Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of party mobilization, group identity, and racial context on Asian Americans’ turnout

This study examines the effects of party mobilization, racial group identity, and racial context in accounting for Asian Americans’ voter turnout. Existing studies on minority group members’ voter turnout suggest that third party mobilization is one of the most important factors that motivates citizens’ participation in voting. This study expands these studies by elaborating the mechanisms of how party mobilization affects Asian Americans’ voter turnout in connection with racial identity and racial context. Specifically, I propose that belief in pan-ethnic Asian identity and racial context condition the effect of party mobilization in predicting Asian Americans’ voter turnout. The National Asian American Survey of 2008 is used to test this hypothesis. Analysis shows that party mobilization, group identity, and racial context work together in accounting for Asians’ voter turnout. The effect of existing parties’ mobilization efforts on Asians’ political participation is stronger among Asians who do not have a belief in linked fate. In addition, the conditional effect of party mobilization and linked fate exists only in the counties where few Asian Americans live. Similarly, the conditional effect of party mobilization and group size in the counties is dependent on the level of linked fate.
Haredi/Chabad Women’s Acculturation Experience in a Non-Haredi Institute of Higher Education in Northern Galilee

Normal 0 0 1 135 676 11 1 946 11.1539 0 0 0 This article examines the worldview of Haredi / Chabad women as they enroll for the first time in a non-Haredi institute of higher education in the Northern Galilee. Higher education is perceived as a means to escape extreme financial difficulties, and acquire better employment opportunities. For these women, who are both breadwinners and caregivers of large families, higher education in their region meant increased funding and broader range of fields of studies beside the traditional education Haredi/Chabad women could pursue. While willing to compromise at a structural level , they wished to remain separate from all other ethnic and religious groups at the cultural level. They resisted the dominant Israeli discourse on multicultural integration, which to them meant the destruction of cultures, traditions, and religious orientations.
Acute effect of haemodialysis on arterial stiffness: membrane bioincompatibility?

BACKGROUND Repetitive endothelial damage from dialysis membrane incompatibility is a probable cause of accelerated atherosclerosis in haemodialysis patients. Consequently pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of arterial stiffness, was utilized as a surrogate marker of vascular dysfunction during dialysis with two commonly used synthetic dialysers. METHODS PWV was monitored before, during and after haemodialysis using both polysulphone and polyamide membranes. PWV, an arterial stiffness measure, was calculated from the carotid to the femoral (C-F) and also to the radial (C-R) artery. In a further group, PWV was monitored while polysulphone and polyamide membranes were perfused with blood without dialysate. RESULTS Mean aortic (C-F) PWV was lower during dialysis with the polyamide membrane, being 14 and 16% less following 75 and 135 min of dialysis (P<0.05) in 24 patients. Because intradialytic intravascular volume changes alter PWV, a subgroup analysis in 11 patients where dialysis fluid removal during both periods was minimal (<1 kg) was performed, and a persistent and significant increase in aortic PWV was detected with the polysulphone kidney being maximal (40%) at 75 min (P<0.01). This increase was negatively correlated with pre-dialysis PWV (P<0.01). In contrast, the polyamide dialyser did not change PWV. An increase in C-R PWV was also noted with the polysulphone membrane (P<0.05). In the nine patients where membranes were perfused with blood without dialysate, aortic PWV was again significantly increased by the polysulphone (P<0.01), but not the polyamide dialyser. CONCLUSIONS Haemodialysis with polysulphone but not polyamide membranes acutely alters aortic 'stiffness', an effect postulated to be due to membrane bioincompatibility. However, factors including age, time on dialysis and underlying vascular disease, were also found to impact on these acute dialysis-induced changes to vascular function. Since these acute changes disappear post-dialysis, their long-term consequences are uncertain.
Bayesian identification of fixations, saccades, and smooth pursuits

