Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contribution of nonadiabatic ions to the cross-tail current in an O+ dominated thin current sheet

[1] During storm times, O+ can dominate both the pressure and the density in the plasma sheet. Because of the contribution from ion outflow, the plasma sheet is already oxygen-rich prior to substorm onset. At substorm onset the fraction of O+ contributing to the pressure and density increases. In the O+ dominated thin current sheet the O+ ions are observed to stream from dawn to dusk across the tail, as predicted for nonadiabatic ions by Speiser (1965). We calculate the current contribution from these ions and find that they carry about 5–10% of the cross-tail current. During a nonstormtime substorm the general behavior of the O+ is the same. However, because there is less O+ present, the O+ never dominates over H+, and the contribution to the cross-tail current is even less.
New Middle Palaeolithic sites from the Mani Peninsula, Southern Greece

We here report the first results from a systematic research project in Mani (Southern Greece), which includes survey and test excavations. Forty-six caves, rockshelters and open-air sites in lowland settings were surveyed. Geomorphological data were collected in order to assess how geological processes affect the preservation of sites and bias site distribution patterns. Artifacts manufactured from non-local rock indicate potential raw material transfers and suggest links among the different regions of Mani, related to mobility patterns. Our research in the Mani has nearly doubled the number of known Middle Palaeolithic sites from the region and confirmed that the peninsula has the strongest ‘Neanderthal signal’ identified to date in Greece. Almost all sites are located at coastal areas. Despite the influence of Pleistocene landscape dynamics, this distribution emerges as a persistent pattern, perhaps indicating a preference for coastal locations. The Neanderthal occupation of Mani can illuminate important aspects of Middle Palaeolithic adaptation in one of the southernmost coastal regions of Europe.
Continuum theory : presbyphagia to dysphagia ? Functional assessment of

Swallowing disorders have been increasingly recognized as an emerging concern by health care professionals, especially those treating senior patients [1–3]. The beginning of these changes in healthy older adults, understood as presbyphagia, may be silent and slowly progressive, as it occurs in parallel to the aging process [3–5]. Though these alterations put older adults at risk for dysphagia, swallowing in healthy older adults is not necessarily impaired [6]. It presents in some people as a difficulty to swallow up to an inability to swallow; therefore, “any disruption in the swallowing process may be defined as dysphagia” [7]. Patients usually try to adapt themselves to these dysfunctions in many ways: eating a smaller amount of food, adapting the quality of food, increasing the length of their meals, and sometimes avoiding feeding and even hydrating. These compensatory strategies may occur from weeks to months and the subjects are unaware of their behavior changes and their own swallowing disorder [1, 5]. Wirth et al. [1], and Eibling and Coyle [3], experts in dysphagia, alert that swallowing difficulties are still largely unrecognized by patients and health professionals, and may have a greater impact on quality of life and become a public health issue [1–3]. These swallowing disorders can be associated with natural changes of the head and neck anatomy associated with aging and with declining physiological and neurological Abstract Objectives To investigate whether disclosed symptoms (coughing, choking and throat clearing) can be used as early predictors of swallowing disorders in non-hospitalized elderly population. In addition, to determine the presence of early findings of swallowing disorders through fiber optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Materials and methods One hundred subjects older than 60 years were recruited from local community social meetings for seniors, they fulfilled inclusion criteria, and were given an oral interview and underwent FEES, with findings classified as: (1) saliva stasis; (2) pharyngeal residue; (3) penetration; (4) aspiration; (5) laryngeal sensitivity. Results Twenty-one percent of subjects declared previous choking, 10% coughing, and 7% throat clearing, 39% had pharyngeal residue; 6% saliva stasis; 9% penetration; 2% aspiration; and 92% laryngeal sensitivity present. Thirtythree percent showed pharyngeal residue without saliva stasis, while only 6% showed positivity for both (p = 0.003). Conclusions Our data suggest that health care professionals should be aware that among an apparently healthy population, some subjects may have swallowing disorders without clinical complaints and that a nasolaryngoscopy exam may not be enough to predict dysphagia. We suggest that FEES
Supporting text

This supporting text describes in full detail the onchocerciasis disease model which was developed by coupling output from our onchocerciasis transmission (EpiOncho) model— namely the mean number of microfilariae per mg of skin, the derived prevalence of microfilariae, and the derived prevalence of adult female worms—to the incidence and prevalence of onchocercal morbidity and mortality using statistically documented associations between infection and disease previously published. Details are also given on how disability adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated using output from the disease model. Definitions and, where appropriate, values of parameters introduced in the text are given in Supporting Table S1 for the onchocerciasis disease model and Supporting Table S2 for the calculation of DALYs.
Management of Blood Pressure in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide Survey in Korean

