fluvial geomorphology (e.g. bank erosion, hydraulics, soil erosion) changed markedly. For example, river management, restoration and the effects of vegetation on fluvial systems changed from first in rank in 2006–2007 to tied in fourth place in 2008–2009 and eighth in 2010–2011. In contrast, the subdiscipline of soil erosion was consistently the second-ranked topic in each of the three two-year periods. Following the analysis of patterns of publications in ESPL, selected papers from each of the 10 subdisciplines are reviewed. The articles discussed were selected by searching using keywords from the 10 subdisciplines using http://scholar.google. co.uk, then selecting a relevant journal article from the first 10 hits returned. In this way, 33 papers drawn from 22 journals were sampled and their key findings are summarized.
Assessing professionalism in mental health clinicians: development and validation of a situational judgement test

Background Situational judgement test (SJT) scores have been observed to predict actual workplace performance. They are commonly used to assess non-academic attributes as part of selection into many healthcare roles. However, no validated SJT yet exists for recruiting into mental health services. Aims To develop and validate an SJT that can evaluate procedural knowledge of professionalism in applicants to clinical roles in mental health services. Method SJT item content was generated through interviews and focus groups with 56 professionals, patients and carers related to a large National Health Service mental health trust in England. These subject matter experts informed the content of the final items for the SJT. The SJT was completed by 73 registered nurses and 36 allied health professionals (AHPs). The primary outcome measure was supervisor ratings of professionalism and effectiveness on a relative percentile rating scale and was present for 69 of the participating nurses and AHPs. Personality assessment scores were reported as a secondary outcome. Results SJT scores statistically significantly predicted ratings of professionalism (β = 0.31, P = 0.01) and effectiveness (β = 0.32, P = 0.01). The scores demonstrated statistically significant incremental predictive validity over the personality assessment scores for predicting supervisor ratings of professionalism (β = 0.26, P = 0.03). Conclusions These findings demonstrate that a carefully designed SJT can validly assess important personal attributes in clinicians working in mental health services. Such assessments are likely to represent evidence based, cost-effective tools that can support values-based recruitment to mental health service roles.