Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
WORKING PAPER SERIES

Exposure to airborne pollution has substantial adverse health consequences (Cohen et al, 2004). Governments around the world have paid attention to this problem and started to take actions to mitigate it harmful effects. In this paper, we investigate how a change in the consumption tax structure affects car emissions by exploiting exogenous variation from a natural experiment that took place in China. Our results show that this tax policy, which doubled the imposition paid on cars with large engines, reduced the emissions of all the pollutants studied, with the most significant decrease of 11% noted in Particulate Matter and Carbon Monoxide.
Working Paper Series

We present a model in which households facing income and housing-price shocks use long-term mortgages to purchase houses. Interest rates on mortgages reflect the risk of default. The model accounts for observed patterns of housing consumption, mortgage borrowing, and defaults. We use the model as a laboratory to evaluate default-prevention policies. While recourse mortgages make the penalty for default harsher and thus may lower the default rate, they also lower equity and increase payments and thus may increase the default rate. Introducing loan-to-value (LTV) limits for new mortgages increases equity and thus lowers the default rate, with negligible negative effects on housing demand. The combination of recourse mortgages and LTV limits reduces the default rate while boosting housing demand. Recourse mortgages with LTV limits are also necessary to prevent large increases in the mortgage default rate after large declines in the aggregate price of housing. JEL classification: D60, E21, E44.
Recent (5 to 30 years) and historic changes in plant community composition in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, southwest Oregon

According to memoirs and historical anecdotes, weedy species replaced native bunchgrasses at many locales in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument during the late 1800s and early 1900s under high use, season-long grazing by sheep, cattle, and horses. Starting in the 1950s, improved management reduced the spread of medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) and replaced weedy annual grasses with non-native perennial bulbous bluegrass (Poa bulbosa). Anecdotes reported that native perennial grasses increased in response to improved management of the livestock. Recent inventories verify continued increase of native bunchgrass under modern range management practices at certain locations. Re-examination of 15 to 30 year old stand inventories indicates changes in extent and abundance of individual species and lifeforms at the landscape level. Non-native perennial forbs, native or non-native grasslike plants (including sedges), and non-native perennial grasses have increased in extent over time. Only one non-native perennial forb occupies fewer stands than previously. Native and non-native perennial grasses were the only life-forms that changed significantly in cover abundance over time. Individual species showing the most consistent increases in cover abundance over time include short-lived non-native perennial grass bulbous bluegrass, and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menzieszii). Black oak (Quercus kelloggii) was the only species that showed consistent declines in cover abundance across the landscape. Spatial patterns of non-native annual grass reflected the influence of topography, soils and historic livestock grazing. Declines in annual grasses at some locations were matched by increases in abundance at other locations. Indirect evidence from patterns of bulbous bluegrass abundance suggests that livestock promote non-native grass invasion of the landscape, but its decrease on a site with increased grazing indicates that livestock may also reduce bulbous bluegrass with spring grazing. Topographic and edaphic factors influence vegetation composition relative to current livestock-induced changes in species composition. Recent change in herbaceous species extent and cover abundance reflect the invasion of non-native species introduced in seeding trials in the 1960s and 1970s. Increase in Douglas-fir and decline of black oak are consequences of natural succession in the absence of fire.
WORKING PAPER SERIES

In the paper we wish to examine if the firms that i nnovate know a higher growth than the firm that do not. We use diverse waves of CIS for t he French industries over the period 19922004 and carry out different models and new econome tric methods (quantile regression). Our main findings are that innovative firms produce mor e g owth than non innovative firms. The estimates show that the results are robust to the d iff rent types of models that we have implemented. Process innovators are more productive in terms of growth than product innovators when OLS and Random effects models are u sed. The reverse is true for Fix effect model and quantile regression. In the three growth equations estimated by GMM the coefficients related to innovation product are alwa ys higher. Our study does not give definitive results with respect to the magnitude of the effects of the type of innovation on firm growth.
Dupuytren’s contracture : ‘the Z-factor'

contracture (DC) or palmar fasciitis is notorious for its high recurrence rate after surgical fasciec- tomy. In a personal series of 426 operated hands over a 15-year period with a follow-up period of 2 to 17 years, the recurrence rate was only 3.7% (in the literature: 26-63%). The demographics, surgical technique and results are discussed. It is suggested that the possible reason for the low recurrence rate lies in multiple Z-plasties.
Seasonal variation in the bacteriological quality of Eb utte river in ehor community EDO state, Nigeria

