bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Unconditional Quantile Regression: An Analysis of Recent Expansions in Wage Structure and Earnings Inequality in the US 1992–2009
Authors: Lubrano Michel , Ndoye Abdoul Aziz Junior 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe develop Bayesian inference for an unconditional quantile regression model. Our approach provides better estimates in the upper tail of the wage distribution as well as valid small sample confidence intervals for the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition. We analyze the recent changes in the US wage structure using data from the CPS Outgoing Rotation Group from 1992 to 2009. We find that the largest part of the recent changes is explained mainly by differences in returns to education while the decline in the unionization rate has a small impact, and that earnings inequality is rising more at the top end of the wage distribution.
The effect of hydration on the risk of friction blister formation on the heel of the foot
Authors: Kirkham Suzanne , Lam Sharon , Nester Christopher , Hashmi Farina 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundFriction blister research has focused on prevention and treatment approaches rather than exploring the pathophysiology of the friction blister. Increased skin hydration has been purported to be a key risk factor in friction blister development. This study aimed to test the effect of increased skin surface hydration on the risk of friction blister creation.MethodsThe skin on one foot was hydrated by soaking the foot in water. Intermittent loading was carried out until an observable change of 3°C was evident using infrared thermography. The contra lateral foot acted as a control. Skin hydration and elasticity was measured using electrical capacitance and negative pressure respectively.ResultsThe rate of temperature change of the hydrated group was significantly greater than that of the non‐hydrated foot group (P = 0.001) and showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.520) with skin surface hydration. Weak negative correlations were seen between skin elasticity and rate of temperature change in response to load application (r = −0.166) and skin surface hydration and elasticity at baseline (r = −0.195).ConclusionIn controlled experimental conditions increased skin surface hydration increases the rate of temperature change of the skin in response to load application and consequently increases the risk of blister creation.
Ja doch wohlC? Modal Particles in German as C‐related elements
Authors: Struckmeier Volker 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe article argues that Modal Particles (MPs) in German constitutelow, intrasentential, C‐related elements: rather than being adverbs,MPs constitute a class of emergent functional heads that spell out sentence type features. This categorisation explains many of the hitherto miraculous properties ofMPs. Alternative analyses assume thatMPs are adverbs, and line up in the specifier positions of a functional cascade that constitutes a clause in ‘cartographic’ approaches to syntactic modelling. These analyses fail to describe the properties ofMPs and adverbs in German, I claim. The emergence ofMPs follows a general trend in the development of German to express grammatical properties periphrastically.
The ParticlePoIn The Varieties Of Dolomitic Ladin – Grammaticalisation From A Temporal Adverb Into An Interrogative Marker
Authors: Hack Franziska Maria 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe particlepois used in many varieties of the Northern Italian area, but these varieties differ regarding use and function of the particle. Focusing on the varieties of Dolomitic Ladin I show thatpohas undergone a grammaticalisation process, evolving from a temporal adverb via various stages such as that of a focus particle into an (obligatory) question marker. The synchronic diatopic variation with respect to use and function ofpomirrors the diachronic development of the particle. The second part of the paper addresses the syntax of the particle. The variation in Dolomitic Ladin interrogatives provides evidence for a split‐CPanalysis à la Rizzi (,) and Poletto (,). I also propose an implementation of the variation found in Dolomitic Ladin interrogatives within Roberts & Rousssou's (,) formal approach to cross‐linguistic variation showing that the Dolomitic Ladin facts corroborate an approach to grammaticalisation in terms of a change from themoveto themergeoption for the realisation of functional features.
Integrating a Raster Geographical Information System with Multi‐Objective Land Allocation Optimization for Conservation Reserve Design
Authors: Dai WeiWei , Ratick Samuel J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe multi‐objective land allocation problem is to optimize the selection of land for different uses based on a set of decision objectives. For most applications, a geographical information system (GIS) is either absent or loosely coupled through file exchange. In this article the evolutionary algorithm (EA), a heuristic solution method for optimization problems, is integrated with a rasterGISto form a spatial decision support system (SDSS) for multi‐objective conservation reserve design. TheSDSSeffectively combines the functions of aGISfor data management, analysis, and visualization, with the optimization capability of theEA; and provides a uniform way to solve conservation reserve design problems with different types of constraints and objectives. TheSDSSis demonstrated through application to the creation of conservation reserves inBolivia to protect 17 endemic mammals.