Smooth pursuit eye movements provide meaningful insights and information on subject's behavior and health and may, in particular situations, disturb the performance of typical fixation/saccade classification algorithms. Thus, an automatic and efficient algorithm to identify these eye movements is paramount for eye-tracking research involving dynamic stimuli. In this paper, we propose the Bayesian Decision Theory Identification (I-BDT) algorithm, a novel algorithm for ternary classification of eye movements that is able to reliably separate fixations, saccades, and smooth pursuits in an online fashion, even for low-resolution eye trackers. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on four datasets with distinct mixtures of eye movements, including fixations, saccades, as well as straight and circular smooth pursuits; data was collected with a sample rate of 30 Hz from six subjects, totaling 24 evaluation datasets. The algorithm exhibits high and consistent performance across all datasets and movements relative to a manual annotation by a domain expert (recall: μ = 91.42%, σ = 9.52%; precision: μ = 95.60%, σ = 5.29%; specificity μ = 95.41%, σ = 7.02%) and displays a significant improvement when compared to I-VDT, an state-of-the-art algorithm (recall: μ = 87.67%, σ = 14.73%; precision: μ = 89.57%, σ = 8.05%; specificity μ = 92.10%, σ = 11.21%). Algorithm implementation and annotated datasets are openly available at www.ti. uni-tuebingen.de/perception
Bacillus subtilis RNase III Cleaves Both 5′- and 3′-Sites of the Small Cytoplasmic RNA Precursor*

Bacillus subtilis small cytoplasmic RNA (scRNA) is a member of the signal recognition particle RNA family. It is transcribed as a 354-nucleotide primary transcript and processed to a 271-nucleotide mature scRNA. In the precursor, the 5′- and 3′-flanking regions form a stable double-stranded structure based on their complementary sequence. This structure is similar to those of substrates for the double-stranded RNA processing enzyme, RNase III. The B. subtilis enzyme that has similar activity toEscherichia coli RNase III has been purified and is designated Bs-RNase III. Recently, B. subtilis rncS has been shown to encode Bs-RNase III (Wang, W., and Bechhofer, D. H. (1997) J. Bacteriol. 179, 7379–7385). We show here that Bs-RNase III and the purified His-tagged product of rncScleave pre-scRNA at both 5′- and 3′-sites to produce an intermediate scRNA (scRNA-275), although processing at the 3′-site is less efficient. The 5′-end of scRNA-275 was identical to that of the mature scRNA, whereas it contains four excess nucleotides at the 3′-end. Bs-RNase III cleavage yields a two-base 3′-overhang, which is consistent with the manner in which E. coli RNase III cleaves. We also show that truncation of the rncS gene affected processing, and significant amounts of an intermediate scRNA (scRNA-275) were found to accumulate in the rncS-truncated mutant. It is concluded that Bs-RNase III is an enzyme that processes pre-scRNA.
NoC Power Estimation at the RTL Abstraction Level

The increasing use of mobile electronic devices forces the design of integrated circuits to consider low power techniques. Current power estimation models for NoCs capitalize mostly in the volume of information transmitted through the network. This work presents a more precise NoC power estimation model, based in buffer reception rates, according to the traffic scenario applied to the network. Results show the accuracy of the model compared to industrial power estimation tools, with reduced execution time. The proposed method allows exploring the NoC design space, being employed to evaluate the benefit on using the multicast service.
MYCOPLASMA SPECIES IDENTIFICATION BASED UPON GROWTH INHIBITION BY SPECIFIC ANTISERA.