The bacteriological quality of Ebutte River in Ehor Community was carried out to ascertain the variation in the quality of the river between August 2010 and January 2011.The bacteriological assessment was studied using the basic microbiological techniques. The bacterial counts were shown to be highest in the inhabited point (3) with downstream (points 4 and 5) showing dilution effects of human activities and upstream (point 1 and 2) showing lower counts due to absence of human activities. Bacterial counts were higher than the acceptable limit of the WHO standards. The total viable counts ranged from 3.40 x 10 5 to 3.71 x 10 6 TVC (cfu/ml) for the months of August 2010 to January 2011. The bacterial counts were shown to be highest in the rainy season and the least total viable counts were recorded in the month of January at sampling point 5. Total coliform counts ranged from 27MPN/100ml to 350MPN/100ml while the faecal coliform counts ranged from 5MPN/100ml to 26MPN/100ml. The faecal Streptococci counts were recorded to range from 0.05) was obtained for faecal Streptococci and Clostridium perfringens counts. Correlation coefficient showed positive relationship between the total viable counts and some of the physicochemical parameters studied. Water quality assessment identified human, animal and agricultural activities as the major sources of water contamination, thus the water from Ebutte river was considered unsuitable for direct human use and it poses a serious threat to the health of the consumers.
Generalized ammonoid hydrostatics modelling, with application to Intornites and intraspecific variation in Amaltheus

ABSTRACT A numerical procedure for calculating the buoyancy, apertural orientation and rotational stability of ammonoids can accommodate noncircular apertures and allometries. The hydrostatic properties of the Triassic oxyconic ammonite Intornites nevadanus were estimated from measured coiling parameters, body chamber length and digitized whorl section. The calculations indicate close to neutral buoyancy. The orientation of the aperture is 33 degrees from the horizontal, and the stability index relatively high at 0.054. Unlike for many other ammonites, these values are comparable to those of Nautilus, suggesting a similar nektobenthic lifestyle. An apertural interior shell callus does not contribute to stability in this genus, and its function remains unknown. In Amaltheus margaritatus, hydrostatic properties and body chamber length vary significantly as a result of intraspecific variation in shell shape. Covariation between septal spacing and whorl shape can be given a functional explanation in terms of hydrostatic properties. Buckman's second law of covariation between ribbing and sutural complexity can possibly be thought of in terms of heterochrony.
Advances in DNA damage response inhibitors in colorectal cancer therapy

One potential cause of cancer is genomic instability that arises in normal cells due to years of DNA damage in the body. The clinical application of radiotherapy and cytotoxic drugs to treat cancer is based on the principle of damaging the DNA of cancer cells. However, the benefits of these treatments also have negative effects on normal tissue. While there have been notable advancements in molecular-driven therapy and immunotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC), a considerable portion of patients with advanced CRC do not experience any benefits from these treatments, leading to a poor prognosis. In recent years, targeted therapy aimed at suppressing the DNA damage response (DDR) in cancer cells has emerged as a potential treatment option for CRC patients, offering them more choices for treatment. Currently, the integration of DDR and clinical intervention remains in the exploratory phase. This review primarily elucidates the fundamental principles of DDR inhibitors, provides an overview of their current clinical application status in CRC, and discusses the advancements as well as limitations observed in relevant studies.
Electrocardiographic Characteristics, Identification, and Management of Frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are frequently encountered in clinical practice. The association of PVCs with adverse cardiovascular outcomes is well established in the context of structural heart disease, yet not so much in the absence of structural heart disease. However, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) seems to contribute prognostically in the latter subgroup. PVC-induced myocardial dysfunction refers to the impairment of ventricular function due to PVCs and is mostly associated with a PVC burden > 10%. Surface 12-lead ECG has long been used to localize the anatomic site of origin and multiple algorithms have been developed to differentiate between right ventricular and left ventricular outflow tract (RVOT and LVOT, respectively) origin. Novel algorithms include alternative ECG lead configurations and, lately, sophisticated artificial intelligence methods have been utilized to determine the origins of outflow tract arrhythmias. The decision to therapeutically address PVCs should be made upon the presence of symptoms or the development of PVC-induced myocardial dysfunction. Therapeutic modalities include pharmacological therapy (I-C antiarrhythmic drugs and beta blockers), as well as catheter ablation, which has demonstrated superior efficacy and safety.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of Peripheral Blood Reveals That Monocytes With High Cathepsin S Expression Aggravate Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Background: Stroke persists as a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. After a stroke, peripheral immune cells are rapidly activated and then infiltrate the central nervous system to cause inflammation in the brain. However, it is not clear when and how these peripheral immune cells affect the central inflammatory response and whether there are intervention targets that can alleviate ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this study, we collected mouse peripheral blood samples at different time points after stroke for single-cell sequencing to reveal the dynamic changes in peripheral immune cells. Methods: We performed single-cell sequencing on peripheral blood of mice at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after ischemia-reperfusion to analyze the changes of subpopulations after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion; Real-time PCR, western blot and ﻿enzyme‑linked immunoabsorbent assay were used to perform mRNA and protein levels verification; ﻿Immunoprecipitation verifies the interaction of proteins and between junctional adhesion molecule (JAM-A) and Cathepsin S (CTSS) protein, in vitro enzyme digestion and silver staining method to detect the protease digestion effect of CTSS.Results: Peripheral monocyte subpopulations increased significantly after ischemia-reperfusion. Pseudo-time trajectory analysis and gene function analysis further suggested that CTSS may play an important role in regulating monocyte activation and leading to proteolysis. Next, we found that the expression of CTSS was significantly increased in monocytes after I/R in mice. Then, we used CTSS inhibitors and knockout mouse experiments to prove that inhibiting its expression can significantly reduce infarct volume and reduce blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage. In addition, we found that CTSS destroys BBB by binding to JAM family proteins to cause them degradation. Conclusion: Inhibition of Cathepsin S attenuated cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury and Cathepsin S can be used as a novel target for drug intervention after stroke.
Somatrogon injection for the treatment of pediatric growth hormone deficiency with comparison to other LAGH products

