Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recommendations for Negotiated Agreements

Negotiated agreements are relatively new in the field of energy and environmental policies. In order to support the design of future negotiated agreements it is useful to discuss how environmentally effective negotiated agreements can be designed. Based on rational decisionmaking and economic theory, the OECD has put forward eight recommendations for designing pollution abatement schemes through negotiated agreements that set ambitious targets, ensure target achievement, and reach targets in an efficient way. Based on three cases of negotiated agreements regulating industrial energy consumption in Denmark, the Netherlands, and France, the adequacy of the OECD recommendations will be discussed. It is found that the recommendations should pay more attention to the question of efficiency of agreements and to the difficulties in defining unambiguous targets. Apart from these deficiencies it is concluded that the recommendations cover all phases, are soundly based in theory, and give a meaningful evaluation of negotiated agreements.
THE IMPACT OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY ON PERIOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE PATIENTS

OBJECTIVEOpen lumbar spinal surgery in overweight or obese patients has been associated with increased risk of perioperative complications. The impact of minimally invasive spinal (MIS) surgery on the incidence of perioperative adverse events in overweight or obese patients, however, has not been well evaluated. METHODSA retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing lumbar MIS surgery from January 2006 to April 2007 was performed. Of the 77 patients identified, 56 had a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 kg/m2 or greater. RESULTSOf the 56 patients with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or greater, 32 (57.1%) were men; the mean age was 54.1 years. The mean BMI was 31.0 kg/m2 (range, 25.1–43.8 kg/m2). Using a broad definition of an adverse event, eight (14.3%) complications were identified. In the discectomy/laminotomy subgroup (31 patients), two (6.5%) adverse events were noted. In the fusion subgroup (25 patients), six (24%) adverse events were noted, most of which were minor. Of the 21 patients with a BMI less than 25 kg/m2, eight (38.1%) were men, and the mean age was 43.7 years. The mean BMI was 22.5 kg/m2 (range, 16.8–24.6 kg/m2). Three (14.3%) complications were noted overall. In the discectomy/laminotomy subgroup (17 patients), two (11.8%) adverse events occurred. One (25%) complication developed in the four patients making up the fusion subgroup. There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates between groups. Logistic regression also found no statistically significant relationship between BMI and perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONThere does not appear to be an increased risk of developing perioperative complications in overweight or obese patients undergoing MIS surgery, which may reflect a potential benefit of the MIS approach.
The Interplay between Teachers' Biography and Work Context: Effects on Teacher Socialization.

In this article, I use the process of self-refl ection to examine how my biography infl uenced my teaching experiences in a particular school context. Drawing on these experiences and the work of scholars in this area, I contend that such self-knowledge is critical for teachers’ successful socialization and retention in diverse schooling environments. I conclude by offering suggestions for reconstructing teachers’ preparation and socialization to foster a stance of critical selfrefl ection on teaching and learning that includes refl ecting on how biography shapes the teaching experience in given schooling contexts.
Sequential gene disruption in Candida albicans by FLP‐mediated site‐specific recombination

The genetic manipulation of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans is difficult because of its diploid genome, the lack of a known sexual phase and its unusual codon usage. We devised a new method for sequential gene disruption in C. albicans that is based on the repeated use of the URA3 marker for selection of transformants and its subsequent deletion by FLP‐mediated, site‐specific recombination. A cassette was constructed that, in addition to the URA3 selection marker, contained an inducible SAP2P–FLP fusion and was flanked by direct repeats of the minimal FLP recognition site (FRT). This URA3 flipper cassette was used to generate homozygous C. albicans mutants disrupted for both alleles of either the CDR4 gene, encoding an ABC transporter, or the MDR1 gene, encoding a membrane transport protein of the major facilitator superfamily. After insertion of the URA3 flipper into the first copy of the target gene, the whole cassette could be efficiently excised by induced FLP‐mediated recombination, leaving one FRT site in the disrupted allele of the target gene. The URA3 flipper was then used for another round of mutagenesis to disrupt the second allele. Deletion of the cassette from primary and secondary transformants occurred exclusively by intrachromosomal recombination of the FRT sites flanking the URA3 flipper, whereas interchromosomal recombination between FRT sites on the homologous chromosomes was never observed. This new gene disruption strategy facilitates the generation of specific, homozygous C. albicans mutants as it eliminates the need for a negative selection scheme for marker deletion and minimizes the risk of mitotic recombination in sequential disruption experiments.
Reply to comment on: ‘Predicting the efficacy of radiotherapy in individual glioblastoma patients in vivo: a mathematical modeling approach’

In a comment received regarding our 2010 manuscript Predicting efficacy of radiotherapy in individual glioblastoma patients in vivo: a mathematical modeling approach (Rockne et al 2010) the readers ’ perform a dimensional analysis and suggest that terms in the proliferation invasion radiation therapy (PIRT) mathematical model appear to have inconsistent units, and as a result, the readers claim, ‘ all results should be regarded with reserve. ’ While we appreci-ate the readers ’ careful analysis of our manuscript, we believe this concern amounts to little more than an inconsequential subtlety in the interpretation of our model, as we explain below.
DOES MILITARY EXPENDITURE MATTER FOR INFLATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH?

