Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a satellite-based passive microwave sea ice concentration climate data record

A long-term, consistent, and reproducible satellite-based passive microwave sea ice concentration climate data record (CDR) is available for climate studies, monitoring, and model validation with an initial operation capability (IOC). The daily and monthly sea ice concentrations are on the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) polar stereographic grid with nominal 25 × 25 km grid cells in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres from 09 July 1987 to 31 December 2007 with an update through 2012 underway. The NetCDF data files along with detailed data processing steps and error source information can be found at http://dx.doi. org/10.7265/N5B56GN3. The dataset is archived by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) under the satellite climate data record program (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cdr/operationalcdrs.html). The description and basic statistical characteristics of the CDR are presented here. Our analysis results have shown that while the Northern Hemisphere experiences diminishing sea ice extent for the two decades from January 1988 to December 2007 with a faster reduction rate for the annual minimum sea ice extent, the Southern Hemisphere has experienced slightly increase in its sea ice extent for the same period, especially for the annual maximum.
Voltage Balancing and Fluctuation-Suppression Methods of Floating Capacitors in a New Modular Multilevel Converter

Modular multilevel converter (MMC) is a newly emerging multilevel topology for high-voltage applications during recent years. In this paper, a new MMC is proposed, and the structure and operating principle are analyzed. Owing to the cascaded basic cells without multiwinding transformer, the voltage balancing of floating capacitors must be considered. However, the voltage fluctuation also exists, and theoretical analysis indicates that the amplitude is inversely proportional to the fundamental frequency. This paper has proposed a voltage-fluctuation-suppression method which can reduce the amplitude of the voltage fluctuation in low-frequency region. It can also be used in motor driving with pump/blowerlike load at low frequency and improve the start-up performance significantly. A low-power three-phase five-level prototype is designed and built up to demonstrate the validity of this method.
Estimating Compensating Wage Differentials from Worker Mobility

We estimate the effects of the implementation of a compulsory work injury insurance in Sweden in 1978 on compensating wage differentials. This involves two steps. First, we investigate if there are compensating wage differentials on the Swedish labor market and second, we assess if these were altered by the reform. We use panel data for the period 1970 to 1990 with annual information for a sample of blue collar workers. The econometric model departs from the worker's job mobility decision. Endogeneity, selection and measurement errors of risk exposure are considered in the estimation. The estimates show significant compensating wage differentials for work-related diseases in the female sub-sample. No significant effect of the reform was found.
The Perennial Issue of Adaptation or Standardization of International Marketing Communication: Organizational Contingencies and Performance

The author investigates the standardization/adaptation issue in international advertising from an organizational perspective, introducing two variables: knowledge of local market conditions at the center (exporter/headquarters level) and headquarters’ influence on local marketing decisions. The author interviewed 150 Norwegian exporters by mail on their experience in this respect. The results reveal that the two dimensions indeed have some impact on how firms develop their international marketing strategies. Knowledge of local market conditions seems to play an overriding role, leading to a more standardized approach by firms. Not surprisingly, centralized decision power seems to lead to more negative reactions at the intermediary level. In contrast, firms that have a more relaxed stance on the standardization issue and leave the marketing decisions to the local representatives seem to have better relations with these representatives than do other firms. The author discusses implications for global brand management and research.
Youth in Participatory Development at the Community Level

The participatory development framework in this paper is set in the context of pro-poor development practices. This paradigm made popular by Chambers (1998) advocates the harnessing of people's energies and indigenous knowledge and expertise. It presents an opportunity for "conscienzation" of persons. This has the potential for minimizing the alienation of participants in the development process so that they take their future into their own hands. Copious literature reviews have indicated that although youth are an asset to the development process, failure to incorporate them in the local and national planning processes have dire implications on sustainable human development. The paper begins by presenting an overview of the benefits of participatory development and its importance to social policy. There is an examination of the concept of youth within an age-category and in its social context. This is followed by a discussion on youth in participatory development, the benefits to be derived and the factors that stymie the process of participation at the local level. The paper concludes by identifying policy implications and recommendations for sustaining youth participation in local development.
Cumulative effects of hypercholesterolemia on tendon biomechanics in a mouse model

High cholesterol represents a significant healthcare problem. Clinical studies have linked hypercholesterolemia to Achilles tendon xanthomas and rotator cuff tears, and research in other systems indicates detrimental effects of high cholesterol; however, understanding of its impact on tendon properties and healing is limited. We hypothesized that tendons from aging hypercholesterolemic (APOE) mice would exhibit inferior baseline and healing mechanical properties compared to controls, while younger, but mature mice would be no different. Surprisingly, tensile testing of patellar tendons from 14‐week‐old APOE mice receiving a unilateral full‐thickness central defect resulted in normalized (injured:sham) cross‐sectional areas closer to baseline (p = 0.02) compared to controls. Uninjured data from 10‐month‐old APOE mice showed a decrease in elastic modulus (p = 0.02), indicating a detrimental effect of hypercholesterolemia on tendon properties in this model. These results could benefit patients through knowledge that high cholesterol could increase the likelihood of tendon tears. Furthermore, knowledge that tendon tears are indicative of high cholesterol could provide orthopedic clinicians with an additional preventive treatment opportunity for patients with undiagnosed hypercholesterolemia. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:380–383, 2011
[Origin and significance of leptin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in amniotic fluid between the 14th and 18th weeks of gestation].

