Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Death of Welfare Economics: History of a Controversy

The death of welfare economics has been declared several times. One of the reasons cited for these plural obituaries is that Kenneth Arrow’s impossibility theorem, as set out in his path-breaking Social Choice and Individual Values in 1951, has shown that the social welfare function – one of the main concepts of the new welfare economics as defined by Abram Bergson (Burk) in 1938 and clarified by Paul Samuelson in the Foundations of Economic Analysis (1947, ch. VIII) – does not exist under reasonable conditions. Indeed, from the very start, Arrow kept asserting that his famous impossibility result has direct and devastating consequences for the Bergson-Samuelson Social Welfare Function (1948, 1950, 1951a, 1963), though he seemed to soften his position in the early eighties. On his side, especially from the seventies on, Samuelson remained active on this issue and continued to defend the concept he had devised with Bergson, tooth and nail, against Arrow’s attacks (1967, 1977, 1981, 1987, 2005). The aim of this paper is precisely to examine this rather strange controversy, which is almost unknown in the scientific community, even though it lasted more than fifty years and saw a conflict between two economic giants, Arrow and Samuelson, and behind them two distinct communities–the fading welfare economics against the emerging social choice theory–, two conflicting ways of dealing with mathematical tools in welfare economics and, above all, two different conceptions of social welfare. By relying on different kinds of material, I attempt to grasp what the exchanges between Arrow, Samuelson and others, both overtly and behind the scenes, reveal regarding the motivations of my two main actors.
Coexistence of Two Different Photosynthetic Operons in Citromicrobium bathyomarinum JL354 As Revealed by Whole-Genome Sequencing

ABSTRACT Citromicrobium bathyomarinum is a bacteriochlorophyll a-containing aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of C. bathyomarinum JL354, which was the first C. bathyomarinum strain isolated from a euphotic marine environment. The JL354 genome sequence reveals, for the first time, the coexistence of two different photosynthetic operons in a single strain.
Portal hypertension in children following neonatal umbilical disorders

10 children presented pre-hepatic portal vein obstruction during their first 6 years of life. 8 of them had massive esophageal varices, 1 died from acute esophageal hemorrhage. The perinatal history of these childre was studied: All of them had an abnormal birth history and all had been hospitalized during their neonatal period. In 5 of them an umbilical infection had been diagnosed, one had an injection of THAM and one other an exchange transfusion through an umbilical vein catheter. Pre-hepatic portal vein occlusion in children is presumed to be mainly an acquired disease resulting from neonatal umbilical disorders.
An Apical PDZ Protein Anchors the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator to the Cytoskeleton*

The function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) as a Cl− channel in the apical membrane of epithelial cells is extensively documented. However, less is known about the molecular determinants of CFTR residence in the apical membrane, basal regulation of its Cl− channel activity, and its reported effects on the function of other transporters. These aspects of CFTR function likely require specific interactions between CFTR and unknown proteins in the apical compartment of epithelial cells. Here we report that CFTR interacts with the recently discovered protein, EBP50 (ERM-binding phosphoprotein 50). EBP50 is concentrated at the apical membrane in human airway epithelial cells, in vivo, and CFTR and EBP50 associate inin vitro binding assays. The CFTR-EBP50 interaction requires the COOH-terminal DTRL sequence of CFTR and utilizes either PDZ1 or PDZ2 of EBP50, although binding to PDZ1 is of greater affinity. Through formation of a complex, the interaction between CFTR and EBP50 may influence the stability and/or regulation of CFTR Cl−channel function in the cell membrane and provides a potential mechanism through which CFTR can affect the activity of other apical membrane proteins.
Nitric oxide‐dependence of satellite stem cell activation and quiescence on normal skeletal muscle fibers

Satellite cells (quiescent precursors in normal adult skeletal muscle) are activated for growth and regeneration. Signaling by nitric oxide (NO) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) during activation has not been examined in a model that can distinguish quiescent from activated satellite cells. We tested the hypothesis that NO and HGF are required to regulate activation using the single‐fiber culture model. In normal fibers, HGF and inhibition of NO synthase (NOS) each increased activation without stretching, and NOS inhibition reduced stretch‐activation. Activation in unstretched mdx and NOS‐I(−/−) fibers was three‐ to fourfold higher than normal, and was reduced by stretching. Distinctions were not due to different pax7‐expressing populations on normal and mdx fibers. The population of c‐met–expressing satellite cells on normal fibers was increased by stretch, demonstrating functional heterogeneity among normal satellite cells. Cycloheximide did not prevent the stretch‐related increase in c‐met expression, suggesting c‐met may be an immediate–early gene in satellite cell activation. Results have important implications for designing new therapies that target the role of exercise in health, aging, and disease. Developmental Dynamics 236:240–250, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamical Tuning of Nanowire Lasing Spectra