ABSTRACT Introduction Somatrogon (NGENLA™) is a long-acting GH (LAGH) formulation that was approved in Canada in October 2021 for the treatment of pediatric growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Somatrogon has also received approval in Australia, Japan, the European Union, the USA, and the UK. Somatrogon is a glycoprotein that utilizes three copies of the C-terminal peptide of human chorionic gonadotropin to delay its clearance allowing for once-weekly administration. Areas covered The purpose of this article is to describe the development of somatrogon for treatment of individuals with GHD. Trials of somatrogon demonstrated positive efficacy results in adults (Phase 2) and children (Phase 2 and 3) with GHD including non-inferiority of height velocity compared to daily GH, with no concerning side effects. Growth responses, pharmacodynamics and safety data are compared to other LAGH products, lonapegsomatropin and somapacitan, in Phase 3 trials in pediatric GHD. Expert opinion New LAGH products, including somatrogon, have the potential to increase patient adherence as well as improve quality of life and clinical outcomes. Clinicians will need to identify the best candidates for LAGH therapy and understand how to safely monitor and adjust therapy. Long-term surveillance studies are necessary to demonstrate adherence, efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and safety of LAGH preparations.
foreland-basin system Cretaceous rocks, central Cordilleran - Sequence stratigraphy of nonmarine Jurassic

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The effects of Sao Paulo urban heat island on lightning activity: Decadal analysis (1999–2009)

Eleven years of lightning data from the Brazilian Integrated National Lightning Detection Network were used to analyze the effects of the urban heat island (UHI) of Sao Paulo on lightning activity, extending the investigation of previous works. Cloud‐to‐ground lightning data were analyzed in both spatial and temporal perspectives, using different approaches: flash density, flash rate, thunderstorm hours (TH), and the cell initiation technique (CIT), which aims to identify the onset of thunderstorms. Land surface temperature (LST) from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) was used to analyze the UHI evolution over the years. MODIS data were validated using ground stations, distributed within the urban area. Different time intervals (seasonal and intraday) were used in an attempt to separate local convective systems from synoptic‐scale events. The results indicate significant effects of the UHI (using LST) on THs and CIT. The CIT showed a nearly ring pattern, especially during the afternoon (14:00–18:00 LT) of summer months, reinforcing temperature contrast as a condition for storm initiation. The results also suggest an amplification of the UHI effects on thunderstorm activity by local factors (sea and country breeze, synoptic events, and terrain). Higher flash rates were also observed throughout the urban region, which influences the lightning density. Temporal analysis indicates that minimum temperature and lightning activity increase in wintertime. In summary, the results agree with previous studies about the UHI and indicate its importance on lightning occurrence, especially by increasing the temperature contrast and the instability in these regions.
Incidence of cancer in a nationwide population cohort of 7852 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome in Taiwan

