Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Credibility in Optimal Factor Taxation

This paper examines optimal factor taxation when output is produced from labour and capital and some (or all) households save capital. It is shown that there is a reputational equilibrium in which the government has no incentive to change its announced tax policies. In this equilibrium, the Judd-Chamley assertion that the tax on capital income tends to zero in the limit holds. This is independent of the capital owners’ proportion of wages as well as their weight in the social welfare function. The optimal wage tax is determined by a specific elasticity rule.
Land reform in Southern Africa: Myths, visions and the harsh realities of development and justice

Bespreking van: I. Scoones,Zimbabwe's land reform: Myths & realities Woodbridge:James Currey ,2010 9781847010247 C. Walker,Land, memory, reconstruction, and justice: Perspectives on land claims in South Africa Athens, OH:Ohio University Press ,2010 9780821419274
Update on the clinical utility and practical use of ropivacaine in Chinese patients

We reviewed the Chinese and English literature for efficacy and tolerability data as well as pharmacological properties of ropivacaine in Chinese patients. Ropivacaine is a long-acting amide local anesthetic agent that elicits nerve block via reversible inhibition of sodium ion influx in nerve fibers. The available evidence in the literature on anesthesia practice indicates that ropivacaine produces equally surgical sensory block and postoperative and obstetrics analgesia with good maternal and fetal outcome to those of bupivacaine or levobupivacaine. It appears to be associated with comparable onset, quality, and duration of sensory block, but with a lower incidence or grade of motor block, compared to bupivacaine. The satisfaction of both patients and surgeons is high when ropivacaine is used. Thus, ropivacaine appears to be an important option for regional anesthesia and for the management of postoperative and labor pain, with its enhanced sensorimotor differentiation blockage at lower concentrations and enhanced safety at higher concentrations.
Food consumption of adults in Germany: results of the German National Nutrition Survey II based on diet history interviews

The second German National Nutrition Survey (NVS II) aimed to evaluate food consumption and other aspects of nutritional behaviour of a representative sample of the German population, using a modular design with three different dietary assessment methods. To assess usual food consumption, 15 371 German speaking subjects 14–80 years of age completed a diet history interview between November 2005 and November 2006. With reference to the guidelines of the German Nutrition Society (DGE), NVS II observed that the German population did not eat enough foods of plant origin, especially vegetables and consumed too much of meat and meat products. While generally similar food consumption is observed in other European countries, consumption of bread, fruit juices/nectars and beer is higher in Germany. On average, men consumed two times more meat and soft drinks as well as six times more beer than women did, whereas the consumption of vegetables, fruit as well as herbal/fruit tea was higher in women. Older participants showed a lower consumption of meat, fruit juice/nectars, soft drinks and spirits as well as a higher consumption of fish, vegetables, fruit, and herbal/fruit tea than adolescents and younger adults did. There are also differences in food consumption with regard to socio-economic status (SES). Persons with higher SES consumed more vegetables, fruit, fish, water, coffee/tea and wine, while persons with lower SES consumed more meat and meat products, soft drinks and beer. In general, the food consumption of women, the elderly and the higher SES group tends to be closer to the official dietary guidelines in Germany.
Monitoring and visualization of large WSN deployments

Recent developments in wireless sensor networks have ushered in novel ubiquitous computing applications based on distributed large-scale data acquisition and interactive interpretation. However, current WSNs suffer from lack of effective tools to support large network deployment and administration as well as unavailability of interactive visualization techniques required to explore and analyze captured sensing data, which is hindering the development of real-life WSN-based ubiquitous systems. Sensor Explorer addresses the above problems by providing modular efficient stream management engine and novel volume visualization algorithm suitable for WSN data.
Search Based Software Engineering for Program Comprehension

Search based software engineering (SBSE) is an approach to software engineering in which search based optimization algorithms are used to identify optimal or near optimal solutions and to yield insight. SBSE techniques can cater for multiple, possibly competing objectives and/or constraints and applications where the potential solution space is large and complex. Such situations are common in software engineering, leading to an increasing interest in SBSE. This paper provides a brief overview of SBSE, explaining some of the ways in which it has already been applied to program-comprehension related activities. The paper also outlines some possible future applications of and challenges for the further application of SBSE to program comprehension.
Learning Detail Transfer based on Geometric Features

The visual richness of computer graphics applications is frequently limited by the difficulty of obtaining high‐quality, detailed 3D models. This paper proposes a method for realistically transferring details (specifically, displacement maps) from existing high‐quality 3D models to simple shapes that may be created with easy‐to‐learn modeling tools. Our key insight is to use metric learning to find a combination of geometric features that successfully predicts detail‐map similarities on the source mesh; we use the learned feature combination to drive the detail transfer. The latter uses a variant of multi‐resolution non‐parametric texture synthesis, augmented by a high‐frequency detail transfer step in texture space. We demonstrate that our technique can successfully transfer details among a variety of shapes including furniture and clothing.
New Code Generation Algorithm for QueueCore An Embedded Processor with High ILP