Background Hypertension is common in patients with type 2 diabetes, affecting up to 60% of patients. The Korean Diabetes Association performed a nationwide survey about prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension among diabetic Koreans. Methods The current survey included 3,859 diabetic patients recruited from 43 hospitals in Korea. Age, gender, height, weight and blood pressure (BP) were measured by standard methods. Data on fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), awareness of hypertension, and compliance of antihypertensive medication were collected via interview and reviewed using patient medical records. Results A total of 57.5% of all patients were >60 years old. Their mean HbA1c was 7.6±1.5%. Among antihypertensive medication users, 39.9% had <130 mm Hg and <80 mm Hg, whereas 60.1% had ≥130 mm Hg or ≥80 mm Hg. The answer "BP is under good control" was given by 75.1% of the antihypertensive medication users. Out of these patients, 26.4% had <130 mm Hg and <80 mm Hg, whereas 73.6% had ≥130 mm Hg or ≥80 mm Hg. A total of 75.5% of antihypertensive medication users answered that they had taken their antihypertensive medication every day for the past 2 weeks. "Forgetfulness" was most frequently the reason of non-compliance for patients that did not take their antihypertensive medication regularly. Conclusion Approximately one third of the patients with diabetes were found to reach target blood pressure control in the 43 hospitals across Korea. Stricter control is needed to reduce severe complications of diabetes in Korea.
Local human capital, segregation by skill, and skill-specific employment growth

"Labour markets in most highly developed countries are marked by rising levels of skill segregation in the production process and increasing inequalities in skill-specific employment prospects. Local human capital has a likely effect on skill specific productivity levels and employment growth. Furthermore, theoretical studies suggest that skill segregation might matter for the polarisation of wages and employment. There are several studies investigating the influence of the local human capital endowment on qualification-specific wages levels. However, analyses on regional employment growth by different skill levels are still scarce and empirical evidence on the effects of skill segregation on qualification-specific employment is completely lacking. This paper investigates the effects of the local skill composition and skill segregation in the production process on qualification-specific employment growth in West German regions. This study provides first evidence for negative effects of skill segregation on low-skilled employment growth. Furthermore, the results show that a large share of local high-skilled employment does not foster further regional concentration of human capital but positively affects the employment prospects of less skilled workers. " (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))
HWWI Research Paper

This paper deals with the development of disparities in regional per capita GDP and convergence processes in the enlarged EU. A cross-section of 861 regions is analysed for the period from 1995 to 2003. Firstly, we apply Theil’s index of inequality in order to show the development of betweenand within-country disparities. Secondly, we conduct a formal β-convergence analysis, taking into account the effects of spatial dependence and controlling for national effects. The analyses show that poorer regions mainly situated in the European periphery have tended to grow faster than the relatively rich regions in the centre of Europe. However, the convergence process has been driven mainly by national factors. In the course of this process, regional disparities within the new member countries have actually increased. Furthermore, we find that spatial growth spillovers lose relevance when crossing a national border. Thus, border impediments still matter for the intensity of economic cross-border integration in the EU.
Employment Convergence of Immigrants in the European Union Differences across Genders, Regions of Origin and Destination

In light of the importance of immigrants’ labour market integration in the host countries, this study examines the employment convergence between foreign-born and native-born in the European Union (EU) based on the EU Labour Force Survey (EU LFS). The evidence points to numerous differences in assimilation patterns across immigrant groups (EU-born versus third country immigrants), genders and receiving EU regions. Potential explanations for these differences, such as the occupational composition of immigrants are discussed. Furthermore, predictions of the family investment hypothesis in terms of the human capital investment of the partners are tested in light of the finding that the employment rate of females born outside the EU exceeds that of similar native-born in the Southern EU member states.
Long-term survival following postoperative myocardial infraction after coronary artery bypass surgery

