Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Housing Prices, Unemployment Rates, Disadvantage, and Progress Toward a Degree

Rising unemployment and housing price appreciation are associated with increased college enrollment. Enrollment does not, however, guarantee completion. We use a discrete time, competing hazard function that accommodates individual-specific heterogeneity to assess the impact changing unemployment and housing prices have on progress toward a college degree in the United States for students interviewed for the 1996-2001 Beginning Post-Secondary Survey. The results indicate that rising unemployment rates have at best a modest effect on six year graduation rates. Both boys and girls are, however, more likely to not be enrolled and less likely to have graduated at the six-year mark when housing prices appreciate, and this effect is more pronounced for more disadvantaged youth.
Interparticipant synchronization in real-time multimedia conferencing using feedback

An algorithm related to synchronization problems arising in a multimedia multiparty conference is presented in this paper. The proposed algorithm determines the set of packets generated periodically from different participants that are arriving at a node, either for mixing at the master of a conference, or for simply playing back at a regular participant of a conference. No global synchronization of the clocks is assumed. In this paper, the statistical approach rather than the deterministic is used to determine the proper set of packets that have to be mixed at a given time. The statistics are derived from the time stamp each packet carries along with it. The essence of the proposed algorithm is to estimate the expected packet arrival time (or reference time) for each participant. With the reference time at hand, the maximum jitter and the optimum waiting time for a mixer to wait packets from all participants can be determined. By employing feedback, the proposed algorithm is shown to lead to an optimum waiting/delay time. The error of the proposed algorithm is enumerated by the Chernoff bound, demonstrated by simulation, and shown to be acceptable in practical application.
Sympathetic neural control of integrated cardiovascular function: Insights from measurement of human sympathetic nerve activity

Sympathetic neural control of cardiovascular function is essential for normal regulation of blood pressure and tissue perfusion. In the present review we discuss sympathetic neural mechanisms in human cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology, with a focus on evidence from direct recordings of sympathetic nerve activity using microneurography. Measurements of sympathetic nerve activity to skeletal muscle have provided extensive information regarding reflex control of blood pressure and blood flow in conditions ranging from rest to postural changes, exercise, and mental stress in populations ranging from healthy controls to patients with hypertension and heart failure. Measurements of skin sympathetic nerve activity have also provided important insights into neural control, but are often more difficult to interpret since the activity contains several types of nerve impulses with different functions. Although most studies have focused on group mean differences, we provide evidence that individual variability in sympathetic nerve activity is important to the ultimate understanding of these integrated physiological mechanisms. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Advanced Introduction to Cost-Benefit Analysis

This concise yet comprehensive introduction aims to outline the core principles of Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA), laying them out in an accessible manner with minimum technical detail. The applied nature of the subject is emphasized by showing how each of the principles is applied to an actual public policy intervention, covering transport, education, health and the environment. Robert Brent demonstrates how economic efficiency and equity can be combined as social objectives to help determine decisions that can increase satisfaction for all.
Tracking Drought Perspectives: A Rural Case Study of Transformations Following an Invisible Hazard

Rural towns are especially susceptible to the effects of drought because their economies are dependent on natural resources. However, they are also resilient in many ways to natural hazards because they are rich in civic engagement and social capital. Because of the diverse nature of drought’s impacts, understanding its complex dynamics and its effects requires a multidisciplinary approach. To study these dynamics, this research combines appreciative inquiry, the Community Capitals Framework, and a range of climatological monitoring data to assess the 2012–14 Great Plains drought’s effect on McCook, Nebraska. Community coping measures, such as water-use reduction and public health programs, were designed to address the immediate effects of heat and scant rainfall during the initial summer and the subsequent years. Residents generally reported the community was better prepared than in previous droughts, including the persistent multiyear early-2000s drought. However, the results highlight wide variation in community perspectives about the drought’s severity and impacts, as well as divergent experiences and coping responses. Despite these factors, we find evidence of the transformative potential of moving from drought coping to drought mitigation. We attribute the city’s resilience to the ability to draw upon prior experience with droughts, having a formal municipal plan, and strong human and social capital to coordinate individual knowledge and expertise across agencies. We suggest that droughts have served a catalytic function, prompting the community to transform land-use practices, water conservation planning, and built infrastructure in lasting ways.
Antigen Loading of MHC Class I Molecules in the Endocytic Tract