Realizing visionary concepts of integrated photonic circuits, nanospectroscopy, and nanosensing will tremendously benefit from dynamically tunable coherent light sources with lateral dimensions on the subwavelength scale. Therefore, we demonstrate an individual nanowire laser based device which can be gradually tuned by reversible length changes of the nanowire such that uniaxial tensile stress is applied to the respective semiconductor gain material. By straining the device, the spontaneous excitonic emission of the nanowire shifts to lower energies caused by the bandgap reduction of the semiconductor. Moreover, the optical gain spectrum of the nanolaser can be precisely strain-tuned in the high excitation regime. The tuning of the emission does not affect the laser threshold of the device, which is very beneficial for practical applications. The applied length change furthermore adjusts the laser resonances inducing a redshift of the longitudinal modes. Thus, this concept of gradually and dynamically tunable nanolasers enables controlling and modulating the coherent emission on the nanoscale without changing macroscopic ambient conditions. This concept holds therefore huge impact on nanophotonic switches and photonic circuit technology.
Personal understanding and target understanding: mapping influences on the outcomes of learning.

BACKGROUND Among the many theories of learning, few have been developed specifically for education. Most have explained learning in terms of either the individual activities of the learner or the design of the learning context; yet both are important in education. Each theory applies strictly only to the context for which it was developed, and yet quite general implications for education are often suggested. AIMS 1. To review qualitative research on learning carried out within the classroom and to identify some of the major influences on the quality of learning outcomes. 2. To develop a conceptual framework based on this research which seeks to explain differences in levels and forms of understanding. METHOD Model building based on reviews of research on learning in schools and universities. ANALYSIS A conceptual framework was developed from the review of the literature which emphasises the activities of both teachers and students and the influences on learning outcomes of both the individual and the social context. The framework introduces a distinction between 'target' and 'personal' understanding to draw attention to the differing ways in which curriculum designers, teachers and students define knowledge and conceptualise the teaching-learning process. It also suggests how these conceptualisations influence the level of understanding reached by students. The framework is intended to encourage teachers and curriculum designers to think about the likely effects of the tasks and conditions they are providing for students, and to consider ways of strengthening the emphasis on conceptual understanding. By drawing on research findings from both schools and universities, a way of thinking about teaching and learning is indicated which can, to some extent, be generalised across educational contexts.
Phylogenetic correlates of extinction risk in mammals: species in older lineages are not at greater risk

Phylogenetic information is becoming a recognized basis for evaluating conservation priorities, but associations between extinction risk and properties of a phylogeny such as diversification rates and phylogenetic lineage ages remain unclear. Limited taxon-specific analyses suggest that species in older lineages are at greater risk. We calculate quantitative properties of the mammalian phylogeny and model extinction risk as an ordinal index based on International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List categories. We test for associations between lineage age, clade size, evolutionary distinctiveness and extinction risk for 3308 species of terrestrial mammals. We show no significant global or regional associations, and three significant relationships within taxonomic groups. Extinction risk increases for evolutionarily distinctive primates and decreases with lineage age when lemurs are excluded. Lagomorph species (rabbits, hares and pikas) that have more close relatives are less threatened. We examine the relationship between net diversification rates and extinction risk for 173 genera and find no pattern. We conclude that despite being under-represented in the frequency distribution of lineage ages, species in older, slower evolving and distinct lineages are not more threatened or extinction-prone. Their extinction, however, would represent a disproportionate loss of unique evolutionary history.
Understanding the determinants of human computation game acceptance: The effects of aesthetic experience and output quality

Purpose – Human computation games (HCGs) that blend gaming with utilitarian purposes are a potentially effective channel for content creation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the driving factors behind players’ adoption of HCGs through a music video tagging game. The effects of perceived aesthetic experience (PAE) and perceived output quality (POQ) on HCG acceptance are empirically examined. Design/methodology/approach – An integrative structural model is developed to explain how hedonic and utilitarian factors, including PAE and POQ, working with another salient factor – perceived usefulness (PU) – affect the acceptance of HCGs. The structural equation modeling method is used to verify the proposed model with data from 124 participants. Findings – Results show that PAE is the strongest predictor of HCGs adoption. PU has a significant impact on individuals’ attitude toward HCGs. POQ is a salient predictor of PU and PAE, and its indirect effect on attitude is significance. Originality/value – From an academic point of view, this study provides a good understanding of the driving factors behind player acceptance of HCGs and adds new knowledge to games with utilitarian purposes. It is also one of the first to describe the components of game enjoyment with a taxonomy of aesthetic experiences. From the practical perspective, the investigation of the specific factors behind adoption of HCGs provides specific guidelines for their design and evaluation.
MSX2 overexpression inhibits gemcitabine-induced caspase-3 activity in pancreatic cancer cells.