This paper sets up a monetary endogenous growth model, and uses it to explain the ambiguous linkage between the military burden and the inflation rate observed in existing empirical studies. It is found that an expansion in the military burden has an ambiguous effect on the inflation rate depending upon the relative extent of two conflicting forces. More specifically, if the increase in the marginal benefit from holding money exceeds (falls short of) the increase in the marginal product of private capital, the inflation rate will rise (fall) in response. Moreover, it is found that an increase in the military burden will stimulate the balanced growth rate, confirming Benoit’s famous empirical findings.
Sequence homology within the morbilliviruses

Double-stranded cDNA synthesized from total polyadenylate-containing mRNA extracted from monkey kidney cells infected with canine distemper virus (CDV) was cloned into the PstI site of Escherichia coli plasmid pBR322. Clones containing CDV DNA were identified by hybridization to a CDV-specific 32P-labeled cDNA. A cDNA clone containing an insert 1,700 base pairs (CDV 364) has been identified as the reverse transcript of the mRNA coding for the nucleocapsid protein. The size of the mRNA species complementary to this insert is 1,850 nucleotides, as determined by the Northern technique. Hybridization experiments and heteroduplex mapping indicated homology between the central region of the CDV and measles virus nucleocapsid gene. The completion of the nucleotide sequence analysis of the measles virus gene allowed the reconstruction of the entire coding region of the measles virus gene and a comparison with the counterpart sequence of CDV. This comparison delineated three regions: (i) a region of high homology (nucleotides 501 to 1215), in which 77% of the nucleotides and 88% of the encoded amino acids are identical; (ii) a region of moderate homology at the 5' end of the message (nucleotides 1 to 500), in which 59% of the nucleotides and 66% of the encoded amino acids are identical; (iii) a region of little or no homology (nucleotides 1216 to 1625) near the 3' end of the message.
The AAA-ATPase FIGL-1 controls mitotic progression, and its levels are regulated by the CUL-3MEL-26 E3 ligase in the C. elegans germ line

Members of the AAA-ATPase (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities) family use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to disrupt protein complexes involved in many cellular processes. Here, we report that FIGL-1 (Fidgetin-like 1), the single Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of mammalian fidgetin and fidgetin-like 1 AAA-ATPases, controls progression through mitosis in the germ line and the early embryo. Loss of figl-1 function leads to the accumulation of mitotic nuclei in the proliferative zone of the germ line, resulting in sterility owing to depletion of germ cells. Like the AAA-ATPase MEI-1 (also known as katanin), FIGL-1 interacts with microtubules and with MEL-26, a specificity factor of CUL-3-based E3 ligases involved in targeting proteins for ubiquitin-dependent degradation by the 26S proteasome. In the germ line, FIGL-1 is enriched in nuclei of mitotic cells, but it disappears at the transition into meiosis. Conversely, MEL-26 expression is low in nuclei of the mitotic zone and induced during meiosis. FIGL-1 accumulates in the germ line and spreads to the meiotic zone after inactivation of mel-26 or cul-3 in vivo. We conclude that degradation of FIGL-1 by the CUL-3MEL-26 E3 ligase spatially restricts FIGL-1 function to mitotic cells, where it is required for correct progression through mitosis.
Determinants of institutional quality and their impact on economic growth in the MENA region