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules bind antigenic peptides that are translocated from the cytosol into the endoplasmic reticulum by the transporter associated with antigen processing. MHC class I loading independent of this transporter also exists and involves peptides derived from exogenously acquired antigens. Thus far, a detailed characterization of the intracellular compartments involved in this pathway is lacking. In the present study, we have used the model system in which peptides derived from measles virus protein F are presented to cytotoxic T cells by B‐lymphoblastoid cells that lack the peptide transporter. Inhibition of T cell activation by the lysosomotropic drug ammoniumchloride indicated that endocytic compartments were involved in the class I presentation of this antigen. Using immunoelectron microscopy, we demonstrate that class I molecules and virus protein F co‐localized in multivesicular endosomes and lysosomes. Surprisingly, these compartments expressed high levels of class II molecules, and further characterization identified them as MHC class II compartments. In addition, we show that class I molecules co‐localized with class II molecules on purified exosomes, the internal vesicles of multivesicular endosomes that are secreted upon fusion of these endosomes with the plasma membrane. Finally, dendritic cells, crucial for the induction of primary immune responses, also displayed class I in endosomes and on exosomes.
Multiple MONOPTEROS-Dependent Pathways Are Involved in Leaf Initiation1[C][W][OA]

Initiation of leaves at the flanks of the shoot apical meristem occurs at sites of auxin accumulation and pronounced expression of auxin-inducible PIN-FORMED1 (PIN) genes, suggesting a feedback loop to progressively focus auxin in concrete spots. Because PIN expression is regulated by auxin response factor activity, including MONOPTEROS (MP), it appeared possible that MP affects leaf formation as a positive regulator of PIN genes and auxin transport. Here, we analyze a novel, completely leafless phenotype arising from simultaneous interference with both auxin signaling and auxin transport. We show that mp pin1 double mutants, as well as mp mutants treated with auxin-efflux inhibitors, display synergistic abnormalities not seen in wild type regardless of how strongly auxin transport was reduced. The synergism of abnormalities indicates that the role of MP in shoot meristem organization is not limited to auxin transport regulation. In the mp mutant background, auxin transport inhibition completely abolishes leaf formation. Instead of forming leaves, the abnormal shoot meristems dramatically increase in size, harboring correspondingly enlarged expression domains of CLAVATA3 and SHOOTMERISTEMLESS, molecular markers for the central stem cell zone and the complete meristem, respectively. The observed synergism under conditions of auxin efflux inhibition was further supported by an unrestricted PIN1 expression in mp meristems, as compared to a partial restriction in wild-type meristems. Auxin transport-inhibited mp meristems also lacked detectable auxin maxima. We conclude that MP promotes the focusing of auxin and leaf initiation in part through pathways not affected by auxin efflux inhibitors.
Stochastic Receptor Expression Determines Cell Fate upon Interferon Treatment

ABSTRACT Type I interferons trigger diverse biological effects by binding a common receptor, composed of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2. Intriguingly, while the activation of an antiviral state is common to all cells, antiproliferative activity and apoptosis affect only part of the population, even when cells are stimulated with saturating interferon concentrations. Manipulating receptor expression by different small interfering RNA (siRNA) concentrations reduced the fraction of responsive cells independent of the interferon used, including a newly generated, extremely tight-binding variant. Reduced receptor numbers increased 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) for alpha interferon 2 (IFN-α2) but not for the tight-binding variant. A correlation between receptor numbers, STAT activation, and gene induction is observed. Our data suggest that for a given cell, the response is binary (+/−) and dependent on the stochastic expression levels of the receptors on an individual cell. A low number of receptors suffices for antiviral response and is thus a robust feature common to all cells. Conversely, a high number of receptors is required for antiproliferative activity, which allows for fine-tuning on a single-cell level.
Interaction of an annexin V homodimer (Diannexin) with phosphatidylserine on cell surfaces and consequent antithrombotic activity

