Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“It's optional, not mandatory”: Environmental justice in local environmental agencies in Germany

ABSTRACT Environmental justice is increasingly becoming a subject of academic debate in Germany. However, the realisation that environmental goods and hazards as well as the impacts of environmental policies are unequally distributed among social groups has not had many practical consequences yet. There are scattered initiatives and pilot projects aiming to address issues of environmental justice. Nevertheless, in the design and implementation of environmental policies there is no systematic consideration of their social dimension. In this paper, we outline the perspective of employees in German local environmental agencies on environmental justice. For this purpose, we conducted six qualitative interviews, which focused on the example of low emission zones. We identified three crucial aspects in these interviews: problem perception, motivation to act and perceived scope of action. Our main finding is that environmental justice is hardly an issue for environmental agencies and that this is the case because there is no necessity for them to consider social aspects in their work as this is neither legally required nor demanded in the public debate.
Reforms, the Weather, and Productivity Growth in China's Grain Sector

We use disaggregate county-level production data to study the effects of economic reform on China's grain production between 1980 and 1990. China's grain production area is divided into five regions based on geographic, agronomic, and meteorological criteria. Regional grain production functions are estimated, and weather is explicitly modeled. The institutional impact of economic reform was found to explain about 38% of the production growth from 1980 to 1985. This is lower than the estimates reported in many previous studies. Regional differences in efficiency gains from economic reform and in the effects of weather on grain production are found to be significant. Copyright 1997, Oxford University Press.
Collection efficiency of α -pinene secondary organic aerosol particles explored via light-scattering single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry

Abstract. We investigated the collection efficiency and effective ionization efficiency for secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles made from α-pinene + O3 using the single-particle capabilities of the aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS). The mean count-based collection efficiency (CEp) for SOA across these experiments is 0.30 (±0.04 SD), ranging from 0.25 to 0.40. The mean mass-based collection efficiency (CEm) is 0.49 (±0.07 SD). This sub-unit collection efficiency and delayed vaporization is attributable to particle bounce in the vaporization region. Using the coupled optical and chemical detection of the light-scattering single-particle (LSSP) module of the AMS, we provide clear evidence that delayed vaporization is somewhat of a misnomer for these particles: SOA particles measured as a part of the AMS mass distribution do not vaporize at a slow rate; rather, they flash-vaporize, albeit often not on the initial impact with the vaporizer but instead upon a subsequent impact with a hot surface in the vaporization region. We also find that the effective ionization efficiency (defined as ions per particle, IPP) decreases with delayed arrival time. CEp is not a function of particle size (for the mobility diameter range investigated, 170–460 nm), but we did see a decrease in CEp with thermodenuder temperature, implying that oxidation state and/or volatility can affect CEp for SOA. By measuring the mean ions per particle produced for monodisperse particles as a function of signal delay time, we can separately determine CEp and CEm and thus more accurately measure the relative ionization efficiency (compared to ammonium nitrate) of different particle types.
Characterization of the cathepsin-like cysteine proteinases of Schistosoma mansoni

Adult Schistosoma mansoni parasites synthesize and secrete both cathepsin L and cathepsin B cysteine proteinases. These cysteine proteinase activities, believed to be involved in hemoglobin digestion by adult schistosomes, were characterized by using specific fluorogenic peptide substrates and zymography. Both cathepsin L- and B-like activities with pH optima of 5.2 and 6.2, respectively, predominated in soluble extracts of worms, and both these activities were secreted by adult worms into the culture medium. The specific activity of cathepsin L was about double that of cathepsin B when each was assayed at its pH optimum, and moreover, the specific activities of cathepsins L and B in extracts of female schistosomes were 50 to 100% higher than in extracts of male schistosomes. Analysis of the primary structure of two cloned S. mansoni cathepsins L, here termed cathepsin L1 and cathepsin L2, revealed that they are only 44% similar and that cathepsin L2 showed more identity (52%) with human cathepsin L than with schistosome cathepsin L1. Moreover, differences in their active site, propeptide region, and potential for glycosylation suggest separate functions for schistosome cathepsin L1 and cathepsin L2.
Mineralocorticoid Receptor Blockers and Aldosterone to Renin Ratio: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Observational Data