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to analyze determinants of institutional quality based on six separate indicators of governance: voice and accountability, political stability, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law, and control of corruption. Design/methodology/approach - The determinants under consideration include measures of economic freedom by the Cato Institute and the Heritage Foundation, indicators of policy quality, real per capita gross domestic product (GDP), risk rating, and the degree of openness. Findings - Five measures of institutional quality increase real GDP growth significantly across Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. In contrast, institutional quality has a negative impact on the growth of private credit and private investment. Further, the combined evidence does not suggest that improvement in institutional quality is a major factor in attracting foreign direct investment flows to MENA countries. Research limitations/implications - The research provides startling evidence that illustrates how institutions have impacted macroeconomic performance and the underlying roots of institutional quality. Addressing shortcomings in institutions should top the policy agenda in an effort to drive the growth process. Practical implications - Improving institutional quality will distribute the benefits of growth and enhance macroeconomic performance in the MENA region, which is rich in endowed resources. Nonetheless, the region lacks fundamentals of economic management and quality governance to utilize resources in the most efficient and productive fashion in order to maximize the welfare for a growing population that is constantly seeking productive opportunities to secure employment and a higher real standard of living. Originality/value - The MENA region is understudied and worthy of much more empirical work. Many cross-country studies of the determinants of growth omit oil-producing nations. Focusing on this oil-rich region is an attempt to fill this void. Unlike previous literature on the relationship between institutions and growth, the paper's approach to the issue analyzes micro foundations in the transmission channel between institutions and economic growth.
Intraindustry Information Transfers Associated With Management Forecasts Of Earnings

This study documents information transfers associated with the sign and magnitude of the changes in earnings expectations conveyed by management forecasts. That is, the management forecast of one firm (discloser) generates unexpected price reactions for firms (nondisclosers) similar to the forecaster. The results are consistent with information transfers documented for releases of actual earnings (Foster [1981]) and sales announcements (Olsen and Dietrich [1985]). 1 These results build on prior management forecast research that has documented a link between the sign and magnitude of the changes in earnings expectations conveyed by management forecasts and the unexpected share returns (price reactions) of forecasting firms (Ajinkya and
Europe and its Fertility: From Low to Lowest Low

This paper documents the fundamental changes in family formation that took place in Europe during the last two decades of the twentieth century, as well as some possible explanations for these changes. First, European youth have postponed key demographic events, and the latest-late pattern of transition to adulthood emerged in the South. Second, lowest-low fertility emerged during the 1990s in the same area, spreading quickly to Central and Eastern Europe. Policies and economic trends, long-standing cultural factors and ideational change interact in shaping change and differences. Macro-level factors in turn interact with micro-level ones to shape outcomes. The new demographic regime of Europe is thus likely to persist.
Platelet-rich plasma activity on maxillary sinus floor augmentation by autologous bone.

OBJECTIVES This work aims to evaluate the regenerative potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on an implant site of peculiar clinical impact, such as sinus augmentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixteen consenting patients (11 females and five males), with symmetrical maxillary sinus atrophy, underwent bilateral sinus floor augmentation, using autologous (iliac crest) bone on one side and PRP plus autologous bone contralaterally. Implants were inserted 4, 5, 6 and 7 months after surgery in the patients randomly split into four groups. Orthopantomographies, computed tomography with transverse image digital reconstructions and densitometries were used to monitor the treatment progress. A core biopsy was performed at the site of implant. RESULTS Clinical performance across both sites showed no statistical significance (P=0.414). Densitometric values were higher at PRP sites (mean Hounsfield units approximately +57%), even if densitometry converged in the two sites 8 months after surgery. Histology documents enhanced bone activities in sites treated with PRP, 4 months after surgery. Reduced bone activity was observed in both sites 5, 6 and 7 months after surgery. Bone amount, higher in sites treated with PRP (mean trabecular bone volume approximately +37%), decreased in both sites over time. CONCLUSIONS Our results seem to indicate a certain regenerative potential of PRP when used with autologous bone. The effect of this enhancement of bone regeneration appeared to be restricted to shorter treatment times. A progressive extinguishment of the PRP effect is recorded after an interval longer than 6-7 months.
Taxation and the Labor Supply: Decisions of the Affluent

We examine the effect of the 1996 Tax Reform Act on the labor supply of affluent men. The Act reduced marginal tax rates for the affluent more than for other taxpayers. Using instrumental-variables methods with a variety of identifying variables, we find essentially no responsiveness of the hours of work of high-income men to the tax reduction. However, we do find hourly wage rates of such men to have increased over the period.
Asymmetric mechanosensitivity in a eukaryotic ion channel