Summary Annexin V(AV), a protein with anticoagulant activity, exerts antithrombotic activity by binding to phosphatidylserine (PS), inhibiting activation of serine proteases important in blood coagulation. The potential use of this protein as an anticoagulant is limited as it rapidly passes from the blood into the kidneys due to its relatively small size (36 kDa). We used recombinant DNA technology to produce a homodimer of human AV (DAV, 73 kDa), which exceeds the renal filtration threshold, and has a 6.5-hour half-life in the rat circulation. Human red blood cells with externalized PS were used to show that DAV had a higher affinity for PS-exposing cells than AV. DAV labeling sensitively identifies PS-exposing cells, was found to be a potent inhibitor of the activity of the prothombinase complexes and inhibits the ability of secretory phospholipase A2 to hydrolyze phospholipids of PS-exposing cells, reducing the formation of mediators of blood coagulation and reperfusion injury. DAV exerts dose-dependent antithrombotic activity in ratveins. This combination of activities suggests that DAV is a valuable probe to measure PS exposure and may be efficacious as a novel drug in a wide range of clinical situations.
Interferometric Measurements of Cusp Deformation of Teeth Restored with Composites

A Michelson interferometry apparatus was used for measurement of the displacement of the buccal cusps of premolars after restoration of MOD preparations with composites. The effects of composite type, cavity size, and hydration conditions were examined. Interferometry permitted real-time measurement of cusp movement as it occurred. Contraction occurred very rapidly, about 1/3 of the 60-minute amount within the two-minute period of exposure to the curing light. Cusp movement was smooth rather than interrupted, indicating lack of microfracturing at deformations of 11-46 μm. Contraction, 0.94% for Heliomolar and 1.2% for P-50, was similar to the linear polymerization shrinkage of the resins. Less cusp movement occurred in small cavities than in large cavities. Hydrated teeth had less cusp movement than dehydrated teeth.
Anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance inconsistently predicts fatness in women with regional adiposity.

PURPOSE This investigation examined the accuracy of several generalizable anthropometric (ANTHRO) and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) regression equations to estimate % body fat (%BF) in women with either upper body (UB) or lower body (LB) fat distribution patterns. METHODS Thirty-six premenopausal women were individually matched for age (X = 38.6 +/- 6.6 yr), BMI (X = 25.5 +/- 4.2 kg x m(-2)) and %BF (30.3 +/- 8.1%; hydrostatic, [UWW]) and placed by waist to hip ratio (WHR) into two distinct groups: LB (N = 18; WHR < or = 0.73) and UB (N = 18; WHR > or = 0.80). Equations tested were ANTHRO: Jackson et al. (JPW-7 and 3 site), 1980; Durnin and Womersley (DW), 1974; Tran and Weltman (TW), 1989; and Vogel et al. (V), 1988; BIA: Lohman (L), 1992; Gray et al. (G), 1989; and VanLoan and Mayclin (VLM), 1987. Circumference and skinfold measures were made by a trained technician. BIA (Vallhalla, 1990B) measures were taken 4 h postprandially under controlled conditions of water intake and exercise. %BF by UWW (criterion) was not different between groups (UB = 30.8 +/- 8.2%; LB = 29.7 +/- 8%). RESULTS In the UB group, three of five ANTHRO equations significantly overestimated %BF by approximately 6% (range = 3-8%) as compared with UWW. BIA overestimated %BF in UB by 5% using G and in both groups by about 6% using VLM, whereas L underestimated %BF in LB by about 4%. CONCLUSION We conclude that ANTHRO and some BIA equations are accurate for predicting %BF in LB fat "shaped" women but are not appropriate for women with primarily abdominal fat patterning.
The role of K+ channels in the force recovery elicited by Na+‐K+ pump stimulation in Ba2+‐paralysed rat skeletal muscle