Objectives Patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) are at a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). However, little is known with regard to the risk of developing cancers other than NHL. The authors aimed in this study to compare the incidence of cancer in various sites among patients with pSS with the general population of Taiwan. Methods The authors used National Health Insurance claims data to establish a nationwide population cohort of 7852 patients with pSS from 2000 to 2008 who did not have cancer prior to diagnosis of pSS. Incidence and standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) for cancer in various sites were calculated. Results Among patients with pSS, 277 (2.9%) developed cancer. The SIR for cancer was 1.04 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.18) among patients of all ages with pSS and was 2.19 (95% CI 1.43 to 3.21) for patients aged 25–44 years. Female patients with pSS had a higher risk of NHL (SIR 7.1, 95% CI 4.3 to 10.3), multiple myeloma (SIR 6.1, 95% CI 2.0 to 14.2) and thyroid gland cancer (SIR 2.6, 95% CI 1.4 to 4.3) and a lower risk of colon cancer (SIR 0.22, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.65). In contrast, male patients with pSS were not at a higher risk of developing cancer in particular sites. Conclusion Patients with pSS, overall, did not have higher risk of cancer, and only patients aged 25–44 years were at an increased risk of cancer compared with their counterparts in the general population. Cancer screening for patients with pSS, especially female patients, should focus on NHL and multiple myeloma and thyroid gland cancer.
Screening for latent tuberculosis infection: performance of tuberculin skin test and interferon- γ release assays under real-life conditions

Objectives To characterise optimal screening strategies for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) prior to the initiation of anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy. Methods Patients in 62 German rheumatology centres were evaluated for LTBI. Each patient was screened with a tuberculin skin test (TST) and one form of an interferon- γ release assay (IGRA), either TSPOT.TB (TSPOT) or Quantiferon TB Gold (QFT). Results A total of 1529 patients with rheumatological disease were tested with a TST, 844 with TSPOT and 685 with QFT. TST was positive in 11.3% (n=173). The prevalence of LTBI was 8.0% when deﬁ ned as a positive TST and no previous Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination and 7.9% when based on a positive IGRA. Combining both estimates increased the prevalence of LTBI to 11.1%. Clinical risk factors for LTBI were found in 122 patients (34 with a history of prior TB, 81 close contacts and 27 with suggestive chest x-ray lesions). A compound risk factor (CRF) was deﬁ ned as the presence of at least one of these three risk factors. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the association between CRF and LTBI test outcomes. In multivariate analysis, TST was inﬂ uenced by CRF (OR 6.2; CI 4.08 to 9.44, p<0.001) and BCG vaccination status (OR 2.9; CI 2.00 to 4.35, p<0.001). QFT and TSPOT were only inﬂ uenced by CRF (QFT: OR 2.6; CI 1.15 to 5.98, p=0.021; TSPOT: OR 8.7; CI 4.83 to 15.82, p<0.001). ORs and the agreement of TST and IGRA test results varied by rheumatological disease. Conclusion LTBI test results in an individual patient need to be considered in the context of prior BCG vaccination and clinical risk factors. In patient populations with low rates of TB incidence and BCG vaccination, the use of both TST and IGRA may maximise sensitivity in detecting LTBI but may also reduce speciﬁ city. and tuberculin skin test (TST) results. The effectiveness of recommendations based on EXTENDED REPORT TST testing was proved by a Spanish cohort of patients treated with anti-TNF agents. 2 Cases of TB reactivation that occurred in this cohort after estab-lishment of recommendations were mainly due to non-adherence to recommendations. 3 Interferon- γ release assays (IGRAs) have shown superior results to TST in screening after TB expo-sure. 4 Some national guidelines have recently favoured IGRA testing over TST for detection of LTBI. 5–7 The US Centers for Disease Control suggest using IGRA and TST if risk for progression to active tuberculosis is increased. 8 Nevertheless, there are still open questions concerning the performance of different test systems in immunocom-promised patients, such as patients with rheumatic diseases on immunosuppressive therapy, 9 particularly with respect to the performance of IGRAs under real-life settings in daily practice. We therefore conducted a multicentre study to compare the utility of IGRA and TST in LTBI screening in a large cohort of patients with rheumatic diseases receiv-ing immunosuppressive therapy.
The Effects of the Saving and Banking Glut on the U.S. Economy

We use a quantitative equilibrium model with houses, collateralized debt and foreign borrowing to study the impact of global imbalances on the U.S. economy in the 2000s. Our results suggest that the dynamics of foreign capital flows account for between one fourth and one third of the increase in U.S. house prices and household debt that preceded the financial crisis. The key to these findings is that the model generates the sustained low level of interest rates observed over that period.
What Explains the Stock Market's Reaction to Federal Reserve Policy?

This paper analyzes the impact of changes in monetary policy on equity prices, with the objectives of both measuring the average reaction of the stock market and understanding the economic sources of that reaction. We find that, on average, a hypothetical unanticipated 25‐basis‐point cut in the Federal funds rate target is associated with about a 1% increase in broad stock indexes. Adapting a methodology due to Campbell and Ammer, we find that the effects of unanticipated monetary policy actions on expected excess returns account for the largest part of the response of stock prices.