Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environmental economic geography and environmental inequality: challenges and new research prospects

Abstract The environmental dimension and sustainability-related issues have increasingly gained momentum in Economic Geography. This paper argues that integrating the inequality perspective into Environmental Economic Geography (EEG) and trying to disentangle the manifold interrelationships between economic, social, and environmental disadvantage could be worthwhile efforts. Based on three case studies – the debate on urban environmental justice in German cities, the spread of alternative food systems and food-sharing initiatives in Germany, and the socially selective migration in hazard prone areas in rural coastal Bangladesh – we demonstrate that aspects of social inequality indeed matter for EEG thinking.
The impacts of oil export and food production on inflation in African OPEC members

This study examined the long run impact of oil export and food production on inflation in African OPEC member countries. The countries consist Algeria, Angola, Libya and Nigeria. This study applied Pedroni cointegration test. In addition, dynamic panel ARDL models (PMG and MG estimators) were also used. This study found that the long-run coefficient of oil exports, money supply, exchange rate and GDP are positively related to inflation while food production is negatively related to inflation. The policy makers should maintain a certain level of oil export to minimize the rate of inflation, also to encourage domestic food production to reduce the rate of inflation. Besides that, the study also concludes that increase in money supply and depreciation of exchange rate cause inflation rate. Hence, the policy makers can use the contractionary monetary policy as well as currency control to reduce the inflation rate in OPEC member countries.
Immunomodulation by iscoms, immune stimulating complexes.

The iscom is a uniform stable complex consisting of cholesterol, phospholipid, adjuvant-active saponin, and antigen. The iscom matrix is a particulate complex with identical composition, shape, and morphology, but lacking the incorporated antigen. The assembly of the complex is based on hydrophobic interactions, but antigens that are not hydrophobic can be conjugated with a hydrophobic tail or hidden hydrophobic regions can be exposed, e.g., by acid treatment, to facilitate the incorporation into iscoms. The functional aspects of iscoms are described emphasizing immunomodulation in mouse models. Iscoms prominently enhance the antigen targeting, uptake, and activity of antigen presenting cells including dendritic and B cells and macrophages resulting in the production of proinflammatory cytokines, above all interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and IL-12. The expression of costimulatory molecules major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, B7.1 and B7.2, is also enhanced. The latter partly explains why the iscom is an efficient adjuvant for elderly mice. Iscoms enhance the Th1 type of response with increased production of IL-2 and interferon gamma. However, with some antigens and particularly in monkeys immunized with HIV iscoms, the production of IL-4 was enhanced. IL-4, IL-2, and interferon gamma (IFNgamma) together with the beta chemokines MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta correlated with protection against challenge infection with a chimeric virus (simian immunodeficiency virus-human immunodeficiency virus). Iscoms were also shown to induce a potent immune response in the newborn and to be an efficient delivery system for mucosal administration. Technical information is given about formulation of iscoms and about handling of antigens to optimize their incorporation into iscoms.
Rich Man, Poor Man: The Policy Implications of Canadians Living Longer

A longevity gap between rich and poor has persisted over the years in Canada with significant policy implications, according to a new report from the C.D. Howe Institute. In “Rich Man, Poor Man: The Policy Implications of Canadians Living Longer” – the first study of long-term changes in longevity across earnings groups in Canada – authors Kevin Milligan and Tammy Schirle provide new evidence on the incomes and life expectancy of Canadians.
Follistatin Does Not Influence the Course of Escherichia coli K1 Sepsis in a Mouse Model

ABSTRACT Follistatin (FS) is the binding protein of activin A and inhibits its actions. The activin/FS system participates in the fine tuning of the immune response, and concentrations of activin A and FS are elevated in serum of patients with sepsis. Intraperitoneal injection of FS markedly reduced mortality after lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in a mouse model. Here, we investigated whether FS also influences the disease course in a mouse model of sepsis induced by intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli K1, a gram-negative bacterium frequently causing septic bacterial infections. Intraperitoneal injection of 10 &mgr;g/mL FS 30 min before infection did not influence survival, weight, motor performance, or bacterial titers of the infected mice. Thus, we could not confirm the protective effect of FS observed during lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in our mouse model of E. coli sepsis. Although it is a promising therapeutic tool in chronic or acute inflammatory conditions not caused by virulent pathogens, FS does not seem to increase the resistance to bacterial infections.
Imaging local electric fields produced upon synchrotron X-ray exposure