Background Postoperative myocardial infraction (MI) is a serious complication among patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). Data on the impact of postoperative MI on patients undergoing CABG, specifically with respect to their long term outcomes are sparse. Methods We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent isolated CABG between January 2014 and December 2016 and identified those who fulfilled the definition of the type 5MI following CABG according to the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction. Results A total of 4,642 CABG patients were identified, of whom 141 (3.04%) were diagnosed with postoperative MI. The mean follow-up time was 5.1±2.07 years (range, 4.4–6.9 years). Postoperative MI was more common in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome, when compared to stable angina (22.8% vs. 31.9%; P=0.011) and in those with non-elective versus planned surgery (28.4% vs. 18.4%; P=0.003). Postoperative MI after CABG was associated with an increased rate of postoperative complications, including cardiac tamponade and re exploration for bleeding. Mortality after postoperative MI was higher at short-term follow-up (up to one year) and long-term follow-up (up to five years). The risk factors for postoperative MI after CABG were incomplete revascularization (IR) [OR (95% CI): 2.25 (1.59–3.12), P=0.001], non-elective surgery [OR (95% CI): 1.68 (1.10–2.54), P=0.015] and female gender [OR (95% CI): 1.48 (1.01–2.18), P=0.045]. Conclusions PMI after CABG is associated with reduced short- and long-term survival. The main risk factors for postoperative MI are IR, female gender, and non-elective surgery.
Pay for Performance ? CEO Compensation and Acquirer Returns in BHCs

We examine the effect of incentive-based compensation on bank mergers. Controlling for other characteristics, we find that banks with higher pay-performance sensitivity (PPS) are less likely to engage in mergers. However, when these high PPS managers do undertake mergers, financial markets expect good results and react positively. We find positive abnormal announcement returns for both bondholders and stockholders for banks with high PPS executives. Following acquisitions, these banks also experience significantly more improvement in their operating performance as measured by ROA.
Activation of Toxin-Antitoxin System Toxins Suppresses Lethality Caused by the Loss of σE in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT σE, an alternative σ factor that governs a major signaling pathway in envelope stress responses in Gram-negative bacteria, is essential for growth of Escherichia coli not only under stressful conditions, such as elevated temperature, but also under normal laboratory conditions. A mutational inactivation of the hicB gene has been reported to suppress the lethality caused by the loss of σE. hicB encodes the antitoxin of the HicA-HicB toxin-antitoxin (TA) system; overexpression of the HicA toxin, which exhibits mRNA interferase activity, causes cleavage of mRNAs and an arrest of cell growth, while simultaneous expression of HicB neutralizes the toxic effects of overproduced HicA. To date, however, how the loss of HicB rescues the cell lethality in the absence of σE and, more specifically, whether HicA is involved in this process remain unknown. Here we showed that simultaneous disruption of hicA abolished suppression of the σE essentiality in the absence of hicB, while ectopic expression of wild-type HicA, but not that of its mutant forms without mRNA interferase activity, restored the suppression. Furthermore, HicA and two other mRNA interferase toxins, HigB and YafQ, suppressed the σE essentiality even in the presence of chromosomally encoded cognate antitoxins when these toxins were overexpressed individually. Interestingly, when the growth media were supplemented with low levels of antibiotics that are known to activate toxins, E. coli cells with no suppressor mutations grew independently of σE. Taken together, our results indicate that the activation of TA system toxins can suppress the σE essentiality and affect the extracytoplasmic stress responses. IMPORTANCE σE is an alternative σ factor involved in extracytoplasmic stress responses. Unlike other alternative σ factors, σE is indispensable for the survival of E. coli even under unstressed conditions, although the exact reason for its essentiality remains unknown. Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are widely distributed in prokaryotes and are composed of two adjacent genes, encoding a toxin that exerts harmful effects on the toxin-producing bacterium itself and an antitoxin that neutralizes the cognate toxin. Curiously, it is known that inactivation of an antitoxin rescues the σE essentiality, suggesting a connection between TA systems and σE function. We demonstrate here that toxin activation is necessary for this rescue and suggest the possible involvement of TA systems in extracytoplasmic stress responses.
Evaluation of clinically relevant states in patient reported outcomes in knee and hip osteoarthritis: the patient acceptable symptom state

Background: The patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) is the value beyond which patients can consider themselves well. This concept can help in interpreting results of clinical trials. Objective: To determine the PASS estimate for patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) by assessing pain, patient’s global assessment of disease activity, and functional impairment. Methods: A 4 week prospective multicentre cohort study of 1362 outpatients with knee or hip OA was carried out. Data on assessment of pain and patient’s global assessment of disease, measured on visual analogue scales, and functional impairment, measured on the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) function subscale, were collected at baseline and final visits. The patients assessed their satisfaction with their current state at the final visit. An anchoring method based on the patient’s opinion was used. Results: For patients with knee and hip OA, the estimates of PASS were, respectively, 32.3 and 35.0 mm for pain, 32.0 and 34.6 mm for patient global assessment of disease activity, and 31.0 and 34.4 points for WOMAC function score. The PASS varied moderately across the tertiles of baseline scores but not across age, disease duration, or sex. Conclusion: The use of PASS in clinical trials would provide more meaningful results expressed as a proportion of patients in an acceptable symptom state.
Size Fractionation of Metabolically Active Phytoplankton and Bacteria in Two Diverse Lentic Systems