Modern architectures rely on exploiting parallelism found at the instruction level to achieve high performance. Aggressive ILP compilers expose high amounts of instruction level parallelism where, in some cases, the number of architected registers is not enough to hold the results of potential parallel instructions. This paper presents a new code generation scheme for the QueueCore, a 32-bit queue-based architecture capable of executing high amounts of ILP. QueueCore's instructions implicitly read their operands and write results. Compiling for the QueueCore requires that all instructions have at most one explicit operand represented as an offset calculated at compile-time. Additionally, the instructions must be scheduled in level-order manner. The proposed algorithm successfully restricts all instructions to have at most one offset reference, it computes the offset values, and makes a level-order scheduling of the program. To evaluate the effectiveness of the new code generation scheme we developed a queue compiler and compiled a set of benchmark programs. Our results show that the code has more parallelism than optimized RISC code by factors ranging from 1.12 to 2.30. QueueCore's instruction set allows us to generate code about 40%-18% denser than optimized RISC code.
Human Papillomavirus Type16- L1 VLP Production in Insect Cells

Objective(s): Infection by high-risk papillomavirus is regarded as the major risk factor in the development of cervical cancer. Recombinant DNA technology allows expression of the L1 major capsid protein of HPV in different expression systems, which has intrinsic capacity to self-assemble into viral-like particles (VLP). VLPS are non-infectious, highly immunogenic and can elicit neutralizing antibodies. VLP-based HPV vaccines can prevent persistent HPV infections and cervical cancer. In this study recombinant HPV-16 L1 protein was produced in Sf9 insect cells and VLP formation was confirmed. Materials and Methods: Complete HPV-16 L1 gene was inserted into pFast HTa plasmid and transformed into DH10BAC Escherichia coli containing bacmid and helper plasmid. The recombinant Bacmid colonies turned to white and non-recombinant colonies harboring L1 gene remained blue in the presence of X-gal and IPTG in colony selection strategy. To confirm the recombinant bacmid production, PCR was applied using specific L1 primers. To produce recombinant baculovirus, the recombinant bacmid DNA was extracted and transfected into Sf9 cells using Cellfectin. The expression of L1 in Sf9 cells was identified through SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis using specific L1 monoclonal antibody. Self-assembled HPV16L-VLPs in Sf9 cells was confirmed by electron microscopy. Results: The recombinant protein L1 was predominantly ~60 KD in SDS-PAGE with distinct immunoreactivity in western blot analysis and formed VLPS as confirmed by electron microscopy. Conclusion: Application of recombinant baculovirus containing HPV-16 L1 gene will certainly prove to be a constructive tool in production of VLPs for prophylactic vaccine development as well as diagnostic tests.
Investigation of localized laser bonding process for ceramic MEMS packaging

The packaging poses a critical challenge for commercialization of MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) products. It provides structural and environmental protection for MEMS devices to enhance their reliability. Major problems with the packaging process include degraded reliability caused by the excess stress due thermal mismatch in the die attach, wire bonding, flip chip, and lid sealing phases of the process, and altered performance of the MEMS device after packaging caused by thermal exposure. As a consequence, local heating and rapid heating approaches, such as resistive micro-heaters, rapid thermal processing (RTP), and laser bonding, have been developed for MEMS packaging. This paper investigates the localized laser bonding technique for ceramic MEMS packaging. A continuous wave CO2 laser (wave length = 10.6 mum) is applied as a heat source to locally heat ceramic (Al2O3) MEMS packages for lid to substrate bonding. To determine the laser power density and scanning speed, a FEA (finite element analysis) thermal model is constructed to simulate the localized laser bonding process. The modeling results provide a guideline for selection of the laser bonding parameters and assist optimization of the packaging process. Further, the effect of external pressure at sealing ring on the forming of bond is studied. To evaluate the laser bonded packages, pull tests are conducted. It is found that the scanning speed and external pressure have significant influence on the pull strength at the bonding interface. The packages are then cross-sectioned and polished, and the bonding interface is inspected under a microscope and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometer. Experimental results show that packages bonded with relatively low scanning speed and external pressure conditions have higher bonding quality. This research demonstrates the potential of localized laser bonding process for ceramic MEMS packaging
Smart Graphics in Medical VisualizationSmart Graphics in Medizinischen Visualisierungen

