Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity in the Effect of Home Energy Audits: Theory and Evidence

A longstanding question in the study of energy demand concerns the role of information as a determinant of home efficiency improvements. Although the provision of information via energy audits is frequently asserted to be an effective means for governments to encourage the implementation of efficiency-enhancing renovations, empirical support for this assertion is tenuous at best. Apart from endogeneity issues with respect to receiving an audit, two other factors have complicated attempts to measure their effect: First, the nature of the information provided by the audit is typically unobserved, and, second, the response to this information may vary over households. Using household data from Germany, we address both sources of heterogeneity by estimating a random-parameter model of four retrofitting alternatives. In addition to confirming the importance of costs and savings as determinants of renovation choices, our results suggest that the effects of consultancy vary substantially across households, with some households responding negatively to the provision of information.
Lenient Entry, Stringent Exit: A Political Economy of Foreign Exchange Reserve Demand and Policy in the People's Republic of China

This thesis explores the links between China’s demand for foreign exchange reserves and the political economy aspects of China’s monetary policy framework since the start of reforms in 1978. In a single-country approach focused on China, this study combines an assessment of the politico-economic factors that may have influenced China’s demand for foreign exchange reserves with a cointegration analysis of the macroeconomic determinants of the demand for reserves. The assessment suggests that China’s monetary policy framework has been geared to accomplish the government’s long-lived goal of high export- and investment-led growth, at the expense of the wealth of Chinese households. The empirical findings support the premise of a strong connection between China’s growth model and the demand for international reserves, which is noticed by a dominance of current and capital account considerations in China’s short- and long-term demand for foreign exchange reserves. (Less)
Baseline proteinuria, urinary osmotic pressure, and renal function as positive predictors of corticosteroids plus cyclophosphamide treatment efficacy in IgA nephropathy

Background Very limited data are available on factors predictive of corticosteroids plus cyclophosphamide treatment efficacy on IgA nephropathy (IgAN). The aim of the study was to research the clinical factors predictive of treatment efficacy in IgAN. Methods One hundred and fifty‐nine patients with IgAN (proteinuria ≥2 g/d and estimated glomerular filtration rate 30‐89 ml·min‐1·1.73 m‐2) were treated with corticosteroids/cyclophosphamide followed by a 12‐month follow‐up. According to their response, these patients were divided into remission group (proteinuria <0.5 g/d) and non‐remission group (proteinuria ≥0.5 g/d), and their clinical data collected. Results In the present study, 72.96% of the individuals underwent a complete remission, and their response was related to baseline proteinuria, urinary osmotic pressure, and renal function (P <0.05). Patients with baseline proteinuria more than 3 g/d, urinary osmotic pressure greater than 600 mOsm/L, and eGFR 60‐89 ml·min‐1·1.73 m‐2 responded well to the combination of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide (86.90% vs. 57.33%, P=0.000; 81.48% vs. 64.10%, P=0.014; 83.17% vs. 55.17%, P=0.000). Conclusion The response to the combination of corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide might be well associated with baseline proteinuria, urinary osmotic pressure, and renal function in patients with IgAN.
The interaction between pertussis toxin and 10 monoclonal antibodies.

Data on the epitope specificity of 10 monoclonal hybridoma antibodies (Mabs) that showed positive reaction in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) towards pertussins toxin (Ptx) are presented. The relative functional affinity of the Mabs was determined in a catching ELISA system. The Mabs were tested for their ability to inhibit the biological activities of this toxin in two in vitro systems, viz. haemagglutination (HA) and Chinese Hamster Ovary cell (CHO) test, and in three in vivo assays: histamine sensitization (HS), leucocytosis-promoting activity (LP) and protection against intra-cerebral challenge (i.c.) with virulent B. pertussis organisms. Four Mabs were found inhibiting HA and three inhibited the effect on CHO cells. Two Mabs showed demonstrable protective effect on mice in i.c. test. The same two Mabs were also able to inhibit HS and LP activity of Ptx. Five of the ten Mabs reacted with Ptx subjected to blotting after separation of the toxin subunits in sodium-dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The five Mabs all bound to more than one subunit. The epitopes defined by several of the Mabs might be useful in the context of a third-generation whooping cough vaccine.
Dynamic Call Admission Control for Uplink in 3G/4G CDMA-Based Systems