INTRODUCTION Leptin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) play important roles in the regulation of food intake, energy expenditure, hematopoesis and reproduction. The biological functions of leptin and NPY in fetal development, and their regulation during pregnancy by fetal and maternal factors remain poorly understood. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 55 women undergoing diagnostic amniocentesis between the 14th and 18th weeks of gestation samples of amniotic fluid were collected. In accord with the circadian rhythm of leptin secretion all amniocenteses were performed between 8.00 and 12.00 a. m. The concentrations of leptin and NPY in amniotic fluid were analysed using commercially available RIA's. RESULTS The amniotic fluid samples of 32 male and 23 female fetuses were determined and demonstrated no gender-dependent differences in leptin and NPY levels. No correlation was found between leptin/NPY and the maternal body mass index. NPY concentrations are lower in advanced gestational age pregnancies. Leptin levels revealed no differences with respect to gestational age. CONCLUSION Leptin and NPY levels were independent of fetal gender and maternal BMI. This provides clues for alternative regulatory mechanisms in leptin and NPY secretion. Compared to the data of adults, our findings show high leptin concentrations in the amniotic fluid in the presence of only minor amounts of white adipose tissues which might include the placenta. Our data including the observation of lower levels of NPY in more advanced gestational age support the idea of specific factors regulating leptin and NPY secretion into the amniotic fluid.
Airway injury resulting from repeated endotracheal intubation: Possible prevention strategies*

Objective: To characterize physical and inflammatory injury that may result from repeated intubation, independent of positive-pressure ventilation; and to determine whether corticosteroids can attenuate injury and or inflammation that may result from repeated intubation. Design: A 4-hr animal protocol. Setting: All work was done in the animal laboratory at the Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children. Subjects: Neonatal piglets (2–8 days old; 2.5 ± 0.4 kg) were intubated and randomized to four groups (n = 8 each) to be followed over 4 hrs. Groups were control (not reintubated), injured (reintubated every 0.5 hr), intratracheal pretreatment with 1 mg of nebulized budesonide (intratracheal pretreated), or intravenous pretreatment with 0.3 mg/kg of dexamethasone (intravenous pretreated). Intervention: Each pig was sedated for the duration of study and had a 3.5F catheter inserted in the femoral artery for blood sampling and blood pressure measurement every hour. After 4 hrs, each pig was killed, and tissue was harvested for histology and interleukin-6 assays. Measurements and Main Results: Laryngeal tissue interleukin-6 content was greater in the injured group compared with the control group (p < .05). In the intratracheal pretreated group, the interleukin-6 content of laryngeal tissue was greater compared with the control group (p < .05), whereas the intravenous pretreated group was not different from the control group. The reintubation injury resulted in plasma interleukin-6 levels that, compared with control, were greater in the injured and intratracheal pretreated groups (p < .05). Quantitative histology showed that the degree of tracheal injury was higher in injured and intratracheal pretreated groups compared with the control group (p < .05). Conclusions: Repeated intubation alone results in significant tracheal trauma and systemic inflammation. Intravenous but not inhaled steroids attenuated the injury.
Driven by two masters, serving both: the interplay of problem solving and research in information systems action research projects

One of the challenges of action research is the need simultaneously to serve two 'masters': as researchers, we need to produce rigorous, relevant research to advance our understanding and knowledge of our discipline. However, there is also a responsibility to intervene in organisational contexts and improve or ameliorate situations or issues perceived to be problematic, and thus, action researchers need also to be problem solvers and change agents. This chapter will discuss this duality of purpose, and discuss ways in which action researchers can successfully manage to address both the research imperative and the problem solving imperative in real world organisational contexts. An argument will be made to suggest that given both the research and action-oriented nature of action research, it is essential that IS action researchers have a sound appreciation of the nature of organisational contexts and of the information systems implemented in response to environmental problems, challenges and opportunities. The chapter will approach the need to serve two masters by suggesting a conceptualization which might support this, and will relate an action research case to this conceptual frame.
Entrepreneurship, Structural Change and a Global Economic Crisis

Abstract Building on a Lewis-type model of structural change and entrepreneurship we illustrate how a global economic crisis consisting of a financial and a trade shock can undermine structural change in developing countries via the start-up and innovation activities of entrepreneurs. The model analytics identifies a number of challenges for structural change in a post-crisis world, including dealing with greater bank concentration, higher costs of bank monitoring and stricter regulations and collateral requirements, flights-to-safety in global finance and reduced incentives for innovation and job-creating start-up activities.
Histopathological analysis of laparoscopically treated ovarian endometriotic cysts with special reference to loss of follicles.