A method of mycoplasma species identification is described, based upon inhibition of the PPLO growth on solid media around antiserum-impregnated filter paper disks. In comparison to the classical serologic identification method using complement fixation, the technique described was completely species-specific for identification of unknown antigens, but was less sensitive for detection of antibodies in sera. Examination of several variables influencing this reaction indicated that factors relating to the ratio between the number of organisms used and the amount of antiserum were more important determinants than were factors concerned with antiserum diffusion through the media. The ability of the antisera to produce growth inhibition by the means described was a stable property, being retained after long periods of storage at -20°C and 4°C, and after heating at 56°C. Application of the inhibition technique permitted successful identification of 150 pleuropneumonia-like organisms (PPLO) isolated from the human pharynx in health and disease, and five strains recovered from tissue cultures. The method was simpler to perform and to interpret than species identification based upon the complement fixation technique. In the course of these studies, a PPLO isolated frequently from the normal human pharynx was defined which was distinct from the classified mycoplasma species of human derivation by both the complement fixation and growth inhibition methods. This emphasizes the need for recognition of this and other ubiquitous PPLO species by investigators studying human respiratory tract disease.
A segment-based image saliency detection

This paper presents a novel method of visual saliency detection. The use of saliency promises benefits to multimedia applications. However, up to now just few reasonable applications of saliency exist. It is clear that limited accuracy is one of the possible reasons for this. Another reason could be that in general saliency allows us to detect salient regions of the image rather than objects. To fill this gap we study to what extend the integration of segmentation into saliency detection allows the estimation of saliency of objects. In this paper we propose a method that operates with segments rather than with separate pixels. The comparison with state-of-the-art methods shows that our method is successful in highlighting the mass of the object of interest. Finally, we discuss possible directions for the further work.
Parallel Tree Traversal for Nearest Neighbor Query on the GPU

The similarity search problem is found in many application domains including computer graphics, information retrieval, statistics, computational biology, and scientific data processing just to name a few. Recently several studies have been performed to accelerate the k-nearest neighbor (kNN) queries using GPUs, but most of the works develop brute-force exhaustive scanning algorithms leveraging a large number of GPU cores and none of the prior works employ GPUs for an n-ary tree structured index. It is known that multi-dimensional hierarchical indexing trees such as R-trees are inherently not well suited for GPUs because of their irregular tree traversal and memory access patterns. Traversing hierarchical tree structures in an irregular manner makes it difficult to exploit parallelism since GPUs are tailored for deterministic memory accesses. In this work, we develop a data parallel tree traversal algorithm, Parallel Scan and Backtrack (PSB), for kNN query processing on the GPU, this algorithm traverses a multi-dimensional tree structured index while avoiding warp divergence problems. In order to take advantage of accessing contiguous memory blocks, the proposed PSB algorithm performs linear scanning of sibling leaf nodes, which increases the chance to optimize the parallel SIMD algorithm. We evaluate the performance of the PSB algorithm against the classic branch-and-bound kNN query processing algorithm. Our experiments with real datasets show that the PSB algorithm is faster by a large margin than the branch-and-bound algorithm.
BDSP: A big data start platform

We present the design and functionality of Big Data Start Platform (BDSP), a web system wherein users can perform Big Data tasks anytime, anywhere through any device with a browser and access to Internet. BDSP integrates different data sources and data processing tasks through web services. Its purpose is to serve in three ways: as a tool for rapid-prototyping of Big Data projects; as a base platform to be tuned and extended according to need; and as a training vehicle both in data analysis and in developing software for Big Data tasks.
An Identification based Authentication Protocol for Secure Data Transmission in Ad-Hoc Networks

Wireless ad hoc network is most important present minimizing energy consumption. Among various clustering methods, the low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) mechanism takes the hierarchical approach of segmenting multiple clusters for efficient energy management. The mechanism, however, configures new clusters in every round, so the energy consumed whenever configuring clusters shortens the useful lifetime of the entire network. For this reason, this paper generates clusters and selects candidate cluster head (CCH) in the initial round under the ad-hoc network environment. Subsequent rounds continue, without performing re-clustering, until all of the candidate cluster heads selected become cluster head (CH), thereby addressing the issue of energy consumption in the setup phase for clustering. The proposed model consumes around 30% more energy than the conventional LEACH in the initial round, but its total energy consumption declines in as the round continues. The network simulation tool (NS-2) proves that its energy efficiency improves by up to 13.3% in the 1,000-node environment compared to when 100 sink nodes are employed.
Optimal linear precoding in multi-user MIMO systems: A large system analysis