Significance Exposure to high-energy X-rays, experienced during X-ray diffraction experiments for determining atomic structures, can potentially create large local electric fields from photoelectron ejection. Under cryogenic conditions, these fields may persist indefinitely. Mapping of electric fields is important for a complete understanding of damage mechanisms involved in X-ray measurements, for potential effects on the quality and interpretation of X-ray data, and for possible direct impact on diffraction resolution through the piezoelectric effect. Mapping of electric fields may also be useful in retaining a record of locations of X-ray exposure. In this paper, electric-field induced second harmonic generation imaging is explored in simulation and experiment. It provides insight into the position and distribution of local electric fields within an X-ray exposed sample. Electron–hole separation following hard X-ray absorption during diffraction analysis of soft materials under cryogenic conditions produces substantial local electric fields visualizable by second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy. Monte Carlo simulations of X-ray photoelectron trajectories suggest the formation of substantial local electric fields in the regions adjacent to those exposed to X-rays, indicating a possible electric-field–induced SHG (EFISH) mechanism for generating the observed signal. In studies of amorphous vitreous solvents, analysis of the SHG spatial profiles following X-ray microbeam exposure was consistent with an EFISH mechanism. Within protein crystals, exposure to 12-keV (1.033-Å) X-rays resulted in increased SHG in the region extending ∼3 μm beyond the borders of the X-ray beam. Moderate X-ray exposures typical of those used for crystal centering by raster scanning through an X-ray beam were sufficient to produce static electric fields easily detectable by SHG. The X-ray–induced SHG activity was observed with no measurable loss for longer than 2 wk while maintained under cryogenic conditions, but disappeared if annealed to room temperature for a few seconds. These results provide direct experimental observables capable of validating simulations of X-ray–induced damage within soft materials. In addition, X-ray–induced local fields may potentially impact diffraction resolution through localized piezoelectric distortions of the lattice.
Severe iron-deficiency anaemia and feeding practices in young children

Abstract Objectives Fe-deficiency anaemia (IDA) occurs in 1–2 % of infants in developed countries, peaks at 1–3 years of age and is associated with later cognitive deficits. The objectives of the present study were to describe the characteristics of young children with severe IDA and examine modifiable risk factors in a developed-country setting. Design Two prospective samples: a national surveillance programme sample and a regional longitudinal study sample. Setting Canada, 2009–2011. Subjects Two samples of young children recruited from community-based health-care practices: a national sample with severe anaemia (Hb<80 g/l) due to Fe deficiency and a regional sample with non-anaemic Fe sufficiency. Results Children with severe IDA (n 201, mean Hb 55·1 g/l) experienced substantial morbidity (including developmental delay, heart failure, cerebral thrombosis) and health-care utilization (including a 42 % hospitalization rate). Compared with children with Fe sufficiency (n 597, mean Hb 122·4 g/l), children with severe IDA consumed a larger volume of cow’s milk daily (median 1065 ml v. 500 ml, P<0·001) and were more likely to be using a bottle during the day (78 % v. 43 %, OR=6·0; 95 % CI 4·0, 8·9) and also in bed (60 % v. 21 %, OR=6·5; 95 % CI 4·4, 9·5). Conclusions Severe IDA is associated with substantial morbidity and may be preventable. Three potentially modifiable feeding practices are associated with IDA: (i) cow’s milk consumption greater than 500 ml/d; (ii) daytime bottle use beyond 12 months of age; and (iii) bottle use in bed. These feeding practices should be highlighted in future recommendations for public health and primary-care practitioners.
Applications of nanomaterials as vaccine adjuvants

Vaccine adjuvants are applied to amplify the recipient's specific immune responses against pathogen infection or malignancy. A new generation of adjuvants is being developed to meet the demands for more potent antigen-specific responses, specific types of immune responses, and a high margin of safety. Nanotechnology provides a multifunctional stage for the integration of desired adjuvant activities performed by the building blocks of tailor-designed nanoparticles. Using nanomaterials for antigen delivery can provide high bioavailability, sustained and controlled release profiles, and targeting and imaging properties resulting from manipulation of the nanomaterials’ physicochemical properties. Moreover, the inherent immune-regulating activity of particular nanomaterials can further promote and shape the cellular and humoral immune responses toward desired types. The combination of both the delivery function and immunomodulatory effect of nanomaterials as adjuvants is thought to largely benefit the immune outcomes of vaccination. In this review, we will address the current achievements of nanotechnology in the development of novel adjuvants. The potential mechanisms by which nanomaterials impact the immune responses to a vaccine and how physicochemical properties, including size, surface charge and surface modification, impact their resulting immunological outcomes will be discussed. This review aims to provide concentrated information to promote new insights for the development of novel vaccine adjuvants.
Segmental nephron function in rats treated with aprotinin, an inhibitor of kallikrein.