Call admission control (CAC) strongly influences the performance of 3G/4G spread spectrum systems because it determines the number of active users that are admitted to the network, i.e., influences spectral efficiency. A novel air interface CAC algorithm is introduced in this paper. It optimizes the utilization of radio resources and provides real-time adaptation to the radio channel with generalized multiplicative fading. Users are handled as memory-less traffic sources. The suggested CAC method was evaluated for lognormal fading and on/off traffic.
Intramyocardial delivery of FGF2 in combination with radio frequency transmyocardial revascularization

Therapeutic angiogenesis and percutaneous transmyocardial revascularization (PMR) are potentially synergistic modalities to improve myocardial perfusion. To evaluate the efficiency of FGF2 delivery into an area that has been radio frequency (RF) ablated, we studied two catheter‐based delivery methods, a direct injection system (Stiletto) and a combined RF ablation‐delivery system (RF‐PMR). Four groups (n = 3/group) of pigs received six transendocardial injections of 125I‐FGF2/fluorescent microspheres with either the Stiletto or the RF‐PMR catheter. RF‐PMR injections were preceded by a 0.6 sec RF ablation step. After either 1 or 24 hr, hearts and other tissues were harvested. Intramyocardial deposition sites were located with UV light and isolated. Specific activity per site was expressed as a percentage of total activity injected per site corrected for quenching. Injection site recovery was high for both catheter systems (average = 88%) and systemic uptake was low (< 6% in the liver). FGF2 retention was significantly higher with the Stiletto than the RF‐PMR catheter (Stiletto 1 hr 41% ± 17%, 24 hr 26% ± 10%, RF‐PMR 1 hr 21% ± 14%, 24 hr 13% ± 8%; P < 0.001), principally explained by the differences in catheter design. The Stiletto has a retractable needle and is optimized for intramyocardial delivery, whereas infusion from the RF‐PMR device occurs at the endocardial surface and relies on channels created during RF ablation. Overall, FGF2 retention after transendocardial intramyocardial delivery by the Stiletto or the RF‐PMR system is significantly higher than previously observed for intracoronary, intravenous and intrapericardial delivery. In conclusion, the combination of RF ablation and growth factor delivery using the RF‐PMR system is feasible and efficient. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;53:429–434. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regional Specific Changes of Cerebral Metabolism in Systemic Lupus erythematosus Identified by Positron Emission Tomography

In order to test the hypothesis whether the pathogenesis of cerebral systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may include an immune-mediated deficit in specific vulnerable brain regions, the regional cerebral metabolism in 9 patients with diffuse as well as focal cerebral symptoms was compared with that of 10 age-matched control subjects. The cerebral distribution of 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) uptake was measured by means of positron emission tomography. Subsequently performed statistical parametric mapping showed (i) a relative increase in metabolism in the striatum and (ii) regional decreases in the premotor cortex as a common feature in the patient group. Region of interest measurements of absolute FDG uptake confirmed these findings. The increased striatal activity may support the presence of a direct immune response against neuronal tissue in SLE, similar to the cross-reaction against inhibitory components in striatal tissue provoked by streptococcal antigens.
Experimental characterization of magnetic materials for electrical machine applications