Experiential Limitation in Judgment and Decision
Authors: Hahn Ulrike 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe statistics of small samples are often quite different from those of large samples, and this needs to be taken into account in assessing the rationality of human behavior. Specifically, in evaluating human responses to environmental statistics, it is the effective environment that matters; that is, the environment actually experienced by the agent needs to be considered, not simply long‐run frequencies. Significant deviations from long‐run statistics may arise through experiential limitations of the agent that stem from resource constraints and/or information‐processing bounds. The article draws together recent work from a number of areas in judgment and decision making ranging from randomness perception (Hahn & Warren, ), information sampling (Hertwig & Pleskac, ; Kareev et al., ), and consequences of choice for exploration or exploitation (e.g., Denrell, ) to demonstrate how proper consideration of these deviations leads to reevaluation of behaviors that are otherwise deemed irrational.
Optimality and Some of Its Discontents: Successes and Shortcomings of Existing Models for Binary Decisions
Authors: Holmes Philip , Cohen Jonathan D. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe review how leaky competing accumulators (LCAs) can be used to model decision making in two‐alternative, forced‐choice tasks, and we show how they reduce to drift diffusion (DD) processes in special cases. As continuum limits of the sequential probability ratio test, DD processes are optimal in producing decisions of specified accuracy in the shortest possible time. Furthermore, the DD model can be used to derive a speed–accuracy trade‐off that optimizes reward rate for a restricted class of two alternative forced‐choice decision tasks. We review findings that compare human performance with this benchmark, and we reveal both approximations to and deviations from optimality. We then discuss three potential sources of deviations from optimality at the psychological level—avoidance of errors, poor time estimation, and minimization of the cost of control—and review recent theoretical and empirical findings that address these possibilities. We also discuss the role of cognitive control in changing environments and in modulating exploitation and exploration. Finally, we consider physiological factors in which nonlinear dynamics may also contribute to deviations from optimality.
Computational Rationality: Linking Mechanism and Behavior Through Bounded Utility Maximization
Authors: Lewis Richard L. , Howes Andrew , Singh Satinder 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe propose a framework for including information‐processing bounds in rational analyses. It is an application of bounded optimality (Russell & Subramanian, 1995) to the challenges of developing theories of mechanism and behavior. The framework is based on the idea that behaviors are generated by cognitive mechanisms that are adapted to the structure of not only the environment but also the mind and brain itself. We call the framework computational rationality to emphasize the incorporation of computational mechanism into the definition of rational action. Theories are specified as optimal program problems, defined by an adaptation environment, a bounded machine, and a utility function. Such theories yield different classes of explanation, depending on the extent to which they emphasize adaptation to bounds, and adaptation to some ecology that differs from the immediate local environment. We illustrate this variation with examples from three domains: visual attention in a linguistic task, manual response ordering, and reasoning. We explore the relation of this framework to existing “levels” approaches to explanation, and to other optimality‐based modeling approaches.
The Dynamic Linkages Among Exports, R&D and Productivity
Authors: Máñez Juan A. , Rochina‐Barrachina Maria E. , Sanchis‐Llopis Juan A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper estimates a dynamic model of a firm's decision to export and invest in R&D, in which we allow past export and R&D experience to endogenously affect productivity. In our empirical strategy, we proceed in two steps: in the first step, using as starting point the traditional control approach method to estimate total factor productivity, we consider a more general process driving the law of motion of productivity in which we recognise the potential role that export and R&D experience might have in shaping future firms' productivity, and test whether this assumption holds; in the second step, we estimate a bivariate dynamic model of the firm's decision to invest in R&D and export, in which we analyse the linkages among investing in R&D, exporting and productivity. Using a representative sample of Spanish manufacturing firms for the period 1990–2009, we find that both export and R&D positively affect future productivity, which will drive more firms to self‐select in those activities.
