Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aid, Growth and Democracy

To the extent that aid is justified by the benefits to the recipient, rather than to the donor, it might be reasonably judged on two criteria: growth and poverty-alleviation. We study the first of these criteria. We find that the long-run growth impact of aid is conditional on the degree of political and civil liberties in the recipient country. Aid has a positive impact on growth in countries with an institutionalized check on governmental power; that is, in more democratic countries. The data suggest, however, that if this is not the case, aid will be used to satisfy the government's own non-productive goals. We also find that aid on average is not channeled to more democratic countries, even though there are large cross-country differences between major donors. Copyright 1999 Blackwell Publishers Ltd.
Intubation conditions in young infants after propofol and remifentanil induction with and without low‐dose rocuronium

Bolus injections of intravenous propofol and remifentanil can be used in the tracheal intubation of infants and children, but relatively large doses are needed. We hypothesised that addition of a small bolus of rocuronium would ensure good intubation conditions when modest propofol and remifentanil doses were used.
Does the minimum drinking age affect traffic fatalities

Since the mid-1970s numerous states have raised their minimum legal drinking age in an effort to reduce alcohol-related traffic accidents. This study examines determinants of a variety of traffic fatality rates at the state level for 1978, with particular attention to drinking age and drinking experience. The legal drinking age has no perceptible influence on fatalities, but inexperience in drinking is an apparent risk factor independent of age. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of higher drinking ages as a safety policy tool probably has been overstated.
Differentiation Domains of the Erythropoietin Receptor

Abstract Ectopic expression of the erythropoletin receptor (Epo-R) in Ba/F3, an interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent progenitor cell line, confers both Epo-dependent cell growth and Epo-dependent induction of β-globin mRNA. We have used this system of limited erythroid differentiation to characterize the role of the Epo-R in differentiation. In particular, we have been interested in identifying a differentiation domain of the Epo-R. We have studied three chimeras encoding regions of the extracellular region of the Epo-R and the intracellular region of the IL-3RβIL3. After transfection into Ba/F3 cells, all three chimeras conferred Epo-dependent growth and induced the expression of β-globin, suggesting that the extracellular region of the Epo-R plays a critical role in differentiation. However, a truncated Epo-R containing only the extracellular region of the Epo-R and a 15 amino acid cytoplasmic tall does not induce β-globin expression, although it is processed to the cell surface and binds Epo. These experiments show that the extracytoplasmic region of the Epo-R is necessary but not sufficient to induce erythroid-specific differentiation in this system.
Expanding the open innovation concept: the case of TOTVS S / A

The aim of this study is the process of open innovation in the growth development of a technology-based company. We used the case study method to research Totvs, a company that is the largest producer of information systems in Latin America, for medium and small businesses, as an illustrative case to support the evidences of new approaches to implement the open innovation processes. The main conclusions regarding the expansion of the open innovation concept can be seen taking the following distinct factors into account: (a) technological dominion, not business protection, is the main motivator for acquisition of external technologies, directly or through other enterprises acquisition, (b) adherence to technological footprint is the main inducer of the open innovation processes, (c) market pull technologies determines the length and range of technological dominion, and (d) incremental instead of radical type of innovation would be the preferred way to implement the open innovation process.
Survey on Decision Support System For Heart Disease

The diagnosis of heart disease in most cases depends on a complex combination of clinical and pathological data. Because of this complexity, there exists a significant amount of interest among clinical professionals and researchers regarding the efficient and accurate prediction of heart disease. In case of heart disease time is very crucial to get correct diagnosis in early stage. Patient having chest pain complaint may undergo unnecessary treatment or admitted in the hospital. In most of the developing countries specialists are not widely available for the diagnosis. Hence, automated system can help to medical community to assist doctor for the accurate diagnosis well in advance.So the decision support systems play an important role in the diagnosis of heart disease. However, accurate diagnosis at an early stage followed by proper subsequent treatment can result in significant life saving.
Genetic cell targeting uncovers specific neuronal types and distinct subregions in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) plays an important role in fear, stress, and anxiety. It contains a collection of subnuclei delineated by gross cytoarchitecture features; however, there has yet to be a systematic examination of specific BNST neuronal types and their associated neurochemical makeup. The present study focuses on improved characterization of the anterior BNST based on differing molecular and chemical expression aided by mouse genetics. Specific Cre driver lines crossed with a fluorescent reporter line were used for genetic cell targeting and immunochemical staining. Using this new approach, we were able to robustly identify specific excitatory and inhibitory cell types in the BNST. The presence and distribution of excitatory neurons were firmly established; glutamatergic neurons in the anterior BNST accounted for about 14% and 31% of dorsal and ventral BNST cells, respectively. GABAergic neurons expressing different isoforms of glutamic acid decarboxylase were found to have differential subregional distributions. Almost no parvalbumin‐expressing cells were found in the BNST, while somatostatin‐expressing cells and calretinin‐expressing cells account for modest proportions of BNST cells. In addition, vasoactive intestinal peptide‐expressing axonal plexuses were prominent in the oval and juxtacapsular subregions. In addition, we discovered that corticotropin‐releasing hormone‐expressing cells contain GABAergic and glutamatergic subpopulations. Together, this study reveals new information on excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the BNST, which will facilitate genetic dissection and functional studies of BNST subregions. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2379–2399, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alternative Policies and Sea-Level Rise in the RICE-2009 Model