1 The present experiments were performed to assess the role of K+ channels in hormonal stimulation of the Na+‐K+ pump and to determine the contribution of Na+‐K+ pumps to the recovery of excitability and contractility in depolarized skeletal muscle. 2 In soleus muscle, Ba2+ (0.02 and 1 mm) was found to inhibit 42K+ efflux and 42K+ influx. Both in the absence and the presence of Ba2+ (1 mm), salbutamol and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) induced a marked decrease in intracellular Na+ and stimulation of 42K+ uptake. 3 In soleus muscles Ba2+ (0.1 and 1.0 mm) decreased twitch and tetanic force. Subsequent stimulation of the Na+‐K+ pumps by salbutamol, CGRP or repeated electrical stimulation produced a highly significant restoration of force development, which was suppressed by ouabain, but not by glibenclamide. Also, in extensor digitorum longus muscles Ba2+ (0.1 mm) produced a considerable force decline, which was partly restored by salbutamol and CGRP. 4 The area of compound action potentials (M‐waves) elicited by indirect stimulation was decreased by Ba2+ (0.1 mm). This was associated with a concomitant decrease in tetanic force and depolarization. Salbutamol, CGRP or repeated electrical stimulation all elicited marked recovery of M‐wave area, force and membrane potential. All recordings showed close correlations between these three parameters. 5 The data add further support to the concept that due to its electrogenic nature and large transport capacity, the Na+‐K+ pump is a rapid and efficient mechanism for the maintenance of excitability in skeletal muscle, acting independently of Ba2+‐ or ATP‐sensitive K+ channel function.
Analysis of 16S rRNA and 51-Kilodalton Antigen Gene and Transmission in Mice of Ehrlichia risticii in Virgulate Trematodes from Elimia livescens Snails in Ohio

ABSTRACT Operculate snails (the family Pleuroceridae:Elimia livescens) were collected between June and October 1998 from a river in central Ohio where repeated cases of Potomac horse fever (PHF) have occurred. Of collected snails, consistently 50 to 80% carried a combination of cercariae and sporocysts of digenetic virgulate trematodes. The trematodes obtained from each snail were pooled and tested for Ehrlichia risticii, the agent of PHF, by nested PCR using primers specific to the 16S rRNA gene. Out of a total of 209 trematode pools, 50 pools were found to be positive by PCR. The DNA sequence of the 16S rRNA gene identified in one trematode pool was identical to that of the type strain of E. risticii, and the sequence of the gene identified in another pool differed from that of the type strain by 1 nucleotide. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of the partial 51-kDa antigen gene from various sources revealed that Maryland, Ohio (except Ohio 081), and Kentucky strains are in a cluster distinct from the sequences obtained from sources in California and Oregon. Ohio 081 was shown previously by antigenic composition analysis to be distinct from other groups. However, all sequences examined were not segregated according to their sources: horse blood or infected trematodes. E. risticiiwas found to be transmittable from trematodes to mice and was subsequently passaged from infected mice to additional mice, as determined by PCR analysis. Our findings suggest the evolution ofE. risticii in the natural reservoir in separate geographic regions and persistent infection of trematode populations with E. risticii during summer and early fall. The study also suggests that the mouse can be used to isolate E. risticii from the infected trematode.
Use of low intensity laser treatment in neuropathic pain refractory to clinical treatment in amputation stumps