BACKGROUND The best operative procedure for the laparoscopic treatment of ovarian endometriotic cysts has yet to be defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between laparoscopic cystectomy and loss of follicles. METHODS Videotape records of the laparoscopic removal of 73 ovarian cysts, histologically confirmed in the focal endometrial epithelial lining, were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into two groups: group 1 (61 cysts) in which the capsule was easily stripped from the underlying ovarian tissue and group 2 (12 cysts) in which the capsule could hardly be stripped from the underlying ovarian tissue. Main outcome measures included attached capsular structures and the number of attached follicles. RESULTS Microscopically in all group 1 cysts, normal ovarian stroma was attached to the resected side of the capsule. In addition, 30/61 (49.1%) of group 1 cysts were attached to the corpus albicans. The primordial follicle was found within the capsule of 42/61 (68.9%) group 1 cysts. The number of primordial follicles ranged from 1-25 (mean 6.6). In group 2 cysts, no primordial follicles were found. CONCLUSION The relative ease of removal of the capsules is probably associated with loss of follicles and damage to the ovarian stroma.
Synaptically released 5‐HT modulates the activity of tonically discharging neuronal populations in the rostral ventral medulla (RVM)

There is substantial evidence for an important modulating role of monoamines (catecholamines and serotonin, 5‐HT) in the rostral ventral medulla (RVM), a region which plays an important role in cardiovascular and nociceptive functions. We investigated in slices the role of endogenous monoamines in the synaptic control of the activity of rat RVM neuronal populations using intracellular recordings in the lateral RVM plus lateral aspect of nucleus paragigantocellularis lateralis. A triple‐labelling protocol allowed us to identify the location of impaled neurons and their eventual monoaminergic phenotype within the serotonergic and catecholaminergic populations of the RVM. Focal electrical stimulation revealed the existence of a functional monoaminergic input onto RVM neurons which was mediated by endogenous 5‐HT acting at inhibitory 5‐HT1A receptors but did not involve noradrenergic neurotransmission. The slow 5‐HT‐mediated inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) was only observed in the regularly discharging neurons, which were found to be neither catecholaminergic nor serotonergic. The synaptic release of 5‐HT was, itself, under an inhibitory control involving GABAA (γ‐aminobutyric acid) receptors. Moreover, we characterized the effect of the 5‐HT‐releasing agent fenfluramine on this functional 5‐HT‐mediated synaptic transmission. Our results show that the effect of fenfluramine is biphasic consisting of an initial prolongation of the serotonergic IPSP followed by a decrease in amplitude. Our data provide a basis for the previously reported inhibitory effects of exogenously applied serotonin agonists/antagonists on the autonomic functions controlled by the RVM. This 5‐HT pathway, which functionally links the serotonergic and catecholaminergic regions, might play an important role in cardiovascular and nociceptive functions.
End-to-End Security Across Wired-Wireless Networks for Mobile Users

ABSTRACT Recent advances in mobile computing and wireless communication technologies are enabling high mobility and flexibility of anytime, anywhere service access for mobile users. As a result, network connections of such users often span over heterogeneous networking environments consisting of wired and wireless networking technologies. Both network heterogeneity and user mobility make the securing of data transmission over heterogeneous networks challenging and complex. In this paper, we focus on the challenge of providing secure end-to-end network transmissions to wireless mobile users. To minimize service interruption during ongoing secure sessions of mobile users, we present the design and implementation of an approach based on the well-known Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) standard. We conducted a performance evaluation of our implementation using a Voice over IP (VoIP) application over an actual network testbed. Our empirical performance results demonstrate a packet loss improvement of 17% to 34% (for various VoIP packet sizes) and a handoff delay improvement of almost 24% validating the high efficiency of our proposed approach.
Testing a Financial Incentive to Promote Re-employment among Displaced Workers: The Canadian Earnings Supplement Project (ESP)

This article presents findings from a randomized experiment conducted in four Canadian provinces to measure the effects of a generous financial incentive that was designed to promote rapid re-employment among workers who were displaced from their jobs by changing economic conditions. The incentive tested was an earnings supplement which, for as long as 2 years and as much as $250 weekly, would replace 75 percent of the earnings loss incurred by displaced workers who took a new lower-paying full-time job within six months of receiving a supplement offer. Findings from the experiment indicate that although persons offered the supplement understood its terms and conditions, only 2 out of 10 actually received supplement payments. Furthermore, the supplement offer had little effect on job-search behavior, employment prospects, or receipt of unemployment insurance. Nevertheless, persons who received supplement payments benefited from them substantially. On average, they received payments for 64 weeks, totaling $8,705. © 2001 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Leaf Senescence Signaling: The Ca2+-Conducting Arabidopsis Cyclic Nucleotide Gated Channel2 Acts through Nitric Oxide to Repress Senescence Programming1[W][OA]