Abstract Current guidelines recommend to withdraw mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blocker treatment for at least 4 weeks when measuring the aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) as a screening test for primary aldosteronism (PA). We aimed to evaluate the effect of MR blocker treatment on ARR and its components, plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), and direct renin concentration (DRC). First, we performed a post-hoc analysis of the effect of eplerenone on parathyroid hormone levels in primary hyperparathyroidism (EPATH) study, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in 110 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). Patients were 1:1 randomly assigned to receive either 25 mg eplerenone once daily (up-titration after 4 weeks to 50 mg/day) or placebo for 8 weeks. Second, we measured the ARR in 4 PA patients from the Graz Endocrine Causes of Hypertension Study (GECOH) before and after MR blocker treatment. Ninety-seven participants completed the EPATH trial, and the mean treatment effect (95% confidence interval) for log(e)ARR was 0.08 (–0.32 to 0.48) ng/dl/μU/ml (p=0.694). The treatment effect was 0.71 (0.47 to 0.96; p<0.001) ng/dl for log(e)PAC and 0.64 (0.19 to 1.10; p=0.006) μU/ml for log(e)DRC, respectively. In the 4 PA patients, the ARR decreased from 11.24±3.58 at baseline to 2.70±1.03 (p=0.013) ng/dl/μU/ml after MR blocker treatment. In this study with limited sample size, MR blocker treatment did not significantly alter the ARR in pHPT patients but significantly reduced the ARR in PA patients. Diagnostic utility of ARR and its components for PA diagnostics under MR blocker treatment warrants further study.
Bis(2,3-diaminopyridinium) succinate trihydrate

In the title salt, 2C5H8N3 +·C4H4O4 2−·3H2O, the asymmetric unit contains a protonated 2,3-diaminopyridinium cation, half of a succinate dianion (disposed about a centre of inversion), and one and a half water molecules. One of the water molecules is disordered over two sites with occupancies of 0.670 (17) and 0.330 (17). The other water molecule has an occupancy of 0.5 (from refinement). The pyridine N atom of the 2,3-diaminopyridine molecule is protonated. The protonated N atom and one of the 2-amino H atoms are hydrogen bonded to the succinate anion through a pair of N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming an R 2 2(8) ring motif. In the crystal, molecules are consolidated into a three-dimensional network by N—H⋯O and O—H⋯O interactions.
High Frequency Buffer-Feedback Oscillator With an RF Negative-Resistance Circuit

This paper presents a millimeter-wave oscillator using frequency-boosting techniques to increase the oscillation frequency. In the proposed oscillator, a buffer-feedback oscillator and an RF negative-resistance circuit reduce the parasitic load capacitance and effective inductance, respectively. As a result, the proposed topology operates at a higher oscillation frequency than the conventional oscillators. The proposed oscillator is fabricated in a 65-nm CMOS process. The measured oscillation frequency is 82.4 GHz, and the output power is −3.9 dBm. The power consumption is 10.9 mW at a supply voltage of 1.8 V, excluding output buffers.
An investigation of the relationship between job satisfaction and organisational empowerment as perceived by front-line managers in 5-star hotels

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between job satisfaction (JS) and organisational empowerment as perceived by front-line managers in 5-star hotels in Jordan. The results showed that, where there was a moderate level of organisational empowerment, a higher level of JS was found. There appeared to be a significant relationship between JS and organisational empowerment. Variables, such as resources, informal power and opportunity, were significant predictors of JS. It was recommended that hotel management should initiate and encourage regular meetings and activities for front-line managers. That will enable them to exchange views, information and feelings in such a manner as to serve their interest and those of their establishments.
Reliable realtime streaming in vehicular cloud-fog computing networks

In this paper, we propose a distributed strategy for reliable realtime streaming in vehicular cloud-fog networks. The key aspect of our proposed strategy is that the streaming content is preallocated from computing service providers (Fogs and Clouds) aimed to sustain the quality of service of realtime streaming. The mobile device reserves content for streaming based on stochastic predictions of its locations, the amount of content required for streaming and the required tokens used for reservation. Therefore, the reliability of the realtime streaming can be effectively maintained. Another important aspect of the proposed strategy is that the scheme can adapts to the change of the behavior of the mobile device and the condition of the computing resources without tuning the parameters for execution. To evaluate our proposed scheme, we model a utility function based on the reliability of content streaming and the number of tokens used for preallocating content. Simulation results show that the proposed strategy performs better than other schemes in terms of utility and reliability.
Integrating transcriptomic and proteomic data for accurate assembly and annotation of genomes

Complementing genome sequence with deep transcriptome and proteome data could enable more accurate assembly and annotation of newly sequenced genomes. Here, we provide a proof-of-concept of an integrated approach for analysis of the genome and proteome of Anopheles stephensi, which is one of the most important vectors of the malaria parasite. To achieve broad coverage of genes, we carried out transcriptome sequencing and deep proteome profiling of multiple anatomically distinct sites. Based on transcriptomic data alone, we identified and corrected 535 events of incomplete genome assembly involving 1196 scaffolds and 868 protein-coding gene models. This proteogenomic approach enabled us to add 365 genes that were missed during genome annotation and identify 917 gene correction events through discovery of 151 novel exons, 297 protein extensions, 231 exon extensions, 192 novel protein start sites, 19 novel translational frames, 28 events of joining of exons, and 76 events of joining of adjacent genes as a single gene. Incorporation of proteomic evidence allowed us to change the designation of more than 87 predicted “noncoding RNAs” to conventional mRNAs coded by protein-coding genes. Importantly, extension of the newly corrected genome assemblies and gene models to 15 other newly assembled Anopheline genomes led to the discovery of a large number of apparent discrepancies in assembly and annotation of these genomes. Our data provide a framework for how future genome sequencing efforts should incorporate transcriptomic and proteomic analysis in combination with simultaneous manual curation to achieve near complete assembly and accurate annotation of genomes.
The Effects of the Micro-Market Structure for Kansas Grain Elevators on Spatial Grain Price Differentials