Most of the volume in classical electrical machines is occupied by magnetic materials for creating an as good as possible magnetic path. In machines with planar flux paths (2D geometries) the material is laminated to reduce eddy current losses in the core. Manufacturers typically supply reference values from Epstein frame measurements as a material performance specification and an easy way for comparison. However, the magnetic flux path in electrical machines is more complex due to rotating magnetic fields passing through the stator (with or without teeth), the rotor, and the airgap. Therefore, other material characterization methods, such as ring core measurements, are more suitable to characterize the magnetic materials for electrical machines. This paper gives a short introduction on different methods to characterize magnetic materials and a detailed description of building up a measurement system for characterizing ring core samples or electrical machine stator cores. The system is developed with regard to the IEC standard for measurements on magnetic ring core samples and can easily be build up in any lab with a power amplifier and a standard industrial control system equipped with analog input/output interfaces. Finally, reference measurements demonstrate the performance of the system.
Partnership Practices, Labor Relations Climate, and Employee Attitudes: Evidence from China

As the labor relations climate in China has deteriorated in recent years, some firms have turned to partnership approaches. Using data collected from HR managers and employees in 190 companies in five provinces of China, this study tests the applicability of partnership theory for Chinese enterprises. It identifies eight dimensions of partnership practices and examines their effectiveness in improving the labor relations climate and employee attitudes. Results show that partnership practices are positively associated with labor relations climate and employee attitudes, and that labor relations climate mediates the relationship between partnership practices and employee attitudes (i.e., affective commitment, job satisfaction, and turnover intention). These findings contribute to the literature on partnership and labor relations climate and the operationalization of partnership, and its effects, in the Chinese context.
Giant Cell Arteritis in Mexican Patients

BackgroundGiant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common primary systemic vasculitis worldwide, although it seems to be very rare in some areas, such as Latin America. ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to describe the clinical, laboratory, and treatment features in a Mexican Mestizo population with GCA. MethodsRetrospective data chart review (1989–2010). ResultsTwenty-two patients with GCA were identified, 18 women and 4 men. Mean age was 73 (SD, 7.9) years. Diagnosis was made at a mean of 67 (SD, 83.6) days from symptom onset. Most frequent presenting symptoms included headache (90%), constitutional symptoms (86%), and polymyalgia rheumatica (59%). Severe cranial ischemic complications were present in 32%. Amaurosis fugax and blindness were present in 36% and 27%, respectively. High erythrocyte sedimentation rate was present in 89% of patients. Rapid response to prednisone treatment was seen, but in 10 patients, relapse occurred, possibly related to fast tapering. Additional treatment was methotrexate (n = 8), azathioprine (n = 5), and cyclophosphamide (n = 3). Median follow-up was 242 (SD, 214) weeks. ConclusionsGiant cell arteritis is rarely recognized in Latin America. We report on characteristics of GCA in a population of Mexican Mestizos, as ours is the largest series to be reported from Latin America so far. When compared with other series, age at onset is similar, females are more affected, and although a good response to corticosteroid treatment was seen, a higher frequency of amaurosis fugax and blindness was observed, accounting for an unfavorable functional outcome in 6 (27%) of 22 patients.
Passive robotic movement therapy of the spastic hemiparetic arm with REHAROB: report of the first clinical test and the follow-up system improvement

An investigation into the use of standardized, unmodified, industrial, robots for motion therapy of hemiparetic extremities was initiated in 2000. A system called REHAROB, designed and built over a three year period, was completed for this clinical trial in 2003. The results confirmed that therapy using this system was safe and thus performed as intended. In 2004, following this trial, the programming interface and the interface device between the patient and the robots were improved. A controlled clinical study is currently under way to assess the clinical efficiency of the REHAROB movement therapy. This paper describes the results of the first clinical trial with the REHAROB therapeutic system, and also reports why and how the system was improved for the second clinical trial.
Heat dissipation capability of package with integrated processor and 3D-stacked memory