Ca2+ and nitric oxide (NO) are essential components involved in plant senescence signaling cascades. In other signaling pathways, NO generation can be dependent on cytosolic Ca2+. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutant dnd1 lacks a plasma membrane-localized cation channel (CNGC2). We recently demonstrated that this channel affects plant response to pathogens through a signaling cascade involving Ca2+ modulation of NO generation; the pathogen response phenotype of dnd1 can be complemented by application of a NO donor. At present, the interrelationship between Ca2+ and NO generation in plant cells during leaf senescence remains unclear. Here, we use dnd1 plants to present genetic evidence consistent with the hypothesis that Ca2+ uptake and NO production play pivotal roles in plant leaf senescence. Leaf Ca2+ accumulation is reduced in dnd1 leaves compared to the wild type. Early senescence-associated phenotypes (such as loss of chlorophyll, expression level of senescence-associated genes, H2O2 generation, lipid peroxidation, tissue necrosis, and increased salicylic acid levels) were more prominent in dnd1 leaves compared to the wild type. Application of a Ca2+ channel blocker hastened senescence of detached wild-type leaves maintained in the dark, increasing the rate of chlorophyll loss, expression of a senescence-associated gene, and lipid peroxidation. Pharmacological manipulation of Ca2+ signaling provides evidence consistent with genetic studies of the relationship between Ca2+ signaling and senescence with the dnd1 mutant. Basal levels of NO in dnd1 leaf tissue were lower than that in leaves of wild-type plants. Application of a NO donor effectively rescues many dnd1 senescence-related phenotypes. Our work demonstrates that the CNGC2 channel is involved in Ca2+ uptake during plant development beyond its role in pathogen defense response signaling. Work presented here suggests that this function of CNGC2 may impact downstream basal NO production in addition to its role (also linked to NO signaling) in pathogen defense responses and that this NO generation acts as a negative regulator during plant leaf senescence signaling.
Determinants of Aggregate Employment: An Example of the Food Retail and the Hotel and Catering Sectors

This article deals with the explanation of aggregate employment in the service industries. A theoretical labour-demand relation is discussed briefly. In this relation the effect of average production scale is included. Empirical illustrations are given using Dutch d m of the food retail and the hotel and catering sector over the years 1962–82.
Antitumor effect of sunitinib against skeletal metastatic renal cell carcinoma through inhibition of osteoclast function

We investigated the inhibitory effect of sunitinib, a newly approved multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, against the progression of renal cell cancer (RCC) bone metastases in vivo. In vitro cell proliferation was determined using the MTS assay. To investigate the inhibitory effects of sunitinib in vivo, we established luciferase‐labeled ACHNLuc cells derived from papillary RCC. Mice in which ACHNLuc cells had been transplanted into the left ventricle to establish bone metastases were treated orally with 40 mg/kg/day sunitinib or vehicle control for 3 weeks. Growth of the cancer cells was monitored using an in vivo imaging system. In addition, 16 patients with metastatic RCC were treated with sunitinib, and serum and urine levels of amino‐terminal telopeptide (NTx) were measured as markers of bone resorption. Sunitinib did not inhibit the growth of RCC cells in vitro at clinically or experimentally achievable serum levels (100 nM–1 μM). To investigate the inhibitory effect of sunitinib in vivo, we established luciferase‐labeled human RCC cells (ACHNLuc). Sunitinib prevented the growth of ACHNLuc RCC cells in the bone metastatic mouse model. The number of osteoclasts in sunitinib‐treated mice was significantly less than that in control mice. Serum and urine levels of NTx in patients with metastatic RCC declined significantly during the first 4 weeks of sunitinib treatment (p = 0.027). Sunitinib is a potent anticancer agent for RCC bone metastases, at least for papillary RCC.
Feature recognition of multi-class imaginary movements in brain-computer interface

Feature recognition of multi-class imaginary movements is an important subject of brain-computer interface based on imaginary movement. In this paper, using the method of two-dimensional time-frequency analysis combined with Fisher separability analysis to study multi-channel synchronization, multi-class imaginary movements potential information of typical subjects. Also we have extracted the feature data of event related resynchronization/synchronization that could be used to identify different classes, and then use the support vector machine to establish classifiers, and have completed a higher accuracy rate of classification for multi-motor patterns. The result shows that the identification accuracy could basically satisfy the requirements of BCI systems under the circumstances that the subjects are better trained.