The effects on kidney function of aprotinin, an inhibitor of kallikrein and other serine proteinases, were investigated in rats made diuretic by infusion of 0.9% saline. Late proximal, early distal and late distal tubular fluid samples were collected before and after aprotinin administration (20,000 kallikrein I.U./kg b.wt. i.v.). Glomerular filtration rate and urinary excretion of solute and water were assessed simultaneously. Aprotinin did not alter blood pressure or glomerular filtration rate, but reduced urine flow from 23.8 +/- 4.5 to 16.4 +/- 3.4 microliter min-1 100 g-1 (P less than .05) and urinary kinin excretion from 23.5 +/- 3.2 to 10.8 +/- 1.9 pg min-1 100 g-1 (P less than .01). Aprotinin increased the tubular fluid to plasma inulin concentration ratio at late distal tubule puncture site, but not at late proximal or early distal tubule collection sites. Estimates of fluid reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, expressed as a percentage of glomerular filtration rate, as a percentage of delivery to this nephron segment or as net volume transported, increased after the administration of aprotinin by 22, 24 and 23% (P less than .05), respectively. In contrast, aprotinin did not alter the estimates of fluid reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule, the loop of Henle or the collecting tubule. We conclude that the antidiuretic effect of aprotinin in saline-expanded rats is related to selective augmentation of fluid reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule. This effect of aprotinin may be the expression of reduced renal kinin levels, inhibition of serine proteases other than kallikrein or other unrecognized properties of the agent.
The Great Recession, Household Income, and Children's Test Scores

The Great Recession had a major impact on the wellbeing and welfare of households worldwide. Irish data provide a unique opportunity to examine how the recession affected children’s educational performance given the extent of the economic contraction in Ireland during this period. We use longitudinal data from the Growing Up in Ireland study to examine the impact of changes in household income on standardised numerical and verbal test scores during the recession, when cohort members were aged between 9 and 13. We compare regression results from random effects and fixed effects models, the latter of which account for time invariant omitted variables that are potential common causes of both household income and academic performance. We also investigate non-linearities and effect heterogeneity using quantile regression. Log household income is strongly correlated with test scores in the random effects models: a unit decrease is associated with a reduction of 0.2 standard deviations in verbal and numerical test scores for boys and verbal scores for girls, and 0.1 standard deviations in numerical scores for girls. Quantile results suggest that, for boys, those with high ability are less affected. However, in the fixed effects models the coefficients are attenuated by more than 50%. Overall, there is little evidence of short-run negative effects of the Great Recession on children’s educational performance. In this paper we estimate the effect of transitory shocks; further data are required to isolate the impact of permanent income and any long-run impacts.
Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes resistant to macrolides but sensitive to clindamycin: a common resistance pattern mediated by an efflux system

Macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes isolates from Finland, Australia, and the United Kingdom and, more recently, Streptococcus pneumoniae and S. pyogenes strains from the United States were shown to have an unusual resistance pattern to macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramin B antibiotics. This pattern, referred to as M resistance, consists of susceptibility to clindamycin and streptogramin B antibiotics but resistance to 14- and 15-membered macrolides. An evaluation of the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance phenotypes among our streptococcal strains collected from 1993 to 1995 suggested that this unusual resistance pattern is not rare. Eighty-five percent (n = 66) of the S. pneumoniae and 75% (n = 28) of the S. pyogenes strains in our collection had an M phenotype. The mechanism of M resistance was not mediated by target modification, as isolated ribosomes from a pneumococcal strain bearing the M phenotype were fully sensitive to erythromycin. Further, the presence of an erm methylase was excluded with primers specific for an erm consensus sequence. However, results of studies that determined the uptake and incorporation of radiolabeled erythromycin into cells were consistent with the presence of a macrolide efflux determinant. The putative efflux determinant in streptococci seems to be distinct from the multicomponent macrolide efflux system in coagulase-negative staphylococci. The recognition of the prevalence of the M phenotype in streptococci has implications for sensitivity testing and may have an impact on the choice of antibiotic therapy in clinical practice.
Managerial Hubris, Trade Associations and Regulatory Knowledge in Micro‐Firms