Corn and wheat cash prices in Kansas are affected by a number of local supply-demand, market structure, transportation access and other factors. Kansas corn prices in 2008 were affected by form of business organization, local feedgrain production and livestock feed usage, elevator storage capacity, access to railroad grain handling facilities, and to a limited degree by the number of competitors in local markets. Geographic proximity to grain ethanol plants did not have a positive impact on local corn prices, although a number of mitigating factors may exist. Kansas wheat prices in 2008 were affected by local wheat production, elevator storage capacity, the number of competitors in local markets, and by location relative to flour mills. Evidence of operating cost and efficiency differences among grain elevators indicate the presence of market power in local Kansas grain markets.
P2Y1 receptor blockade normalizes network dysfunction and cognition in an Alzheimer’s disease model

Astrocytic hyperactivity is an important contributor to neuronal-glial network dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We have previously shown that astrocyte hyperactivity is mediated by signaling through the P2Y1 purinoreceptor (P2Y1R) pathway. Using the APPPS1 mouse model of AD, we here find that chronic intracerebroventricular infusion of P2Y1R inhibitors normalizes astroglial and neuronal network dysfunction, as measured by in vivo two-photon microscopy, augments structural synaptic integrity, and preserves hippocampal long-term potentiation. These effects occur independently from &bgr;-amyloid metabolism or plaque burden but are associated with a higher morphological complexity of periplaque reactive astrocytes, as well as reduced dystrophic neurite burden and greater plaque compaction. Importantly, APPPS1 mice chronically treated with P2Y1R antagonists, as well as APPPS1 mice carrying an astrocyte-specific genetic deletion (Ip3r2−/−) of signaling pathways downstream of P2Y1R activation, are protected from the decline of spatial learning and memory. In summary, our study establishes the restoration of network homoeostasis by P2Y1R inhibition as a novel treatment target in AD.
Design of iterative learning controller based on frequency domain linear matrix inequality

This paper presents an iterative learning controller (ILC) design method based on a frequency domain linear matrix inequality (LMI). It modifies the LMI method for lifted system representation. In lifted system representation, the size of matrices grows as the number of samples in the system increase. In the proposed approach, the size of matrices in LMI is independent of the number of samples in the system, avoiding computational problems due to the size of matrices. The order of controllers can be low, even if the order of the system is high, unlike H∞ method. Compatibility with frequency domain robust theory and easy extension to MIMO system is another advantage. Zero-phase weighting functions are introduced to shape the filters to increase robustness to the disturbance in high frequency range. This paper also examines the monotonic convergence of the output of the feedback controllers after implementing ILC. The performance of the designed ILC is verified by experiments performed on an industrial robot.
Astrocyte-induced Synaptogenesis Is Mediated by Transforming Growth Factor β Signaling through Modulation of d-Serine Levels in Cerebral Cortex Neurons*

Background: Synapse formation and function is modulated by intrinsic and extrinsic non-autonomous factors. Results: Astrocytes induce synapse formation through TGF-β1 pathway. TGF-β1 synaptogenic property is dependent on d-serine signaling. Conclusion: TGF-β induces excitatory glutamatergic synapses in vertebrates. Significance: This is a novel molecular mechanism that might impact synaptic function and shed light on new potential therapeutic targets for synaptic deficit diseases. Assembly of synapses requires proper coordination between pre- and postsynaptic elements. Identification of cellular and molecular events in synapse formation and maintenance is a key step to understand human perception, learning, memory, and cognition. A key role for astrocytes in synapse formation and function has been proposed. Here, we show that transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling is a novel synaptogenic pathway for cortical neurons induced by murine and human astrocytes. By combining gain and loss of function approaches, we show that TGF-β1 induces the formation of functional synapses in mice. Further, TGF-β1-induced synaptogenesis involves neuronal activity and secretion of the co-agonist of the NMDA receptor, d-serine. Manipulation of d-serine signaling, by either genetic or pharmacological inhibition, prevented the TGF-β1 synaptogenic effect. Our data show a novel molecular mechanism that might impact synaptic function and emphasize the evolutionary aspect of the synaptogenic property of astrocytes, thus shedding light on new potential therapeutic targets for synaptic deficit diseases.
Computation of Arctan N for -∞ < N < +∞