Abstract Smart graphics techniques have a great potential in supporting medical treatment planning and education. In particular, the use of high-level knowledge and carefully selected default values reduces the interaction effort in exploring complex 3D data sets. Automatic viewpoint selection techniques may support the exploration of patient-specific 3D models. Camera movements and other animation techniques allow to emphasize important anatomic structures and convey complex spatial relations. Illustrative rendering techniques and smart visibility techniques enable the expressive visualization of nested surfaces which is important, e. g. , to understand the location of a tumor inside an organ. General smart graphics techniques, however, have to be carefully adapted to support medical applications. In-depth discussions of usage scenarios, requirements, priorities and preferences are therefore a prerequisite for successful developments. In this paper, we give an overview of smart medical visualizations.
The Impact of Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease on Related Disability in Older Irish Adults

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD)–related disability (hereafter also “disability”) and the impact of CHD risk factors on disability in older adults in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI). Method: Population attributable fractions were calculated using risk factor relative risks and disability prevalence derived from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing and the Northern Ireland Health Survey. Results: Disability was significantly lower in ROI (4.1% vs. 8.8%). Smoking and diabetes prevalence rates, and the fraction of disability that could be attributed to smoking (ROI: 6.6%; NI: 6.1%), obesity (ROI: 13.8%; NI: 11.3%), and diabetes (ROI: 6.2%; NI: 7.2%), were comparable in both countries. Physical inactivity (31.3% vs. 54.8%) and depression (10.2% vs. 17.6%) were lower in ROI. Disability attributable to depression (ROI: 16.3%; NI: 25.2%) and physical inactivity (ROI: 27.5%; NI: 39.9%) was lower in ROI. Discussion: Country-specific similarities and differences in the prevalence of disability and associated risk factors will inform public health and social care policy in both countries.
Liver Disease Secondary to Intestinal Failure

IFALD is a common and potentially life-threatening condition for patients with SBS requiring long-term PN. There exists the potential for decreasing its incidence by optimizing the composition and the rate of infusion of parenteral solutions, by advocating a multidisciplinary approach, and by early referral for intestinal-liver transplantation to ensure long-term survival of patients with SBS.
Third harmonic generation microscopy of cells and tissue organization

ABSTRACT The interaction of cells within their microenvironmental niche is fundamental to cell migration, positioning, growth and differentiation in order to form and maintain complex tissue organization and function. Third harmonic generation (THG) microscopy is a label-free scatter process that is elicited by water-lipid and water-protein interfaces, including intra- and extracellular membranes, and extracellular matrix structures. In applied life sciences, THG delivers a versatile contrast modality to complement multi-parameter fluorescence, second harmonic generation and fluorescence lifetime microscopy, which allows detection of cellular and molecular cell functions in three-dimensional tissue culture and small animals. In this Commentary, we review the physical and technical basis of THG, and provide considerations for optimal excitation, detection and interpretation of THG signals. We further provide an overview on how THG has versatile applications in cell and tissue research, with a particular focus on analyzing tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis, immune cell function and cancer research, as well as the emerging applicability of THG in clinical practice. Summary: The basis of third harmonic generation microscopy and its versatile applications in cell and tissue research are reviewed, as well as its emerging applicability in clinical practice.
3D shape measurement of a large cloth extremely close to a fisheye stereo camera

Existing 3D stereo shape measurement techniques do not consider the case of a large item very close to the stereo camera (i.e., covering almost the entire field of view). This case is crucial for humanoid robots with a head-mounted stereo camera performing support tasks because this is a natural configuration when handling large objects (e.g., adult clothes, bath towels, and linens). To address this, this paper describes the development of a 3D shape measurement method using a fisheye stereo setup. The method is successfully applied to measure the 3D shape of a large coat hung over the arms of a humanoid robot. However, as the object approaches the camera, new 3D shape measurement challenges arise. The causes of these difficulties are clarified, and suitable improvements to the algorithms are proposed. Experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed improvements.
Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumors-1 Protein (DMBT1): A Pattern Recognition Receptor with Multiple Binding Sites

Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumors-1 protein (DMBT1), salivary agglutinin (DMBT1SAG), and lung glycoprotein-340 (DMBT1GP340) are three names for glycoproteins encoded by the same DMBT1 gene. All these proteins belong to the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) superfamily of proteins: a superfamily of secreted or membrane-bound proteins with SRCR domains that are highly conserved down to sponges, the most ancient metazoa. In addition to SRCR domains, all DMBT1s contain two CUB domains and one zona pellucida domain. The SRCR domains play a role in the function of DMBT1s, which is the binding of a broad range of pathogens including cariogenic streptococci, Helicobacter pylori and HIV. Mucosal defense proteins like IgA, surfactant proteins and lactoferrin also bind to DMBT1s through their SRCR domains. The binding motif on the SRCR domains comprises an 11-mer peptide in which a few amino acids are essential for binding (GRVEVLYRGSW). Adjacent to each individual SRCR domain are glycosylation domains, where the attached carbohydrate chains play a role in the binding of influenza A virus and Helicobacter pylori. The composition of the carbohydrate chains is not only donor specific, but also varies between different organs. These data demonstrate a role for DMBT1s as pattern recognition molecules containing various peptide and carbohydrate binding motifs.
Aprendizaje autorregulado y rendimiento académico en estudiantes del ciclo clínico de la carrera de Medicina