To avoid breaking the law for regulatory non&#8208;compliance, it is essential that micro&#8208;firm owner&#8208;managers are aware of deficiencies in their knowledge, so that they can seek improvement and avoid over&#8208;confidence (i.e. hubris) in their knowledge levels. Using newly collected survey data from micro&#8208;firms in the English accommodation sector and multivariate techniques, the authors explore the possibility of hubris by making a novel distinction between the Perceived&#8208;Knowledge and Actual&#8208;Knowledge of regulation held by micro&#8208;firm owner&#8208;managers. Both Perceived&#8208;Knowledge (from self&#8208;assessment) and Actual&#8208;Knowledge (from a simple test) over four core areas of regulation are found to be different, generally poor and suggestive of hubris. The relationship between these knowledge levels is further explored by considering the role of trade association membership (since they support members) and attitude (since it effects learning). Attitude is found to be positively associated with both forms of knowledge, while trade association memberships are also found to be associated with enhanced Perceived&#8208;Knowledge, but not Actual&#8208;Knowledge. In light of the results, the authors suggest several priority areas for improving Actual&#8208;Knowledge and self&#8208;assessment skills, and areas for future research.
Mental tasks classifications using S-transform for BCI applications

The classification of different types of mental tasks is an active area of research that seems to be ever expanding. This field is gaining interest from researchers all over the world. This study is intended to utilize the Stockwell transform (ST) to investigate the classification accuracy of five different types of mental tasks. A well known electroencephalogram (EEG) database (Keirn and Aunon database) has been used in this study. Two subjects from the database were considered for the study. k-means nearest neighborhood (k-NN) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) based classifiers were used to perform a pair-wise classification of the 10 combinations of mental tasks. Two different discriminant functions such as linear and quadratic were used in LDA classifier and their effects on the classification performance are presented. The effect of different ‘k’ values (1 to 10) was also studied in kNN algorithm. Conventional and k-fold cross validation methods were used to investigate the reliability of the classification results of the classifiers. The experimental results show that the proposed method gives promising pair-wise classification accuracy from 78.80% to 100%.
Stress transfer properties of different commercial dental implants: a finite element study

Dental implantology has high success rates, and a suitable estimation of how stresses are transferred to the surrounding bone sheds insight into the correct design of implant features. In this study, we estimate stress transfer properties of four commercial implants (GMI, Lifecore, Intri and Avinent) that differ significantly in macroscopic geometry. Detailed three-dimensional finite element models were adopted to analyse the behaviour of the bone-implant system depending on the geometry of the implant (two different diameters) and the bone–implant interface condition. Occlusal static forces were applied and their effects on the bone, implant and bone–implant interface were evaluated. Large diameters avoided overload-induced bone resorption. Higher stresses were obtained with a debonded bone–implant interface. Relative micromotions at the bone–implant interface were within the limits required to achieve a good osseointegration. We anticipate that the methodology proposed may be a useful tool for a quantitative and qualitative comparison between different commercial dental implants.
Using ins Border Apprehension Data to Measure the Flow of Undocumented Migrants Crossing the U.S.-Mexico Frontier 1

This article examines how data on INS border apprehensions are related to the flow of undocumented migrants crossing the southern U.S. border. Its centerpiece is a demographic model of the process of unauthorized migration across the Mexico-U.S. frontier. This model is both a conceptual framework that allows us to see theoretical linkages between apprehensions and illegal migrant flows, and a methodological device that yields estimates of the gross number of undocumented migrants. One implication of the model is that, for the first time, the relation between apprehensions and illegal flows can be examined empirically. We show that the ratio in each period between apprehensions and the undocumented flow is simply the odds of being located and arrested on any given attempt to enter the United States clandestinely. In addition, data for 1977–1988 suggest that the simple linear correlation between the number of apprehensions and the volume of illegal immigration is approximately 0.90 and that the size of the illegal migrant flow is roughly 2.2 times the number of Border Patrol arrests. The article concludes with a discussion of the conditions under which it is appropriate to use INS apprehensions data as an indicator for the flow of undocumented U.S. migrants.
Exploiting scalable CGRA mapping of LU for energy efficiency using the Layers architecture

A scalable and highly efficient numerical linear algebra kernel mapping for coarse-grained reconfigurable architectures is proposed and applied to a 3D reconfigurable architecture, Layers, which exploits functional parallelism and a functional reconfiguration-based programming model to achieve flexibility, scalability and low energy. Instead of solving the complex problem of mapping an application to fit architectural constraints, in our approach we tailor the mapping scheme for efficiency and scalability and exploit architectural flexibility and reconfigurability to adapt the architecture to match the derived mapping. Thus, kernel execution reaches asymptotically optimal efficiency for various architectural parameters and input matrix sizes, without modification of the derived mapping. Detailed performance and power evaluations were done with input data sets with matrix sizes ranging from 64×64 to 16384×16384. Twelve architectural variants with up to 10×10 processing elements were used to explore scalability of the mapping and the architecture, achieving <;10% energy increase for architectures up to 8×8 PEs, coupled with performance speed-ups of more than an order of magnitude.