Caprine pancreatic islet xenotransplantation into diabetic immunosuppressed BALB/c mice
Authors: Hani Homayoun , Allaudin Zeenathul N. , Mohd‐Lila Mohd‐Azmi , Ibrahim Tengku A. Tengku , Othman Abas M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundType 1 diabetes mellitus is a devastating disease for which there is currently no cure, but only lifetime management. Islet xenotransplantation is a promising technique for the restoration of blood glucose control in patients with diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential use of caprine (goat) islet cells as xenogeneic grafts in the treatment for diabetes in a mouse model.MethodsCaprine pancreases were harvested and transported to the laboratory under conditions optimized to prevent ischemia. Islets were isolated, purified, and tested for functionality. Caprine islets (2000 islet equivalent) were transplanted beneath the kidney capsules of diabetic BALB/c mice under thalidomide‐induced immunosuppression. Blood glucose and insulin levels of grafted mice were evaluated by glucometer and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit, respectively. The functionality and quality of caprine pancreatic islet grafts were assessed by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests.ResultsThe viability of purified islet cells exceeded 90%. Recipient mice exhibited normoglycemia (<11 mm glucose) for 30 days. In addition, weight gain negatively correlated with blood glucose level. The findings verified diabetes reversal in caprine islet recipient mice. A significant drop in non‐fasting blood glucose level (from 23.3 ± 5.4 to 8.04 ± 0.44 mm) and simultaneous increase in serum insulin level (from 0.01 ± 0.001 to 0.56 ± 0.17 μg/l) and body weights (from 23.64 ± 0.31 to 25.85 ± 0.34 g) were observed (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis verified insulin production in the transplanted islets.ConclusionsPurified caprine islets were demonstrated to successfully sustain viability and functionality for controlling blood glucose levels in an immunosuppressed mouse model of diabetes. These results suggest the use of caprine islets as an addition to the supply of xenogeneic islets for diabetes research.
Three‐dimensional liver motion tracking using real‐time two‐dimensional MRI
Authors: Brix Lau , Ringgaard Steffen , Sørensen Thomas Sangild , Poulsen Per Rugaard 
Published: March 2014

Purpose:Combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems and linear accelerators for radiotherapy (MR‐Linacs) are currently under development. MRI is noninvasive and nonionizing and can produce images with high soft tissue contrast. However, new tracking methods are required to obtain fast real‐time spatial target localization. This study develops and evaluates a method for tracking three‐dimensional (3D) respiratory liver motion in two‐dimensional (2D) real‐time MRI image series with high temporal and spatial resolution.Methods:The proposed method for 3D tracking in 2D real‐time MRI series has three steps: (1) Recording of a 3D MRI scan and selection of a blood vessel (or tumor) structure to be tracked in subsequent 2D MRI series. (2) Generation of a library of 2D image templates oriented parallel to the 2D MRI image series by reslicing and resampling the 3D MRI scan. (3) 3D tracking of the selected structure in each real‐time 2D image by finding the template and template position that yield the highest normalized cross correlation coefficient with the image. Since the tracked structure has a known 3D position relative to each template, the selection and 2D localization of a specific template translates into quantification of both the through‐plane and in‐plane position of the structure. As a proof of principle, 3D tracking of liver blood vessel structures was performed in five healthy volunteers in two 5.4 Hz axial, sagittal, and coronal real‐time 2D MRI series of 30 s duration. In each 2D MRI series, the 3D localization was carried out twice, using nonoverlapping template libraries, which resulted in a total of 12 estimated 3D trajectories per volunteer. Validation tests carried out to support the tracking algorithm included quantification of the breathing induced 3D liver motion and liver motion directionality for the volunteers, and comparison of 2D MRI estimated positions of a structure in a watermelon with the actual positions.Results:Axial, sagittal, and coronal 2D MRI series yielded 3D respiratory motion curves for all volunteers. The motion directionality and amplitude were very similar when measured directly as in‐plane motion or estimated indirectly as through‐plane motion. The mean peak‐to‐peak breathing amplitude was 1.6 mm (left‐right), 11.0 mm (craniocaudal), and 2.5 mm (anterior‐posterior). The position of the watermelon structure was estimated in 2D MRI images with a root‐mean‐square error of 0.52 mm (in‐plane) and 0.87 mm (through‐plane).Conclusions:A method for 3D tracking in 2D MRI series was developed and demonstrated for liver tracking in volunteers. The method would allow real‐time 3D localization with integrated MR‐Linac systems.