The thermal performance of 2.5D package with integrated processor and 2 memory stacks has been investigated, and 4 types of thermal lids without increasing the package footprint has been designed and evaluated. The heat dissipation capabilities of different structures were first analyzed under natural convection condition, and then forced air cooling condition was considered in portable device scenario. The effect of stiffener on the heat dissipation and thermal crosstalk has been analyzed. Under natural convection, providing heating power to both processor and memory, a total power around 3W can be dissipated. With forced air cooling in limited space, the initial package can dissipate around 6.5W heating power. By using the designed thermal lid, the dissipated heating power can be increased by almost one time. The results and conclusions obtained will aid the thermal design of 2.5D package.
The power of light: socio-economic and environmental implications of a rural electrification program in Brazil

Universal access to electricity is deemed critical for improving living standards and indispensable for eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development. In 2003, the ‘Luz para Todos’ (LpT—Light for All) program was launched aiming to universalize access to electricity in Brazil. The program focused on rural and isolated areas, also targeting to bring development to those regions along with electrification. This paper evaluates the results of the LpT program in improving socio-economic development in the poorest regions of Brazil. After an initial qualitative analysis, an empirical quantitative assessment of the influence of increased electrification rates on the components of the Human Development Index (HDI) is performed. The empirical results of this study showed that electrification had a positive influence on all dimensions of the HDI, with the education component having the strongest effect. Although complementary policies were needed to achieve this, results show that electricity access is a major requirement to improve quality of life.
Multi-sensor location estimation for illegal cell-phone use in real-life indoor environment

This paper proposes a novel method for location estimation of a cell-phone in an indoor environment with experimental validation. The proposed method is a location fingerprint scheme which employs the statistical characteristics of the signal cross-correlation among multiple sensors. As the cross-correlation between a pair of antennas fully stores the information of their complex channel responses, the proposed method can be considered as a generalized scheme of all conventional location fingerprint ones i.e. Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), and Direction of Arrival (DOA). Besides, different from the conventional methods, in which the locality of spatial correlation is utilized, thus fine grid location measurements is required and environment must be static, the proposed one invokes statistical learning technique and estimates location based on the correlation of received samples with the statistical learning database. Therefore, the proposed method is superior to conventional ones in terms of location estimation accuracy and installation simplicity. An experiment conducted in class room validates the superiority of the proposed method.
Genetic and ecological dynamics of species replacement in an arid‐land river system

Museum records indicate that Hybognathus placitus was introduced into the Pecos River, New Mexico during the early 1960s. Approximately 10 years later, a congener, Hybognathus amarus, was extirpated from the system. We used microsatellite and mtDNA data, ecological data and modelling, and a computer simulation approach to reconstruct the history of invasion and species replacement. To identify the potential role of hybridization and introgression, we genetically screened H. amarus (n = 389) from the Rio Grande, New Mexico, and H. placitus (n = 424) from the Pecos River, New Mexico using four nuclear microsatellites and a partial fragment of the mtDNA ND4 gene. Assignment tests excluded hybridization as a primary factor in species replacement and suggested a role for interspecific competition. Genetic analyses showed that H. placitus were introduced into the Pecos River from at least two genetically distinct source populations in the Canadian and Red rivers, Oklahoma. Lotka–Volterra models of interspecific competition indicated that the number of founding individuals could have been as few as 20 for H. placitus to have competitively displaced H. amarus in the Pecos River in 10 to 15 generations. Observed differences of allele frequencies between source and founder populations indicated that between 32 and 115 H. placitus individuals founded the Pecos River. Genetic and ecological data suggest that interspecific competition could have led to species replacement in this arid‐land river system.
Characterization of Pseudomonas spp. Associated with Spoilage of Gilt-Head Sea Bream Stored under Various Conditions

ABSTRACT The population dynamics of pseudomonads in gilt-head sea bream Mediterranean fish (Sparusaurata) stored under different conditions were studied. Phenotypic analysis and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of whole-cell proteins were performed to identify a total of 106 Pseudomonas strains isolated from S.aurata stored under different temperatures (at 0, 10, and 20°C) and packaging conditions (air and a modified atmosphere of 40% CO2-30% N2-30% O2). Pseudomonas lundensis was the predominant species, followed by Pseudomonas fluorescens, while Pseudomonas fragi and Pseudomonas putida were detected less frequently. Fluorescent Pseudomonas strains dominated under air conditions, while proteolytic and less lipolytic strains dominated under modified-atmosphere packaging. Different storage conditions appear to govern the selection of pseudomonads in gilt-head sea bream fish.
W-Band InP HBT Power Amplifiers