We consider the downlink of a single-cell multi-user MIMO system in which the base station makes use of N antennas to communicate with K single-antenna user equipments (UEs) randomly positioned in the coverage area. In particular, we focus on the problem of designing the optimal linear precoding for minimizing the total power consumption while satisfying a set of target signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratios (SINRs). To gain insights into the structure of the optimal solution and reduce the computational complexity for its evaluation, we analyze the asymptotic regime where N and K grow large with a given ratio and make use of recent results from large system analysis to compute the asymptotic solution. Then, we concentrate on the asymptotically design of heuristic linear precoding techniques. Interestingly, it turns out that the regularized zero-forcing (RZF) precoder is equivalent to the optimal one when the ratio between the SINR requirement and the average channel attenuation is the same for all UEs. If this condition does not hold true but only the same SINR constraint is imposed for all UEs, then the RZF can be modified to still achieve optimality if statistical information of the UE positions is available at the BS. Numerical results are used to evaluate the performance gap in the finite system regime and to make comparisons among the precoding techniques.
Measured Frequency Diversity Improvement for Digital Radio

This paper presents the measured frequency diversity improvement factor for 6 GHz 16-QAM 90 Mbit/s digital radio on the 26.4 mi Atlanta-Palmetto path in Georgia. Two channels with a center frequency separation of 59.3 MHz were used in a one-by-one frequency diversity experiment. The 1980 data and the 1982 data indicate a frequency diversity improvement factor of 100 and 45, respectively, at the outage threshold of 10-3BER. This is in contrast to the improvement factor of 9 predicted for analog FM radio at the same fade margin. The measured one-by-one frequency diversity improvement factor is comparable to the measured space diversity improvement factor with 30 ft antenna spacing on the same path. We conclude that 1) frequency diversity can provide a large improvement factor for digital radio, 2) as an alternative to space diversity, frequency diversity can provide substantial cost savings for digital radio routes, and 3) the frequency diversity calculation based on analog FM radio experience is too conservative (i.e., pessimistic) for digital radio application. These experimental findings are in agreement with recent advances in digital radio diversity modeling. Digital radio performance depends heavily on the multipath dispersion in the channel. The measured data indicate that the power fade depths in the two channels are highly correlated, whereas the multipath dispersion in the two channels is decorrelated. This correlation difference provides insight into the measured large frequency diversity improvement factor for digital radio.
Maternal trait anxiety and diabetes control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship of maternal trait anxiety with diabetes regulation among adolescents with type 1 diabetes. METHODS Adolescents and their mothers completed surveys assessing trait anxiety, maternal involvement in diabetes care, adolescent management skills, autonomous motivations, mood state, and absenteeism due to diabetes. HbA1c readings, used to assess metabolic control, were obtained from medical records. RESULTS Trait-anxious mothers reported taking more responsibility for diabetes management tasks and perceived their adolescents as having poorer management skills. Adolescents with high-anxious mothers reported stronger beliefs that their mothers had high control over their diabetes and their parents were over-protective. For younger adolescents, maternal trait anxiety was associated with higher HbA1c levels and greater absenteeism. For older adolescents, maternal trait anxiety was associated with lower autonomous motivations for diabetes care and lower positive affect. CONCLUSIONS Interventions for adolescents with diabetes may benefit from addressing these maternal anxiety dynamics in ways that improve diabetes control.
Alterations in IRF1/IRF2 expression in acute myelogenous leukemia