Characterization of Reverse Genetics-Derived Cold-Adapted Master Donor Virus A/Leningrad/134/17/57 (H2N2) and Reassortants with H5N1 Surface Genes in a Mouse Model
Authors: Isakova-Sivak Irina , Chen Li-Mei , Bourgeois Melissa , Matsuoka Yumiko , Voeten J. Theo M. , Heldens Jacco G. M. , van den Bosch Han , Klimov Alexander , Rudenko Larisa , Cox Nancy J. , Donis Ruben O. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTLive attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV) offer significant advantages over subunit or split inactivated vaccines to mitigate an eventual influenza pandemic, including simpler manufacturing processes and more cross-protective immune responses. Using an established reverse genetics (rg) system for wild-type (wt) A/Leningrad/134/1957 and cold-adapted (ca) A/Leningrad/134/17/1957 (Len17) master donor virus (MDV), we produced and characterized three rg H5N1 reassortant viruses carrying modified HA and intact NA genes from either A/Vietnam/1203/2004 (H5N1, VN1203, clade 1) or A/Egypt/321/2007 (H5N1, EG321, clade 2) virus. A mouse model of infection was used to determine the infectivity and tissue tropism of the parentalwtviruses compared to thecamaster donor viruses as well as the H5N1 reassortants. Allcaviruses showed reduced replication in lungs and enhanced replication in nasal epithelium. In addition, the H5N1 HA and NA enhanced replication in lungs unless it was restricted by the internal genes of thecaMDV. Mice inoculated twice 4 weeks apart with the H5N1 reassortant LAIV candidate viruses developed serum hemagglutination inhibition HI and IgA antibody titers to the homologous and heterologous viruses consistent with protective immunity. These animals remained healthy after challenge inoculation with a lethal dose with homologous or heterologouswtH5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses. The profiles of viral replication in respiratory tissues and the immunogenicity and protective efficacy characteristics of the twocaH5N1 candidate LAIV viruses warrant further development into a vaccine for human use.
Hsp104 Overexpression Cures Saccharomyces cerevisiae [
PSI
+
] by Causing Dissolution of the Prion Seeds
Authors: Park Yang-Nim , Zhao Xiaohong , Yim Yang-In , Todor Horia , Ellerbrock Robyn , Reidy Michael , Eisenberg Evan , Masison Daniel C. , Greene Lois E. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

The [
PSI
+
] yeast prion is formed when Sup35 misfolds into amyloid aggregates. [
PSI
+
], like other yeast prions, is dependent on the molecular chaperone Hsp104, which severs the prion seeds so that they pass on as the yeast cells divide. Surprisingly, however, overexpression of Hsp104 also cures [
PSI
+
]. Several models have been proposed to explain this effect: inhibition of severing, asymmetric segregation of the seeds between mother and daughter cells, and dissolution of the prion seeds. First, we found that neither the kinetics of curing nor the heterogeneity in the distribution of the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled Sup35 foci in partially cured yeast cells is compatible with Hsp104 overexpression curing [
PSI
+
] by inhibiting severing. Second, we ruled out the asymmetric segregation model by showing that the extent of curing was essentially the same in mother and daughter cells and that the fluorescent foci did not distribute asymmetrically, but rather, there was marked loss of foci in both mother and daughter cells. These results suggest that Hsp104 overexpression cures [
PSI
+
] by dissolution of the prion seeds in a two-step process. First, trimming of the prion seeds by Hsp104 reduces their size, and second, their amyloid core is eliminated, most likely by proteolysis.