Simultaneous size fractionation of plankton populations associated with NaH^14CO_3 and ^3H-glucose uptake was employed in eutrophic Lake Texoma (Texas and Oklahoma) and oligotrophic Flathead Lake (Montana). Autoradiography was utilized to determine the role of specific microorganisms in community metabolism. Ultraplankton (0.45-10 μm) dominated plankton numbers and metabolic activity in both aquatic systems. Many of the most abundant species were not the most productive, in terms of inorganic C fixation. Rates of heterotrophic uptake of ^3H-glucose were small in comparison to photolithotrophic uptake in both lakes, Photoheterotrophy was more extensive in Flathead Lake, Autoradiographs indicated that bacteria were responsible for observed photoheterotrophy. Oscillatoria sp. exhibited. mixotrophy in Lake Texoma,
Understanding Catalysis—A Simplified Simulation of Catalytic Reactors for CO2 Reduction

The realistic numerical simulation of chemical processes, such as those occurring in catalytic reactors, is a complex undertaking, requiring knowledge of chemical thermodynamics, multi-component activated rate equations, coupled flows of material and heat, etc. A standard approach is to make use of a process simulation program package. However for a basic understanding, it may be advantageous to sacrifice some realism and to independently reproduce, in essence, the package computations. Here, we set up and numerically solve the basic equations governing the functioning of plug-flow reactors (PFR) and continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTR), and we demonstrate the procedure with simplified cases of the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to form the synthetic fuels methanol and methane, each of which involves five chemical species undergoing three coupled chemical reactions. We show how to predict final product concentrations as a function of the catalyst system, reactor parameters, initial reactant concentrations, temperature, and pressure. Further, we use the numerical solutions to verify the “thermodynamic limit” of a PFR and a CSTR, and, for a PFR, to demonstrate the enhanced efficiency obtainable by “looping” and “sorption-enhancement”.
Velocities of seismic waves in porous rocks

Velocities of seismic compressional and shear waves in porous rocks under different saturation conditions are calculated theoretically and compared with laboratory data. For theoretical formulations, the rocks are represented by a solid matrix and pores of spherical and oblate spheroidal shapes. The effect of confining pressure on velocities is calculated by taking into account pore closing and saturant compressibilities.The theoretical calculations show that with all other parameters fixed, thin pores (small aspect ratios) have much greater effects on elastic moduli and velocities than rounded pores at the same concentration. The properties of the saturating fluid (gas, oil, or water) have greater effects on the compressional velocities than on shear velocities. The velocities of compressional waves are higher when the rock is saturated with water than when it is dry or gas-saturated. For shear waves the behavior is generally opposite, with shear velocities higher in the dry or gas-saturated case than in the water-saturated case.Compressional and shear velocities measured as a function of pressure in laboratory samples of granite, limestone, and sandstone, under dry and water-saturated states, are fitted with theoretical curves and pore shape spectra which fit the data are calculated. A spectrum of pore shapes ranging from spheres to very fine cracks (aspect ratios 1 to 10 (super -5) ) is required to fit the data. Theoretical velocities calculated using these models fit the measured velocities in water-saturated and frozen rocks, as well as the compressional velocities in partially saturated rocks.With the rock models derived on the basis of laboratory data, theoretical seismic velocities are calculated for various pressures and temperatures for reservoir rocks fully or partially saturated with gas, oil, or brine. Compressional velocities are highest for brine saturation and lowest for gas saturation. The difference decreases with increasing pressure. The presence of a small amount (5 percent) of gas in brine as an immiscible mixture reduces the compressional velocities significantly, even below those of fully gas-saturated values at some pressures.The reflection coefficients for compressional waves at a gas-brine interface in a model of a sandstone are high at pressures corresponding to shallow and moderate (less than about 8000 ft) depths. At greater confining pressures, reflection coefficients become small, except when the pore fluid pressure (gas pressure) is very high. Thus, large reflections or 'bright spots' from great depths may indicate overpressured formations. The reflection coefficients from mixed gas-brine interfaces are lower than those of pure gas interfaces. A combination of interval velocities and reflection amplitudes may help identify the mixed gas-brine reservoirs. Poisson's ratios for gas-saturated rocks are lower than those for brine-saturated. This difference persists to great depths.