The present study extends earlier research by presenting the results of a new and updated version of the RICE model (Regional Integrated model of Climate and the Economy), labeled the RICE-2009 model. The model is a regionalized, dynamic model that incorporates an end-to-end treatment of economic growth, emissions, climate change, damages, and emissions controls. The model allows projections of what will occur with no policies, with efficient policies be, how nations can undertake policies to limit climate change (in the current runs to 2 degrees C), and the impacts of limited participation. These new estimates indicate that coordinated international policies have a substantial economic benefit. The optimal carbon tax is estimated to be $29 per ton carbon ($8 per ton CO_2) for 2010 in 2005 prices. The economic optimum would limit global temperature rise to an average of 2.5 degrees C over 1900 levels for the 22nd and 23rd century.
Attitude of Beneficiary Dairy Farmers towards District Poverty Initiative Project (DPIP)

The present study was conducted in Rajsamand and Baran districts of Rajasthan. The investigation was done to assess the factors associated with attitude of the beneficiaries under District Poverty Initiative Project (DPIP). A scale was developed to measure the attitude of the beneficiary farmers towards District Poverty Initiative Project (DPIP) based on Likert, R. (1932) technique for the measurement of attitudes. The findings infer that the 83.33 percent of beneficiaries had more favourable attitude towards DPIP programme. The beneficiaries responded all the positive statements of the scale in favour and negative statements in disfavour. They strongly supported the positive statements like; “DPIP programme should be extended to all villages of the other districts”, and “DPIP programme helps beneficiaries to develop links with dairy cooperative societies” Beneficiaries strongly disagreed with the negative statements like; “there is no need of DPIP programme as this is not helpful in reducing poverty”, “Activities selected under the DPIP programme are not according to the needs of the beneficiaries”; respectively.
Valuing Infrastructure Investment: An Option Games Approach

To understand the recent trend toward privatization of infrastructure assets (e.g., airports), this article proposes a valuation methodology based on real options and game theory analysis that enables assessing when investors might overpay for infrastructure assets over standard discounted cash flow methods and when a premium is justified for their operating flexibility or strategic growth option value. While some infrastructure asset acquisitions may involve financial transactions whose value derives primarily from their expected cash flows, many of these infrastructure investments provide a platform and create the strategic context within which the firm can grow.
Multiple layers of seismic anisotropy and a low‐velocity region in the mantle wedge beneath Japan: Evidence from teleseismic receiver functions

A complete characterization of seismic anisotropy can yield powerful constraints on mantle flow and deformation. This is particularly important for the mantle wedge above subducting slabs, where the geometry of mantle flow remains poorly understood. We seek to better characterize the geometry and strength of anisotropy in the mantle wedge beneath northeast Honshu and Hokkaido, both of which overlie the subducting Pacific plate. Previous studies indicate that upper mantle anisotropy in the Japan subduction zone is highly complex and exhibits dramatic spatial variations. To provide complementary constraints on the along strike variations in anisotropy, we analyze teleseismic receiver functions from stations of the broadband F‐net array using the multitaper correlation receiver function estimator. Backazimuthal variations in P‐to‐SH converted energy provide clear evidence for complicated anisotropic structure in the mantle wedge beneath northeast Honshu and Hokkaido. In northeast Honshu, forward modeling of receiver functions using synthetic seismograms suggests the presence of an anisotropic layer in the forearc mantle wedge above the subducting slab and a second anisotropic layer beneath the crust of the overriding plate. We also see evidence for a region of low (isotropic) velocity in the central part of the wedge beneath NE Honshu. Comparisons between transverse component receiver functions at stations located in NE Honshu and Hokkaido reveal striking differences, providing further evidence for along strike variation in anisotropic structure in the mantle wedge beneath Japan.
COST CONCEPTS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION

Major cost concepts used for evaluation of carbon policy are considered, including change in GDP, change in consumption, change in welfare, energy system cost, and area under marginal abatement cost (MAC) curve. The issues associated with the use of these concepts are discussed. We use the results from the models that participated in the European Energy Modeling Forum (EMF28) study to illustrate the cost concepts. There is substantial variability in the estimates of costs between the models, with some models showing substantial costs and some models reporting benefits from mitigation in some scenarios. Because impacts of a policy are evaluated as changes from a reference scenario, it is important to define a reference scenario. MAC cost measures tend to exclude existing distortions in the economy, while existing energy taxes and subsidies are substantial in many countries. We discuss that carbon prices are inadequate measures of the policy costs. We conclude that changes in macroeconomic consumption or welfare are the most appropriate measures of policy costs.
Frequency Adaptive PLL for Polluted Single-Phase Grids

This paper proposes a frequency adaptive phase-locked loop (PLL) for use in single-phase systems. The main objective is to obtain a reliable synchronization signal even in polluted grids, where the fundamental frequency is contaminated with harmonics, or present variations in phase, amplitude, and/or frequency. The proposed PLL is based on the concept of a variable sampling period technique, already implemented in a three-phase digital synchronization method proposed by the authors. This single-phase method allows us to automatically adjust the sampling frequency to be an integer multiple of the line frequency. In this case, the phase error is calculated just by one multiplication, thereby reducing implementation. A sliding Goertzel transform-based filter is also used in the loop to reject the undesired effects of this phase error detector and line disturbances, such as harmonics. To stabilize the loop, a controller that maximizes the bandwidth with an acceptable transient is introduced. The characteristics of the proposed single-phase PLL are described and the experimental results obtained from a DSP implementation are presented. A set of comparative simulations between the proposed PLL and some single-phase PLL described in the literature are conducted to validate the method. The advantages of the proposed system over other methods analyzed are also dealt with. The robustness of the system is verified by the experimental tests conducted as well as by the harmonic filtering properties. The system is also characterized by its simple architecture, which allows us to provide a high dynamic response with a very much reduced number of calculations.
Ventral and dorsal visual pathways support auditory motion processing in the blind: evidence from electrical neuroimaging

Blindness induces processes of neural plasticity, resulting in recruitment of the deafferentated visual areas for non‐visual sensory functions. These processes are related to superior abilities of blind compared with sighted individuals for specific auditory and tactile tasks. Recently, an exceptional performance of the blind has been demonstrated for auditory motion perception, with a minimum audible movement angle that was half that of sighted controls (J. Lewald (2013) Neuropsychologia, 51, 181–186). The present study revealed an electrophysiological correlate of this finding by analysing the so‐called motion‐onset response, a prominent auditory‐evoked potential to the onset of motion. The cN1 component of this response, appearing about 170 ms after motion onset, was two times higher in amplitude for blind compared with matched sighted control subjects. At the time of the cN1, electrical neuroimaging using sLORETA revealed stronger activation in blind than sighted subjects primarily in ventral visual areas (V1v, V2v, VP, V4v) of the right occipital lobe. Activation was also obtained in middle temporal area V5. These findings suggest that blindness results in stronger involvement of both non‐motion areas of the ventral visual stream and motion areas of the dorsal visual stream in processing of auditory motion at the same point in time after motion onset. This argues against the view that visual motion areas, such as area V5, are preferentially recruited for auditory motion analysis in the blind. Rather, cross‐modal reorganization of cortical areas induced by blindness seems to be largely independent of the specific visual functions of the same areas in sighted persons.
Alterations in Vibrio cholerae motility phenotypes correlate with changes in virulence factor expression

Motility is thought to contribute to the virulence of Vibrio cholerae, but the role it plays in pathogenesis is not completely understood. To investigate the influence of motility on virulence gene expression and intestinal colonization, we have isolated mutants with altered swarming abilities in soft agar medium. Both spontaneous hyperswarmer (exhibiting faster swarm rates) and spontaneous or transposon-induced nonmotile mutants of strain 0395 were obtained. Surprisingly, we found that two of three classes of hyperswarmer mutants were defective in autoagglutination, a phenotype associated with expression of toxin-coregulated pili (TCP), an essential ToxR-regulated colonization factor of V. cholerae. In contrast, nonmotile mutants exhibited autoagglutination under growth conditions that normally repress this phenotype. Further characterization of mutant strains revealed differences in the expression of other virulence determinants. Class I hyperswarmer mutants were defective in production of TCP, cholera toxin, and a cell-associated hemolysin but showed increased levels of protease and fucose-sensitive hemagglutinin. All nonmotile mutants examined, including those with insertions in a sequence homologous to motB, exhibited increased expression of TCP pilin, cholera toxin, and cell-associated hemolysin but dramatically decreased levels of fucose-sensitive hemagglutinin and HEp-2 adhesins. In general, nonmotile mutants displayed few or no defects in intestinal colonization, while class I hypermotile mutants were highly defective in colonization. These results suggest that the motility phenotype of V. cholerae is tightly coupled to the expression of multiple ToxR-regulated and non-ToxR-regulated virulence determinants.
Nucleofection and Primary Culture of Embryonic Mouse Hippocampal and Cortical Neurons