Concordance between Molecular and Phenotypic Testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Isolates for Resistance to Rifampin and Isoniazid in the United States
Authors: Yakrus Mitchell A. , Driscoll Jeffrey , Lentz Allison J. , Sikes David , Hartline Denise , Metchock Beverly , Starks Angela M. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) are defined by resistance to at least rifampin (RMP) and isoniazid (INH). Rapid and accurate detection of multidrug resistance is essential for effective treatment and interruption of disease transmission of tuberculosis (TB). Overdiagnosis of MDR TB may result in treatment with second-line drugs that are more costly, less effective, and more poorly tolerated than first-line drugs. CDC offers rapid confirmation of MDR TB by the molecular detection of drug resistance (MDDR) for mutations associated with resistance to RMP and INH along with analysis for resistance to other first-line and second-line drugs. Simultaneously, CDC does growth-based phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) by the indirect agar proportion method for a panel of first-line and second-line antituberculosis drugs. We reviewed discordance between molecular and phenotypic DST for INH and RMP for 285 isolates submitted as MTBC to CDC from September 2009 to February 2011. We compared CDC's results with those from the submitting public health laboratories (PHL). Concordances between molecular and phenotypic testing at CDC were 97.4% for RMP and 92.5% for INH resistance. Concordances between CDC's molecular testing and PHL DST results were 93.9% for RMP and 90.0% for INH. Overall concordance between CDC molecular and PHL DST results was 91.7% for RMP and INH collectively. Discordance was primarily attributable to the absence of known INH resistance mutations in isolates found to be INH resistant by DST and detection of mutations associated with low-level RMP resistance in isolates that were RMP susceptible by phenotypic DST. Both molecular and phenotypic test results should be considered for the diagnosis of MDR TB.
Comparison of Xpert MTB/RIF with Line Probe Assay for Detection of Rifampin-Monoresistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Rufai Syed Beenish , Kumar Parveen , Singh Amit , Prajapati Suneel , Balooni Veena , Singh Sarman 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

The MTBDR
plus
line probe assay (LPA) and Xpert MTB/RIF have been endorsed by the World Health Organization for the rapid diagnosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis. However, there is no clarity regarding the superiority of one over the other. In a double-blinded prospective study, we evaluated the efficacy of the Xpert MTB/RIF on samples that were first tested by LPA under the revised national tuberculosis control program of India. A total of 405 sputum samples from suspected drug-resistant tuberculosis patients were included. Of these, 285 smear-positive samples were subjected to LPA. Seventy-two (25.8%) samples showed multidrug resistance, 62 (22.2%) showed rifampin monoresistance, 29 (10.3%) showed isoniazid monoresistance, and 116 (41.5%) were pan-susceptible. Six (2.1%) of the samples gave invalid results. Of the 62 rifampin-monoresistant samples by LPA, 38 (61.4%) showed rifampin resistance, while 21 (33.8%) were found susceptible to rifampin by Xpert MTB/RIF using cartridge version G4. Three (4.8%) samples gave an error. Of the 116 pan-susceptible samples, only 83 were available for Xpert MTB/RIF testing; 4 (5.1%) were rifampin resistant, 74 (94.8%) were susceptible, and 5 (6.0%) showed an error. The 25 discrepant samples were further subjected to MGIT960 drug susceptibility testing. The MGIT960 results showed 100% agreement with LPA results but only 64.4% agreement with Xpert MTB/RIF results. Sequencing analysis of discrepant samples showed 91.3% concordance with LPA but only 8.7% concordance with the Xpert MTB/RIF assay. These findings indicate that by using Xpert MTB/RIF testing we might be underestimating the burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis and indicate that country-specific probes need to be designed to increase the sensitivity of the Xpert MTB/RIF.