The interferon response genes 1 and 2 have been shown to be involved in the regulation of differentiation and proliferation of cells of the myeloid series, with the former functioning as an anti‐oncogene and the latter as an oncogene. In the study described here, the levels of expression of these two genes and the ratio of their expression were compared in AML and normal marrow. The ratio of gene expression was significantly less in AML marrow cells as compared to normal marrow cells [med ratio = 1.33 vs. 2.97, P = 0.003]. While the expression ratio was unaffected by the presence or absence of either ras or fms mutations, p53 mutations were associated with higher IRF1:IRF2 expression ratios that wt p53 genes [med = 1.701 vs. 1.135, P = 0.014]. Given the functional characteristics and the competitive nature of these two genes, it is possible that leukemic transformation is associated with a fall in IRF1:IRF2 ratios. Finally, the administration of IL4 can result in the normalization of the IRF1:IRF2 ratio in the marrow cells of some patients with AML. Am. J. Hematol. 68:23–31, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficient Automation of Index Pairs in Computational Conley Index Theory

We present new methods of automating the construction of index pairs, essential ingredients of discrete Conley index theory. These new algorithms are further steps in the direction of automating computer-assisted proofs of semi-conjugacies from a map on a manifold to a subshift of finite type. We apply these new algorithms to the standard map at different values of the perturbative parameter {\epsilon} and obtain rigorous lower bounds for its topological entropy for {\epsilon} in [. 7, 2].
Prospective Minority Students' Perceptions of Application Packets for Professional Psychology Programs: A Qualitative Study

Abstract This article reports the results of a qualitative st udy designed to determine issues salient in Black and Hispanic American students’ review and evaluation of program-application packets in professional psychology. The study served as an extension to the Yoshida et al. (1989) quantitative investigation. Students interested in pursuing doctoral studies in counseling or school psychology ( N = 22) served as the sample. The qualitative methodology incorporated a think-aloud procedure and semistructured interviews. A theme analysis of transcribed interviews identified both major and minor themes central to participants’ evaluation of the packets. Major themes included financial aid, program requirements and course descriptions, demography of the student body, and the quality and clarity of application material. Specific suggestions on developing an application packet to send to inquiring prospective students are put forth. It is recommended that such a packet could serve as a cost-effective minority-recruitment strategy.
Adjacency-Based Mesh Process Mapping for Irregular Cluster Systems

This paper proposes a new process mapping scheme called adjacency-based mapping (AM) for irregular cluster systems assuming that the two-dimensional mesh process topology is specified as an interprocess communication pattern. The proposed AM tries to map neighboring processes in virtual process topology to adjacent processors in physical processor topology. Simulation study shows that the proposed AM results in better mapping quality and shorter interprocess latency compared to the conventional approaches.
VEGF-A induces tumor and sentinel lymph node lymphangiogenesis and promotes lymphatic metastasis

The mechanisms of tumor metastasis to the sentinel lymph nodes are poorly understood. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A plays a principle role in tumor progression and angiogenesis; however, its role in tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis has remained unclear. We created transgenic mice that overexpress VEGF-A and green fluorescent protein specifically in the skin, and subjected them to a standard chemically-induced skin carcinogenesis regimen. We found that VEGF-A not only strongly promotes multistep skin carcinogenesis, but also induces active proliferation of VEGF receptor-2–expressing tumor-associated lymphatic vessels as well as tumor metastasis to the sentinel and distant lymph nodes. The lymphangiogenic activity of VEGF-A–expressing tumor cells was maintained within metastasis-containing lymph nodes. The most surprising finding of our study was that even before metastasizing, VEGF-A–overexpressing primary tumors induced sentinel lymph node lymphangiogenesis. This suggests that primary tumors might begin preparing their future metastatic site by producing lymphangiogenic factors that mediate their efficient transport to sentinel lymph nodes. This newly identified mechanism of inducing lymph node lymphangiogenesis likely contributes to tumor metastasis, and therefore, represents a new therapeutic target for advanced cancer and/or for the prevention of metastasis.
Multiplicative Bases, Gröbner Bases, and Right Gröbner Bases

Abstract In this paper, we study conditions on algebras with multiplicative bases so that there is a Grobner basis theory. We introduce right Grobner bases for a class of modules. We give an elimination theory and intersection theory for right submodules of projective modules in path algebras. Solutions to homogeneous systems of linear equations with coefficients in a quotient of a path algebra are studied via right Grobner basis theory.