Rational (R) and polynomial (P) approximations to Arctan N are studied with the aim of computing this function, to any prescribed accuracy and without unduly increasing the number PC of stored constants, in a minimum number M of multiplications (and divisions for R approximations). The number Dg of first correct significant digits in principle is not bounded.
Industrial Structure, Appropriate Technology and Economic Growth in Less Developed Countries

The authors develop an endogenous growth model that combines structural change with repeated product improvement. That is, the technologies in one sector of the model become not only increasingly capital-intensive, but also progressively productive over time. Application of the basic model to less developed economies shows that the (optimal) industrial structure and the (most) appropriate technologies in less developed economies are endogenously determined by their factor endowments. A firm in a less developed country that enters a capital-intensive, advanced industry in a developed country would be nonviable owing to the relative scarcity of capital in the factor endowments of less developed countries.
Target Firm Returns: Does the Form of Payment Affect Abnormal Returns?

Research indicates that at the time of a takeover announcement, target firm shareholders receiving cash earn larger abnormal returns than those receiving stock. Our work confirms that cash targets receive larger direct payments from bidders and that the size of target firm abnormal returns is related to the relative size of this direct payment. Once we control for the size of the payment, however, we find the target firm abnormal returns to be unrelated to the payment method. Thus the relationship between payment method and target firm abnormal returns is indirect. This finding is important because it casts doubt on the signaling (asymmetric information) hypothesis. That is, cash offers do not seem to be valued by the market as a means of reducing this uncertainty. Something else, such as the tax implication differences between cash and stock offers, drives cash target firms to demand larger payments from bidding firms. Copyright Blackwell Publishers Ltd 1997.
Takotsubo (stress) cardiomyopathy and the anesthesiologist: enough case reports. Let's try to answer some specific questions!

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (also known as takotsubo syndrome, broken heart syndrome, ampulla cardiomyopathy, transient left ventricular apical ballooning, apical ballooning syndrome, transient left ventricular dysfunction syndrome, and stress [induced] cardiomyopathy) was first described in Japan in 1990. 1 ** It was initially characterized by a unique pattern of transient (hours to weeks) wall motion abnormality (“transient left ventricular apical ballooning”) occurring in the absence of significant epicardial coronary artery disease, presenting as an acute coronary syndrome, most frequently in postmenopausal elderly women, often triggered by stressful situations. It has since been observed throughout the world and under various circumstances. †† This condition was first described in the perioperative period in the North American anesthesia literature via case reports that appeared in the September 2006 issues of Anesthesia & Analgesia 4 and Anesthesiology. 5 Since that time, multiple case reports of periprocedural (e.g., endoscopy, catheterization, and electroconvulsive therapy) and at least 25 to 38 perioperative cases of takotsubo cardiomyopathy have appeared 6–23 with the latest in this issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia. 24,25 Anesthesiologists may also confront this syndrome while caring for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (A-SAH), 26–29 pheochromocytoma, 30–37 and other critical illnesses. 3,38,39 In this issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, Daly and Dixon 24 report on 2 cases of takotsubo cardiomyopathy that occurred in an elderly (76- and 78-year-old) man and woman,
Classifying Wildfire Risk at the Building Scale in the Wildland-Urban Interface: Applying Spatial Video Approaches to Los Angeles County

Continued development in the wildland-urban interface presents several challenges with regards annual wildfire risk. One of those challenges is how to mitigate against this hazard. This paper will present a method for fine scale data collection that can be used to inform mitigation efforts by identifying spatial patterns of within neighborhood wildfire vulnerability. These visual data are used to develop fire risk classification maps for seven communities in three cities of Los Angeles County. Each of these test locations has been selected in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Fire Department due to the combination of a previous burn history, but no wildfire in the past 20 years. A spatial video system is used to capture aspects of the home which are traditionally thought to increase risk within the ignition zone. The resulting maps not only illustrate risk in association with proximity to vegetation at the border of communities, but also how variation in home vulnerability results in some interior properties being at-risk to firebrands. The paper describes how spatial video data can be used to enhance current wildfire simulation efforts, especially evacuation scenarios, while an accompanying geonarrative by ride-along community stakeholders could provide place specific insight on behavior.
Cross-cultural studies.

This chapter outlines the importance of cross-cultural management studies to comparative employment relations, examining its roots from Hofstede onwards, yet critiquing this as providing blunt tools. It proposes a multicultural interfaces approach that analyses multiple influences through the agency of individuals, arguing that the quest to distinguish between the cultural and institutional is fraught with problems, also challenging the positivist comparative approach, asserting that there is no view from nowhere.