AIM To evaluate the effect of MSX2 on gemcitabine-induced caspase-3 activation in pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1. METHODS Using V5-tagged MSX2 expression vector, stable transfectant of MSX2 was generated from Panc-1 cells (Px14 cells). Cell viability under gemcitabine administration was determined by MTT assay relative to control cell line (empty-vector transfected Panc-1 cells; P-3EV cells). Hoechst staining was used for the detection of apoptotic cell. Activation of caspase-3 was assessed using Western blotting analysis and direct measurement of caspase-3 specific activities. RESULTS MSX2 overexpression in Panc-1 cells resulted in decreased gemcitabine-induced caspase-3 activation and increased cell viability under gemcitabine treatment in Px14 cells. CONCLUSION MSX2 exerts repressive effects on gemcitabine-induced apoptotic pathway. This novel apoptosis-regulating function of MSX2 may provide a new therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
A Study of Granger Causality in Latin American Stock Markets

This study investigates the inter-linkages between the US stock market and the Brazilian, Argentinean, and Mexican stock markets, during the period of 2000-07, prior to the global financial crisis, using the augmented Dickey-Fuller test to check the returns series for stationarity, and the Granger causality test to check for causality of returns between the markets. The results of the study suggest that the US market is closely integrated with the Brazilian market, which in turn is closely integrated with the Argentinian and Mexican markets. The results, thus, indicate integration of the Latin American markets, mediated through the Brazilian market.
The genetic relationships between ethanol preference, acute ethanol sensitivity, and ethanol tolerance in Drosophila melanogaster

The relationship between alcohol consumption, sensitivity, and tolerance is an important question that has been addressed in humans and rodent models. Studies have shown that alcohol consumption and risk of abuse may correlate with (1) increased sensitivity to the stimulant effects of alcohol, (2) decreased sensitivity to the depressant effects of alcohol, and (3) increased alcohol tolerance. However, many conflicting results have been observed. To complement these studies, we utilized a different organism and approach to analyze the relationship between ethanol consumption and other ethanol responses. Using a set of 20 Drosophila melanogaster mutants that were isolated for altered ethanol sensitivity, we measured ethanol-induced hyperactivity, ethanol sedation, sedation tolerance, and ethanol consumption preference. Ethanol preference showed a strong positive correlation with ethanol tolerance, consistent with some rodent and human studies, but not with ethanol hyperactivity or sedation. No pairwise correlations were observed between ethanol hyperactivity, sedation, and tolerance. The evolutionary conservation of the relationship between tolerance and ethanol consumption in flies, rodents, and humans indicates that there are fundamental biological mechanisms linking specific ethanol responses.
Role of Mutant CFTR in Hypersusceptibility of Cystic Fibrosis Patients to Lung Infections

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are hypersusceptible to chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections. Cultured human airway epithelial cells expressing the ΔF508 allele of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) were defective in uptake of P. aeruginosa compared with cells expressing the wild-type allele. Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-core oligosaccharide was identified as the bacterial ligand for epithelial cell ingestion; exogenous oligosaccharide inhibited bacterial ingestion in a neonatal mouse model, resulting in increased amounts of bacteria in the lungs. CFTR may contribute to a host-defense mechanism that is important for clearance of P. aeruginosa from the respiratory tract.
Spinal muscular atrophy type 1: Management and outcomes

Our objectives were to describe survival, hospitalization, speech, and outcomes related to respirator needs for spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) patients, using noninvasive or tracheostomy ventilation. From 65 SMA patients referred to our clinic since 1996, we chose 56 SMA1 patients who developed respiratory failure before age 2 years. Patients either had tracheostomy tubes (group A), or used noninvasive ventilation and assisted coughing; a previously reported extubation protocol (group B) was used as needed.
Insurance Fraud in a Rothschild–Stiglitz World

In this article, we model a competitive insurance market where policyholders privately have information about their probability of accident ex ante and know the state of the world ex post. We combine costly state verification without commitment and arguments from insurance contracting under adverse selection to characterize the resulting allocations. Insurance fraud convexifies the insurer's zero expected profit condition, which can lead to complete unraveling with low risks dropping out of the market. The standard case, however, involves rationing of low risks, which raises their probability of fraud and their success rate when committing it. As a result, adverse selection increases fraud in the economy. We also show that cross‐subsidization from low risks to high risks mitigates the fraud externality. Our results highlight that adverse selection and insurance fraud interact in nontrivial ways and have the potential to aggravate each other.
Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire: description and basic qualities