Significance One important way in which living organisms are able to detect and respond to their environment is via the conversion of mechanical forces into electrical signals. However, the molecular mechanisms that enable mammalian “mechanosensitive” ion channels to detect a wide profile of forces within the membrane remain unclear. By studying the functional activity of individual TREK-2 K2P channels inserted in different directions into a lipid bilayer, we are now able to describe how the asymmetric structure of this channel enables it to sense such a broad profile of forces. These results help us understand how eukaryotic ion channels respond to a rich variety of sensory stimuli. Living organisms perceive and respond to a diverse range of mechanical stimuli. A variety of mechanosensitive ion channels have evolved to facilitate these responses, but the molecular mechanisms underlying their exquisite sensitivity to different forces within the membrane remains unclear. TREK-2 is a mammalian two-pore domain (K2P) K+ channel important for mechanosensation, and recent studies have shown how increased membrane tension favors a more expanded conformation of the channel within the membrane. These channels respond to a complex range of mechanical stimuli, however, and it is uncertain how differences in tension between the inner and outer leaflets of the membrane contribute to this process. To examine this, we have combined computational approaches with functional studies of oppositely oriented single channels within the same lipid bilayer. Our results reveal how the asymmetric structure of TREK-2 allows it to distinguish a broad profile of forces within the membrane, and illustrate the mechanisms that eukaryotic mechanosensitive ion channels may use to detect and fine-tune their responses to different mechanical stimuli.
Driver inattention detection methods: A review

In recent years, driver inattention or distraction is one of the major causes for road accidents. If the distracted driver is alerted on time, most of the physical injuries, deaths, and economic losses can be avoided. To find if the driver is distracted, an efficient inattention detection system has to be developed. Towards the same, researchers have measured driver inattention level based on any one of the following four measures: (1) subjective ratings from the driver, (2) vehicle based measures, (3) physiological measures and (4) behavioral measures. In this paper, we aim to review the above measures used to detect driver inattention based on their advantages and limitations. The issues to be considered while developing an efficient inattention detection system are discussed. The inattention detection system should be designed in such a way that it triggers the alert system only when the driver is distracted beyond the acceptable limit.
Doxorubicin versus CYVADIC versus doxorubicin plus ifosfamide in first-line treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcomas: a randomized study of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group.

PURPOSE The aim of this trial was to compare the activity and toxicity of single-agent doxorubicin with that of two multidrug regimens in the treatment of patients with adult advanced soft tissue sarcomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a prospective randomized phase III trial performed by 35 cancer centers within the Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). Six hundred sixty-three eligible patients were randomly allocated to receive either doxorubicin 75 mg/m2 (arm A), cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dacarbazine (CYVADIC) (arm B), or ifosfamide 5 g/m2 plus doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 (arm C). RESULTS The overall response rate was 24% (95% confidence interval, 20.7% to 27.3%) among eligible patients and 26% among assessable patients. No statistically significant difference was detected among the three study arms in terms of response rate (arm A, 23.3%; arm B, 28.4%; and arm C, 28.1%), remission duration (median, 46 weeks on arm A, 48 weeks on arm B, and 44 weeks on arm C), or overall survival (median, 52 weeks on arm A, 51 weeks on arm B, and 55 weeks on arm C). The degree of myelosuppression was significantly greater for the combination of ifosfamide and doxorubicin than for the other two regimens. Cardiotoxicity was also more frequent in this arm, but other toxicities were similar. CONCLUSION In advanced soft tissue sarcomas of adults, single-agent doxorubicin is still the standard chemotherapy against which more intensive or new drug treatments should be compared. Combination chemotherapy cannot be recommended outside a controlled clinical trial with the exclusion of some subsets of sarcoma patients for whom significant tumor volume reduction may be an important end point of a chemotherapy regimen.
International Trade as an Engine of Growth in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Nigeria

This study examines international trade as an engine of growth in developing countries, a case study of Nigeria. A review of the literature reveals that countries that are more open to international trade tends to experience higher growth rate and per-capital income than countries who do not trade or closed economy. The primary objective of the study is to test the impact of international trade on economic development in Nigeria. In the paper, data were collected mainly from secondary sources, e.g. central bank of Nigeria(CBN) bulletin, federal office of statistics, etc. the test for the study is regression analysis, specifically the unit root test, error correction model (ECM) and the co-integration analysis. The study reveals that export is highly significant to international trade, since it is significant at both levels and first difference. In conclusion government should consider exporting more goods and services in order to promote international trade which is a veritable tool for economic growth of the Nigerian economy
Production , Manufacturing and Logistics Pricing strategy for deteriorating items using quantity discount when demand is price sensitive

This study develops an optimal pricing and ordering policy for a deteriorating item with price sensitive demand. Since it usually benefits the vendor more than the buyer when both the buyer and the vendor are integrated, a quantity discount pricing strategy is necessary to entice the buyer to accept the alliance. A negotiation factor is incorporated to balance the profit sharing between both players. Sensitivity analysis with the numerical example shows that the integrated total cost is very sensitive to the deterioration rate and the price-sensitive parameter. The analysis resulted in an increase in the total joint profit; therefore it is significant to consider the integrated vendor–buyer strategy with quantity discount. 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.