Debilitating stump pain following amputation surgery is a major problem when it affects the patient’s quality of life, often making the patient totally dependent on others for their day-to-day care. Attempts have been made to treat those patients through pharmacological, psychological, and physical therapies, but in many cases these fail to relieve the pain. This article focuses on three patients with chronic, intense, and debilitating stump pain who were previously treated with pain medications, but with little success. These patients underwent nine sessions of low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) to the stump – this is a new treatment that has been used to treat other pain disorders. All patients reported a decrease in the intensity of their pain and increased ability to perform daily living activities during a 4-month follow-up.
Integration of farmers’ knowledge and science-based assessment of soil quality for peri-urban vegetable production in Ghana

Abstract This study, based on vegetable production fields, combined soil quality assessed by three approaches (qualitatively by farmers, semi-quantitatively by a researcher and quantitatively by laboratory analyses) with the aim of improving the integration of the different approaches. We interviewed 79 peri-urban vegetable growers in two communities within the Sunyani Municipality, Ghana. Eight of the farmers were selected to participate in the farmer-based assessment of soil quality. Further, visual evaluation of soil quality was conducted by the researcher, followed by laboratory analyses of soil properties to corroborate the farmers’ assessment of good and poor soils in their fields. Results showed that the farmers used locally-defined characteristics to describe the physical, biological and crop performance indicators of soil quality. There was, in general, limited use and understanding of soil chemical properties as indicators of soil quality. The farmers’ perception on soil quality of their fields largely influenced their decision on the type of crops they cultivate, and application regimes of mineral fertilizers. Results from the visual evaluation by the researcher agreed in some respects with the farmers’ assessment of soil quality of the good and poor soils in their respective farms. Laboratory analyses did not show specific trends for the content of chemical properties for neither good nor poor soils. The study highlighted that none of the approaches of soil quality assessment is necessarily superior in and of itself. We emphasized the need for integration to capitalize on the strengths of each approach, enhance mutual learning between farmers and soil scientists, build the capacity of farmers, and improve their decision on soil use for agricultural production.
MiR-519d impedes cisplatin-resistance in breast cancer stem cells by down-regulating the expression of MCL-1

Cancer stem cells are considered as the cell population which is responsible for chemoresistance and treatment failure in breast cancer patients. Therefore, it is urgent to explore the mechanism by which cancer stem cells survive under the treatment of chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin. In this paper, we demonstrated significant decrease of miR-519d in breast cancer stem cells by quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Furthermore, we found the enforced expression of miR-519d in T-47D-cancer stem cells significantly increased their sensitivity to cisplatin through the apoptosis pathway. In addition, the gene of MCL-1, which is a member of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family, was found to be the target of miR-519d in T-47D-cancer stem cells. Our date demonstrated that enforced miR-519d expression enhanced the cisplatin-induced apoptosis through the MCL-1 dependent mitochondria pathway in breast cancer stem cells. Taken together, the present study suggests that miR-519d reduces chemoresistance in breast cancer stem cells, and understanding of miR-519d may be helpful for increasing the efficacy of chemotherapy.
Generation of ROI Enhanced Depth Maps Using Stereoscopic Cameras and a Depth Camera

In this paper, we propose a new scheme to generate region-of-interest (ROI) enhanced depth maps combining one low-resolution depth camera with high-resolution stereoscopic cameras. Basically, the hybrid camera system produces four synchronized images at each frame: left and right images from the stereoscopic cameras, a color image and its associated depth map from the depth camera. In the hybrid camera system, after estimating initial depth information for the left image using a stereo matching algorithm, we project depths obtained from the depth camera onto ROI of the left image using three-dimensional (3-D) image warping. Then, the warped depths are linearly interpolated to fill depth holes occurred in ROI. Finally, we merge the ROI depths with background ones extracted from the initial depth information to generate the ROI enhanced depth map. Experimental results show that the proposed depth acquisition system provides more accurate depth information for ROI than previous stereo matching algorithms. Besides, the proposed scheme minimizes inherent problems of the current depth camera, such as limitation of its measuring distance and production of low-resolution depth maps.