A questionnaire (‘Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire’, DMQ) for the analysis of musculoskeletal workload and associated potential hazardous working conditions as well as musculoskeletal symptoms in worker populations is described and its qualities are explored using a database of 1575 workers in various occupations who completed the questionnaire. The 63 questions on musculoskeletal workload and associated potentially hazardous working conditions can be categorized into seven indices (force, dynamic and static load, repetitive load, climatic factors, vibration and ergonomic environmental factors). Together with four separate questions on standing, sitting, walking and uncomfortable postures, the indices constitute a brief overview of the main findings on musculoskeletal workload and associated potentially hazardous working conditions. Homogeneity of the indices is satisfactory. The divergent validity of the indices is fair when compared with an index of psychosocial working conditions and discomfort during exposure to physical loads. Worker groups with contrasting musculoskeletal loads can be differentiated on the basis of the indices and other factors. With respect to the concurrent validity, it appears that most indices and factors show significant associations with low back and/or neck shoulder symptoms. This questionnaire can be used as a simple and quick inventory for occupational health services to identify worker groups in which a more thorough ergonomic analysis is indicated.
Nitridation of silicon-dioxide films grown on 6H silicon carbide

This letter addresses the question of why it is possible to grow high-quality oxide films on N-type but not on P-type SiC. It provides results which indicate that the oxide/SiC interface would be inferior to the oxide/Si interface for both N-type and P-type SiC, if it were not for the beneficial effects of nitrogen incorporation. The letter presents, for the first time, results on nitridation of thermally grown oxides in NO and N/sub 2/O. The results demonstrate that the oxides grown on P-type can be improved by NO annealing, but not by N/sub 2/O annealing.
The Impact of Mass Media Health Communication on Health Decision-Making and Medical Advice-Seeking Behavior of U.S. Hispanic Population

Mass media health communication has enormous potential to drastically alter how health-related information is disseminated and obtained by different populations. However, there is little evidence regarding the influence of media channels on health decision-making and medical advice-seeking behaviors among the Hispanic population. The Pew 2007 Hispanic Healthcare Survey was used to test the hypothesis that the amount of mass media health communication (i.e., quantity of media-based health information received) is more likely to influence Hispanic adults' health decision-making and medical advice-seeking behavior compared to health literacy and language proficiency variables. Results indicated that quantity of media-based health information is positively associated with health decision-making and medical advice-seeking behavior above and beyond the influence of health literacy and English and Spanish language proficiency. In a context where physician–patient dynamics are increasingly shifting from a passive patient role model to a more active patient role model, media-based health information can serve as an influential cue to action, prompting Hispanic individuals to make certain health-related decisions and to seek more health advice and information from a health provider. Study implications are discussed.
Changes in body mass index and measures of abdominal obesity in Finnish adults between 1992 and 2007, the National FINRISK Study

What is already known about this subject • Recent obesity trends across the world in adults are mixed, varying from showing signs of levelling off to a continuously increasing prevalence. • Secular trends in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference may vary by sex and age. • Relying exclusively on BMI data may lead to underestimate the obesity epidemic.
Fludarabine therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Fludarabine (9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl 2-fluoro-adenine monophosphate) is a fluorinated analogue of adenine which is relatively resistant to deamination by adenosine deaminase. Phase I clinical trials disclosed significant antitumor activity in lymphoid malignancies. Fludarabine has been used in the treatment of CLL since March, 1985, at a dose of 25-30 mg/m2/day x 5 days each 3-4 weeks by short intravenous infusion. Sixty-eight previously treated patients with CLL are evaluable for response. The median age was 60 years, 50 were male the median number of prior chemotherapy regimens was 2, and the median time from initial chemotherapy to fludarabine was 45 months. Forty-three (63%) were Rai stages 3 and 4, 31 (46%) were Binet Stage C. Twenty patients (29%) obtained a complete remission (CR), defined as peripheral lymphocytes less than 4,000/microliters, no clinical evidence of disease, less than 30% of lymphocytes in the bone marrow (with no residual nodules), or a nodular partial remission, NPR (CR except for residual lymphoid nodules), and 19 (28%) a partial remission (less than 50% reduction in tumor in nodes, liver, spleen and bone marrow and greater than 1 log reduction in the lymphocyte count). The complete remission rate for the various involved sites were blood (69%), liver (52%), spleen (55%), and nodes (48%). The bone marrow was the least responsive site with 16% CR and 44% PR. The number of prior regimens did not have a significant response rate or survival. The serum albumin , alkaline phosphatase, platelet and hemoglobin level all were associated with survival from the start of fludarabine. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)