El presente trabajo tiene el objetivo de analizar la vinculacion que existe entre el rendimiento academico y la capacidad autorregulatoria en estudiantes que, durante tres anos academicos consecutivos, cursaron el Ciclo Clinico de la carrera de Medicina en una universidad privada y en otra estatal. A tal fin, en primer lugar se expone un marco teorico que permite comprender, en forma sintetica, el concepto de aprendizaje autorregulado y su vinculacion con el desempeno academico; luego se describen y comparan los resultados alcanzados tras la aplicacion del MSLQ, instrumento que permite evaluar el aprendizaje mencionado.
Dietary Sources and Bioactivities of Melatonin

Insomnia is a serious worldwide health threat, affecting nearly one third of the general population. Melatonin has been reported to improve sleep efficiency and it was found that eating melatonin-rich foods could assist sleep. During the last decades, melatonin has been widely identified and qualified in various foods from fungi to animals and plants. Eggs and fish are higher melatonin-containing food groups in animal foods, whereas in plant foods, nuts are with the highest content of melatonin. Some kinds of mushrooms, cereals and germinated legumes or seeds are also good dietary sources of melatonin. It has been proved that the melatonin concentration in human serum could significantly increase after the consumption of melatonin containing food. Furthermore, studies show that melatonin exhibits many bioactivities, such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory characteristics, boosting immunity, anticancer activity, cardiovascular protection, anti-diabetic, anti-obese, neuroprotective and anti-aging activity. This review summaries the dietary sources and bioactivities of melatonin, with special attention paid to the mechanisms of action.
IN VITRO STIMULATION OF ANTIBODY FORMATION BY PERITONEAL CELLS

Peritoneal cells (PC) from normal, unimmunized mice were placed in ultra-thin monolayer cultures containing carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), sheep red blood cells (SRBC), and complement, and tested for the appearance of plaques of lysis. The behavior of PC from young male mice and from female mice that had given birth to several litters (retired breeder mice) was studied. It was found that cells from spleen, mesenteric lymph node, thymus, bone marrow, thoracic duct lymph, or Peyer's patches could not form plaques in the CMC microcultures. Also, various combinations of these cells did not lead to plaque formation. When cells from any of these sources were mixed with PC, there was either no effect or an actual inhibition of plaque formation, the plaque counts being lower than would have been expected from the number of PC present in the mixture. Optimal plaque formation by peritoneal cells was found to be dependent on an optimal cell concentration, this optimum being around 5 x 106/ml for young male mice and 0.5 x 106/ml for retired breeders. Inhibition of plaque formation was found with either supra- or suboptimal cell concentrations. The inhibition by excess cell concentration may have been a simple nutritional or nonspecific overcrowding effect, as it could also be induced by an addition of an excess of spleen or lymph node cells. The failure of more dilute PC preparations to give adequate numbers of plaques appeared to be more specific, as plaque numbers could not be restored to normal by addition of spleen cells. The suggestion was that some cell to cell interaction between PC was involved. This dependence on cell concentration was not seen with immunized spleen PFC. Plaque appearance could be specifically and reversibly suppressed by placing PC in a medium containing rabbit anti-mouse IgM serum. Anti-IgG serum had no such effect. These experiments strengthened our view, expressed in the accompanying paper, that plaque formation was due to the formation of IgM, hemolytic antibody to SRBC by the PC. Metabolic inhibitors were incorporated into monolayer cultures and had different effects with the different types of PFC used. In the case of spleen cells from mice actively immunized against SRBC 4 days before killing, actinomycin D had no effect on plaque counts and puromycin reduced plaque numbers by a factor of 2. In the case of PC from young male mice, actinomycin D in concentrations above 0.01 µg/ml caused reductions down to < 2% of control values in plaque counts, and puromycin (10 µg/ml) had a similar effect. The PC from retired breeder mice occupied an intermediate position between the two cases just discussed. A compartment of cells, equal to about one-fifth of the total normal PFC compartment, was identified as resistant to high concentrations of either actinomycin D or puromycin, being similar in these respects to PFC from spleens of intentionally preimmunized mice. The mitotic poison, Colcemid, did not affect plaque counts in any situation tested. The theoretical implications of these results are briefly discussed.