Hippocampal and cortical neurons have been used extensively to study central nervous system (CNS) neuronal polarization, axon/dendrite outgrowth, and synapse formation and function. An advantage of culturing these neurons is that they readily polarize, forming distinctive axons and dendrites, on a two dimensional substrate at very low densities. This property has made them extremely useful for determining many aspects of neuronal development. Furthermore, by providing glial conditioning for these neurons they will continue to develop, forming functional synaptic connections and surviving for several months in culture. In this protocol we outline a technique to dissect, culture and transfect embryonic mouse hippocampal and cortical neurons. Transfection is accomplished by electroporating DNA into the neurons before plating via nucleofection. This protocol has the advantage of expressing fluorescently-tagged fusion proteins early in development (~4-8hrs after plating) to study the dynamics and function of proteins during polarization, axon outgrowth and branching. We have also discovered that this single transfection before plating maintains fluorescently-tagged fusion protein expression at levels appropriate for imaging throughout the lifetime of the neuron (> 2 months in culture). Thus, this methodology is useful for studying protein localization and function throughout CNS development with little or no disruption of neuronal function.
Shear Bond Strength of Self-etching Adhesives to Cavities Prepared by Diamond Bur or Er,Cr:YSGG Laser and Effect of Prior Acid Etching.

PURPOSE To compare and evaluate shear bond strength of self-etching adhesives bonded to cavities prepared by diamond bur or Er,Cr:YSGG laser and the effect of prior acid etching on shear bond strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-six caries-free human premolars were selected and divided into 2 groups depending on mode of cavity preparation (48 teeth each). Cavities were prepared with Er,Cr:YSGG laser in group 1 and diamond burs in an air-turbine handpiece in group 2. Groups 1 and 2 were further subdivided into three subgroups of 8 teeth each, which were bonded with sixth- or seventh-generation adhesives with or without prior acid etching, followed by restoration of all samples with APX Flow. These samples were subjected to shear bond strength testing. In addition, the surface morphology of 24 samples each from groups 1 and 2 was evaluated using SEM. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, one- and two-way ANOVA, the t-test, and the least significant difference test, which showed that the data were normally distributed (p > 0.05). RESULTS The shear bond strength of adhesives in cavities prepared by Er,Cr:YSGG laser was significantly higher than in diamond bur-prepared cavities (p < 0.05). SEM analysis showed a smear-layer-free anfractuous surface on laser-ablated teeth, in contrast to conventional bur-prepared teeth. CONCLUSIONS The Er,Cr:YSGG laser-ablated surface proved to be more receptive for adhesion than those prepared by diamond bur irrespective of the bonding agent used. Seventh-generation adhesives yielded higher shear bond strength than did sixth-generation adhesives. Prior acid etching decreased the shear bond strength of self-etching adhesives.
Transient cochlear ischemia and its effects on the stria vascularis

The effects of transient cochlear ischemia on the stria vascularis were studied. Fifteen minutes of ischemia decreased the endocochlear potential by up to 17.5 mV on day 1; it returned to normal on day 7. Immunostaining for Na+,K+-ATPase, a marker for the Na+/K+-pump, and for connexin 26, a marker for gap junctions, was inhibited on days 1 and 4, and returned to normal on day 7. Electron microscopy showed expansion of the intercellular space with abundant vacuolar formation in the stria vascularis. These morphological changes disappeared completely by day 7. The results indicate that transient ischemia causes a reversible functional disorder of the stria vascularis with fine structural changes, which may be owing to dysfunction of Na+/K+-pump or gap junctions.
Increased expression of SIRT2 is a novel marker of cellular senescence and is dependent on wild type p53 status

ABSTRACT Sirtuins (SIRT) belonging to the NAD+ dependent histone deacetylase III class of enzymes have emerged as master regulators of metabolism and longevity. However, their role in prevention of organismal aging and cellular senescence still remains controversial. In the present study, we now report upregulation of SIRT2 as a specific feature associated with stress induced premature senescence but not with either quiescence or cell death. Additionally, increase in SIRT2 expression was noted in different types of senescent conditions such as replicative and oncogene induced senescence using multiple cell lines. Induction of SIRT2 expression during senescence was dependent on p53 status as depletion of p53 by shRNA prevented its accumulation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed the presence of p53 binding sites on the SIRT2 promoter suggesting its regulation by p53, which was also corroborated by the SEAP reporter assay. Overexpression or knockdown of SIRT2 had no effect on stress induced premature senescence, thereby indicating that SIRT2 increase is not a cause of senescence; rather it is an effect linked to senescence-associated changes. Overall, our results suggest SIRT2 as a promising marker of cellular senescence at least in cells with wild type p53 status.