This letter reports on two power amplifier (PA) monolithic microwave-integrated circuits operating at W-band. The PAs use 250 nm InP HBTs and thin-film microstrip topology formed with benzocyclobutene dielectric. First PA utilizes a two-emitter finger HBT unit cell with each finger having emitter area of $0.25 \times 6~\mu \text{m}^{2}$ . Second PA power combines two HBT unit cells. Both amplifiers are single stage and utilize conjugate matching at the input and optimum power load matching at the output. The first amplifier has demonstrated saturated output power of 12.4 dBm and power-added efficiency (PAE) of 41.7% at 93 GHz. This is the highest PAE number demonstrated at W-band. Second amplifier has demonstrated saturated output power of 15.6 dBm and PAE of 21.1% at 89 GHz.
Transcriptomic analysis of inbreeding depression in cold‐sensitive Drosophila melanogaster shows upregulation of the immune response

In sexually reproducing species, increased homozygosity often causes a decline in fitness, called inbreeding depression. Recently, researchers started describing the functional genomic changes that occur during inbreeding, both in benign conditions and under environmental stress. To further this aim, we have performed a genome‐wide gene expression study of inbreeding depression, manifesting as cold sensitivity and conditional lethality. Our focus was to describe general patterns of gene expression during inbreeding depression and to identify specific processes affected in our line. There was a clear difference in gene expression between the stressful restrictive environment and the benign permissive environment in both the affected inbred line and the inbred control line. We noted a strong inbreeding‐by‐environment interaction, whereby virtually all transcriptional differences between lines were found in the restrictive environment. Functional annotation showed enrichment of transcripts coding for serine proteases and their inhibitors (serpins and BPTI/Kunitz family), which indicates activation of the innate immune response. These genes have previously been shown to respond transcriptionally to cold stress, suggesting the conditional lethal effect is associated with an exaggerated cold stress response. The set of differentially expressed genes significantly overlapped with those found in three other studies of inbreeding depression, demonstrating that it is possible to detect a common signature across different genetic backgrounds.
The Rgd1p Rho GTPase-Activating Protein and the Mid2p Cell Wall Sensor Are Required at Low pH for Protein Kinase C Pathway Activation and Cell Survival in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT The protein kinase C (PKC) pathway is involved in the maintenance of cell shape and cell integrity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, we show that this pathway mediates tolerance to low pH and that the Bck1 and Slt2 proteins belonging to the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade are essential for cell survival at low pH. The PKC pathway is activated during acidification of the extracellular environment, and this activation depends mainly on the Mid2p cell wall sensor. Rgd1p, which encodes a Rho GTPase-activating protein for the small G proteins Rho3p and Rho4p, also plays a role in low-pH response. The rgd1Δ strain is sensitive to low pH, and Rgd1p activates the PKC pathway in an acidic environment. Inactivation of both genes in the double mutant rgd1Δ mid2Δ strain renders yeast cells unable to survive at low pH as in bck1Δ and slt2Δ strains. Our data provide evidence for the existence of two distinct ways, one involving Mid2p and the other involving Rgd1p, with both converging to the cell integrity pathway to mediate low-pH tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nevertheless, even if Rgd1p acts on the PKC pathway, it seems that its mediating action on low-pH tolerance is not limited to this pathway. As the Mid2p amount plays a role in rgd1Δ sensitivity to low pH, Mid2p seems to act more like a molecular rheostat, controlling the level of PKC pathway activity and thus allowing phenotypical expression of RGD1 inactivation.